CM Sukhu Announces New PWD Division for Doon; Accuses BJP of Land Deals and Political Targeting.
Baddi, Solan:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during a massive public gathering in Baddi, announced the creation of a new PWD Division for the Doon Assembly Constituency and unveiled several major development initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the region.
The Chief Minister announced the up-gradation of Baddi Civil Hospital into a 100-bedded facility, along with Rs. 25 crore for the construction of a new SDM office and Rs. 10 crore for a modern sports stadium in Doon. He added that the rapidly growing town of Baddi requires modern civic amenities, for which the government will also construct a state-of-the-art bus stand.
Highlighting educational reforms, CM Sukhu declared that schools in Baddi, Barotiwala, and Chandi would adopt the CBSE curriculum from the next academic session to ensure better quality education for local students.
Sharp Attack on Previous BJP Government
In a scathing critique, CM Sukhu accused the previous BJP government of “turning a blind eye to corruption” and engaging in questionable land deals. He alleged that 5,000 bighas of land worth hundreds of crores were allotted to large industrial houses for just Rs. 1.12 crore, under customized packages.
He said the then government waived stamp duties and offered electricity at Rs. 3 per unit and even free water.
“As long as I am the Chief Minister, I will not allow the State’s assets to be plundered. We are custodians of Himachal Pradesh’s resources,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister further said that BJP’s social media cell was attacking him because he implemented strict anti-corruption measures and ensured the rights of widows, orphans, labourers, women and farmers.
He noted that the previous BJP government left behind a debt of Rs. 75,000 crore and liabilities of Rs. 10,000 crore related to employees. To gain electoral mileage, they opened institutions in the last months of their tenure without budgetary support or staff, he claimed.
State Government’s Reforms and Initiatives
CM Sukhu highlighted reforms undertaken by the current Congress government, especially in education.
He said Himachal Pradesh climbed from 21st to 5th position in national education rankings due to decisive steps like starting English-medium from Class 1, merging school directorates, and opening 100 new CBSE schools from next year.
On the health front, he said the government has allocated Rs. 3,000 crore to strengthen medical facilities with modern equipment and advanced technology.
The Chief Minister reiterated that despite challenges, Himachal Pradesh is moving steadily toward self-reliance. Large-scale government recruitments are planned, and he reminded the public of the recruitment paper leak during BJP’s tenure.
“We disbanded the Commission because we believe in transparency and merit-based recruitment,” he said.
Support to Disaster-Affected Families
CM Sukhu said his government is committed to helping families devastated by recent natural disasters. He has personally visited every affected area and amended the relief manual to ensure higher financial assistance.
Relief assistance for rebuilding homes has been increased from Rs. 1.30 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh.
He added that although the Prime Minister announced Rs. 1,500 crore in assistance, the state has not yet received the funds. “We are supporting the disaster-affected families with our own resources,” he said, again offering to accompany all seven BJP MPs to seek central assistance.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister distributed Rs. 17,62,000 to 18 disaster-hit families, Rs. 17,03,000 to 15 PMAY-G beneficiaries, and provided nutrition kits to three TB patients under the Tuberculosis Eradication Programme.
Local Leadership Appreciated
Doon MLA Chaudhary Ram Kumar thanked the Chief Minister and the people, noting that development works worth Rs
475 crore were already underway, with nearly Rs. 400 crore worth of projects dedicated today alone. He said the newly inaugurated 50-bed Baddi Hospital marked a major milestone for the region.
Health Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, MLAs Vinod Sultanpuri and Bawa Hardeep, Jogindra Cooperative Bank Chairman Mukesh Sharma, and several Congress leaders including Shiv Kumar and Surender Sethi were present.
