Government Strengthening Key Sectors, Announcing Major Employment and Development Plans: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Kangra:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu marked the 55th Statehood Day celebration at Baijnath in Kangra district, sharing significant updates on the state’s development trajectory. During the event, CM Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to bolstering critical sectors such as dairy, natural farming, agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries, with a focus on strengthening the rural economy.
The Chief Minister highlighted the successful fulfillment of several key promises, including the creation of over 42,000 jobs within two years, compared to the 20,000 jobs created during the previous BJP government’s five-year tenure. Additionally, recruitment efforts have been intensified across various departments, with more than 12,500 posts filled in the government sector. This includes 3,202 positions in elementary education, and over 8,000 more posts are scheduled to be filled in 2025.
As part of a major initiative to support Himachal Pradesh’s youth, CM Sukhu announced the creation of 25,000 new job opportunities across multiple sectors. This will provide employment for individuals with diverse qualifications, opening doors to new possibilities for the state’s youth.
The CM also touched upon the state’s fiscal management, revealing that loans amounting to Rs. 30,080 crore were taken in the last two years, with 63 percent of the total amount used to service previous debts. However, the government is focusing on increasing resource generation, and has already successfully generated an additional Rs. 2,200 crore through policy reforms in excise, tourism, power, and mining.
On the development front, Sukhu revealed plans for the upgradation of Chadiyar Sub-Tehsil to a Tehsil and the construction of key infrastructure, including bridges, tourist destinations, and health facilities. Notably, the government is developing the Tattvani hot water springs and Kheer Ganga Ghat, aiming to transform them into major tourist hubs.
In addition to these efforts, the CM announced a Rs. 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-Up scheme, aiming to support young entrepreneurs. The scheme aligns with efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, including increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for natural farm produce and dairy products. The MSP for cow milk has been raised from Rs. 32 to Rs. 45 per liter, and buffalo milk will now be bought at Rs. 55 per liter, benefiting farmers and dairy producers.
Tourism development is also a key priority, with a Rs. 150 crore convention center set to be built in Dharamshala, alongside wellness centers and other tourism infrastructure projects. The Chief Minister emphasized the ongoing expansion of Kangra Airport and the construction of world-class facilities in the state capital, Shimla.
Furthermore, the CM underlined his administration’s focus on social welfare, with the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana supporting orphaned children, destitute women, and the elderly. As part of the initiative, 6,000 children have been adopted as “Children of the State.”
In conclusion, CM Sukhu reiterated his government’s commitment to transforming Himachal Pradesh through systematic development in critical sectors, creating sustainable job opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for the state’s residents.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and several MLAs, who joined the CM in celebrating the occasion.
