Nadda Demands Transparency on Central Aid Received and Utilised by Himachal Govt

SHIMLA, Oct 11: Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Sunday asked the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government to disclose the amount of financial assistance received from the Centre, the funds utilised and the number of approved development projects completed in the state.

Addressing a BJP workers’ convention at Patlikuhal in Kullu district, Nadda alleged that several development initiatives had suffered delays despite financial support and project approvals from the Central government. He called for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of public welfare schemes.

Nadda accused the state government of shifting responsibility to the Centre instead of addressing administrative shortcomings. He said allegations of discrimination against Himachal Pradesh should not be used to deflect attention from delays in executing development projects.

The Union minister claimed that the Narendra Modi-led government had extended support to the state across various sectors, including healthcare, roads, railways, infrastructure, industrial development and public welfare. He argued that effective utilisation of available resources was essential to ensure that approved projects delivered benefits to residents.

Criticising the administration under Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Nadda alleged that several initiatives launched during the previous BJP government had faced setbacks. He also accused the state government of closing educational and healthcare institutions and failing to operationalise certain facilities despite the availability of Central assistance.

Highlighting concerns over healthcare infrastructure, Nadda said Himachal Pradesh had received approximately Rs 360 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

According to the Union minister, 15 critical care blocks were planned under the scheme, but only one had been completed. He further claimed that just one of the 12 proposed integrated public health laboratories had been completed, while none of the 73 planned block public health units had become operational.

Nadda said these figures raised questions about the pace of implementation and called on the state government to clarify the status of the projects. He stressed that timely completion of healthcare facilities was important for strengthening public health services and improving access to treatment.

The minister maintained that cooperation between the Centre and the state government was necessary to accelerate development. He urged the Himachal administration to prioritise project execution, improve administrative efficiency and ensure that public funds translated into tangible benefits for citizens.

Describing the Congress government’s tenure as marked by financial mismanagement and administrative shortcomings, Nadda alleged that its policies had affected the pace of development in the state. These remarks formed part of his broader criticism of the Sukhu government’s performance.

Turning to organisational matters, Nadda congratulated BJP-backed candidates on their performance in recent local body elections. He said the results indicated support for the party and called on its workers to strengthen their engagement with the public.

With Himachal Pradesh scheduled to hold Assembly elections next year, the Union minister urged party workers and elected representatives to intensify grassroots activities, address local concerns and remain actively involved in public service.

He expressed confidence in the BJP’s organisational capabilities and called for sustained outreach to voters ahead of the upcoming electoral contest.