Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, announced that the state government has provided 42,000 jobs in the past two years, including over 20,000 government sector positions. He further stated that 25,000 more jobs would be created in 2025.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Singh highlighted the employment initiatives undertaken by the Congress-led government, contrasting them with the previous BJP administration.
Government’s Employment Achievements
“In two years, we have provided over 42,000 jobs, of which 20,255 are in the government sector. In contrast, during the BJP’s five-year tenure, only 55,000 jobs were created,” Singh stated. He emphasized that the government is committed to filling approved vacancies while also boosting private sector employment.
The minister provided a breakdown of employment distribution across various departments:
- Education: 3,202 positions filled in elementary education, with 8,000 more to be added in 2025. Additionally, 2,095 positions for TGTs, Shastris, and JBT teachers were filled, along with 245 special educators and 6,292 language teachers. Higher education saw 1,097 new appointments.
- Police & Forest Services: 1,088 police personnel recruited, with 1,000 more planned. Additionally, 2,061 forest guards (Van Mitras) are being hired.
- Medical & Other Departments: The Medical Education Department filled 909 positions, with 270 more in process. Other recruitments included 779 in Women and Child Development, 692 in the Electricity Board, and 248 in Animal Husbandry.
Private Sector & Industrial Growth
“We have not just created jobs but ensured transparency and accountability in recruitments, which were often compromised under the previous administration,” Singh asserted.
He also highlighted the role of the private sector, stating, “In addition to government jobs, we have facilitated the recruitment of 25,516 individuals in private enterprises. Our industrial policy reforms are attracting new investments, ensuring more job opportunities for our youth.”
Over the past two years, the state government has approved 443 new industrial projects focusing on food processing, hydroelectric power, and solar energy. The Rajiv Gandhi Startup Scheme, with a ₹680 crore budget, is also promoting self-employment among youth.
“We are providing subsidies, financial aid, and vehicle deployment opportunities to young entrepreneurs to help them establish their businesses,” Singh said.
Financial & Infrastructure Development
Discussing financial challenges, Singh pointed out that when Congress took office, Himachal Pradesh had an outstanding debt of ₹75,000 crore. He also criticized the central government’s lack of financial assistance.
“Himachal Pradesh suffered losses of around ₹9,000 crore due to natural disasters, yet we have not received a single rupee in special aid from the Centre. In contrast, Jammu & Kashmir was allocated ₹25,000 crore in the Union Budget,” he said.
The minister also highlighted key infrastructure projects, including ₹22,000 crore worth of road projects under NABARD funding. A proposal has been sent to upgrade the Delhi-Rampur highway to a four-lane expressway. Other upcoming projects include the Bhuntar-Lahaul-Ladakh tunnel and the Jalori Pass tunnel, aimed at improving connectivity in remote regions.
Commitment to Transparency
Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair recruitment. “We have established a Cabinet sub-committee to review and resolve pending recruitment results. We are committed to a transparent and fair hiring process,” he said.
“Whether through government jobs, private sector employment, or self-employment initiatives, we are making every effort to provide maximum opportunities. This is not just a promise; it is our commitment to the people of Himachal Pradesh,” Singh assured the state’s youth.