Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated a regulated market in Totu, Shimla district, built at a cost of Rs. 4.5 crore. The facility features eight shops, an auction platform, a 20-bed dormitory for farmers, a spacious hall for public events, and other essential amenities.
Market to benefit farmers
The new market is expected to benefit farmers from various panchayats, including Dhami, Ghanahati, Majthai, Bagi, Dhamoon, Baichadi, Dhanda, Chail, Nehra, Devnagar, Glot, Jubbarhatti, Rampuri, Shakrah, and Kalihatti. The market will help farmers access better prices for their crops and vegetables, saving them from the financial losses caused by having to travel to Shimla for selling their produce.
The Chief Minister stressed that the establishment of regulated markets across the state aims to ensure fair prices for farmers and strengthen their economic condition.
Additional announcements
During the event, the Chief Minister also made several key announcements:
- The opening of a Block Medical Office (BMO) in Totu, with adequate staffing
- Rs. 2 crore for the construction of the Badaheri-Shilli-Hiranagar road
- Funds for sewerage facilities and an ambulance road in two wards of Totu
- Rs. 10 lakh each for the construction of two crematoriums and a cowshed
- Financial support for the construction of a college building at 16 Mile
Government’s commitment to rural welfare
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy. The state has purchased 4,000 quintals of maize grown through natural farming at Rs. 30 per kg, and the government plans to buy wheat at Rs. 40 per kg from next year. Milk purchase prices have also been increased, with cow’s milk now priced at Rs. 45 per litre and buffalo’s milk at Rs. 55 per litre.
Additionally, the state government has increased the daily wages of MGNREGA workers from Rs. 240 to Rs. 300.
Social welfare schemes
The Chief Minister also announced the launch of a scheme on December 11 to fund the education of children of widows until the age of 27. Furthermore, the government has adopted 6,000 orphaned children as “Children of the State.”
Contrast with previous government
The Chief Minister criticized the previous BJP government’s management, which led the state into debt and financial distress. In contrast, the current government has generated additional revenue through its anti-corruption policy and has created 31,000 jobs in two years, compared to only 20,000 jobs created by the BJP government in its five-year term.
Road restoration and disaster relief
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also praised the state government’s timely road repair efforts following last year’s natural disaster. Rs. 100 crore was invested in road restoration, which was crucial in ensuring that apple growers could transport their produce to market without hindrance.
Government’s development initiatives
Health Minister Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil emphasized the importance of preserving the state’s rich culture and adopting a healthy lifestyle. He mentioned the establishment of Model Health Institutes in every assembly constituency to provide quality healthcare services.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh shared that Rs. 400 crore worth of development projects have been initiated in the Shimla Rural area, with a focus on balanced development across the state. He also discussed the progress of the Taradevi package, part of the Mataur-Shimla four-lane project, and plans to establish a new city near Shimla.
Appreciation for the market initiative
Devanand Verma, Chairman of APMC Shimla and Kinnaur, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for inaugurating the vegetable market and lauded the initiatives aimed at bolstering the rural economy.
The event was attended by former MLA Sohan Lal, Cheranji Lal, Secretary Agricultural C Palrasu, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, and other dignitaries.
CM Sukhu Inaugurates Regulated Market in Totu
