In a significant move to bolster the state's fight against narcotics, the Himachal Pradesh General Industries Corporation Limited (HPGIC) has sanctioned a major corporate social responsibility (CSR) grant. The corporation's board of directors, in its 236th meeting, approved the allocation of a substantial sum to support the police department's anti-drug efforts.
Major CSR Allocation for Anti-Drug Drive
The board, which convened on Wednesday, gave its nod to the CSR committee's decision to allocate Rs 1.38 crore to the office of the Director General of Police (DGP). This funding is specifically earmarked for the state's ongoing ‘Anti-Chitta Campaign’, a crucial initiative aimed at curbing the menace of drug abuse. The funds will be directly utilised for the procurement of 12 vehicles to enhance the campaign's operational reach across Himachal Pradesh.
The vehicle fleet will consist of four Scorpio and eight Bolero models. These vehicles are intended to provide vital logistical support, enabling law enforcement agencies to effectively conduct raids, awareness programs, and patrols as part of the comprehensive campaign against illicit drugs.
Board Meeting Chaired by Industries Minister
The pivotal meeting was presided over by the state's Industries Minister, Harshwardhan Chauhan. Alongside the major allocation for the anti-drug campaign, the board also approved another CSR contribution. A sum of Rs 17.65 lakh was sanctioned for the construction of a new building for the government primary school in Suniyadi, located in the Shillai area of Sirmaur district. This highlights the corporation's dual focus on community welfare and social security.
Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved the draft balance sheet of the corporation for the financial year 2024-25. Minister Chauhan took the opportunity to commend the corporation's performance, noting that it had achieved a commendable profit of Rs 13.37 crore. This financial success is particularly notable given the stiff competition from private sector players and the corporation's operation with limited manpower.
Profits to Fuel Modernisation and Growth
Looking ahead, Minister Chauhan directed the corporation to strategically channel its profits towards growth and upgradation. He emphasised the need to invest in the modernisation of existing manufacturing plants. Following this direction, the board approved a tender for the purchase of new plant and machinery.
This investment is aimed at revitalising HPGIC's existing furniture factories. The modernization drive is expected to equip the corporation to better meet the rising demand for modern and modular furniture from both public and private sector clients within Himachal Pradesh. This move not only ensures the corporation's commercial sustainability but also supports local industry and employment.
The series of decisions taken in the board meeting underscore a balanced approach by the state-owned corporation. While firmly backing the government's critical social initiative against drugs through CSR, it is also laying down a roadmap for its own industrial growth and modernization, ensuring it remains a competitive and profitable entity in the state's economic landscape.
