Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently addressed a public meeting at Kansa Chowk in the Balh Assembly constituency, where he sharply criticised the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. He claimed that their governance had plunged Himachal Pradesh into a significant debt trap, alleging mismanagement of state resources.

During his remarks, CM Sukhu noted that the state had received approximately Rs 60,000 crore through GST compensation and the Revenue Deficit Grant, which he contended was not utilised effectively. He emphasised the pressing issues facing ordinary citizens and the need for responsible financial governance.

The Chief Minister pointed out that approximately 45 months ago, a Congress-led government took charge, marking a shift that allowed an ordinary citizen to assume the Chief Minister role. This transition, he argued, prioritised addressing the challenges faced by the public.

Commitment to Social Welfare and Development Initiatives

In his address, CM Sukhu highlighted the quick actions taken by his administration to restore the Old Pension Scheme for government workers, a decision made in their first Cabinet meeting. He alleged that following this reinstatement, the Central Government halted approximately Rs 1,600 crore in financial support for the state.

Sukhu asserted that the Congress government had effectively managed both natural calamities and political challenges, with the state government assisting in reconstructing around 23,000 homes that were damaged. He expressed confidence in the Congress party’s strength, claiming that the number of party MLAs had reached 40 again.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant, focusing on curbing corruption and ensuring residents receive their entitlements. Various welfare schemes are being implemented targeting orphaned children and widows.

Infrastructure and Agricultural Support Measures Announced

Discussing infrastructure projects, CM Sukhu mentioned the Kishau Multipurpose Project, explaining how his government learned lessons from past administrations. He claimed that had the BJP remained in power, Himachal Pradesh residents might have faced additional expenses amounting to around Rs 3,000 crore, a situation he aimed to prevent through firm representation of state interests.

He outlined the potential annual revenue of Rs 1,200 crore to Rs 1,500 crore that the project could generate for the state in future. Furthermore, CM Sukhu provided details on how milk procurement prices rose significantly during his administration, with adjustments made to Rs 61 per litre for cow milk and Rs 71 per litre for buffalo milk.

Additions to the ‘Mukhya Mantri Ka Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana’ were also announced, which will include removing the requirement for beneficiaries to work a day under MGNREGA, and increasing the family income limit from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.

Additionally, he stated plans for recruiting 800 police constables and the installation of an MRI machine at Nerchowk Medical College, aimed at enhancing healthcare services, which he claimed had been neglected during previous governance.

As CM Sukhu concluded, he communicated a sense of optimism regarding the state’s financial position and highlighted various development announcements aimed at enhancing the Balh Assembly constituency, reaffirming his government’s responsive approach to public needs and infrastructure development.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share