Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing a large public gathering in Diyargi, Nachan Assembly constituency of Mandi district, announced the establishment of a Rajiv Gandhi day-boarding school in Chhatar to strengthen educational infrastructure in the region. He assured that all demands raised by Himachal Pradesh SC-ST Commission Chairman Lal Singh Kaushal and Congress leader Naresh Chauhan would be addressed. The government also announced financial assistance of ₹51,000 for all women’s groups present at the event.
Highlighting the state’s financial scenario, CM Sukhu stated that the 16th Finance Commission discontinued the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) of ₹10,000 crore, which Himachal had been receiving annually. He noted that during the previous BJP government’s tenure, the state received ₹54,000 crore as RDG and ₹16,000 crore as GST compensation, adding that better financial discipline could have reduced the state’s debt by ₹30,000 crore. He also criticized the previous government for constructing vacant buildings worth ₹1,000 crore across Himachal.
Despite these challenges, the present government has cleared pending 14% Dearness Allowance and released arrears for citizens above 70 years of age. CM Sukhu said that if the current administration had received the same financial support as the previous government, Himachal Pradesh could have been debt-free today.
Focusing on development in Mandi district, the Chief Minister announced that robotic surgery services have been introduced at Nerchowk Medical College, reducing costs from ₹5 lakh in private hospitals to approximately ₹50,000. Additionally, ₹12 crore has been allocated to establish a Cath Lab at the college.
CM Sukhu reaffirmed that the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) will never be discontinued in Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized that the decision to restore OPS was based on employee welfare, not politics, and assured continued protection of their rights, including payment of arrears.
On governance and accountability, the Chief Minister declared a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and drug trafficking, promising strict action, including dismissals and property seizure for offenders.
Criticizing BJP policies, CM Sukhu said the party failed to support Himachal’s rights during natural disasters and opposed measures for relief packages in the state assembly. He also highlighted lapses in education and health under the previous government, noting that election-time freebies and poorly staffed institutions had led Himachal to slip to 21st position nationally in education quality.
He added that the current government has filled vacant posts, improved education quality, and implemented CBSE-pattern schools, with 3,000 CBSE teachers to be recruited in the next three months.
Speaking at the event, Nachan MLA Vinod Kumar, SC-ST Commission Chairman Lal Singh Kaushal, and State Water Management Board Vice-Chairman Shashi Sharma praised the government’s initiatives and welfare measures, calling CM Sukhu a sensitive and visionary leader.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
