In a significant development for Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made multiple announcements during his visit to the Sulah assembly constituency in Kangra district on Thursday. The CM declared that all eligible women in the Sulah constituency would receive financial assistance of Rs 1,500 under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samaan Nidhi Yojna, aiming to provide economic support to women in the region.
Infrastructure and Development Initiatives
During his public address, CM Sukhu emphasized the state government's commitment to the overall development of Kangra district. He announced the establishment of a new division of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) in Sulah to improve electricity services and infrastructure. Additionally, Bhawarna town will be upgraded to a nagar panchayat, enhancing local governance and urban facilities.
Kangra Airport Expansion
The Chief Minister highlighted the ongoing expansion of Kangra airport, noting that affected landowners are being provided fair compensation for their properties. He asserted that this expansion project is expected to bring prosperity to the region by boosting tourism and generating employment opportunities. "This initiative will ensure that our youth are not compelled to migrate to metropolitan cities like Delhi or Chandigarh for small jobs," Sukhu stated, underscoring the goal of retaining local talent.
Educational Reforms and Achievements
Addressing educational reforms, CM Sukhu criticized the previous BJP government, claiming that Himachal Pradesh had slipped to the 21st position in national education rankings under their tenure. He alleged that schools were opened or upgraded without adequate budgetary support and staffing, weakening the education system. "I take decisions in public interest. Parents send their children to school with the hope of quality education, but if the foundation is weak, how will children gain confidence?" he questioned.
Due to sustained efforts by the current government, Sukhu reported that Himachal Pradesh has risen to the fifth rank in education. Key measures include:
- Filling teaching vacancies to address staff shortages.
- Introducing English-medium education from Class I to enhance language skills.
- Converting over 200 schools to the CBSE curriculum for standardized learning.
Healthcare Upgrades
On the healthcare front, the CM lamented the poor condition of medical facilities during the previous BJP regime. He announced ambitious plans to upgrade healthcare infrastructure within a year, including:
- Implementing AIIMS-level technology at Tanda Medical College.
- Extending similar technological upgrades to all other medical colleges in the state.
- Enhancing Palampur Hospital and all zonal hospitals with advanced equipment.
These initiatives aim to ensure quality treatment for patients across Himachal Pradesh, reducing the need for medical tourism to other states.
Police Recruitment and Agniveer Scheme
In a move to strengthen law enforcement, CM Sukhu announced the recruitment of 800 police constables in Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized special consideration for youth who have returned home after serving under the Agnipath Scheme, commonly known as Agniveers. These individuals will be absorbed into the Himachal Pradesh Police and provided stable employment up to the age of 58, along with benefits under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
The CM expressed concern that the Agnipath Scheme, which limits service tenure to four years, had reduced interest among Himachal Pradesh youth in joining the armed forces. "We do not believe in policies that end the future of youth after four years. Our government is committed to providing secure employment and social protection," Sukhu affirmed, highlighting the state's approach to offering long-term job security for trained youth through police service.
Overall, these announcements reflect the state government's focus on women's welfare, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and employment generation in Himachal Pradesh, with Kangra district being a key beneficiary of these initiatives.
