Himachal Will Become a Prosperous, Self-Reliant State in Two Years: CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
In a strongly worded address at the Jan Sankalp Sammelan held at Paddal Ground in Mandi on Thursday December 11, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlined the state government’s achievements over the past three years while vowing to transform Himachal into a prosperous and self-reliant state within the next two years.
Speaking before a large gathering, the Chief Minister said the present government inherited severe economic challenges from the previous BJP regime. He alleged that the former government left behind a debt burden of Rs. 75,000 crore, compelling the Congress government to take additional loans solely to service this liability. He added that arrears worth Rs. 10,000 crore for government employees were also left unpaid.
Accusing the previous government of financial mismanagement, Sukhu claimed it had sold 4,500 bighas of land for just Rs. 1.12 crore under a “customized package” without proper registry. He said his government was committed to protecting the state’s resources and ensuring that the rights of the people of Himachal were not “plundered”.
Legal and Financial Gains Highlighted
Sukhu highlighted several key decisions and victories that he said strengthened the state’s finances. Referring to the Wildflower Hall case, he noted that the government had secured a legal victory ensuring Rs. 20 crore in annual income for the state.
He further stated that royalty from the Karchham–Wangtoo hydroelectric project had increased from 12% to 18%, bringing an additional Rd. 150 crore in revenue every year. Sukhu also contrasted liquor revenue figures, claiming that while the previous BJP government collected Rs. 450 crore in four years, the current government generated the same amount within one year under its revised excise policy.
Responds to Political Criticism
Taking a dig at the opposition, Sukhu said the BJP had resorted to personal attacks, even criticizing his use of an Alto car. He asserted that the government’s performance would ensure its return to power in 2027, “not in an Alto, but in a 52-seater Volvo”. He reiterated that “true servants of public life fear no one” and expressed confidence that Himachal Pradesh would become fully self-reliant by then.
Welfare Measures Cited as Milestones
The Chief Minister emphasized that public welfare remained the top priority for the Congress government. Among the most significant initiatives, he highlighted the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana, under which orphaned children were legally recognized as “Children of the State”. He said the scheme was not a political promise but an expression of compassion and responsibility.
Sukhu also mentioned the extensive support provided to people affected by recent natural disasters, reaffirming the government’s commitment to relief and rehabilitation.
OPS Restoration and National Commitment
Defending the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the Chief Minister said the decision was made to ensure the social security of employees and their families, not for political gain. He emphasized the Congress Party’s longstanding commitment to national integrity, noting that the party had even “sacrificed two Prime Ministers for the unity of the nation”.
A Call for Public Support
Urging the people to join hands with the government in fulfilling its vision, Sukhu stated, “Together we will transform the destiny and the image of Himachal Pradesh.” He appealed for continued public support to help make the state self-reliant within the next two years.
The event concluded with the Chief Minister assuring the people that the government’s reforms and policies would lead Himachal Pradesh toward a stronger and more prosperous future.
