Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from marching contingents of Police, Home Guards, Guides & Scouts, and NCC cadets at a function organized in Baijnath on Saturday to mark Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day.
In his address, the Chief Minister paid tributes to freedom fighters and the first Chief Minister of the state, Dr. Y.S. Parmar. He outlined the government’s achievements and announced several key initiatives aimed at infrastructure development, employment generation, tourism promotion, and rural empowerment.
Key Announcements by the Chief Minister
1. Administrative Upgrades and Infrastructure Development
- Upgradation of Chadiyar Sub-Tehsil: Chadiyar will be upgraded to a full-fledged Tehsil.
- PWD Sub-Division: A new Public Works Department (PWD) sub-division will be established in Chadiyar.
- Digital Library: A new digital library will be set up in the region.
- Tourist Infrastructure: Tattapani’s hot water springs and Kheer Ganga Ghat will be developed as tourist destinations.
- New Bridge: A bridge over the Binwa River at Sansali-Bhatwali on the Paprola-Baijnath bypass road will be constructed.
2. Tourism Development
- Tourism Capital: Kangra has been officially declared the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh.
- Major Projects:
- Rs150 crore convention center in Tapovan, Dharamshala, and a wellness center in Nagrota Bagwan.
- Rs 600 crore allocated for an international-level zoological park in Bankhandi, Dehra.
- Rs 3,500 crore allocated for the expansion of Kangra Airport.
- Sports Tourism: All-weather ice and roller-skating rinks will be developed in Shimla and Dharamshala.
3. Educational and Healthcare Initiatives
- Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding School: To be established in Mahalpat village.
- Baijnath Government College: Introduction of M.A. courses in Political Science and Sociology.
- Healthcare Access: A Primary Health Center will be set up in Sansal.
4. Strengthening the Rural Economy and Employment
- Eco-Friendly Livelihoods: Promotion of eco-friendly sheep and goat rearing, along with strengthening the Wool Federation.
- Grazing Lands: Development of grazing areas for shepherds under the Forest Rights Act.
- Employment Generation:
- Over 42,000 jobs created in the last two years, with plans to fill 25,000 more posts in 2025.
- New recruitment plans for teachers, police constables, forest guards, and staff in the Jal Shakti Department.
5. Welfare Schemes
- Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana: Support for orphaned children, destitute women, and the elderly.
- Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Restored for Rs 1.36 lakh government employees.
- Women’s Welfare: Launch of the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana, providing a Rs 1,500 monthly honorarium to eligible women.
6. Agricultural Support
- Increased MSP for Milk: Cow milk MSP raised from Rs 32 to Rs 45 per liter, and buffalo milk MSP increased from Rs 47 to Rs 55 per liter.
- Natural Farming Incentives: MSP set at Rs 40 per kg for wheat and Rs 30 per kg for maize grown through natural farming methods.
- Cow Dung Purchase Scheme: Farmers will receive Rs 300 per Quintal for cow dung.
7. Revenue and Financial Management
- Resource Generation: ₹Rs 2,200 crore generated through reforms in excise, tourism, power, and mining policies.
- Debt Reduction Efforts: Emphasis on reducing reliance on loans and creating self-sustaining revenue streams.
8. Cultural and Sports Promotion
- Vibrant cultural programs highlighted the rich heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
- Enhanced sports facilities and opportunities to promote talent across the state.
Addressing Financial Challenges
The Chief Minister noted that the government inherited significant debt from the previous administration but assured that ongoing efforts under the “Vyavstha Parivartan” initiative will focus on sustainable development and self-reliance.
Present Dignitaries
The event was attended by Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, and several MLAs and dignitaries.
In his concluding remarks, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the holistic development of Himachal Pradesh and encouraged public cooperation to overcome challenges and achieve collective progress.
