CM Sukhu Announces Regularisation of Eligible Panchayat Chowkidars.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today addressed a conference organised by the Panchayat Chowkidars’ Union at Chaura Maidan in Shimla, assuring the employees that the state government was adopting a sympathetic approach towards their long-pending demands and welfare concerns.
The Chief Minister announced that the government had decided to regularise the services of Panchayat chowkidars who have completed the prescribed period of service. He said the government had consistently remained sensitive to their interests and was committed to improving their working conditions.
Sukhu also highlighted the increase in the monthly honorarium of Panchayat chowkidars announced in the budget for the current financial year. With an enhancement of Rs. 500, their monthly honorarium has now been increased to Rs. 9,000.
Focus on Welfare and Transparency
The Chief Minister said the state government was working towards empowering weaker sections of society and ensuring equitable distribution of state resources. He said long-term decisions were being taken to benefit people across all sections and necessary amendments were being made to rules and laws to simplify government procedures.
Sukhu claimed that the present government had plugged loopholes that facilitated corruption and had saved more than Rs. 3,000 crore. Referring to Himachal Pradesh’s rightful share in hydropower projects, he said the state would exercise control over its resources within its area of authority and move towards greater self-reliance.
OPS Taken on Social Considerations
The Chief Minister said the decision to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees had been taken from a social rather than political perspective. He also alleged that the BJP was planning to discontinue the OPS.
Steps to Strengthen Rural Economy
Sukhu said the government was taking several measures to strengthen the rural economy and promote natural farming across Himachal Pradesh. He said farmers practising natural farming were being provided minimum support prices of Rs. 80 per kg for wheat, Rs. 50 per kg for maize and Rs. 150 per kg for raw turmeric.
The government was also providing a support price of Rs. 61 per litre for cow’s milk and Rs. 71 per litre for buffalo’s milk, aimed at supporting farmers and strengthening rural livelihoods.
INTUC Vice-President Puran Chand and State President of the Panchayat Chowkidars’ Union (INTUC) Prem Vardhan also addressed the conference.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and senior government officers were present on the occasion.
