Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a courtesy meeting with Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. During the meeting, he raised several long-pending issues related to the CM Raises Chandigarh Rights and BBMB Issues.
He requested timely and fair resolution of these matters. Moreover, he emphasized cooperation between states for constitutional and administrative clarity.
Himachal Reiterates 7.19% Claim in Chandigarh
The Chief Minister once again highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s claim of 7.19% share in Chandigarh.
He stated that under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, Himachal Pradesh is a successor state of the undivided Punjab. Therefore, it has a rightful claim based on population share and transferred territories.
Additionally, he said Chandigarh was developed using joint resources of the erstwhile Punjab. However, Himachal Pradesh has not received its lawful share so far.
Demand for New Himachal Bhawan in Chandigar
Furthermore, the Chief Minister raised the demand for a new Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh.
He said the existing Himachal Bhawan is no longer sufficient for growing public needs. In addition, Chandigarh serves as a major hub for education, healthcare, and administrative work for Himachal residents.
He also pointed out that a large number of patients travel to PGI Chandigarh every month for treatment. Therefore, he proposed 4.736 acres of land in Sector 52 for the new facility.
BBMB Dues and Power Share Issue
The Chief Minister also raised concerns regarding the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
He said the Supreme Court has already recognized Himachal Pradesh’s 7.19% share in BBMB projects and benefits. However, the state has been waiting for its rightful dues for over a decade.
Moreover, he highlighted pending claims of 13,066 million units of electricity along with related financial dues.
Shanan Hydropower Project Dispute
In addition, CM Sukhu raised the issue of the Shanan Hydropower Project located in Mandi district.
He stated that the former princely state of Mandi was never part of undivided Punjab. It joined the Indian Union in 1948 and later became part of Himachal Pradesh.
Furthermore, he said the 99-year lease of the project ended on March 2, 2024. Therefore, all lease rights have automatically expired.
As a result, he argued that any claim based on the expired lease is legally invalid.
Call for Cooperative Resolution
Finally, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that all pending issues can be resolved through dialogue.
He emphasized mutual respect and cooperative federalism. Moreover, he urged all stakeholders to work together for fair and constitutional solutions.
Conclusion
The CM Raises Chandigarh Rights and BBMB Issues highlights key demands over Chandigarh share, BBMB dues, and hydropower assets. The state government continues to seek legal and constitutional resolution of these long-standing issues.
Key Points – CM Raises Chandigarh Rights and BBMB Issues
- CM meets Punjab Governor: Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria and discussed long-pending inter-state issues.
- Chandigarh 7.19% claim reiterated: The CM again demanded Himachal’s 7.19% share in Chandigarh, citing provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
- Demand for new Himachal Bhawan: He proposed construction of a new Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh, highlighting growing needs of patients, students, and citizens visiting the city.
- BBMB dues and power share issue: Himachal raised pending claims related to BBMB, including electricity benefits and financial dues worth over 13,000 million units.
- Shanan project ownership dispute: The CM stated that the Shanan Hydropower Project lease expired in 2024 and argued that Himachal has a valid claim over the project.
