Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Announces Major Initiatives on Statehood Day
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu commemorated Himachal Pradesh's Statehood Day on Sunday with a series of significant announcements aimed at bolstering the state's agricultural sector and addressing long-pending financial dues for employees and pensioners. Speaking at a large public gathering in Pragpur, located within the Kangra district, the CM outlined a vision for sustainable development while highlighting the government's fiscal management.
New Agriculture and Horticulture Commission to Protect Farmers
In a move to safeguard the rights of farmers and orchardists, Sukhu declared the constitution of an agriculture and horticulture commission. He confirmed that the state government will present a bill to formally establish this commission during the upcoming budget session of the legislative assembly. This initiative is designed to provide a structured framework for supporting the agricultural community, which forms a backbone of Himachal Pradesh's economy.
Administrative and Healthcare Expansions in Kangra
Addressing local needs, the Chief Minister announced the opening of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office at Pragpur. Additionally, a Primary Health Centre (PHC) will be established at Nalsuha in the Jaswan assembly constituency. These developments are expected to enhance governance and healthcare accessibility for residents in the region.
Financial Relief for Pensioners and Employees
Sukhu addressed the challenging financial legacy inherited from the previous BJP government, which left liabilities exceeding Rs 10,000 crore in salary and pension arrears. Currently, the total outstanding arrears related to salaries, pensions, and other dues amount to Rs 8,555 crore. Despite these constraints, the CM announced that complete payment of arrears for pensioners and family pensioners aged 70 years and above will be made this month, with an allocation of Rs 90 crore.
Furthermore, he detailed relief for Class IV employees who retired between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. These individuals accrued arrears of gratuity and leave encashment due to pension revisions. Sukhu announced that an additional 50% of gratuity arrears and 70% of leave encashment arrears will be paid to them in January, involving an expenditure of Rs 96 crore.
Vision Document and Development Roadmap
The Chief Minister emphasized that Statehood Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on Himachal Pradesh's achievements over the past 55 years and chart a course for future progress. He revealed that a comprehensive vision document has been prepared through extensive consultations with citizens, experts, administration, and institutions. This document considers the state's environment, the aspirations of its hardworking people, and its strong social traditions.
Sukhu stated that the vision document will act as a shared roadmap, balancing development with responsibility, progress with environmental conservation, and aspirations with reality. The goal is to ensure steady progress while preserving Himachal Pradesh's unique identity.
Financial Comparisons and Government Guarantees
Highlighting fiscal achievements, Sukhu compared revenue figures between governments. He noted that the previous BJP government received revenue deficit grants totaling Rs 46,862 crore, whereas the present government has received only Rs 18,903 crore so far. When considering total central government transfers, these amounted to Rs 116,000 crore during the BJP tenure, compared to Rs 70,191 crore for the current administration.
Despite this, the state's own revenue reached Rs 49,500 crore in just three years under the present government, up from Rs 55,000 crore over the previous government's five-year term. Sukhu also reported that seven out of ten guarantees made during the assembly elections have been fulfilled. The Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Sammaan Nidhi Yojana, which provides Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women, is being implemented in phases and will be fully operational across the state within two years.
Additional Concerns and Ceremonial Events
The Chief Minister mentioned raising the issue of imposing higher import duties on apples from New Zealand with the Union government, addressing concerns of local orchardists. Earlier in the day, Sukhu unfurled the national flag and took the salute from parade contingents, marking the ceremonial aspect of Statehood Day celebrations.
