Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed Land Ownership Certificates to 25 beneficiaries of Kalpa block under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which were pending since from last many years. Chief Minister said that under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, land leases have already been allotted to 460 individuals across the state.
Addressing a gathering at Kalpa, he stated that, for the first time in 75 years, Shipki-la was being opened to tourists who can now visit Shipki-la simply by carrying an AADHAR card and token. This will give added boost to the local economy and promote tourism in border areas, thus creating employment opportunities for the youth.
He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various development projects worth Rs. 48 crore in the Kinnaur Assembly Constituency. He foundation stone of the auditorium at DIET at Reckong-Peo to cost rupees eight crore, Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex at Kalpa to cost Rs. 29.88 crore, and the inauguration of youth hostel at Kalpa constructed at a cost of Rs. 10.60 crore.
Criticizing the previous government, he alleged that public funds were misused, which should have instead been spent on the welfare of the farmers, horticulturists, and the last man in the row. He added that large plots of land were handed over to big industrialists at throwaway prices and huge subsidies were given in electricity. The Una Bulk Drug Park project, for which Rs. 50 crore was allocated by the Centre, was returned, as the state government will now take up its work on its own to safeguard state interests, he stated.
He said that the BJP government received liberal grants of about ₹68,000 crore from the Centre in form of GST compensation and revenue deficit grants but “instead of repaying the debts and clearing the liabilities, it utilised the funds on freebies”. Additionally, about Rs 9,000 crore under the NPS were yet to be released.
However, his government has saved Rs. 3000 crore by plugging corruption loopholes.
He said that despite losses worth Rs. 10,000 crore due to natural disasters, the Centre has not provided any financial aid. Still, the state government managed to release a special relief package of Rs. 4,500 crore from its own resources to assist those affected. The Chief Minister emphasized that his government is working with determination to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2027.
He also addressed the issue of the Vimal Negi case, accusing the opposition of playing politics over it. He assured that the government stands with the family of Vimal Negi and the guilty will be brought to justice.
He announced that under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi, women across all blocks of Kinnaur district will be given the benefit in a phased manner.
The Chief Minister stated that the government plans to create 25,000 jobs in this financial year and has committed to creating five lakh employment opportunities over five years. Under the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Yojana, orphaned children have been given the status of ‘Children of the State’, and the government is covering their education expenses. Similarly, the education expenses of children of widows are also being borne by the state under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana.
He announced a new scheme to ensure medical check-ups for senior citizens above 70 years of age at their doorstep. Additionally, Rs. 100 crore is being spent to provide modern medical equipment in government medical colleges.
The Chief Minister also announced the opening of CBSE-affiliated schools in four blocks of Kinnaur. Further announcements included Rs. 10 crore for the sports complex, Rs. 10 crore for an indoor stadium, and plans to develop four schools as day-boarding institutions.
Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Shri Jagat Singh Negi expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for launching several developmental works in the Kinnaur constituency. He said the overall development of the state was progressing under the Chief Minister’s leadership.
The Chief Minister announced Rs. 10,000 to the local women's team to promote sports among youth and encourage them to stay away from substance abuse. Chief Minister visited the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), where he gave Rs. 100,000 to five women's groups to assist them in purchasing essentials. He also released the annual magazine “Narkasang”, brought out by the DIET.
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