Himachal Pradesh Government Committed to Reforms, Awaits Central Relief
Photo by Salah Darwish
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlights the progress made in implementing governance reforms, particularly in disaster relief and education. He criticizes the central government for its indifference in providing promised financial assistance to the state, especially after severe monsoon floods.
Despite financial constraints, the state government has increased disaster housing assistance and improved education standards. Sukhu also outlines his vision to develop Himachal as the 'Tourism capital of India'.
Key Facts
Himachal Pradesh government increased disaster housing assistance to ₹8 lakh, the highest in the country.
Himachal Pradesh improved from 21st to 5th position nationally in the 2024 National Achievement Survey.
The state government generated ₹26,683 crore revenue over two-and-a-half years despite financial distress.
The central government cleared only ₹2,000 crore under Post-Disaster Needs Assessment out of assessed losses of ₹9,300 crore.
UPSC Exam Angles
Disaster Management Act, 2005
Fiscal relations between Centre and States
Constitutional provisions related to disaster relief
Sustainable tourism development
Visual Insights
Himachal Pradesh: Affected by Monsoon Floods
Map highlighting Himachal Pradesh and its vulnerability to monsoon floods, emphasizing the need for central relief.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding disaster management in India: 1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is headed by the Prime Minister of India. 2. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides the legal and institutional framework for disaster management in India. 3. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is responsible for laying down policies and plans for disaster management in the State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The NDMA is headed by the Prime Minister, but the Vice-Chairperson and other members are appointed by the Central Government. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
2. With reference to the fiscal relations between the Union Government and State Governments in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Finance Commission recommends the principles governing the grants-in-aid to the states out of the Consolidated Fund of India. 2. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a destination-based tax levied on consumption. 3. Article 280 of the Constitution of India deals with the establishment of the Inter-State Council. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as the Finance Commission recommends grants-in-aid. Statement 2 is correct as GST is a destination-based tax. Statement 3 is incorrect; Article 263 deals with the Inter-State Council, not Article 280.
3. In the context of the recent news regarding Himachal Pradesh's focus on tourism, which of the following initiatives aligns with the concept of sustainable tourism? 1. Promoting eco-tourism circuits with minimal environmental impact. 2. Encouraging large-scale hotel construction to accommodate more tourists. 3. Investing in infrastructure to improve accessibility to remote areas. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible travel. Eco-tourism circuits and infrastructure improvements are aligned with this concept. Large-scale hotel construction may not be sustainable.
4. Which of the following is NOT a key area of governance reform highlighted by the Himachal Pradesh government in the given news?
- A.Improving disaster relief mechanisms
- B.Enhancing education standards
- C.Promoting industrial development through tax incentives
- D.Seeking increased financial assistance from the central government
Show Answer
Answer: C
The news focuses on disaster relief, education, and seeking central assistance. Industrial development through tax incentives is not explicitly mentioned as a key area of governance reform in the provided summary.
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