Shimla: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda on Saturday accused the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh of failing to translate central assistance into tangible development outcomes. Addressing a press conference, Nadda stated that the Narendra Modi-led central government extended record financial and infrastructural support to the hill state, but "administrative inefficiency" and "policy paralysis" hampered progress.
Central Assistance Details
Highlighting the Centre's contributions, Nadda said Himachal received Rs 2,381 crore under the special assistance scheme, Rs 2,006 crore through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), and Rs 2,150 crore for externally aided projects during the 2024-25 financial year. He added that national highway projects worth over Rs 40,000 crore and railway projects costing Rs 13,168 crore are currently underway in the state.
Major Initiatives
The minister claimed that major initiatives such as AIIMS Bilaspur, IIM Sirmaur, IIIT Una, the Smart City Mission, Renuka Ji Dam, and the Luhri Hydroelectric Project reflect the Centre's commitment to Himachal's development. However, he alleged that the state government failed to effectively implement several healthcare projects despite substantial central funding.
Nadda pointed to delays in the Bulk Drug Park project in Una and the withdrawal from the medical device park scheme, stating that these decisions cost the state valuable investment and employment opportunities. He also questioned the state's administrative functioning, noting that Himachal's debt has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore.
"The people of the state want development, accountability, and results, rather than political rhetoric and unfulfilled promises," Nadda said.
