Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced a comprehensive package of welfare, development and employment measures for the Sulah Assembly constituency of Kangra district, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and social security.
Addressing a large public gathering during his visit to Sulah, the Chief Minister declared that all eligible women of the constituency would be provided financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 per month under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samaan Nidhi Yojna. He also announced the opening of a Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) division in Sulah and the upgradation of Bhawarna town into a Nagar Panchayat to strengthen civic infrastructure and public services.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government was making continuous and sincere efforts for the overall development of Kangra district. He informed that the expansion of Kangra Airport was underway and affected people were being given fair compensation. He said the airport expansion would boost tourism, bring economic prosperity and generate local employment, ensuring that youth would not be forced to migrate to metropolitan cities for jobs.
Highlighting employment initiatives, he said large-scale recruitment was underway in the public sector, particularly in the police department, and announced that 800 police constables would be recruited soon. Special preference would be given to youth returning after service under the Agniveer scheme, who would be absorbed into the Himachal Pradesh Police with job security up to the age of 58 and benefits of the Old Pension Scheme.
The Chief Minister said that the Agniveer scheme, with its four-year service limit, had discouraged many youths from joining the Army. The State Government, therefore, decided to provide them secure employment and social protection. “We do not believe in policies that leave the youth uncertain after four years,” he remarked.
Speaking on education reforms, he said that Himachal Pradesh had slipped to 21st position during the previous BJP regime due to unplanned opening and upgradation of schools without adequate staff and funds. Owing to the sustained efforts of the present government, the State has now risen to fifth position in quality education. Teacher vacancies are being filled, English-medium education has been introduced from Class I and over 200 schools are being converted to the CBSE pattern.
On healthcare, the Chief Minister said that facilities were neglected earlier, but the present government was strengthening the health sector. He announced that within one year, AIIMS-level technology would be made available at Tanda Medical College, other medical colleges, Palampur Hospital and all zonal hospitals. Recruitment was underway to address the shortage of doctors, and within six months all Primary Health Centres would have doctors, while medical colleges would be equipped with specialist services.
Taking a swipe at the BJP, the Chief Minister said the previous government had received nearly Rs. 50,000 crore more funds but failed to utilise them effectively. He alleged that buildings worth about Rs. 1,000 crore remained unused and that land was allotted to big industrialists at throwaway prices in Baddi, causing heavy losses to the State.
He clarified that no changes were being made to Section 118 and warned against misinformation being spread on social media. He said strict action would be taken against corruption and the money saved was being used for the welfare of orphans, widows, persons with disabilities and other weaker sections. He also accused the Centre of weakening the MGNREGA scheme and said an IRDP survey was being conducted in phases to ensure that no eligible family was deprived of benefits.
The Chief Minister praised Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Chairman of the State Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, for his role in strengthening the institution and addressing the concerns of the people of Sulah. During the programme, he also administered a pledge against drug abuse and said the government was taking strict action against the drug mafia to protect the future of youth.
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Chandra Kumar said that the Chief Minister’s vision focused on strengthening villages and the rural economy. He said natural farming was being promoted and farmers were being empowered, with Himachal Pradesh offering the highest MSP in the country for natural farming produce.
Chairman ARDB Sanjay Singh Chauhan said that Sulah had suffered losses during recent disasters, but the Chief Minister ensured timely relief and development works. He said government schemes were benefitting farmers, women, labourers and all sections of society.
Several dignitaries, including ministers, legislators, board and corporation heads and local leaders, were present on the occasion.
