Indora Utsav to Get District-Level Status Soon, State to Oppose Scrapping of MGNREGA: CM Sukhu.
Indora (Kangra):
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced that Indora Utsav would soon be accorded district-level status, recognizing its growing importance as a platform for cultural celebration and social awareness. Presiding over the closing ceremony of the festival at Indora in Kangra district, the Chief Minister lauded the event, which was organised on the theme “Chitta-Free Himachal.”
Strongly condemning the Union Government’s decision to abolish the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with a new legislation, the Chief Minister said that MGNREGA has been the world’s largest employment guarantee scheme and a vital lifeline for the poor, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He termed the move as an injustice to the underprivileged and asserted that the Himachal Pradesh Government would firmly oppose the scrapping of the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, CM Sukhu said the “Chitta-Free Himachal” campaign has transformed into a mass movement across the state. He informed that properties worth Rs. 50 crore linked to drug trafficking have been seized so far, and the remaining illegal assets would be destroyed within the next six months. He appealed to the public, Panchayati Raj Institutions and youth to actively support the campaign and urged citizens to share information related to drug trafficking through emergency number 112, assuring complete confidentiality. Informers, he said, would be rewarded with incentives ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 10 lakh.
Highlighting the State Government’s development initiatives, the Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops such as wheat, maize, turmeric and barley, along with milk. Strengthening the rural economy remains a top priority of the government, with a target to ensure a minimum monthly family income of Rs. 20,000 for every farmer.
Speaking about healthcare reforms, CM Sukhu said the government is prioritizing the use of modern technology by replacing outdated equipment in medical colleges and civil hospitals. He said Rs. 3,000 crore has been released for the installation of MRI, CT scan and X-ray machines, and robotic surgery facilities have been introduced. Five medical colleges have been equipped with advanced 3-Tesla MRI machines. He added that strict measures have been taken to prevent misuse of the HIMCARE health scheme.
The Chief Minister also informed that special revenue courts have been established to expedite long-pending cases, resulting in the disposal of a record 4.63 lakh cases so far. Emphasizing steps towards self-reliance, he said the State Government has won the long-pending Wild Flower Hall case, which remained in litigation for 23 years. The Apex Court’s decision will generate around Rs. 20 crore annually for the state. Similarly, the revision of royalty in the Karcham-Wangtoo hydropower project from 12 percent to 18 percent will bring an additional Rs. 150 crore per year to the state exchequer.
CM Sukhu reiterated that the State Government is committed to holistic development and creating ample employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth. During his visit, he also interacted with students of the Angel Orphanage Home, encouraging them to pursue education with confidence.
MLA Malender Rajan welcomed the Chief Minister and said that Indora Utsav aims to create awareness among youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He added that the government’s strong action against the drug mafia is yielding positive results and reaffirmed the commitment to making Himachal Pradesh prosperous and self-reliant.
The closing ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances by renowned singer Lakhwinder Badali, the Himachal Pradesh Police Band, and local artists and cultural troupes.
Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar, Vice Chairman Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Chairman Wool Fed Manoj Thakur, Vice Chairman HP Industrial Development Corporation Vishal Chambyal, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra, former Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri, former MLA Ajay Mahajan, Congress leaders, senior officers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
