Himachal Faces 40,000 Crore Loss as Centre Halts 74-Year RDG; Sukhu Govt Plans New Tax

• The Modi government stopped the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) for Himachal Pradesh and other hill states, leading to a 40,000 crore rupee loss for Himachal.
• CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a new tax on hydroelectric projects in Himachal to cover the deficit.
• A cabinet meeting is scheduled for February 8 to approve the decision, and a special Assembly session will be called to discuss the issue.
• The RDG, a constitutional grant, was received by Himachal Pradesh for 74 years, totaling approximately 48,000 crore rupees between 2019 and 2025.
• CM Sukhu criticized the central government, stating that GST benefited larger states and challenged Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur on his stance regarding the RDG cessation.