Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended Statehood Day greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh on the 54th Statehood Day. The celebration took place at Dharampur in the Mandi district during a state-level function on Thursday.
During the event, the Chief Minister hoisted the National Flag and received salutes from marching contingents of Police, Home Guards, Traffic Police, NCC, NSS cadets, Scouts & Guides, Ex-servicemen and Police band. The impressive march past was led by Parade Commander IPS (Probationer) Gauravjeet Singh.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the day, the Chief Minister acknowledged the valuable contributions of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Y.S. Parmar, for their pivotal roles in achieving the statehood for Himachal .
Addressing the audience the CM announced several developmental initiatives for the Dharampur sub-division of Mandi district. He stated, “It is the first time that the state-level event is being held at Dharampur, and I announce a grant of Rs 20,000 each to 200 mahila mandals in the sub-division. Additionally, plans include the opening of a DSP office, establishment of nagar panchayats for Dharampur and Sandhol and allocating Rs. 10 crore each for road development projects in Sandhol.”
Furthermore, the Chief Minister pledged financial support for the beautification of Baba Kamlahiya Temple, construction of CHC building Tihra, and funding for combined office buildings in Sandhol and Dharampur. Other initiatives included allocations for a multipurpose hall at Government Degree College Dharampur and financial aid for Civil Hospital Dharampur and Sandhol.
Discussing the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted plans for the establishment of six green corridors by the end of March. He revealed that 13 charging stations would become operational in February, with a total of 108 stations planned for identified petrol pumps within the next two months.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the success of the Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar programme, aimed at resolving public grievances. He shared that over 65 thousand mutations and 4071 partition cases have been settled through Revenue Lok Adalats organized at sub-tehsil and tehsil levels since October 30, 2023.
Highlighting the state’s achievements, the CM said the state has become first in India to enact a law for orphan children, with 4,000 officially adopted as ‘Children of the State.’ He announced the launch of the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme, offering a 50 percent subsidy on e-taxi purchases.
Regarding job opportunities, the Chief Minister informed that the government is actively recruiting for over 21,000 positions across various departments, including teachers, constables, Van Mithras, and various categories in the Jal Shakti Department.
Chief Minister Sukhu concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to uniform and rapid development, with a special focus on Mandi district. He highlighted the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, benefiting 1.36 lakh government employees, and initiatives such as starting English medium education in all government schools from class first, offering student loans under ‘Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana,’ and upgrading health institutions as ‘Aadarsh Swasthya Sansthan.’
The event was attended by the Chief Minister’s wife, Kamlesh Thakur, Ayush, Sports and Youth Services Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs Chandershekhar and Suresh Kumar and Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma, among other dignitaries .