Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu presided over the 56th Statehood Day celebrations organized at the historical village Pragpur in Kangra district on Sunday (January 25). On this occasion, while giving big gifts to the people of the state, the Chief Minister made important announcements like paying the dues of elderly pensioners this month and forming a new commission for farmers.
Despite the difficult financial circumstances, the Chief Minister took major decisions in the interest of employees and pensioners, the entire pending dues of pensioners aged 70 years and above will be paid in the month of January itself. The government will spend Rs 90 crore for this.
Class IV employees: Class IV employees retired between 2016 to 2021 will get 50% of the gratuity and 70% of the leave encashment balance this month. Rs 96 crore will be spent on this item.
New commission for farmers and gardeners
The Chief Minister announced that an ‘Agriculture and Horticulture Commission’ would be set up in the state to protect the rights of farmers and horticulturists. A bill for this will be brought in the upcoming budget session. Besides, he also said that the issue of duty imposed on apples imported from New Zealand should be strongly raised with the Centre.
New gifts to Pragpur and Nalsuha
Giving impetus to regional development, the CM announced the opening of SDM office at Pragpur in Jaswan assembly constituency and primary health center at Nalsuha.
‘Samridh Himachal Vision’ and system change
The Chief Minister said that the state government is preparing the ‘Samridh Himachal Vision’ document, which is now in the final stage. This document will become a new roadmap for development keeping in mind the environment and social traditions of the state. He said that the government is working for ‘system change’ and looting of resources will not be tolerated.
Target at Center and achievements of the state
During the address, CM Sukhu accused the central government of financial discrimination. He said that compared to the BJP government, the present government is facing huge cuts in central grants and GST compensation.
Accusing him of destroying the basic spirit of MNREGA, he said that the state government has increased the MNREGA daily wage from Rs 247 to Rs 320. In the field of education, Himachal has reached 5th position in the country, which was at 21st position in 2021.
Web series ‘The White Truth’ released for de-addiction
To save the youth from the clutches of drugs, the Chief Minister also released a web series named ‘The White Truth’. During the function, various cultural groups showcased Bundeli and Himachali culture, who were also honored by the Chief Minister.
A look at the major announcements:
| Item | Announcement/Description |
| pension arrears | Full dues of people aged 70+ to be paid in January |
| new institute | Formation of Agriculture and Horticulture Commission |
| administrative unit | New SDM office in Pragpur |
| Health | Primary Health Center (PHC) at Nalsuha |
| Education | Himachal ranks 5th in the country in quality education |
