CM Sukhu Dedicates Development Projects Worth Rs. 43.37 Crore in Kasumpati Assembly Constituency; Announces New Bus Service and Educational Reforms.
Shimla:
In a significant move towards enhancing infrastructure and public services, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dedicated development projects worth Rs. 43.37 crore to the people of Kasumpati Assembly Constituency today. The Chief Minister inaugurated several key projects, including a Zila Parishad Bhawan at Chalonthi, Government College Koti’s new building, and the science block at Government Senior Secondary School Koti, all contributing to the region’s educational and administrative growth.
The Zila Parishad Bhawan, completed at a cost of Rs. 20.26 crore, will serve as a pivotal hub for local governance, while the new building of Government College Koti, constructed at Rs. 21.36 crore, aims to boost higher education in the area. The science block at Government Senior Secondary School Koti, with an investment of Rs. 1.75 crore, will provide modern facilities for the students pursuing scientific education.
As part of his efforts to further strengthen healthcare and public services in the region, the Chief Minister also announced the addition of 10 new beds and more staff for Koti’s Community Health Centre (CHC). A new ambulance service will also be made available at the CHC to cater to emergency healthcare needs. Furthermore, the CM confirmed the opening of a police post in Koti, and the improvement of local road infrastructure with Rs. 50 lakh allocated for upgrading the Koti-Padechi and Koti-Mundadhar roads.
In another key announcement, the Chief Minister unveiled plans for a new Patwar Circle for Satlai and introduced a bus service from Peeran to Shimla via Kufri. These moves are expected to enhance connectivity and promote regional development.
Highlighting the achievements in education, Sukhu expressed pride in the modern campus developed at Koti, thanks to the efforts of Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh. The Chief Minister revealed plans for the college to become the first in Himachal Pradesh to offer B.Ed. classes from the next academic session, with discussions underway to introduce B.Ed. and ITI courses in other colleges across the state.
While addressing the challenges in the education sector, the CM criticized the previous government for its neglect and overspending, which led to a decline in the quality of education. He assured the public that his government was committed to reversing these trends by establishing 800 ‘Schools of Excellence’ and launching Rajiv Gandhi Day-boarding Schools statewide. Additionally, he emphasized the strengthening of public health facilities, particularly at IGMC Shimla, as a priority for his administration.
Sukhu also took the opportunity to hit back at the opposition BJP, who he claimed were focusing on petty social media issues to defame the government. Responding to personal attacks, he stated that the opposition’s attempts to undermine the government’s success would not deter him. He reaffirmed his commitment to making decisions in the best interest of the state, especially to strengthen the economy, despite inheriting empty coffers from the previous government.
The Chief Minister also highlighted various welfare initiatives, such as the increase in wages for MNREGA workers from Rs. 240 to Rs. 300, the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for 1.36 lakh employees, and the rise in milk prices for cow and buffalo milk to Rs. 45 and Rs. 55, respectively. Additionally, wheat produced through natural farming is being procured at Rs. 40 per kg and maize at Rs. 30 per kg, providing better support for farmers.
“These measures are not for electoral gain but are designed to improve the lives of rural citizens,” Sukhu stressed. He further remarked that while the previous BJP government had favored the wealthy, his administration was focused on uplifting the common people.
The event also saw speech from Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, who thanked the Chief Minister for his dedication to the region’s development. He informed the audience about ongoing infrastructure projects, including road developments worth Rs. 40 crore in the Kasumpati constituency.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Vice-Chairman of the State Forest Corporation Kehar Singh Kahchi, Chairman of APMC Shimla Devanand Verma, Zila Parishad Chairperson Chander Prabha Negi, and other local leaders. The announcements made today are set to significantly improve infrastructure, education, and public services in Kasumpati, heralding a new era of development in the region.
