Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine allegations of benami land transactions in the Gagret area and surrounding Gaggal Airport in Kangra district. This development arose during the Question Hour in the state Assembly when Congress MLA Rakesh Kalia from Gagret pushed for action on the matter. Sukhu assured the Assembly that the government would take stringent measures against those involved in illicit land dealings and related commission activities.
The Chief Minister emphasized that if any benami transactions were confirmed through the investigation, the implicated land would be seized without any compensation. He encouraged Kalia to provide any relevant documents to the SIT and the Director General of Police to assist the inquiry.
Financial Disbursement for Gaggal Airport Project
In his remarks, Sukhu also informed the House that over Rs 1,460 crore had been distributed to 4,649 individuals affected by the proposed land acquisition for Gaggal Airport’s expansion. He explained that the funds were directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, complying with the Land Acquisition Act’s provisions. The financial details of this compensation were disclosed as part of the broader discussion during the Assembly proceedings.
During the session, Kalia raised serious concerns about a retired Uttarakhand official’s alleged involvement in these benami transactions, asserting that such dealings first appeared in Gagret and have since emerged around Gaggal Airport. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the accusations.
Concerns Over Vacant Positions for Persons with Disabilities
The issue of unfilled posts designated for persons with disabilities was also a topic of discussion. BJP MLA Vinod Kumar from Nachan highlighted that out of 1,469 reserved positions across various departments, only 101 have been filled due to difficulties in finding eligible candidates. Kumar noted that individuals with disabilities have been protesting for three years and mentioned directions from the Chief Secretary, issued in a meeting on November 12, 2025, calling for prompt action to fill these vacancies. He expressed frustration over the lack of significant progress in this area.
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil responded, indicating that the government is making efforts to address the situation, mentioning the establishment of institutions worth Rs 200 crore in Kandaghat. He assured the Assembly that measures are being implemented to regularly fill these vacant posts.
Safety of Underground Utility Ducts in Shimla
In response to a query from BJP MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal regarding the safety of underground utility ducts in Shimla, the Chief Minister provided assurances regarding their integrity. He stated that the ducts, being constructed for electricity, telecommunications, and water pipelines, aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the state capital. Sukhu explained that this initiative would eliminate overhead wiring problems and prevent repeated road excavations for utility installations. The project, covering the area from Chota Shimla to Scandal Point and to Chaura Maidan, is estimated to cost Rs 150 crore, with a commitment to quality.
Additionally, Sukhu mentioned an ongoing Rs 500 crore project to develop a modern facility at Sabzi Mandi for local vegetable and meat markets.
Assembly Proceedings and Technical Issues
Before the Question Hour, opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur expressed concern over the lack of attention given to opposition questions during the Assembly sessions. Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania attributed the issue to technical difficulties with the National e-Vidhan Application (NEVA) system and informed members that this matter has been addressed with the Lok Sabha Speaker. He highlighted that while the Himachal Assembly’s digital system is more advanced, it has been integrated with NEVA per directive. Pathania assured everyone that all pending questions would be addressed in future sessions and mentioned plans to revive the Assembly’s own e-Vidhan Sabha module to facilitate smoother operations.