Nadda questions Himachal’s utilisation of Central funds

Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Sunday questioned the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh over the utilisation of Central funds and delays in development projects.

Addressing a public representatives and party workers’ convention at Mela Ground in Patlikuhal, Kullu district, Nadda alleged that the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had failed to utilise Central assistance effectively and complete key projects on time.

“Whenever CM Sukhu is questioned about development, he blames Delhi. The reality is that the Centre has provided substantial financial assistance, but the Congress government has failed to utilise the resources available to it,” he said, adding that the problem was not a shortage of funds but the state’s inability to manage development projects.

Citing healthcare infrastructure, Nadda said around Rs 360 crore had been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Of the 15 planned Critical Care Blocks, only one had been completed, while just one of the 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories is ready. None of the 73 Block Public Health Units was operational, he added.

He also questioned the progress of the Una Bulk Drug Park, stating that the Centre had committed Rs 1,000 crore and released Rs 225 crore as the first instalment. The state had spent only around Rs 12 crore of the amount released, he alleged.

Nadda further claimed that around Rs 521 crore had been made available for healthcare under the 15th Finance Commission, of which the state had utilised about 52 per cent.

Referring to recent local body elections, he said BJP-backed candidates had won 11 of 17 wards in the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation and 12 of 14 wards in Mandi. He also cited the party’s performance in the Zila Parishad elections and called for stronger grassroots outreach ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.

Highlighting Central investments in roads, railways and healthcare, including AIIMS, Bilaspur, Nadda urged the state government to improve project implementation and ensure that people received the benefits of development schemes on time.

“The Congress government cannot escape accountability by blaming Delhi. Funds have been sanctioned, projects have been approved and resources have been provided. The state government must now explain why development works remain incomplete and why the people of Himachal Pradesh are being deprived of timely benefits,” he added.