Undoubtedly. the state has done done well in 50 years of the statehood and credit goes to our simple hard working people. Despite big extravaganza of the rulers and "Babus" , our people have toiled hard to rapidly transform the hill state from a most backward part of the country to one of the most advanced states. Currently, Himachal ranks fourth in per capita income among all the states of the Indian Union. The per capita GDP is Rs.208,513 (US$2,900) as per 2018-19 data.
The education system is now deeply spread and established, and as of now all hamlets, even the smallest one have primary schools. Our agriculture is good enough to sustain all of us. And we are the leader in horticulture production with highly impressive record, even admired in abroad. The road connectivity is the best among country's mountainous areas. The infrastructure for its industrial development is well laid out, Our rich flora, fauna and forest wealth has been augmented smartly. And above all, the increasing exploitation of our Hydel resources can lead us to a bright future. As of now Himachal is the ideal of hill development.
The expenditure on social services has increased from Rs 7,973 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 15,156 crore in 2019-20 according to Budget Estimate. The expenditure on education, as percentage of GSDP has increased from 4.12 per cent to 4.75 per cent between 2014-15 and 2019-20. The expenditure on health increased from 1.25 per cent to 1.66 percent during the same period as percentage of GSDP.
And again I compliments our rulers for this. But the ever increasing public debt is really worrying us. . As of now it is over 34 % of GSDP (2020-21). What is more worrying more is that the public debt has been raised, by and large, to redeem committed liabilities like salary. pensions and debt servicing.
The big concern is the decking fiscal health of the state affecting the welfare of the people. All rulers have cared more for their own welfare than the welfare of the people. All MLAs, ex-MLAS and govt employees get fat salary and pensions.
See for yourself. The state is providing a meager Rs. 750 as old age pension for people above 60 years old with an annual income of less than Rs. 35000 . Those above 70 years or more are given monthly pension of Rs. 1300 barring income criteria. It looks a charity than a sustainable relief to the aged people. Compare this to the fat pensions of ex-MLAS and govt employees. A retired govt employee gets a minimum pension of Rs, 23,500 for 30 years of service and ex-legislators get more than Rs. 25,000 for a simple one term. It is hiked substantially by each year for more terms.
And govt is so much focused on the welfare of the legislators that despite a huge loan liability, the state assembly in August, 2019 passed a bill increasing the annual allowances of legislators by Rs. 1.50 lakh. And surprisingly, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), leader Rakesh Singha was the The lone member to protest. And Congress legislators accusing Jai Ram Govt of splurging public money thumbed the table for this in the house.
Jai Ram Govt has floated loans of Rs. 4,812 crore in the past three years to fulfill such committed liabilities. The state is now paying approximately Rs 5,109 crore on loan interest payment out of its total Rs 49,131 crore budget. The debt burden of the state has exceeded Rs 55,700 crore.
A state can't sustain for long on loans It needs to mobilize more and more revenue resources. . The state is now paying approximately Rs 5,109 crore on loan interest payment out of its total Rs 49,131 crore budget. The debt burden of the state has exceeded Rs 55,700 crore. Its time that govt should seriously think how to cut ever increasing expenditure and raise income. People are doing their duties earnestly, now its the turn of the elected govt.
Once again heartiest congrats.
(Chander Sharma)
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