Shimla, November 5
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the present state government had ensured unprecedented development across all regions and for every section of society. Committed to bringing about a change in the system through Vyavastha Parivartan, the government had introduced several welfare schemes for orphan children, widows, single women, farmers, horticulturists and youth, bringing positive changes in people’s lives.
The Chief Minister was addressing a large public gathering at Lilh Kothi in Bharmour Assembly constituency of Chamba district today. He said that, for the first time in the history of Himachal Pradesh, a government had adopted a focused approach towards strengthening the rural economy. Several initiatives had been introduced in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and rural self-employment to improve livelihood opportunities and make villages economically stronger.
Shri Sukhu said that barely six months after he assumed office, the state was hit by a devastating natural disaster. Despite the lack of assistance from the Central Government, the state government safely evacuated more than 75,000 stranded tourists and restored electricity and drinking water supplies within a record time.
Sukhu said that the Prime Minister had announced financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 crore during the disaster, but the amount had not been released so far. He said that BJP leaders in the state had failed to extend any support during this difficult period. The state government provided a special relief package to affected families from its own resources. It revised the relief norms and increased financial assistance for the reconstruction of completely damaged houses from Rs. 1.50 lakh to Rs. 8.50 lakh. He said that the government’s efforts had also been appreciated by the World Bank and NITI Aayog also.
Sukhu said that the government had also faced a political crisis when the BJP attempted to destabilise the elected government by luring away some Congress MLAs and disrespecting the people’s mandate. He questioned the BJP’s ongoing foot march and said that those involved in vote theft had no right to do so. He said that the Congress party was the rightful claimant to such a march, as it had given the people of the country democratic rights and the power to vote through the Constitution.
Highlighting the achievements in education, Shri Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh had secured the fifth position in the country in terms of quality education. He questioned why the state had slipped to the 21st position during the previous BJP government’s tenure. He said that the education system had deteriorated to such an extent under the previous government that even Class V students were unable to read textbooks meant for Class II. He said that CBSE-affiliated schools were being opened to provide children in rural areas with better educational opportunities and ensure that they received quality education comparable to that offered by the state school education board.
The Chief Minister said that despite receiving no assistance from the Central Government, the state was making continuous efforts to strengthen its financial resources. He said that the present government was taking legal action to protect the state’s interests and had secured victories in several cases, which would generate thousands of crores of rupees in revenue. He said that the state government had saved Rs. 3,000 crore by signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the Kishau Multipurpose Project on its own terms. Once completed, the project is expected to generate Rs. 1,500 crore for the state in 2032.
Similarly, the Supreme Court had ruled in favour of the state government in the Wildflower Hall case in Shimla, resulting in revenue of Rs. 401 crore. The state is also expected to earn Rs. 1,200 crore over the next 30 years.
The Chief Minister said that having risen from a humble family background to the office of Chief Minister, he understood the hardships faced by ordinary people. With the aim of supporting weaker sections and moving the state towards self-reliance, the government had introduced several welfare initiatives.
Under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, the government was providing comprehensive support to 6,000 orphan children up to the age of 27 years. The scheme covers their education, healthcare and pocket expenses, besides providing financial assistance for house construction and marriage. Similarly, under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana, the government bears the cost of professional education for children of widowed women.
He further announced that the state government would soon launch the Mukhya Mantri Ka Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana. Under this scheme, more than three lakh families with an annual income of less than Rs. 75,000 would be covered. Women between 21 and 59 years of age belonging to these families would receive financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 per month, along with 300 units of free electricity and health insurance coverage of Rs. 10 lakh.
He said that the previous BJP government had neglected development and failed to address the needs of the people. Bharmour Assembly constituency had also suffered from a lack of basic facilities in health, education and road connectivity. He said that Congress governments had contributed significantly to the development of the region and that the present government was further accelerating these efforts.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced the release of Rs. 18 crore for the construction of the Holi-Utrala road and the opening of CBSE-affiliated schools at Lilh, Mehla, Bharmour, Sunara and Holi. Admissions in these schools under the CBSE curriculum will begin from the next academic session, while the recruitment process for teachers has already been initiated.
He also announced the formation of a committee to take up the demand for granting Scheduled Tribe status to 27 Gram Panchayats of the Bharmour Assembly constituency with the Central Government.
The Chief Minister further assured that the government would consider upgrading the schools at Churi, Chadi, Ananaihar, Grundhi and Kunaid. He also said that the possibility of constructing a helipad at a suitable location in the Bharmour Assembly constituency would be explored.
Chairman of APMC Chamba, Lalit Thakur, thanked the Chief Minister for the all-round development of the region and presented various demands before him.
State Congress General Secretary Amit Bharmouri and Chamba District Congress President Surjit Chaudhary welcomed the Chief Minister on the occasion.
MLA Neeraj Nayyar, former minister Asha Kumari, Chairman Wool Federation Manoj Thakur, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation Chairman Lal Singh Kaushal and Zila Parishad Chairperson Rekha Thakur were also present on the occasion.