President of India Ram Nath Kovind congratulated people of Himachal Pradesh for getting second place in the country in the Development Index of NITI Ayog for 2020-21.
Addressing a special session of Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday to celebrate Golden Jubilee of the statehood the President also appreciated cent percent inoculation of a first dose of COVID vaccination .in the state”
He said, “Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had his second home in the state was instrumental in initiating several important projects like the Atal tunnel named after him and also extending industrial project for Himachal; the legacy which is being continued by our Prime Minister Narender Modi.”
Recalling his old association with people of the state the President said, “I first visited Kula – Manali in 1974 and have been frequently visiting the state since then and was always impressed with hard work, simplicity, honesty and hospitality of the people of the state.”
He said, “The state had witnessed several natural calamities like flash floods, cloud bursts and landslides during the past few months resulting into loss of human lives and property; while I extend my condolences to the bereaved families I am sure with cooperation of the Central government the state government would be able to meet such challenges with scientific solutions.”
President said, “This council of chamber is testimony of many historical events of Modern India as Vitthal Bhai Patel was elected first Speaker of the Central legislative Assembly in this hall after defeating a British candidate.”
The president while mentioning district Sirmaur said,” I wish that the entire Himachal Pradesh one day becomes the Sirmour of India on the scale of development and I am sure by the time our countrymen celebrate the centenary of independence in 2047 and Himachal Pradesh celebrates seventy-five years of statehood it will be presenting an ideal of world-class development and prosperity.”
The President said that it is a great occasion when India is celebrating 75 years of Amrit Mohatsav of Independence and the state celebrating the Golden Jubilee becoming the 18th state of India in 1971.”
Speaking on the occasion, Governor of the state Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar felicitated the President on his visit to Himachal Pradesh. He said that it was a matter of pleasure that we became part of this important and historical moment of the golden journey of the State. He said that the state had received the guidance of the President, which would be a roadmap for development.
“The Legislative Assembly is the temple of democracy and the representatives elected by the people keep views of the people according to their aspirations, which we get to see here”, said the Governor.
The Governor also released ‘Who’s Who’ publication of Vidhan Sabha and presented a copy of the same to the President.
Addressing the occasion Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while welcoming the President said, “It is a great occasion to celebrate Golden Jubilee of Himachal Pradesh since the state has made fast strides in every field of development despite having geographical and other constraints.”
He said, “The 50 years journey of this hill State has been glorious and full of achievements, while in 1971 per capita income was Rs. 651 which has now risen to Rs 1, 95,000, similarly length of the roads in 1971 was 7370 kilometres whereas today the State has 37,808 kilometres of roads.”
“In 1971, there were only 4945 educational institutions in the state whereas today there are over 15000 institutions besides AIMS, IIM and IIT.”
Talking about various welfare schemes launched in the state, the CM also expressed his gratitude to people of the State for their significant contributions in the development and lauded the contribution of former CM’s DR YS Pramar, Virbhadra Singh, Shanta Kumar and PK Dhumal.
Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said Himachal Vidhan Sabha has become the first paperless Assembly of the country and lauded the role of former CMs and people of the state. Speaker of the Assembly Vipin Pramar also addressed the sesion.
All important leaders of the ruling party and the opposition were present on this occasion.