This week, Himachal Pradesh faced intensifying political tension over a severe financial crisis following the Centre’s discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), leading to a BJP walkout at an all-party meeting. Despite fiscal hurdles, the state government approved ₹1,617 crore for medical college upgrades and announced plans for Asia’s longest zipline in Kangra. The week was marred by the shocking murder of a mid-day meal worker inside a school and a major wildlife contraband seizure in Rohru. On a brighter note, the state was named one of the world’s most welcoming regions, and the Palampur Tulip Garden opened to the public.
The state government and the opposition BJP are locked in a standoff regarding the Centre’s discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), with CM Sukhu warning of a fiscal crisis.
An all-party meeting convened to discuss the financial situation ended in chaos as BJP leaders walked out, calling it a political agenda.
The government clarified that despite the grant withdrawal, the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and other welfare schemes will continue.
The Himachal Cabinet sanctioned ₹1,617 crore for the modernization of medical colleges and super-specialty institutions.
Plans were announced to construct Asia’s longest zipline (4.3 km) at Naddi in Kangra district to boost tourism, with a project cost of over ₹7 crore.
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HIMUDA approved the development of new townships, including the ‘Mountain Township’ at Jathia Devi near Shimla.
A mid-day meal worker was brutally murdered inside a government primary school in the Dehra subdivision of Kangra; a suspect has been arrested.
The Forest Department seized 86 leopard claws and canine teeth from jewellery shops in Rohru, leading to the arrest of six people.
A major interstate drug ring was disrupted with the arrest of a key heroin supplier near the Nepal border and the seizure of 1.8 kg of charas in Shimla.
A judicial officer (judge) was reportedly duped of ₹6 lakh in a cyber fraud investment scam in Hamirpur.
Himachal Pradesh was recognized as one of the ‘Most Welcoming Regions on Earth’ for 2026 in global travel rankings.
The CSIR-IHBT Tulip Garden in Palampur was opened to the public, drawing visitors with its scientific and aesthetic appeal.
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The Tourism Department inked a pact with IRCTC to develop integrated rail tour packages to boost heritage rail travel.
Snow igloos in the Sethan area of Manali and the reopening of the Atal Tunnel continued to attract heavy tourist footfall.
The Supreme Court extended the deadline for holding local body elections in Himachal Pradesh to May 31.
The Supreme Court set aside a High Court stay, allowing the state government to shift the OBC Commission headquarters from Shimla to Dharamshala.
The Supreme Court made critical observations regarding RERA, suggesting it should be abolished if it only facilitates defaulting builders.
The Himachal Budget Session is scheduled to begin on February 16, with security beefed up in Shimla.
Apple growers expressed strong concerns regarding the import of US apples and joined nationwide protests demanding the repeal of certain labor codes.
CM announced that the state will soon provide a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for ginger.
The IMD forecast rain and snow for the higher reaches, while dry spells continued in other parts of the state.
Follow live news coverage & dive deep into the week’s top stories at residentpahari.com
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