Addressing a press conference here today, Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor (Media), Naresh Chauhan, highlighted the remarkable achievements of the Himachal Pradesh Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, as it completed two years in the office. Chauhan stated that despite significant challenges on economic, natural calamity challenges and political fronts, the government has prioritized the development of the state and public welfare.
He said that positive changes at the grassroots level were visible in the tenure of present government. The state government has presented two annual budgets focused on strengthening the rural economy and laying the foundation for a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh. He highlighted the systemic reforms introduced by replacing ineffective governance practices of the past which have accelerated the development in all the sectors. Criticizing the previous government, he said that the BJP left the state burdened with a debt of Rs. 75,000 crore and liabilities of Rs. 10,000 crore. Despite these financial constraints, the Chief Minister’s effective financial management has significantly improved the state’s fiscal position.
Revenue of Rs. 2,700 crore has been generated through the new excise policy, liquor contract auctions, and other measures. He further informed that reforms in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the State Electricity Board have reduced losses and are driving them towards self-reliance. The addition of 300 electric buses to the HRTC fleet is expected to reduce operational costs by Rs. 5 to Rs. 7 per kilometre, which will play a pivotal role in achieving financial sustainability. Chauhan emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy by increasing income opportunities for residents. The minimum support price for cow milk has been increased by Rs. 13 to Rs. 45 per litre, while buffalo milk is being purchased at an additional Rs.8 per litre.
Milk collection centres are being established in remote villages, resulting in an average daily procurement of 2 lakh litres. He stated that the government is working towards making Himachal Pradesh a green energy state, with plans to set up solar power plants across the state to generate an additional 500 MW of solar energy in the coming years. In the education sector, Rajiv Gandhi Government Day-Boarding Schools are being established in all 68 assembly constituencies, while English-medium instruction has been introduced from first class in all government schools to prepare students for future challenges. Responding to criticism from the opposition, Chauhan urged them to contribute constructively instead of creating hurdles in public welfare initiatives.
He accused the previous government of neglecting development, allowing law and order to deteriorate, and fostering the growth of the drug mafia. He assured that the current government is committed to eradicating the narcotics menace within two years, with the cooperation of parents, schools, society, and law enforcement agencies. He also alleged that during the BJP’s tenure, corruption was rampant, with issues such as liquor and mining mafias, question paper leaks, and irregularities in the Hamirpur Staff Selection Commission. He called on MPs from the state to clarify what projects they have secured from the Centre and what steps they have taken for development of the state.
Big Boost for Farmers: Milk Prices Soar in Himachal Pradesh
