(NTI): The third day of the monsoon session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in Bhararisain was characterized by significant disruptions and intense political activity, resulting in the indefinite adjournment of the session. What was expected to be a day focused on the department-wise supplementary budget and other legislative matters quickly spiraled into chaos due to escalating tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
Department-wise Supplementary Budget Discussion
The day’s agenda centered on the discussion and approval of the department-wise supplementary budget, a critical component for the functioning of various state departments. The supplementary budget was particularly significant given the recent financial challenges posed by natural disasters and the ongoing developmental needs of the state. The government aimed to provide detailed allocations and justifications for the additional funding required by various departments.
However, the opposition, led by the Congress party, saw this as an opportunity to raise pressing issues, particularly concerning disaster management. They demanded an immediate debate on the state’s preparedness and response to natural disasters under Rule 310, a parliamentary provision that allows for urgent discussions on important matters.
Opposition’s Push for Disaster Management Debate
The opposition’s demand for a discussion under Rule 310 was rooted in their concerns over Uttarakhand’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods and landslides. The state has faced significant challenges in recent years, and the opposition argued that the government’s response to these disasters had been inadequate. They insisted that a more robust disaster management framework was needed to address these issues effectively.
However, the Speaker of the Assembly, Ritu Bhushan Khanduri, rejected the opposition’s notice for discussion under Rule 310, leading to a dramatic escalation in the Assembly.
Congress MLAs’ Protest and Assembly Chaos
Following the rejection of their demand, Congress MLAs stormed the well of the House, raising slogans against the government. Their protest symbolized the growing frustration among the opposition over what they perceived as the government’s reluctance to address critical issues transparently and with urgency.
Despite attempts by the Assembly Speaker to restore order by moving on to the Question Hour, the opposition’s protests continued. The situation further deteriorated when some Congress MLAs walked out of the House in protest. However, the Leader of Opposition, Yashpal Arya, remained inside, continuing to press for a more thorough discussion on disaster management under Rule 58.
CAG Report Highlights: Uttarakhand’s Financial Health
Amid the political turmoil, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report for the year 2022-23 was presented in the House by Finance Minister Premchand Agarwal. The report provided a detailed overview of the state’s financial management and raised several concerns.
Growth in GDP
One of the notable highlights was a 6.71% increase in Uttarakhand’s GDP over the past five years, growing from ₹230,314 crores in 2018-19 to ₹302,621 crores in 2022-23. While this growth is commendable, the CAG report also highlighted concerning trends, particularly in the state’s committed expenditures.
Rising Expenditure on Salaries and Pensions
The report noted a significant rise in the state’s committed expenditure on salaries and pensions. The average growth rate in this expenditure was 5.78% over the past years, but it spiked to 8.77% in 2022-23. This sudden increase raises questions about the state’s fiscal discipline and its ability to manage its finances prudently.
Interest Liability Concerns
Another major concern highlighted in the report was the state’s interest liability. The government had budgeted ₹122 crores for interest payments in 2022-23 but ended up paying ₹244 crores, resulting in a fiscal deficit of ₹121 crores. This discrepancy points to potential mismanagement or unforeseen financial pressures that the state government needs to address.
State Debt Situation
The report also shed light on the state’s debt situation, which, while significant, has shown slight improvement. The state’s debt stood at over ₹72,000 crores, down from previous years. However, the long-term sustainability of this debt level remains a concern, particularly in light of the increasing committed expenditures and interest liabilities.
The Aftermath: Assembly Adjourned Indefinitely
As the session continued, it became evident that the tensions between the government and the opposition were not subsiding. Despite efforts by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Premchand Agarwal to negotiate a time for discussion on disaster management, the opposition remained firm in their demands. The ongoing disruptions ultimately led the Speaker to adjourn the Assembly indefinitely.
This indefinite adjournment underscores the deep divisions within the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly. The inability to reach a consensus on critical issues like disaster management and the handling of the supplementary budget reflects broader challenges facing the state’s political leadership.
Implications for Uttarakhand’s Governance
The events of the third day of the monsoon session have significant implications for Uttarakhand’s governance. The opposition’s persistent push for accountability, especially on disaster management, highlights the urgent need for the state government to reassess its priorities and strategies.
The findings of the CAG report further complicate the situation, pointing to underlying financial management issues that could have long-term repercussions on the state’s economic stability. In the coming months, the government’s ability to address these concerns while maintaining political stability will be crucial.
