Shimla, Jan. 16 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday to seek financial support for the state. During the meeting, he requested the Union government to allow additional borrowing of two percent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP), noting that a steep reduction in the revenue deficit grant (RDG) over recent years has severely constrained Himachal Pradesh's fiscal space. Discussing the state's financial health, Sukhu apprised the Union minister of the memorandum submitted to the 16th finance commission. He urged the Centre to set the annual RDG at a minimum of Rs.10,000 crore and stressed the need for a realistic assessment of state revenue and expenditure projections. Sukhu advocated for the creation of a separate 'Green Fund' with an annual allocation of Rs.50,000 crore for hill states. He argued that these states serve as the "green frontiers and lungs of north India" and deserve compensation for their ecological services. He also proposed a revised formula for horizontal devolution to increase the weightage given to forest and ecology, suggesting that snow-covered cold deserts above the tree line be included alongside dense forest areas. Furthermore, Sukhu called for a reframing of the disaster risk index (DRI). He argued that the Himalayan region's unique topography cannot be equated with other parts of the country, leaving the state underfunded despite facing natural disasters. He demanded a separate DRI and dedicated allocations tailored to the specific needs of hill states. In a separate push to save Himachal's apple economy, Sukhu urged Sitharaman to include apples in the 'special category' to shield domestic growers from unfair international competition. To protect the interests of over 2.5 lakh families, the CM proposed an immediate ban on all apple imports during Himachal's peak production window (July to November); an increase in import duty to 100 percent during the off-season to discourage foreign dumping; and the imposition of quantitative restrictions on imports. Sukhu highlighted that the apple industry generates approximately Rs.4,500 crore annually and provides 10 lakh man-days of employment. He expressed grave concern over the free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, saying that imports have surged 2.5 times in the last decade. He specifically criticised the 25% duty exemption for New Zealand apples during the April-August window, which he said crashes prices for local growers who rely on cold storage facilities. '"This is not just about fruit, it is about the livelihood of 2.5 lakh families and the generation of 10 lakh man-days of employment," CM said. Later, speaking to the media, Sukhu questioned the "stony silence" of Himachal's BJP leadership. He alleged that while his government is lobbying to protect the state's economy, opposition representatives have failed to effectively raise these issues with the Centre. "The people of Himachal are watching this betrayal by those they sent to Delhi to protect their interests," he remarked....