Himachal wants high level committee to assess financial impact; Punjab wants Special Category Status

The article reports on the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog where Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Chief Ministers raised demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Himachal Pradesh sought a high-level committee to assess the financial impact of issues like the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), losses from natural disasters, inadequate hydropower compensation, and GST framework shortfalls. Punjab demanded Special Category Status (SCS) with 90:10 funding for Centrally-sponsored schemes, citing its role as a border state facing cross-border terrorism and drug issues. Both states highlighted their contributions and financial challenges, seeking increased central assistance.