Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India]: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his two-day visit to the Jawali assembly constituency in Kangra district, announced several developmental initiatives, including the upgradation of the Kotla Police Post to a full-fledged police station.
Speaking to a large public gathering in Jawali, CM Sukhu also revealed plans to commence science classes at Government Senior Secondary Schools Siddhpur Ghad and Trilokpur Bari and medical classes at Government Senior Secondary Schools Amlela and Paloda. He further pledged adequate funding for a multipurpose sports ground in Jawali.
Attacking the previous BJP-led government, the Chief Minister accused it of mismanaging resources and distributing benefits worth ₹5,000 crore for electoral gains. He alleged that 900 institutions were opened just six months before the elections without proper staffing or budgeting, leading to a decline in public service quality.
“Under the BJP’s governance, Himachal Pradesh slipped to the 21st position in the country in terms of quality education, and healthcare services also suffered. Despite facing numerous challenges, our government has made bold, reformative decisions for ‘Vyavstha Parivartan’ (systematic transformation). These tough decisions will yield positive results soon,” he stated.
The CM highlighted ongoing reforms to streamline subsidies and encourage voluntary surrender by financially capable individuals. “Over 1,000 people have already surrendered their electricity subsidy, and more are coming forward,” he noted. Additionally, he announced the resumption of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) survey in April to ensure rightful beneficiaries are identified.
He also criticized the BJP for its lack of support during last year’s disaster, stating that the state government had released ₹4,500 crore for relief efforts without any central assistance. “The BJP failed to secure even a single rupee as special relief from the central government during challenging times,” he said.
Among the government’s notable welfare measures, CM Sukhu mentioned the adoption of 6,000 orphans as “Children of the State,” covering educational expenses for 23,000 children of widows, and reintroducing the old pension scheme for 1.36 lakh government employees.
To boost the rural economy, he announced initiatives such as purchasing cow milk at ₹45 per litre, buffalo milk at ₹55 per litre, cow dung at ₹3 per kg, naturally grown maize at ₹30 per kg, and wheat at ₹40 per kg.
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar lauded the CM for his efforts to promote ecotourism in Jawali, an area known for attracting migratory birds. He also praised the CM’s leadership during the disaster last year, including the resolution of thousands of pending revenue cases through Lok Adalats.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, and other prominent officials and leaders, including Kangra Central Cooperative Bank Chairman Kuldeep Singh Pathania and SC Commission Chairman Kuldeep Dhiman, were also present at the event.
These initiatives underscore the state government’s focus on inclusive development and rebuilding public confidence in governance.