BJP national president and Union Health Minister JP Nadda expressed concern over the Himachal Pradesh government’s inability to utilise central funds meant for the state’s welfare and development.
While interacting with reporters, Nadda said “The Himachal Pradesh government has failed to utilise funds provided by the central government for the welfare and development of the state.”
Nadda pointed out that the Centre had provided full support to the hill state and released over ₹5,000 crore to Himachal for rehabilitating disaster-affected people and rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged due to natural calamities. However, despite this significant support, he said the state government has failed to put the funds to proper use, causing delays in much-needed restoration work.
The Union Minister further reassured that the Centre was committed to the welfare of local people and would continue its support to the state. He extended condolences to families affected by the recent heavy rainfall, especially in Mandi and nearby regions, and reiterated the central government’s commitment to continue supporting the state during such difficult times.
He said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has failed to utilise funds sanctioned by the Centre. Highlighting key areas where progress is lagging, Nadda said that only ₹78 crore out of ₹360 crore sanctioned under the Ayushman Bharat scheme had been utilised. While the Centre proposed 73 health block units, the state has completed just six, with the tender process started for only 14 more. At this pace, he warned, people may face long delays in accessing essential healthcare services.
He also flagged the incomplete Critical Care Units in Reckong Peo, Ghandawal, Mandi, Paonta Sahib, Tanda, and Rohru, noting that only two units are close to completion. He further added that, out of ₹521 crore released under the 15th Finance Commission, just ₹1.28 crore has been used. Similarly, under the JICA health project, progress has been slow despite an allocation of ₹1,138 crore, including a ₹113 crore loan.
Nadda urged the state government to prioritise people’s needs and speed up the utilisation of the funds provided by the Centre.
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