Shimla, March 16 The Himachal Pradesh government has released ₹500 crore to clear outstanding payments to contractors, allowing dues up to March 1 to be settled, according to Naresh Chauhan, the Chief Minister's Principal Advisor (Media), on Monday.
In an official statement issued here, he said that the state government was working with financial discipline and would not allow development work to be carried out without proper payment.
Chauhan said that the government had previously also released ₹250 crore for the same purpose.
Taking a dig at the opposition BJP, he said that while the party frequently comments on the state's financial condition, it should cooperate with the government instead of criticizing it.
He said that the opposition leaders had not shown seriousness regarding issues concerning the state's interests. Chauhan said that during the disaster, the Prime Minister had announced ₹1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh, but the state has not yet received the amount.
He alleged that the BJP MPs from the state had not raised the issue of discontinuing the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and financial assistance.
"Discrimination against Himachal Pradesh is a serious issue," he said.
Even after the discontinuation of the RDG, the state government was taking steps to improve the financial situation and ensure development, he added.