Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated the second phase of the Citizen Connect Program at Peterhoff, Shimla, under the State Government’s flagship ‘Clean City, Prosperous City’ initiative. Addressing the gathering, he said Himachal Pradesh is steadily moving towards self-reliance, with continuous positive transformation driven by inclusive, transparent and sustainable urban development policies to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization and population growth.
During the event, the Chief Minister launched several key citizen-centric initiatives, including the Rajiv Gandhi Laghu Dukaandaar Sukh Kalyan Yojna, 15 Municipal Shared Services Centres, nine new Online Citizen Services, the Chief Minister Urban Digital Identity Scheme, an awards scheme under the Swachhata Survey, Central Business Districts in Hamirpur and Shimla, and Hydraulic Parking Facilities of the Urban Development Department.
The Chief Minister also distributed settlement letters to small traders and award letters to Self-Help Groups under the Amrit Mitra Scheme. Urban Local Bodies were felicitated for exemplary performance, while the Urban Development Department signed four Memoranda of Understanding with industrial houses in the presence of the Chief Minister.
Praising the Him Seva Facility Portal, CM Sukhu said it is a unique initiative that provides multiple citizen services on a single digital platform, setting a benchmark at the national level.
Highlighting major urban development projects, he informed that a shopping complex worth Rs. 400 crore is being developed in Mandi, Rs. 150 crore is being spent on city beautification in Hamirpur, and a new shopping complex will come up at the site of the old bus stand in Hamirpur. Urban development projects worth Rs. 707 crore will be implemented soon, along with additional facilities costing Rs. 500 crore in Shimla. Utility ducts will be established across municipal corporations following the Shimla model.
The Chief Minister spoke about the future plan to develop a world-class city, Him-Chandigarh, near Baddi. He emphasized strengthening governance, enhancing citizen participation and ensuring transparency in the functioning of urban local bodies. He noted that the number of strengthened urban local bodies has increased from 60 in November 2024 to 75 across the State.
Referring to citizen welfare initiatives, CM Sukhu highlighted the Chief Minister Urban Livelihood Guarantee Scheme, which provides 120 days of assured employment to the urban poor. He said GIS technology is being extensively used for urban planning, revenue enhancement, tax transparency and property verification, with mapping already underway in 36 urban local bodies.
Announcing major financial relief for Laghu Dukaandaar (small traders), the Chief Minister said the State Government has decided to provide one-time settlement facilities for outstanding bank loans. Shopkeepers with loans up to Rs. 1 lakh declared as Non-Performing Assets will be eligible for one-time settlement assistance up to Rs. 1 lakh. Similarly, those with outstanding loans between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh will also be provided one-time assistance up to Rs. 1 lakh.
Digital service delivery has been further expanded with the launch of nine additional online services. More than 2.5 lakh citizens have already registered during the first phase, while 15 integrated cluster-based citizen service centres are being established at a cost of Rs. 47.37 crore.
The Chief Minister announced that every urban household will be provided a unique digital identity through digital door plates. He also said that biogas plants with a capacity of 5 to 20 tonnes per day will be set up to promote clean energy, organic fertilizers and circular economy practices. Urban local bodies securing a place in the top 100 of national cleanliness rankings will be rewarded to encourage healthy competition.
Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh said urban infrastructure is being strengthened in line with population growth and emphasized the importance of efficient and dedicated implementation of schemes on the ground. Principal Secretary Urban Development Devesh Kumar highlighted the use of modern technology to ensure efficient service delivery and inclusive urban growth.
Director Urban Development Neeraj Kumar welcomed the Chief Minister and briefed him on departmental initiatives. The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal and representatives of urban local bodies from across the State.
