Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, along with MLAs Bhuvneshwar Gaur and Ajay Solanki in a press statement said that the inclusion of CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in a prestigious magazine’s list of India’s 100 most influential personalities is a moment of great pride for the entire state.
They said that this recognition is attribute to the outstanding efforts of the Chief Minister in welfare initiatives for orphaned children, women and vulnerable sections of society. This recognition attribute to his pioneering measures in the field of green energy and his firm stance on drug eradication.
They recalled that following the formation of the Congress government the Chief Minister firstly visited the Bal Ashram in Tutikandi, Shimla and resolved to take responsibility for orphaned children. In order to fulfill this commitment, the state government introduced the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana and the Sukh-Aashray Kosh for orphan children, eligible women and elderly citizens.
Under this scheme, orphan children recognized as Children of the State and are provided with pocket money, accommodation, free education from primary to higher levels and even international exposure. The success of this initiative has earned the Chief Minister a place among the most influential figures in India.
They said that the Chief Minister has launched numerous welfare schemes for the welfare of children, women and vulnerable communities. Under the Indira Gandhi Mahila Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, eligible women are receiving a monthly social security of Rs.1,500 in a phased manner. The Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana ensures that the education expenses of children of widowed women are borne entirely by the government.
Apart from these decisions such as the Mukhyamantri Vidhva Evam Ekal Nari Aawas Yojana, an integrated scheme for the elderly, amendments to land laws to grant daughters equal inheritance rights and a 30 percent reservation for women in police recruitment have been implemented in the state.
They said that to ensure social security, the government has allocated Rs. 410 crore in the financial year 2024-25 to provide pensions to approximately 8.25 lakh individuals. 37,000 new beneficiaries are set to include under the Social Security Pension Scheme this year.
In the recent Budget Session, the government has announced the Sukh Suraksha Yojana for two daughters born into Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The government is committe to spend over Rs. 2,500 crore this financial year on social security and the welfare of women, children and other disadvantaged groups.
They said that the Chief Minister has set ambitious goals for the state to achieve Green Energy State status by 2026, self-reliance by 2027 and to become the most prosperous state by 2032. To realize these objectives, bold reforms have undertaken to transform governance. Six Green Corridors established in the state and Himachal’s first Green Hydrogen Mobility Station is set up in Chamba.
Large-scale solar energy projects are developed and HRTC is transitioning from diesel buses to electric buses. The inclusion of the Chief Minister in the list of the most influential personalities also recognizes his visionary leadership in promoting renewable energy.
They said that the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking. Stricter laws enacted, including provisions for seizing the assets of drug traffickers. In the recent Budget Session, the government passed two bills to tackle the drug mafia.
These bills include provisions for fines up to Rs. 10 lakh, the establishment of rehabilitation centres and stringent penalties for drug-related offences. Government employees found involved in drug-related activities will face 1.5 times the prescribed punishment and fines under these new laws.
They said that the Chief Minister’s resolute governance, progressive policies and commitment to the welfare of the people have rightfully earned him a place among the most influential figures in India.
