Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made a historic visit to Bara Bhangal, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most remote regions, after nearly 15 years. Marking a first, he became the only Chief Minister to stay overnight in the area, bringing renewed hope and enthusiasm among the residents.
The Chief Minister received a warm traditional welcome, with the entire region celebrating his visit. For many youngsters, it was their first opportunity to see a Chief Minister in person. Villagers said no Chief Minister had visited Bara Bhangal since 2011 and expressed hope that the visit would give fresh momentum to the area’s development.
The visit is part of the government’s ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ initiative, under which the Chief Minister has stayed overnight in several remote areas, including Dodra-Kwar, Kupvi, Baga Sarahan, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, to directly interact with residents and address their concerns.
During his stay, the Chief Minister immersed himself in the local culture by wearing the traditional Chola-Dora attire, participating in cultural programmes and joining villagers in traditional folk dances.
He also visited agricultural fields to understand the challenges faced by farmers, discussed the cultivation and marketing of Bara Bhangal’s renowned rajmah, and interacted with sheep rearers.
Highlighting the government’s push for natural farming, the Chief Minister said farmers are being assured better returns through Minimum Support Prices (MSP). He said wool is now being procured at an MSP of Rs. 100 per kilogram and urged farmers to take advantage of natural farming initiatives.
He added that under the Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana, the MSP for naturally grown wheat has been raised to Rs. 80 per kg, maize to Rs. 50 per kg, barley in Pangi Valley to Rs. 80 per kg, turmeric to Rs. 150 per kg, while ginger has been brought under MSP at Rs. 30 per kg.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive development, the Chief Minister said every effort is being made to ensure that even Himachal’s most remote regions benefit from welfare and development programmes.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
