Shimla, March 30: Concerns are rising regarding the economic condition of Himachal Pradesh. A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that the state’s total debt and liabilities have exceeded ₹1 lakh crore for the first time. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented this report in the assembly on Monday.
According to the report, by March 31, 2025, the state’s total liabilities reached ₹1,04,410 crore, up from ₹96,522 crore the previous year. The state’s debt continues to rise, with the government relying on borrowing to meet its needs. During this period, the government took on new debt of ₹26,622 crore while repaying ₹18,168 crore.
The report also highlighted that the state’s fiscal deficit stood at ₹12,611 crore, with a revenue deficit of ₹6,804 crore. This indicates that the government’s income is insufficient to cover its expenses. Additionally, liabilities under public accounts have increased to ₹28,851 crore.
The report noted that the state remains heavily dependent on assistance from the central government. Although the state received a significant amount through tax shares and grants, the gap between income and expenditure continues to widen.
Beyond financial issues, the report uncovered significant flaws in various departments. Himachal Pradesh University faces a severe shortage of teachers, and many recruitment documents were found to be inaccurate. The mining sector has reported extensive illegal mining and revenue losses. Several irrigation projects were deemed incomplete or ineffective, while delays and irregularities were noted in disaster management efforts. The forest department also exhibited flaws in fund assessments.
Furthermore, the report indicated that thousands of accounting objections and numerous action reports remain pending, reflecting the slow administrative processes.
Overall, the report emphasizes the urgent need for the state to strengthen financial discipline and improve governance; otherwise, the situation could worsen in the future.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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