Dehradun: Even after 25 years of Uttarakhand’s formation, the dispute over the division of assets between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand remains unresolved. Despite the BJP being in power in both states, Uttarakhand is yet to receive dues worth thousands of crores. Several financial matters related to pensions, the Forest Development Corporation, irrigation, and the power sector are still pending.
According to the state government, Finance Department records for 2021-22 and 2022-23 show that Uttar Pradesh owes Uttarakhand ₹2,261 crore under the pension head, which has not yet been paid. In addition, ₹440 crore remains pending under the civil deposit head. The state government is preparing to send a fresh proposal to the Uttar Pradesh government regarding these outstanding dues.
In another pending issue, the Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation has sought nearly ₹77 crore in interest from the Uttar Pradesh Forest Development Corporation. Discussions are also continuing over disputes related to irrigation and power department assets and projects.
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal said that continuous talks are being held with the Uttar Pradesh government on the pending asset-related issues and expressed hope that the disputes would be resolved soon, enabling Uttarakhand to receive its dues.
Former Minister Harak Singh Rawat, however, criticized the government, saying that despite the BJP being in power in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and at the Centre, the state’s interests have not been adequately protected. He alleged that Uttar Pradesh has failed to deliver justice to Uttarakhand and that the state government has not shown the required seriousness on the issue.
The settlement of these long-pending asset division disputes is still awaited, while the Uttarakhand government continues to compile details of outstanding claims from various departments before presenting them to the Uttar Pradesh government.
