CM Sukhu Accuses Former CM Jai Ram Thakur of Neglecting Hamirpur; Announces Series of Development Projects in Nadaun.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday accused former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur of neglecting Hamirpur district during his tenure, asserting that despite having two MLAs from the area, neither was inducted into the Cabinet. He made these remarks while addressing public gatherings at Manjheli and Karsai in the Nadaun Assembly constituency of Hamirpur district.
The Chief Minister said the present Congress government was committed to the overall development of Hamirpur and ensuring that the region receives its due attention. Responding to public grievances, he directed officials to ensure their early redressal and announced several key developmental initiatives for the region.
Key Announcements for Hamirpur
At Manjheli, CM Sukhu announced the opening of a new patwar circle and a health sub-centre, besides sanctioning Rs. 1 lakh and 100 chairs for each Mahila Mandal present. He also announced Rs. 10 lakh for each Mahila Mandal Bhawan and noted that Rs. 50 lakh had already been sanctioned for strengthening the roads in Manjheli Panchayat.
He directed the Public Works Department to prepare the DPR for the Manjheli–Bhunpal road and announced that Kangu School would soon be converted into a CBSE-affiliated institution.
Focus on Education and Healthcare
Highlighting the government’s efforts in education and health, CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh had risen from 21st to 5th position in the national education index due to recent reforms. He stated that the government was modernising outdated medical equipment across the state, replacing 20-year-old machines with advanced technology on par with AIIMS Delhi to provide world-class healthcare.
Refuting BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s claim regarding the establishment of the Hamirpur Medical College, the Chief Minister clarified that it was sanctioned by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who approved Rs. 190 crore for the project. He added that the current state government had allocated an additional Rs. 400 crore to complete the construction.
“During the previous BJP government, only the foundation stone was laid — no further progress was made,” Sukhu said.
Boost to Sports and Tourism
CM Sukhu announced that the state’s first indoor sports stadium, costing Rs. 120 crore, was under construction in Nadaun. The complex will include a swimming pool, shooting range, and facilities for 17 different sports. Additional land will also be acquired to develop football and hockey stadiums.
To promote adventure and wellness tourism, he said a rafting complex worth Rs. 59 crore, along with a wellness centre and water park costing Rs. 79 crore, were being developed in Nadaun.
Strengthening the Rural Economy
At Karsai, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a new Primary Health Centre (PHC) to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.04 crore. The PHC will function temporarily from a rented building until completion, with staff appointments to follow soon.
He also honoured national medallist Arnab Saini, his coach Sukh Dev, and other athletes for their achievements in state-level competitions.
Sukhu said the government was strengthening the rural economy by providing Minimum Support Price (MSP) not only for milk but also for naturally grown turmeric, wheat, maize, and barley. He announced that wages under MGNREGA had been increased by Rs. 80 per day.
Old Pension Scheme and Centre-State Relations
Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister said the Congress government had fulfilled its promise to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). However, he alleged that the Central Government had imposed financial restrictions on Himachal Pradesh as a result.
Local Support and Remarks
MLA Captain Ranjit Singh praised CM Sukhu’s leadership, saying equitable development was taking place across the state. He accused the previous BJP government of ignoring Hamirpur and lauded the Chief Minister for his commitment to his home district.
Captain Singh said those criticising the government were doing so because their “backdoor entries of corruption have been closed,” and announced that the issue of Agniveer recruitment would be raised in the Assembly, with a proposal to recommend 15 years of service and pension benefits for recruits to the Union Government.
Emotional Connection with Nadaun
Expressing gratitude to the people of Nadaun for their support over the last 23 years, CM Sukhu recalled his childhood days in Manjheli, saying, “I grew up here, and the memories of my childhood are still fresh. There will be no delay in the development of Nadaun.”
Students from Government Senior Secondary School, Choru, presented a cheque of Rs. 57,000 from their personal savings towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by former MLAs Kuldeep Singh Pathania and Manjeet Dogra, Kangra Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Chairman Ram Chandra Pathania, HP OBC Finance and Development Corporation Vice-Chairman Dr. Mohan, Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam Convener Atul Karohta, APMC Hamirpur Chairman Ajay Sharma, and several senior Congress leaders and district officials including Deputy Commissioner Amarjeet Singh and Superintendent of Police Bhagat Singh.
