Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his visit to Neri Kalan in Kasauli Assembly constituency of Solan district on Thursday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 12 development projects worth ₹90.66 crore, marking a major infrastructure push for the region.
The Chief Minister inaugurated key projects including a 45-metre span double-lane arch bridge over Gamber Khad on the Shalaghat–Arki–Kunihar–Barotiwala road built at ₹12.92 crore, the ₹3.42 crore Block Development Office building at Dharampur, and a ₹51 lakh Science Block at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Pratha.
He also laid the foundation stones for several major works, including the ₹20.83 crore Kaushalya Dam near Datyar, improvement of the Kimmughat–Chaki ka Mod road at ₹16.24 crore, Jangeshu–Auda road via Bhanet at ₹6.33 crore, Groni–Sari road via Bohron at ₹7.03 crore, metalling and tarring of Shaheed Sudesh Marg at ₹3.77 crore, Rehala–Mathan link road at ₹3.48 crore, Deothi Barah Koon road improvement at ₹8.06 crore, upgradation of Dharampur–Kasauli road at ₹5 crore, and Nagali–Chewa road under PMGSY-IV at ₹3.08 crore. He said these projects will significantly strengthen road connectivity and boost regional development.
Addressing the public gathering, the Chief Minister also announced ₹20 crore for the Johadji–Malla road, a monthly pension of ₹1,500 under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Samman Nidhi for eligible women of five Gram Panchayats, CBSE affiliation for Government Senior Secondary School Pratha, opening of a Jogindra Cooperative Bank branch, and a survey for a proposed dam at Chati Dhank.
He said he felt a deep connection with the area and expressed happiness over his visit after former Chief Minister Late Virbhadra Singh. Highlighting key state-level initiatives, he said Himachal Pradesh has secured 211 MW of power from the Kishau Dam project without additional financial burden, expected to generate around ₹600 crore annually for the state.
The Chief Minister also criticised the proposed alternative to MGNREGA, saying it could adversely affect lakhs of workers, and reiterated the government’s commitment to self-reliance despite challenges arising from changes in central schemes and recruitment policies.
On rural economy strengthening, he said MSP has been fixed for naturally grown turmeric at ₹150 per kg, cow milk at ₹61 per litre, buffalo milk at ₹71 per litre, maize at ₹50 per kg and wheat at ₹80 per kg, with direct DBT payments to farmers. He added that plantation activities are being promoted under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana with support for women’s groups and youth clubs.
He further stated that Himachal Pradesh has become the first state to grant orphaned children the status of “Children of the State,” ensuring full support up to the age of 27 years. Under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, educational support is also being provided to children of widowed and single women, while under the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, students can access education loans up to ₹20 lakh at one percent interest.
The Chief Minister said the state’s education ranking has improved from 21st to 5th nationally, with 7,000 teachers recruited and 150 CBSE schools operational. He also highlighted major healthcare upgrades, including advanced MRI and robotic surgery facilities at leading medical institutions, benefiting patients across the state.
MLA Vinod Sultanpuri said the Chief Minister has consistently worked for public welfare and effectively raised Himachal’s concerns at the national level, ensuring tangible development outcomes.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
