Government Considers MSP Hike for Wool in Upcoming Budget: CM Sukhu Reaffirms Support for Gaddi Community’s Grazing Rights.
Dharamshala:
In a significant assurance to the Gaddi community, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government is actively considering a proposal to enhance the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wool in the forthcoming State Budget. The announcement was made during his visit to Dharamshala, where he received a warm reception from Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Wool Federation Manoj Kumar and a large gathering of supporters.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, CM Sukhu emphasized the government’s firm commitment to improving the welfare of the Gaddi community, whose livelihood depends largely on sheep and goat rearing. He said that enhancing the MSP for wool will ensure a dignified and stable income for wool producers, many of whom belong to the pastoralist Gaddi community.
“We are seriously considering increasing compensation for the loss of goats and sheep. The Relief Manual will be amended to provide better support to affected herders,” the Chief Minister said. “This government stands with the Gaddi community and their traditional way of life.”
In a move that will be welcomed by tribal communities, CM Sukhu also reaffirmed that the Forest Department has been explicitly instructed not to interfere with the Gaddi community’s Land Grazing Rights, which he described as their “customary privilege.”
Chairman of the State Wool Federation Manoj Kumar honored the Chief Minister and expressed deep gratitude for what he called the government’s “proactive and compassionate approach” toward resolving the long-standing issues of the Gaddi community. He credited CM Sukhu for taking personal interest in the matter and prioritizing their concerns.
The event also saw the presence of Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Chairman of APMC Nishu Mongra, and senior Congress leader Devender Jaggi, who echoed support for the government’s initiatives aimed at uplifting rural and tribal communities in the state.
With these announcements, the government appears poised to address both economic and cultural concerns of pastoralist groups in Himachal Pradesh, marking a significant step toward inclusive rural development in the upcoming Budget.
