Land Ownership Rights Distributed in Kalpa Block as CM Sukhu Unveils Rs. 48-Crore Development Package in Kinnaur.

Kalpa:

In a landmark move under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed land ownership certificates to 25 beneficiaries of the Kalpa block in Kinnaur district. These rights had been pending for many years and mark a significant step toward empowering local communities. The CM revealed that land leases have already been granted to 460 individuals across the state under the same Act.

Addressing a public gathering in Kalpa, CM Sukhu made a series of major announcements aimed at boosting development, tourism, education, and employment in the region. He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various development projects worth Rs. 48 crore in the Kinnaur Assembly Constituency.

Development Projects Unveiled

Key projects launched during the visit include:

• Foundation stone of an auditorium at DIET, Reckong Peo – Rs. 8 crore
• Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex at Kalpa – Rs. 29.88 crore
• Inauguration of Youth Hostel at Kalpa – Rs. 10.60 crore

The Chief Minister also announced the opening of CBSE-affiliated schools in four blocks of Kinnaur, development of four schools as day-boarding institutions, and allocation of Rs. 10 crore for a new indoor stadium.

Boost to Tourism: Shipki-La Opens for Tourists

In a historic announcement, CM Sukhu declared that Shipki-La Pass, a strategically located border region, is being opened for tourism for the first time in 75 years. Tourists can now visit the location using just their Aadhaar card and a token. This initiative is expected to boost local tourism and generate employment in border areas, long neglected in development efforts.

Welfare and Social Schemes

The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to women’s welfare, child development, and employment generation:

• Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi to benefit women in all Kinnaur blocks
• 25,000 jobs to be created this financial year with a goal of 5 lakh jobs in five years
• Under the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Yojana, orphaned children are being provided state-funded education and recognized as “Children of the State”
• Education costs of children of widows covered under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana
• New scheme to provide doorstep medical checkups for senior citizens above 70
• Rs. 100 crore being spent to modernize medical equipment in government hospitals

Targeting Corruption and Political Accountability

CM Sukhu took a sharp dig at the previous BJP-led government, accusing it of misusing public funds, providing massive subsidies to industrialists, and returning the Rs. 50 crore grant for the Una Bulk Drug Park. He asserted that the current administration had saved Rs. 3,000 crore by plugging corruption and was now working towards making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2027.

He also criticized the Centre for failing to provide any relief despite natural disasters causing losses worth Rs. 10,000 crore in the state. However, his government has managed to release Rs. 4,500 crore in special relief funds from its own resources.

Vimal Negi Case and Local Engagement

Addressing the politically sensitive Vimal Negi case, the Chief Minister accused the opposition of politicizing the matter and assured the public that justice will be served. He affirmed the government’s support for the victim’s family.

In a show of support for local communities, the CM:

• Announced Rs. 10,000 for a local women’s sports team to encourage youth and curb substance abuse
• Visited the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) and provided Rs. 1,00,000 to five women’s groups for essential purchases
• Released the annual DIET magazine “Narkasang”

Ministerial Support

Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who was present during the event, thanked the Chief Minister for prioritizing the development of Kinnaur and reiterated the state government’s commitment to inclusive growth.

A Vision for a Progressive Himachal

Chief Minister Sukhu concluded by affirming his administration’s vision to transform Himachal Pradesh into a self-reliant, socially equitable, and development-driven state by 2027, with a special focus on border areas, tribal communities, and marginalized groups.