CM Sukhu has unveiled a major development and financial relief package for Kangra district, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to fiscal discipline, employee welfare, and anti-corruption measures. Addressing a public gathering at Dehra, the Chief Minister directly transferred ₹3,500 each into the bank accounts of 800 local fishermen under the ‘Mukhyamantri Machhuaara Samman Nidhi’ scheme to support them during the annual fishing ban period. He also highlighted that the royalty fee on fish in the state has been drastically reduced from 15% to just 1%.
Countering political claims regarding employee welfare, CM Sukhu outlined several key financial releases for serving and retired government staff. Full arrears, leave encashment, and gratuity have already been paid to pensioners over 67 years of age, while retired Class-IV employees will receive an additional ₹20,000 over their salary arrears. Furthermore, the state is removing basic pay restrictions for Class-I, II, and III pensioners to clear 35% of their pending arrears—bringing total cleared arrears to 57%—while promising that Dearness Allowance (DA) will be released in due course as state finances continue to stabilize.
The Chief Minister detailed several flagship infrastructure projects for Dehra, including plans to lay underground utility ducts similar to those in Shimla, and the release of an additional ₹100 crore for the ₹619 crore international-level Bankhandi Zoological Park. He assured that ongoing drinking water projects worth ₹100 crore, including an ozone-based water system, will be completed within a year, alongside the installation of a high-end ultrasound machine at Dehra Hospital. To address long-pending social issues, housing land has already been allotted to 200 Pong Dam displaced families, with remaining eligible families set to be covered in phases.
Highlighting the state’s financial turnaround, CM Sukhu stated that winning crucial legal and policy battles—such as securing ₹600 crore annually from the Kishau Dam project, ₹150 crore annually from the Supreme Court JSW case, and transitioning liquor vends to open auctions—has significantly bolstered state revenue. Local MLA Kamlesh Thakur also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that over 60% of Dehra’s allocated development budget has been routed directly to Gram Panchayats to accelerate rural roads, pathways, and local water supply infrastructure.
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