Governor and Chief Minister felicitate people on Lohri and Makar Sakranti

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur celebrating Lohri festival with people of Shimla town at his official residence Oak Over on 13 Jan  2018

Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur have felicitated the people of the State on the occasion of Lohri and Makar Sakranti.

 In his felicitation message, Governor hoped that these festivals would bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of the people of the State.

Chief Minister said that such festivals provide us an opportunity of get together and share happiness with our near and dear ones which also go a long way in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and fraternity.

He hoped the festivals would bring happiness and prosperity to the people of the State.

Speaker Vidhan Sabha Dr. Rajeev Bindal has also extended his good wishes to the people of the State on this special occasion.

राज्यपाल आचार्य देवव्रत तथा मुख्यमंत्री जय राम ठाकुर ने लोहड़ी के पावन अवसर पर प्रदेशवासियों को शुभकामनाएं दी हैं।
राज्यपाल ने अपने बधाई संदेश में कामना की है कि यह त्यौहार प्रदेशवासियों के जीवन में खुशियां व समृद्धि लेकर आएगा।
मुख्यमंत्री ने अपने संदेश में कहा कि यह उत्सव हमें अपने प्रियजनों एवं मित्रों में खुशियां बांटने का अवसर प्रदान करता है, जो आपसी भाईचारे को और सुदृढ़ करता है। उन्होंने कामना की है कि यह उत्सव प्रदेशवासियों के जीवन में खुशहाली तथा समृद्धि लाएगा।
अध्यक्ष, हि.प्र. विधानसभा डा. राजीव बिंदल ने भी प्रदेशवासियों को लोहड़ी की शुभकामनाएं दी हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि इस दिन विशेषकर बच्चों द्वारा टोलियों में घर-घर जाकर लोहड़ी मांगने की परम्परा है और लोग भी बेसब्री के साथ बच्चों का इंतज़ार करते हैं तथा खुले मन से बच्चों की खुशीं का सम्मान करते हैं। 

Dussehra Festival celebrated at Jakhoo Temple

The  45 feet tall effigy of demon king Ravana along with son  Meghnadha and brother Kumbhkarna  was consigned to flames at Jakhu Hills by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh,  as the Nation today celebrated Dussehra, the festival symbolising victory of good over evil signifying Lord Rama’s Victory over Ravana with great zeal and gusto.

The Chief Minister said that Dussehra symbolises victory of truth and good and anyone eyeing on the Nation with an evil eye would certainly be given a befitting reply.

Earlier, in the day he inaugurated the Rs 1.30 crore ‘Kirtan Hall’ got constructed by Sankatmochan Temple Trust at Sankatmochan. He also paid obeisance at Shodsha Ganapati temple and at Shree Ram Temple and also performed Havana.

-->

Governor inaugurates Kullu Dussehra festival

The week-long international Dussehra festival commenced with traditional fervour and enthusiasm at Kullu today. Governor Acharya Devvrat inaugurated the festival by participating in the Rathyatra of Lord Raghunath at Dhalpur ground.

The Governor felicitated the people of the valley on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, which symbolizes victory of the truth over evil. He said that the culture of Himachal Pradesh was unique and had a distinct identity. The fairs and festivals celebrated here round the year provide a glimpse of rich traditions and beliefs of the people, he added.
He said the people of the state deserve appreciation for preserving their rich culture, age old customs and traditions in the present era of modernization adding that the younger generation should be made aware of the same.
Later, the Governor inaugurated the exhibition put up by various government departments, boards, corporations and other non-government organizations. He also visited the stalls and appreciated the exhibits.
About 245 deities from various parts of Kullu Valley are participating in this festival.
Ayurveda Minister Karan Singh, MLA Maheshwar Singh and senior officers of the district administration were present on the occasion.

-->

Governor and Chief Minister felicitate people on Dussehra

Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh have felicitated the people of the State on the pious occasion of Dussehra.

The Governor said that Dussehra festival was symbolic of victory of good over evil and hoped the festival would be celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the State.

The Chief Minister has also extended felicitations to the people of the State on this occasion. He wished that the Dussehra festival would bring happiness, peace and prosperity in the lives of the people of the State.

CM to preside over State-level Independence Day function at Solan

State-level Independence Day function will be organised at Solan tomorrow. Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh will preside over the function.

MPP and Power Minister Sujan Singh Pathania, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Neeraj Bharti,  Rohit Thakur and  Mansa Ram would also be present at the State level function at Solan with the Chief Minister.

Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha  B.B.L. Butail, would preside over District-level function at Bilaspur, Irrigation and Public Health Minister Smt. Vidya Stokes at Shimla, Health & Family Welfare Minister  Kaul Singh Thakur at Mandi, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister  G.S. Bali at Dharamshala in Kangra district and Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri will preside over the function at Chamba.

Industries Minister  Mukesh Agnihotri would preside over the District-level function at Una, Urban Development Minister  Sudhir Sharma at Hamirpur, Excise and Taxation Minister  Prakash Chaudhary at Kullu, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister  Anil Sharma at Nahan in Sirmaur district, Ayurveda Minister  Karan Singh at Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district and Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha  Jagat Singh Negi at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Rajesh Dharmani would attend the function at Bilaspur with Speaker H.P. Vidhan Sabha, Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Vinay Kumar at Nahan with Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Jagjivan Paul at Dharamshala with Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Nand Lal at Shimla with Irrigation and Public Health Minister,  Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Sohan Lal Thakur at Mandi with Health & Family Welfare Minister and Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, at Hamirpur with Urban Development Minister.

-->

Republic Day celebrations in Himachal Pradesh

Governor Acharya Devvrat inspecting the parade  on the occasion of State level Republic Day Function at the Ridge Shimla on 26-01-2016

67th Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour across the State today. Functions were organized at State, District, and Sub-Divisional level to mark the occasion. Hoisting of Flags, impressive march-past, cultural programmes were highlights of the functions organized throughout the State.

SHIMLA:

Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute during a march past at the State-level Republic Day function held on the historic Ridge Maidan, Shimla.
Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh, his wife and former MP Mrs. Pratibha Singh, MLA Mr Mohan Lal Brakta, Deputy Chairman Planning Board Mr Gangu Ram Musafir,  Chairman, H.P. Wool Federation Mr Raghubir Thakur, Vice Chairman, H.P. Forest Development Corporation Mr Kewal Singh Pathania, Mayor Mr Sanjay Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Mr Tikender Panwar, Chief Secretary Mr P. Mitra, DGP Mr Sanjay Kumar and senior military and civil officers and prominent persons of the town were among those present on the occasion.
An impressive march past was presented by contingents of the Army, SSB, Police, ITBP, Home Guards,  NCC, NSS and ex-servicemen.
Captain Gaurav Kumar of Dogra Regiment commanded the parade.

The tableaux exhibited by various departments were the main highlights of the function. Cultural programmes were presented by troupes from within and outside the state.

SIRMAUR:

Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha Mr Brij Behari Lal Butail presided over the district level Republic Day function at Nahan. Speaking on the occasion, he said Himachal Pradesh had emerged as a role model of development for the hilly States on the international map. The present State Government had fulfilled its all promises during last three years and various milestones of development had been set up during this period.
He said Sirmaur district had also witnessed speedy development during past three years. He congratulated the district administration for getting first prize in the State for its outstanding work under digital India week. He said Indian Management Institute had been sanctioned for the district and a new medical college was also coming up at Nahan. The Government had opened SDM office at Shillai and  new Tehsils and  Sub Tehsils had been created in the district to facilitate the people.
Mr Butail gave away prizes to the participants of the cultural programme.
Earlier, he paid glowing tributes to martyrs at Shaeed Samarak.  
MLA Mr Krinesh Jang, Chairman, State Employment Generation and Resource Mobilization Board Mr Harshvardhan Chauhan, Chairman, State Social Welfare Board Mrs. Satya Parmar, former MLA Mr Kush Parmar, District Congress President Mr Ajay Solanki were also present on the occasion.

KANGRA:

The district level function was organized at Police Ground Dharamshala which was presided over by Health Minister Mr Kaul Singh Thakur.
Mr Kaul Singh Thakur in his address remembered the invaluable contributions of the freedom fighters and soldiers who gave supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the country. He also remembered the services of the architects of the Constitution of India.
The Minister said the State Government was strengthening the health services and three new medical colleges would be opened in the State at the earliest. He said 110 new health institutes have been opened during last three years besides filling up 600 posts of the doctors. The Cancer unit at IGMC Shimla was being strengthened by spending Rs. 90 crore and a new building was under construction at KNH Shimla. He added Rs. 150 crore had been spent to develop Tanda Medical College into super speciality hospital and another mother child care hospital was being established at Mandi. He said 22 new Sub Tehsils had been opened in the State during last three years besides eight new Sub Divisions.
He said the State Government was committed for the welfare of the freedom fighters and their dependents and the honorarium of the freedom fighters had been enhanced.
Mr Kaul Singh Thakur distributed the equipments to specially abled persons  on behalf of the district red cross society and also distributed prizes to the contingents who were adjudged as the best during the march past and to the officers and officials who performed outstandingly in PRIs elections. He also honoured the officials of the Police Department and the employees who gave their best services under 108 emergency services.
Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Neeraj Bharti and Mr Jagjivan Pal, MLA Mr Ajay Mahajan, Prime Minister of Tibetan Government-in-exile Dr. Lobsang Sangey, Health Minister Saring Vangchuk and other prominent persons were present  on the occasion.

SOLAN:

Food and Civil Supplies and Transport Minister Mr G.S. Bali presided over the district level function organized at historic Thodo Ground. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past by contingents of Police, Home Guard, NCC and various schools. Sub Inspector Mr Dalip commanded the parade.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Bali announced to install CCTV cameras in 17 more bus stands of the State. He said 300 new buses would be purchased to cater to the needs of rural areas. He said that a Mudrika bus service would soon be started between Solan and Nauni and within Solan town. He announced to start HRTC Taxi services in Solan town and the Regional Hospital Solan.

He said that State Government was providing three pulses, edible oil and salt to all ration card holders of the state and 13.90 lakh quintal food items were provided to ration card holders of district on subsidized rates. Three lakh nine thousand 678 people were being benefitted in the district under Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna, he added.

He honoured Panchayat Pradhans and other people for meritorious services.

Earlier, he paid glowing tributes to martyrs at Shaeed Samarak at Chambaghat.  

  General Secretary HPCC Mr Vinod Sultanpuri and other distinguished persons and people in large number were present on the occasion.

CHAMBA:

MPP and Power Minister Mr Sujan Singh Pathania presided over the district level Republic Day function at Chamba. In his address, he said subsidy of Rs. 996 crore was being given to domestic consumers of the state to provide them electricity at cheaper rates. He said domestic  and non-domestic consumers were also being provided LED bulbs at the cheaper rates and this scheme would go a long way in conservation of the energy.
He gave away prizes to best contingents and cadets, police personnel and 108 ambulance staff for rendering best performance.
 MLA Mr B.K. Chauhan, Ex-MLA Surender Bhardwaj were also present on the occasion.

BILASPUR:

The district-level Republic Day function at Bilaspur was presided over by Forest Minister Mr Thakur Singh Bharmouri.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Bharmouri paid tributes to the brave soldiers of the soil who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country. He congratulated the Bilaspur district administration for launching a  scheme with a view to improve the child sex ratio which was a noble idea and would go a long way in improving the sex ratio.
The Minister said that a target of plantation on 381.1652 hectares area had been fixed during this financial year for the Bilaspur district. With a view to promote sports activities, a synthetic track was being developed in Luhnu Kehloor complex by spending Rs. 5.5 crore.
Mr Bharmouri honoured the members of the team which rescued two labourers who were trapped in Tihra tunnel of Bilaspur district.
Chairman, 20 Point Programme Implementation Committee Mr Ram Lal Thakur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Rajesh Dharmani, MLAs Mr Bamber Thakur, Mr Rikhi Ram Kaundal and Mr Randhir Sharma, former MLAs Mr Babu Ram Gautam, Mr Tilak Raj and Dr. Biru Ram Kishore were also present on the occasion.

HAMIRPUR:

Industries Minister Mr Mukesh Agnihotri  unfurled the National Flag at Hamirpur. He took the salute from marching contingents of the police, Home Guards and student troupes. The minister paid tributes to freedom fighters and nation builders.
He said under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh, the State Government had ensured socio-economic upliftment of the people of the State. A Skill Development Scheme had been launched to benefit the eligible youth and so far 1,07,887 youth had  taken benefit of this scheme. Efforts are on to give boost to the industrial sector and the State Government had reduced the stamp duty and fee on transfer of land use by 50 percent so that more entrepreneurs could be attracted.
Mr Agnihotri said it was during the regime of Congress Government that three industrial areas had been set up in Hamirpur district and one more industrial area was being developed at Khay Lokhariyan. A medical college was also being established in the district and various health institutions had been upgraded to benefit the people of the district.
The Minister also distributed prizes to the students  who presented a colourful cultural programme on the occasion.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr I.D. Lakhanpal, Vice Chairman KCC Bank Mr Kuldeep Pathania, President APMC Mr Prem Kaushal, former MLA Mr Manjeet Singh Dogra, District Congress President Mr Naresh Thakur and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

UNA:

Excise and Taxation Minister Mr Prakash Chaudhary unfurled the National flag at Una and took salute of the march past.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the State Government had provided relief to each section of the society through its welfare oriented policies and programmes. He said various developmental projects had been implemented in Una district during last three years including channelization of Swan river, construction of IIIT and developing of a new industrial area etc. He said the first Indian Oil Depot of the State had been approved in Una district at  a cost of Rs. 500 crore and Central School had been opened at Saloh. He said out of total 731 villages, 639 had been provided road connectivity in the district while all 234 panchayats had been declared as open defecation free panchayats.
The Minister honoured persons for their outstanding performances in their respective fields. He also honoured the cultural troupes who performed on the occasion.
District Congress President Mr Virender Dharmani, former MLA Mr Ramnath Sharma and other prominent persons of the district were present on the occasion.

KINNAUR:

The Republic Day was celebrated with fervour at district headquarter Reckong Peo where a  large number of people participated in the celebrations in their traditional costumes. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil unfurled the National flag and took salute of the march past presented by the contingents of ITBP, State Police and Home Guards.
The Minister said the State Government had enhanced social security pension from Rs. 450 to Rs.600 per month and people aged above 80 years were getting Rs.1100 per month. Referring to Kinnaur district, he said Rs. 6.51 crore had been spent on providing social security pension to 4364 persons in the district. He said under housing subsidy the poor persons were being provided financial assistance of Rs. 75000 for construction of new house and Rs. 25000 for the renovation purpose.
Dr. Shandil announced Rs. 10000 each to the students of DIET  and ITI, Reckong Peo for presenting cultural programme, Rs. 5000  each to Alma Computer Centre, Reckong Peo and ICDS Brelangi.

KULLU:

At Kullu, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Mr Anil Sharma unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the grand parade. State police in addition to the parade, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, SSB, female police, Home Guard, NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides took part in the parade.

Congratulating the people on the occasion he said  the last three years had been witnessed all-round development of  all areas of the state. He said  994 schools  had been opened and upgraded besides opening of 25 more degree colleges.
The Minister also awarded the meritorious students and other persons who excelled in various fields.
MLAs Mr Maheshwar Singh and Mr Ravi Thakur, former Minister Mr Satya Prakash Thakur and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

MANDI:

Ayurveda and Cooperation Minister Mr Karan Singh unfurled the National flag at Seri Manch. Speaking on the occasion he urged the women and the youth to come forward in contributing to the cooperative sector like handicrafts and handloom etc. He said the Government would provide every possible assistance to them for taking up self employment avenues.
He said 581 cooperative societies were functional in the Mandi district in which Rs. 273 crore had been invested and more than two lakh persons had taken their membership. He said the Ayurveda department was providing qualitative health services to the people of the State and efforts were being made to fill up the posts of various categories on priority.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Sohan Lal Thakur, District Congress President Mr Puran Chand and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

LAHAUL & SPITI:

The Republic Day function was celebrated at district headquarter Keylong with great enthusiasm amidst light snowfall. Deputy Commissioner Mr Hans Raj Chauhan unfurled the National flag and took salute of the march past.
He said Rs. 46 crore were being spent on various developmental works under Tribal Sub Plan in the district during this year. He said Rs. 8.12 crore were being spent in Lahaul Division for construction of roads, bridges and buildings.

46th Statehood Day celebrated at Jaisinghpur

The 46th Statehood Day of Himachal Pradesh was celebrated with great gaiety today. Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh presided over the Statehood Day function organized at Jaisinghpur in Kangra district.

He hoisted the National flag and took salute from the impressive march past by contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC Cadets and school children.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said 25 January was a historic day for the people of Himachal Pradesh as this hilly State got Statehood status on this day. He remembered first Chief Minister of the State Dr. Y.S. Parmar and former Prime Minister late Smt. Indira Gandhi who played a significant role in getting Statehood status for the State in 1971.

He said that the real credit of the unprecedented development goes to the hardworking people of the State and also to the leadership provided by successive Congress governments at the Centre and the State.

Mr Virbhadra Singh announced Sub-Divisional offices at Nagrota-Bagwan and Shahpur, HPSEB division at Jawalamukhi, DSP office and Fire Brigade unit at Jaisinghpur and up-gradation of Panchrukhi police post to fully fledged Police Station in Kangra district. He also announced government Degree College at Rakkar in Dehra sub-division and to take Sugh-Bhatoli and S.D Rajpur private colleges under the control of State government.

He announced up-gradation of Government Middle School Jhunga-Devi to Government High School and GHS Harsi to Government Senior Secondary School, construction of science block at Jaisinghpur College and starting of science classes at GSSS Sari. He also announced up-gradation of GHS Tangroti to GSSS at Dharamsala. He also announced construction of additional accommodation in PWD rest house Jaisinghpur and new Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Jagrupnagar besides a Veterinary Hospital at Harsi.

The Chief Minister said Dharamshala had been made second Municipal Corporation of the State to ensure planned development of this town. He said Chadiar, Haripur, Gangath, Panchrukhi, Alampur and Darini were made Sub-Tehsils and Dadasiba as Tehsil by the present government. Apart from this, a new sub-division had been approved for Jawalamukhi whereas Tehsil Welfare Offices had been opened at Shahpur, Nagrota-Bagwan and at Rakkar in Pragpur in Dehra sub-division.

Counting the development achieved in the Kangra district during last three years, he said a sum of Rs. 26 crore was being spent under Rajeev Gandhi Electrification programme and to give fillip to tourism in the district, approval had been given for Himani-Chamunda rope-way and the foundation stone of rope-way between Dharamsala to Macleodganj had been laid which would be completed within one and a half years. The work to replace the old transformers in Dharamsala and Yol Cantt was in progress and Rs 3.60 crore new electric Sub-station would be constructed at Damtal.

 The Chief Minister said 166 kilometres of new roads and 29 bridges were constructed in the district. He said 8842 hand-pumps were installed during this period and 62 new irrigation schemes were under construction. AS many as 66,450 persons in the district were being provided social security. He added the decision had also been taken to open Football academy at Dharamshala.

Mr Virbhadra Singh said last three years had witnessed speedy and all-round development of all areas of the State and government was implementing various policies and programmes to ensure welfare of every section of the society. He said with the blessings and affection of the people of the State, he was fortunate to serve the State as the Chief Minister for sixth time and his top priority was ensure a transparent, responsive and efficient administration for welfare of the people.

He said that government had adopted its election manifesto as a policy document and had gone beyond to fulfill the promises made in the manifesto. Around 1365.65 kilometers of new motor-able roads and 134 bridges were constructed during last three years and 255 villages had been provided road connectivity.

The Chief Minister said emphasis was being laid on providing houses to poor and needy. As many as 13652 houses had been constructed under Indira Awas Yojana by spending Rs. 8538.65 lakh and 2141 under Rajiv Awas Yojana at a cost of Rs. 2280.47 lakh. Besides, three Biswas of land was being provided to the landless in rural areas and two biswas in urban areas.

He said 994 new schools had been opened or upgraded and 25 new degree colleges have been opened in rural areas during last three years. More than 100 health institutions were opened or upgraded and 1775 posts of various categories had been created for three new medical colleges to be opened shortly in the State. The government was effectively implementing ''Rajiv Gandhi Anna Yojana'' to provide ration at subsidized rates to about 37 lakh people of the State. All ration card holders covering more than 77 lakh people of the State had been brought under PDS BPL families were being provided 35 kilograms ration as before.

The Chief Minister said social security pension had been enhanced from Rs 450 to Rs 600 per month and persons above 80 years of age were being given Rs 1,100 per month irrespective of their income. As many as 6,949 additional habitations had been covered under rural water supply scheme and Rs.

773 crore were spent on water supply schemes besides installing 4,887 hand pumps during this period. He said 10,586 hectare area had been provided irrigation facility by spending Rs. 400 crore. The work was in progress on channelization of Swan river in Una district and Chhonchh Khad in Kangra district while Rs. 191 crore River Pabbar channelization Project in Shimla district had also been approved.

Mr Virbhadra Singh said new state-of-art industrial areas were  being established at Kandrauri in Kangra district and Pandoga in Una district at an estimated cost of Rs 95.77 crore and Rs 88.05 crore respectively. Time bound clearances are being ensured within 45 days from the date of submission of common application form for setting new industries. He said that 1,07,887 youth had been benefitted under Skill Development Allowance Scheme so far being implemented for skill development of the unemployed youth.

The Chief Minister also distributed the prizes to the participants of the cultural troupes.

Forest Minister Mr Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Housing and Urban Development Minister Mr Sudhir Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Jagjivan Pal and Mr  Neeraj Bharti, MLAs Mr Sanjay Rattan, Mr Ajay Mahajan, Mr  Kishori Lal and Mr Yadvinder Goma, Vice-Chairman Freedom Fighter Welfare Board Pandit Sushil Rattan, Chairman State School Education Board Mr Balbir Tegta, chairman KCCB Mr Jagdish Saphehiya, Vice-Chairman State Forest Corporation Mr Kewal Singh Pathania, Ex-MLA Mr Milkhi Ram Goma, Chief Secretary Mr P. Mitra, DGP Mr Sanjay Kumar and senior civil and  police officers were present on the occasion.

Governor and Chief Minister felicitate on Statehood Day

Governor, Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh have felicitated the people of the State on the eve of 46th Statehood Day.

In his message Acharya Devvrat wished peace and prosperity to the people of the State.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh felicitated the people on the occasion and said that State had made rapid strides in various fields during last 45 years and had emerged a pioneer in the country. He expressed hope that the State would scale new heights in over all development and thus would contribute to the progress and prosperity of the nation.

He wished for the prosperity of the people and the State.

Governor and Chief Minister felicitate people on Christmas

Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh have felicitated the people of the State, especially the Christian brethren on the occasion of Christmas.      

Acharya Devvrat said that the Christmas was the reminder of the profound message of Lord Jesus Christ of spreading universal brotherhood. He said this festival inspire us on the path of mutual understanding and to live in harmony.

Virbhadra Singh has also extended greetings to the members of the Christian community on the occasion. He expressed hope that the holy occasion of Christmas would rekindle the spirit of love, joy and compassion besides promoting unity and brotherhood in the society.  He said that Lord Jesus preached tolerance, equality and love for every individual which needed to be followed in day-to-day life.

Independence Day Celebrations in H.P.

69th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety throughout Himachal Pradesh today. Functions were organised at State, District and Sub-Divisional levels to mark the occasion. Unfurling National Flag, impressive march-past by contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC, ITBP and cultural programmes were main attractions of the celebrations. People in large number in their traditional attire had started to assemble the venue of functions early morning to witness the celebration.

All major towns of H.P. to be provided Wi-Fi facility

CM announces six percent DA to Employees and pensioners

All the major towns of the State would be provided with smart Wi-Fi facility in this fiscal, said Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh while presiding over State level  Independence Day function  at Shimla today.

He also announced six percent dearness allowance to the State government employees and pensioners due from 1st January, 2015 thereby putting a burden of Rs. 400 crore to the State exchequer.

While extending his greetings to the people of the State on the occasion, Chief Minister said that the State had progressed rapidly on the path of development since its formation but still we have to tread miles to become the first State in the Country in terms of achieving more milestones in the field of development.

During the last two years and seven months, the Government had ensured welfare of every section of the society and overall equal development of all areas.

Mr Virbhadra Singh said that education had been given highest priority by the government, adding that education was a key to development and educated society leads to strengthening of Nation. To strengthen the educational infrastructure as many as 750 new educational institutions have been opened or upgraded. He said that 22 new colleges had been opened in the State and that too in far-flung and remote areas so as to enable the girl child to have access to higher and quality education at their door-steps.  Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) has been opened at Una with an estimated cost of Rs 122 crore. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is also being established in Sirmaur district. An engineering college has be set up at Jeori in Shimla District, he added. He said that laptops or netbooks were being provided to meritorious students of 10th and 12th standard under the Rajiv Gandhi Digital Yojna. Under the scheme, 10 thousand laptops would be provided during the current year, added he.

To make the youth of the State capable for self-employment Rs. 500 Skill Development Scheme was being implemented in the State. Under this scheme eligible candidates are being provided Rs. 1000 per month and physically handicapped are being provided with Rs. 1500 per month as skill development allowance.  This year Rs. 100 crore has been allocated for the scheme. This provides the jobless with an opportunity to polish their skills in different trades so that they become of earning their livelihood, said Mr Virbhadra Singh.

Roads are the main mode of transportation in our State. The Government is according highest priority on construction and maintenance of roads. During the two and half years, 1275 new roads and 120 bridges have been constructed. 232 villages have been linked with roads said the Chief Minister.

To provide electricity to every household has always been on priority agenda of our government. The State government was providing subsidized power to the people of the State and recently LED promotion scheme was launched to ensure energy conservation.  Under which three LED bulbs would be provided to domestic consumers at half the market price.  Rs. 10 per bulb would be recovered from the consumers through their monthly electricity bill.

Mr Virbhadra Singh said that his Government was giving special emphasis on rural development and strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions. Rs. 109 Crore would be released to the panchayats from State budget. Similarly, Rs. 195 Crore would be provided to the panchayats as per recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed for ensuring welfare of workers and employees. The State Government has enhanced daily wages of daily wagers from Rs. 150 to Rs. 180. The Government has introduced Contributed Pension Scheme for MNERGA workers, agriculture and horticulture labourers, shopkeepers and other workers working in unorganized sectors, Anganwari workers and Mid-Day-Meal workers.

Mr Virbhadra Singh said that all the contract employees who had completed five years of regular service on 31st March, 2015 and those daily wagers completing seven years of service on this date would be regularized. All the part time workers completing eight years of regular years on 31st March, 2015 would be made daily wagers.

Besides, the Government has increased the limit of annual income from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000 for availing benefits of various welfare schemes. Our government has taken various initiatives for the welfare of the girl child. The girl child up-till the age of 6 years, would be provided free medical assistance, he said.

Mr Virbhadra Singh  said that to ease traffic congestion in Shimla town multipurpose parkings were being constructed at Sanjauli, Chotta Shimla, Vikas Nagar and Lift.  Besides to facilitate the tourists Rs 10.50 crore Rope-way project was being constructed from Tuti Kandi Bus Stand to Rani Jhansi Park. The Chief Minister revealed that the Government of India had approved a sum of Rs.170 crore for those  areas which were left out to be connected with sewerage system in Shimla.

HONOURS

Sh Virbhadra Singh honoured Sh Kuldeep Singh father of Paras Rathour, a 12 year student of Saint Edwards School Shimla who died in an accident for deciding to donate the body organs of his son for transplantation to needy.
The Chief Minister honoured Rajinder Singh IAS for commendable services in census operation, 2011 while he was Deputy Commissioner, Hamirpur. Rajinder Singh was conferred upon with Silver medal by Government of India which was today presented to him by the Chief Minister. Presently he is Director, Industries.
  Nandita Gupta, IAS  was also honoured with silver medal for her commendable efforts in census operation 2011. At present she is Secretary, Science Environment and Technology.
  Ram Kumar Gautam, HAS was honoured with silver medal for his contribution in census operation in 2011. At present he is Executive Director, HRTC.
The Chief Minister also flagged off eight ambulances under National Ambulance Services especially to those areas which remains covered with snow during winters. The number of National Ambulance fleet has increased to 196.

Earlier, Mr Virbhadra Singh unfurled the Tricolour and took salute from an   impressive  march past  presented by the contingents of Police, Home-guards,  NCC cadets (boys and girls), Bharat Scouts and Guides, NSS volunteers.

The State level celebration was marked by a colourful cultural presentation presented by cultural troupes from various parts of the State. Apart from this aerobatics display by students of Bishop Cotton School and women Police.

ASP Kangra, Ms. Shalini Agnihotri, commanded the parade.

Present on the occasion were Chief Parliament Secretaries, Mr Nand Lal, Mr Mansa Ram and Mr Rohit Thakur, State Youth Congress President, Mr Vikramaditya Singh, Local MLA, Mr Suresh Bhardwaj, Deputy Mayor, Mr Tikendar Panwar, Chairman, Wakf Board, Mr Khwaja Khaillullah, Vice-Chairman, HIMUDA, Mr Yashwant Chazta, Chief Secretary, Mr P. Mitra, Additional Chief Secretaries, Mr V.C. Pharka, Mr P.C. Dhiman and Dr. Mrkant Baldi, DGP, Mr Sanjay Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, HPU, Mr ADN Vajpayee, Advocate General, Mr Shrawan Dogra,  Director, Information and Public Relations Dr. M.P. Sood, Deputy Commissioner, Mr Dinesh Malhotra, SP, Mr DW. Negi, other senior civil and police officers amongst others.

Kullu :

Mr B.B.L. Butail, Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha presided over district-level function at Kullu. He said that State Government was committed to provide transparent and accountable administration to the people. He said that State Government was implementing Public Services Guarantee Act to provide services in a time bound manner and all essential services of various departments had been brought under its ambit.

Mr Butail said that State Government had implemented various schemes for the welfare of common masses including Skill Development Allowance, MNREGA, housing schemes besides health and foodgrains schemes. He said that 22356 beneficiaries were getting social security pension in Kullu district and more than 2000 developmental works worth Rs. 11.30 crore had been completed under MNREGA in the district.

He also gave away prizes to various persons who excelled in their respective fields.

MLA Mr Karan Singh, Chairman, Wool Federation Mr Raghubir Singh Thakur, former Minister Mr Satya Prakash Thakur, Chairman, Zila Parishad Mr Hari Chand Sharma, prominent people and senior officers were present on the occasion.

Mandi :

Mr G.S. Bali, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister presided over the district level function at Mandi. He announced 25 percent concession in fare to the women travelers in HRTC buses which would be applicable from 17th August besides setting up special women squad for the protection of women. He also announced for posting ‘Mahila Mitra Avam Sahayak Parivahan Nirikshak’ in every bus stand. He said that special buses for women would be plied in various towns of the State and announced launching of ‘Mahila Chalak Kaushal Vikas Yojna’ under which interested woman could get free training in Driving Training Schools of Transport Corporation for two hours daily.

Mr Bali said that State Government was promoting technical education in the State and seven new Industrial Training Institutes at Dodra Kwar, Syari, Bharari, Nagrota Bagwan, Bhadresa and Kotli and Padhar were being opened.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Sohan Lal Thakur, Chairperson Nagar Parishad Smt. Sushila Sonkhala, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Nahan :

Speaking in district level Independence Day function at Nahan in Sirmaur district, Mr Sujan Singh Pathania, MPP and Power Minister said that a sum of Rs. 450 crores were being spent to boost the agriculture sector in the state during current financial year.

Mr Pathania said that State Government has launched Rs. 111 crore Dr. YS Parmar Kissan Swarojgar Yojna to make the rural youths self-reliant.  He said that under the scheme 85 percent subsidy were being provided to farmers for setting up Poly Houses and micro irrigation facilities. Besides, State Government had also launched Rs. 154 crore Rajiv Gandhi micro irrigation project, under this scheme farmers would be provided Rs. 113 crore subsidies on micro irrigation facilities, he added.

He said that in order to provide uninterrupted power supply to the people of the district, State Government had spent more than Rs. 61 crore for strengthening of electricity infrastructure. Besides, Rs. 17 crore spent under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyut Yojna in Sirmaur district.    

Earlier, Agriculture Minister paid floral tributes to martyrs at Saheed Smark.    

Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Vinay Kumar, MLAs Mr Kirnesh Jang and Dr. Rajiv Bindal,  Chairman Employment  Generation & Resource Moblization, Mr Harshvardhan Chauhan, Chairman Himfed Kanwar Ajay Bahadur Singh, President DCC Ajay Solanki were also present on the occasion.

Hamirpur :

Presiding over the function at Hamirpur, Forest Minister Mr Thakur Singh Bharmouri said that State Government was committed for the preservation of ecology and expansion of forest wealth through effective implementation of various afforestation programmes. He said that State has made major strides in development and emerged as an ideal hill State in the country.
He  said  the State Government has fixed the  target of bringing 8712.45 hectares of additional area under forests by spending Rs. 45 crores under various schemes during current financial year. Plantation had been carried out on 29745 hectare of land during past two  and half years.  
 Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr  I.D Lakhanpal, Vice Chairman Disaster Management Authority Mr Rajinder Rana, Vice Chairman KCCB Mr Kuldeep Pathania, Ex CPS Smt. Anita Verma, Ex MLA Mr Manjeet Singh Dogra,  prominent persons of the district and senior officers were present in function.

Dharamshala :

Mr Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries Minister presided over the independence day function at Dharamshala in Kangra district. He said that State Government was ensuring balanced and uniform development of the State and every section of the society. He said that three new industrial areas were being developed in the State which included Kandori in Kangra district, Dabhota in Solan and Pandoga in Una district which would go a long way providing employment opportunities to the youth of the State. He said that  Rs. 107 crore would be spent on developing Kandori  as industrial area.

He said that Dharamshala had been selected in the list of Smart Cities which would be helpful in providing standard facilities for the tourists as well as local people. He said that State Government had approved construction of Rs. 200 crore Aadi-Himani Chamunda ropeway and Rs. 130 crore Dharamshala-Macleodganj ropeway which would boost tourism activities in the district. He said that the State Government had also started Rajiv Gandhi Engineering College at Nagrota Bagwan and a  provision of Rs. 90 crore had been made for it.

He also honoured various persons for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

Prime Minister of Tibetan Government-in-exile Mr Lobsang Sangyal Rimponche, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Neeraj Bharati and Mr Jagjivan Pal,  MLA Mr Sanjay Rattan, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Minister paid floral tributes at Shaheed Smarak at Dharamshala.

Una :

Speaking on the district level Independence Day function at Una, Mr Sudhir Sharma, Urban Development Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had made tremendous progress after coming into existence and today it became the role model of development for other hilly States. He said that the credit for this goes to Congress Governments who ruled the State for most of the period.

Mr Sudhir Sharma said that channelization of Swan river had proved boon to the residents of the district and Rs. 922 crore was being spent on channelization of Swan river  and its 73 tributaries. He said that IIIT had been provided for Una district on which Rs.122 crore was being spent on creation of infrastructure and other facilities.

He also distributed prizes to the outstanding players and other persons who excelled in their respective fields.

Ex Deputy Speaker, Vidhan Sabha Mr Ram Dass Malangar, President, District Congress Mr Virender Dharmani, other prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Chamba :

Presiding over the district level function at Chamba, Excise and Taxation Minister Mr Prakash Chaudhary remembered the great sacrifices of those who fought for independence and lost their lives for independent Nation.

Underscoring the overall development in Himachal, Mr Chaudhary said during the regime of present Government, about 1300 km. new roads had been constructed thereby connecting 232 villages with road facility. As many as 120 bridges were also completed during the period, he added.

Talking about pace of development in Chamba district, the Minister said apart from completion of various development schemes, 5490 eligible applicants were benefited under Skilled Development Allowance programme.

MLA Mr BK Chauhan, District Congress Committee President Mr Surender Bhardwaj, former MLA Mr Gandharav Singh, Chairman District Marketing Committee  Mr Neeraj Nayyar, prominent persons and senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Bilaspur :

Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister presided over the function at Bilaspur. He said that people of the State were grateful and will ever remain indebted to those freedom fighters and soldiers who had shown us the light of freedom by sacrificing their own-self  for the sake of the Nation. He said that the State Government was committed for the welfare of ex-servicemen, freedom fighters and their families. He said that State Government had enhanced the honorarium of freedom fighters from Rs. 7500 to Rs. 10,000.

He said that State Government had increased the social security pension for old, widows and handicapped from Rs. 450 to Rs. 600 per month. Those above the age of 80 years would be provided monthly pension of Rs.1100, he added. He said that 25010 eligible beneficiaries were getting social security pension in the district on which Rs. 21.48 crore were being spent.  

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Rajesh Dharmani, Chairman, State Planning Development and 20 Point Programme Implementation Committee Mr Ram Lal Thakur, MLA Mr Bambar Thakur, Ex MLAs Mr Babu Ram Gautam, Mr Tilak Raj and Dr. Biru Ram Kishore, prominent persons and senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Solan:

Presiding over the district level function at Solan, Mr Anil Sharma, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister said that State Government was implementing various innovative schemes for betterment of rural areas in the State. He said that State Government would implement
Solid and Waste Management in 477 panchayats. He said that 10,000 houses were being constructed by spending Rs. 75 crore under Indira and Rajiv Awas Yojna during this financial year to provide housing facilities to houseless families.

He said that Rs. 109 crore were being spent for strengthening of panchayats besides Rs. 195 crore would be released to panchayats as recommended by 14th Finance Commission. He said that Solan district had emerged as a centre of vegetable production and 9430 hectare area had been brought under vegetable production.

Ex MLA Major Krishna Mohini, Chairperson Zila Parishad Ms. Sheela Kumari, President, Nagar Parishad Mr Kulrakesh Pant, General Secretary, State Congress Committee Mr Vinod Sultanpuri, President, District Congress Committee Mr Rahul Thakur, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Reckong Peo :

Mr Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha  presided over the district level function at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district. He said that tremendous progress had been witnessed during last two and half years in Kinnaur district. He said that 26 kms motor roads, five kms. jeepable roads and three bridges had been constructed by the present State Government in the district. He said that State Government had metalled Choling link road via Urni-Tapri by spending Rs. 5.47 crore.

Chairperson Zila Parishad Smt. Priyanka Negi, President District Congress Mr Umesh Negi, President, Kinnaur Mahila Congress Ms. Saroj Negi, prominent persons and senior officers were present on the occasion.

Keylong

Acting Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul-Spiti Mr Surjeet Singh Rathore unfurled the National flag on the occasion of district level independence day function at Keylong.

MLA Mr Ravi Thakur, other prominent persons and senior officers were present on the occasion.

Independence Day Celebrations

CM inspecting the parade on occasion of Independence Day State Level celebrations at the Ridge in Shimla

CM taking the salute on occasion of Independence Day State Level celebrations at the Ridge in Shimla on 15 August 2015

CM flagging off 108 Ambulance service on the occasion of Independence Day State Level celebrations at the Ridge in Shimla on 15 August 2015

Holi celebrated with enthusiasm in Himachal

Holi was today celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in the Himachal and people were seen playing with colours.

People enjoyed the festival with men, women and children in groups were seen moving from one colony to another throwing colours on one another. Students of different institutions, schools and colleges also played the festival of colours.

Snow in Shimla, Manali surprises Holi revellers

Shimla, March 6 (IANS) The hills of picturesque tourist resorts of Manali, Shimla and Kufri on Friday were again wrapped up in a blanket of snow, surprising Holi revellers. While Shimla got mild overnight snow, upper areas like Kufri, Narkanda, Jubbal and Kotkhai received moderate snowfall, according to a Met official here. The minimum temperature in the state capital was 1.7 degrees Celsius.

Source: IANS

Himachal Guv, CM greet people on Holi

Shimla, Mar 5 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Governor Kalyan Singh and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the eve of Holi, the festival of colours.

Source: IANS

Chief Minister inaugurates International Shivratri Fair at Mandi

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today inaugurated week long International Shivratri fair at Mandi.

He led the Shivratri procession from the DC office after paying obeisance to the presiding deity of the area Raj Madhav Rao to Paddal ground. The procession consisted hundreds of local deities decorated in palanquins and accompanied by their traditional music instruments, band squads, devotees, contingents of Himachal Police, Home Guards etc.

Earlier, he laid foundation stone of the Rs 82.19 crore drinking water supply scheme for Mandi town and its sub-urbs. The town which was fast expanding now is facing acute shortage of drinking water facility and apart from this it was a long pending demand of the people of the area which is nearing fulfilment. The water will be lifted from Uhl rivulet, a tributary of river Beas, and was likely to solve the drinking water problem of the town till 2046 and benefit more than one lakh 78 thousand people. Not only this, the people will have round the clock supply, once the scheme commences.

He also performed the foundation stone of a bridge near the old victoria bridge in Mandi to be completed at a cost of Rs. 20 crore. Besides, he also inaugurated 33/11KV electric sub-station at Samkhetar completed at a cost of rupees three crore and also inaugurated Women Police Station at Bhiuli. This is the third women Police Station of its kind in the State, the first two being at Shimla and Dharamsala.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated Rs 2.14 crore Zila Parishad office and office of district panchayats officer at Bhuili. He also laid foundation stone of Dev Sadan at Kangni to cost Rs 16.50 crore. This would facilitate the ‘Devlus’ who come in large numbers during the Shivratri fair and will contain enough space to accommodate them  besides providing other facilities.

CM announces 10 percent increase in Nazarana of deities

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today announced increase in the Nazarana (honorarioum) of the deities participating in the International Mandi Shivratri fair by ten percent from this year.

He made this announcement while addressing a mammoth gathering assembled to witness the inaugural ceremony of the Shivratri festival at Paddal ground in Mandi town. He greeted the people of the state, especially people of district Mandi on this occsion. He also welcomed the deities who have assembled from all corners of the district in numbers to participate in the fair.

"I am happy to see people participating in large numbers in the festival and hope they will keep up their traditions and preserve the customs and culture", said the Chief Minister adding that only those societies prosper which keep their values and customs alive.

He announced a sum of Rs 1.30 crore for improvement and beautification of the Paddal ground and Rs 1.25 crore for construction of Traffic Rotary near ITI, Mandi. He also announced a sum of Rs. 25 lakh for construction of approach road to Sain Mohalla.

Virbhadra Singh said that a sum of Rs. 600 crore had been spent on the construction of ESIC hospital building at Ner Chowk and if the Union Ministry of Labour was not able to start the hospital then it should be handed over to the State Government which would make an effort to run it from its own finances.

The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of district administration for getting the fair live telecast all over the world. He also released the souvenir of the historic Shivratri festival brought out by the Shivratri Mela Committe.

He also inaugurated the exhibitions put up by various state departments, public sector sndertakings, Government of India, self-help groups and commercial organisations etc.

Later, he inaugurated the Saras Mela organized at Seri Manch in which attractive handicraft and handloom items had been displayed by traders from different States.

 Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kadam who is also Chairman of the Shivratri Mela Committee welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister and detailed about the itinerary of the fair. He informed that as many as 164 dieties were participating in the fair this time and the festival was being telecast live across the globe on social media.

A colourful cultural programme was presented by children of various schools on the occasion.

Republic Day Celebrated with enthusiasm in the State

The 66th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour throughout Himachal Pradesh. Functions were organized at State, District, and Sub-Divisional level to mark the occasion. Hoisting of Flags, impressive march-past, cultural programmes were main highlights of the functions organized in the State.

At Shimla

The State-level function was held at the historic Ridge where Smt. Urmila Singh, Governor unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march-past presented by the contingents of Army, ITBP, SSB, Police, Home Guards, Ex-servicemen, Scouts and NSS.

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh was also present on the occasion.

Captain Vivek Kumar Singh of Assam Regiment commanded the parade.

The tableaux exhibited by various Departments were main highlights of the function.  Cultural programmes were presented by various cultural troupes of the State.

Forest Minister Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha Shri Jagat Singh Negi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Shri Nand Lal, MLA Shri Balbir Verma, Mayor, Shimla Municipal Corporation Shri Sanjay Chauhan,  Deputy Mayor, Shri Tikender Panwar, State Youth Congress President Shri Vikramaditya Singh, Councillors of MC Shimla, Chief Secretary, Shri P. Mitra, Additional Chief  Secretaries Shri V.C. Pharka, Shri Tarun Shridhar and Shri P.C. Dhiman, Director General of Police, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries,  Deputy Commissioner, Shri  Dinesh Malhotra, Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations, leaders of various political parties, Freedom Fighters, prominent persons of the town, Senior Civil, Police and Military Officers were also present on the occasion among others.

At Chamba

Presiding over the function, Shri B.B.L. Butail, Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha said that the State Government was endeavouring to provide shelter to every person.  He said that housing grant under 'Rajiv Awas Yojana', ‘Indira Awas Yojana’ and other State housing schemes had been enhanced from Rs. 48,500 to Rs. 75,000 and 12,170 houses had been constructed under Indira Awas Yojana by spending Rs. 7649.72 lakh and 2766 houses have been sanctioned under Rajiv Awas Yojana during last two years.

He said that MNREGA was being effectively implemented in the State and as many as 9,85,988 families had been provided employment and 493.48 lakh man-days had been generated under MNREGA by spending  of Rs. 1013.04 crore  during last two years. He said that Rs. 146.40 crore had been spent under this scheme in Chamba district and employment had been provided to 1.37 lakhs families.

MLA Shri B.K. Chauhan, former MLA Shri Gandharv Singh, prominent persons and officers of district administration were present on the occasion.

At Nahan

Presiding over the District level function at Nahan, Irrigation and Public Health Minister Smt. Vidya Stokes said that  Rs. 460 crore had been spent on providing safe drinking water to 4600 habitations and a target of providing drinking water to 1181 habitations had been kept for the current financial year.  She said that 3254 hand pumps had been installed in water scarcity areas during the last two years.  She said that area of 8153 hectare had been provided irrigation facilities during this period by spending an amount of Rs. 269.21 crore.

Smt. Stokes said that revised project of Rs. 76 crore would be prepared and sent to Central Government for permanent solution of drinking water problem of Nahan town. She said that till date six water ATMs had been established in different towns of the State.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Shri Vinay Kumar, MLA Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Chairperson,   H.P. State Social Welfare Board Smt. Satya Parmar, former MLA Shri Kush Parmar, freedom fighter Shri Jagmohan Ramol, prominent persons and officers of district administration were present on the occasion.

At Solan

Shri Kaul Singh Thakur, Health Minister presided over the district level function at historic Thodo ground. He said that State Government was providing better and specialized health care facilities at the door-steps of the people. He said that over 50 Health Institutions had been opened or upgraded in the State during last two years. He said that Super specialty facilities were being provided in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla and Dr. Rajindra Prasad Medical College, Tanda. He said that 730 doctors had been appointed during the last two years, to provide better health services to the people.

Shri Thakur said that sanitation workers, rag pickers, auto rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers had been covered under Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana and 4.48 lakh Smart Cards had been issued to beneficiaries under the scheme.  He said that three Medical Colleges are being opened in the State in Hamirpur,

Chamba and Sirmaur districts and a provision of Rs 190 crore have been made for each Medical College. AIIMS has been sanctioned for the State, which would be opened in Bilaspur district. He said that 102 Janani Express Service had been launched in the State to provide free ambulance facility to mother and her new born child from hospital to home.

Chairman, Nagar Parishad Solan Shri Kul Rakesh Pant, former MLA Major Krishna Mohini, Director, BoD Tourism Development Corporation Shri Surender Sethi, prominent persons and officers of district administration were present on the occasion.

At Dharamshala

Presiding over the district level Republic Day function at Dharamshala, Transport and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Shri G.S. Bali said that 1350 new buses were being introduced to the fleet of HRTC for providing better, reliable and safe transport services to the people of the State. He said that State Government has launched Green Card Scheme under which 30 per cent rebate is being provided in bus fare. He said that free traveling facility was being provided to cancer, spinal injury, kidney and dialysis patients along with one attendant in HRTC buses for the purpose of medical treatment on referral slip within and outside the State.

Shri Bali said that 56,538 persons were being provided social security pension in Kangra district on which Rs. 39.55 crore were being spent during the current financial year. He announced Rs. five lakh each for maintenance of Shahid Smarak at Dharamshala for next three years.  He also announced new Volvo bus service from Mecloedganj and Jogindernagar to Delhi.

Prime Minister of Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Shri Lobsang Sangye,  MLA Shri Ajay Mahajan, Vice Chairman, State Forest Corporation Shri Kewal Singh Pathania, former MLA Shri Mulraj Padha, prominent persons and officers of district administration were present on the occasion.

At Mandi

Agriculture and MPP & Power Minister Shri Sujan Singh Pathania, presided over district level function at Mandi. Speaking on the occasion, he said the Government had launched Rs. 111.19 crore Dr Y.S Parmar Kisan Swarozgar Yojana to bring 8.35 lakh sq. meter area under protective cropping and 8.20 lakh sq.meter under micro-irrigation. He said that an area of 50,000 Sq.mtrs. has been brought under protected farming by constructing 250 poly-houses  as of now.  He said that under the Mukhyamantri Adarsh Krishi Gaon Yojana, agriculture development schemes were being prepared for two panchayats in each Vidhan Sabha segment and an amount of Rs. 7.37 crore has been spent under this scheme during the last two years.

Shri Pathania said that Rs. 300 crore  were being spent under Agriculture Diversification Encouragement Scheme in the State. He said that 124 kilometers new roads had been constructed in Mandi district by spending Rs. 71 crore. He said that 15 new bridges had been constructed in the district besides mettaling of 153 kms. road. He said that  Information Technology subject had been introduced in 213 senior secondary schools of the district.

Smt. Sushila Shonkhala, Chairperson, Nagar Parishad, Mandi, prominent persons and officers of district administration were also present on the occasion.

At Bilaspur

Presiding over District level function at Bilaspur, Industries Minister Shri Mukesh Agnihotri said that  the State Government was encouraging environment friendly, pollution free and employment generating industries in the State.  He said that new industrial areas were being developed in Una, Kangra and Solan districts. He said that 118 projects worth Rs 7582.95 crore had been sanctioned through Single Window Clearance and Monitoring Authority during the last two years which would provide employment to 11,000 people.

Shri Agnihotri said that 'Investment by Invitation' had been the motto of our Government to attract investment to the State. He said that 'Investors Meet'  was organized in three metropolitan cities of the country to invite entrepreneurs to invest in the State due to which investment worth Rs. 2500 crore had been attracted,  which would provide employment opportunities to 8000 youth. He said that only 2 percent power fee was being charged up to 5 years from those industries, which were providing employment to more than 300 Himachalis. He said that the State Government was framing new Mining Rules to ensure scientific mining and check illegal mining in the State.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Shri Rajesh Dharmani, Chairman, State Level Planning Development and 20 Point Programme Committee Shri Ram Lal Thakur, MLAs Shri Bamber Thakur, Shri Randhir Sharma and Shri Rikhi Ram Kaundal, former MLAs Shri Babu Ram Gautam, Shri Tilak Raj and Dr. Biru Ram Kishore, prominent persons and senior officers of district administration were also present on the occasion.

At Hamirpur

Urban Development Minister Shri Sudhir Sharma unfurled the National Flag and took salute of the impressive march past during the District level Republic Day Function organized at Hamirpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sharma said that three Medical Colleges were being opened in the State in Hamirpur, Chamba and Sirmaur districts and a provision of Rs 190 crore had been made for each Medical College.  He said that AIIMS had been sanctioned for the State, which would be opened in Bilaspur district. He said that Rs. 33 crore were being spent on providing adequate drinking water supply to Hamirpur town.

He said that Hamirpur district was known for its brave and gallant soldiers. He said that the seven Vir Chakras, one Kriti Chakras and 11 Shaurya Chakras had been won by brave soldiers hailing from the district.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Shri Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, MLA Shri Sanjay Rattan, former MLA Smt. Anita Verma, Vice Chairman, State Disaster Management Authority Shri Rajender Rana, Vice Chairman, KCCB Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chairman, APMC Shri Prem Kaushal, prominent persons and officers of district administration were present on the occasion.

At Reckong Peo

Excise and Taxation Minister Shri Prakash Chaudhary presided over the district level Republic Day function at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district.

Speaking on the occasion he said that an ambitious Rs. 500 crore Skill Development Allowance Scheme has been launched for skill upgradation of unemployed youth, so as to equip them with latest skills and technical know-how, as per demands of industries, thereby ensuring greater job opportunities to them.  He said that over 61000 youth have been benefited by this scheme during this period.

Shri Chaudhary said that the Government was giving added priority to construction and maintenance of roads and over 908 kilometers new roads and 98 bridges have been constructed and 187 villages have been connected with road facility during the last two years. He said that six new State Highways have been declared as National Highways, which has increased the total road length of the National Highways in the State to 1753 kilometers.

Chairperson Zila Parishad Smt. Priyanka Negi, prominent persons and officers of district administration were present on the occasion.

At Kullu

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil presided over the district level function organized at Dhalpur ground.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shandil said that 3,04,911 eligible persons were being provided  enhanced Social Security Pension of Rs. 550 per month. He said that assistance under Mukhya Mantri Kanya Dan Yojna had been enhanced from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 25,000, whereas, financial assistance under inter-caste marriage and for widow remarriage had been increased from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000. He said that Rs 1325 crore had been earmarked for welfare of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Minorities during the current financial year.

The Minister said that the State Government had enhanced the ‘Samman Rashi’ of freedom fighters from Rs. 7500 to Rs. 10,000 and for their widows and unmarried daughters from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 5000 per month.

MLAs Shri Maheshwar Singh and Shri Karan Singh, former Minister Shri Satya Prakash Thakur, Chairman, Zila Parishad Shri Hari Chand Sharma, prominent persons and officers of district administration were present on the occasion.

At Una

While presiding over the district level function at Una, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Anil Sharma said that work on Rs. 922.48 crore Swan River Channelization Project in Una district was going on in full swing.  He said that this ambitious project would ensure channelization of Swan river as well as its 73 rivulets and over  7163.49 hectare area would be made cultivable. He said that Rs. 180 crore was being spent on channelization of Chaunch Khud in Indora Tehsil of Kangra district.

Shri Sharma said that 717 new schools had been opened or upgraded and 16 new degree colleges had been opened in rural areas of the State during the last two years. He said that an IIIT was coming up in Una district at a cost of Rs. 122 crore. He said that all the 235 panchayats of district had been made open defecation free and 55 panchayats had been awarded ‘Nirmal Gram Panchayat Puruskar’ by President of India.

District Congress President Shri Virender Dharmani, prominent persons and officers of district administration were also present on the occasion.

At Keylong

 Deputy Commissioner Shri Hans Raj Chauhan unfurled the National Flag at District level function organized at Keylong. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the State Government was spending nine percent of its total budget under Tribal Sub Plan for development of tribal areas.

Shri Chauhan said that Rs. 46.58 crore were being spent on various developmental works in the district during current financial year.  He said that Rs. 24.66 crore were being spent in Lahaul Division under Tribal Sub Plan.

Prominent persons and officers of the district were present on the occasion among others.

Himachal celebrates 45th statehood day

 Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 45th statehood day with gaiety and enthusiasm. 

After hoisting the tricolour on the occasion of 45th Statehood Day in the premises of Senior Secondary School (Boys) at Bilaspur  today,  Chief Minister, Shri Virbhadra Singh had made various announcements which included up-gradation of many health and educational institutions, new roads, buildings  and bridges  for Bilaspur district and  gifted Sub-Tehsil for Kalol in Jhanduta assembly segment. He also announced to allot plots for all the left-out Bhakra dam oustees within four months.  He announced for construction of new bridge at Bagchal for which adequate funds would be made available, he said. For better connectivity of Bilaspur town it with the areas on the other side of the lake, the Chief Minister announced to construct a new bridge at Beri-Darola.The Chief Minister announced up-gradation of PHCs Kudera and Panjgain to Community Health centers, besides up-gradation of Primary school Patta, up-gradation of Middle School Sihra and Baharnauta to High Schools. He also announced starting of science classes in Senior Secondary School, Bandla in Bilaspur assembly segment.

 The Chief Minister announced up-gradation of Middle School Marotan, Gaah, Baala and Chaunta to high schools  in Jhanduta assembly segment. He also announced  up-gradation of Primary School Dholag to Middle School and High School Baloh to senior secondary school. The Chief Minister announced to up-grade High School Chat, Panoh, Salaun in Ghumarwin assembly segment to Government Senior Secondary Schools. He also announced up-gradation of Government Middle School Bhapral, Gahar, Chuwari, Dawala, Liun to High Schools in Ghumarwin assembly segment.

The Chief Minister announced up-gradation of Mehnthi School in Shri Naina Devi ji Constituency. He announced opening of new school at Baag Fagalwaat in GP Solda, announced up-gradation of Primary School Bhandokhar and Nayai Sarli to Middle Schools. He announced opening of office of Tehsil Welfare Officer at Swarghat and construction of Sub-Tehsil Building at Namhol.

  Besides, the Chief Minister also announced up-gradation of Primary Health Centre  Talai to Community Health Centre in Jhanduta. He also announced New PHC at Susnaal and Karyalag in Ghumarwin assembly segment.

 Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister said that the State had progressed tremendously in the past 44 years and had witnessed equal and balanced development of all areas, the credit of which goes to the honest and hardworking people of the Himachal Pradesh besides the successive Congress Governments which played pivotal role in development front. The State had achieved many milestones of development during the Congress regime. He said that the people of the State will ever remain indebted to first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru for formation and Smt. Indira Gandhi for granting Statehood Status for Himachal on 25^th Jan, 1971.Remembering the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, late Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, Shri Virbhadra Singh said that Dr. Parmar played a significant role in the formation of Himachal Pradesh and initiated   all possible measures for overall development of the State and make it self sufficient.

“ It is my pleasure that I am serving the people of the State for more than 19 years as Chief Minister in my political career  of five decade” said Shri Virbhadra Singh adding that it was due to the blessings and affection  of the people of the State that he was serving the State with renewed commitment.

Chief Minister said that the Government had adopted its election manifesto as a policy document and was committed to fulfill all the promises made to the people of the State well in time. We want to make Himachal a prosperous State in all fronts, said he.

 The Government with a motive to provide transparent and responsive administration has adopted ‘zero-tolerance’ towards corruption, he said.

Fulfilling the promises made in the election manifesto, an ambitious Rs 500 crore ‘Skill Development Allowance Scheme’ had been started in the State wherein an allowance of rupees one thousand for skill development was being provided to educated unemployed, besides a sum of rupees 1500 per month was being given to the physically disabled and a separate provision had been made to relax the educational qualifications for different trades under the scheme. So far more than 61 thousand youth have been benefited from the scheme, added he.

To ensure shelter to homeless, two biswas of land in urban areas and three biswas of land in rural areas was being provided to the eligible poor free of cost to construct their own house, said the Chief Minister, adding that as many as 13,270 such homes were constructed under both ‘Rajeev Gandhi and Indira Aawas Yojnas’ by spending 8942 lakh rupees. He said the financial assistance to construct houses under the housing schemes had been enhanced from Rs 48,500 to Rs 75,000.

To ensure food for all, the Government had launched an ambitious ‘Rajeev Gandhi Ann Yojna’ under which as many as 37 lakh people of the State were being provided ration at subsidized rates every month, said he. Besides, a sum of rupees 220 crore was being spent on providing essential edible items to the people of the State under the ‘Food Subsidy Scheme’. Apart from this the BPL families were being provided 35 kilograms of Ration as before. During the last two years Rs. 457 crore have been spent under the scheme.

Social welfare has been the top priority of the Government and the Social Security Pension of Widows, old aged and physically disabled has been enhanced from Rs 450 to Rs 550 per month, besides providing Social Security Pension of Rs 1000 to those above 80 years of age. As of now all 3.5 lakh eligible beneficiaries were being provided Social Security pension. A sum of Rs 366 crore was spent on social security pensions during the last two years.

Besides, 9800 needy were extended immediate financial assistance of Rs. 2361 lakh  from the Chief Minister Relief Fund during the last two years of the present Government.

To empower women of the State a ‘Women Welfare Board’ has been set up in the State and incentive under  ‘Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojna’ has also been enhanced from Rs 21000 to Rs 25000. The financial assistance for inter-caste marriage has been enhanced from 25,000 to Rs 50,000, said the Chief Minister, adding that Rs 217 lakh was distributed under the Inter-caste marriage Yojna. Under ‘Beti Hai Anmol Yojna Rs 998 lakh were spent to benefit 21,851 girl child, added he.

He said that the Government had introduced Market Intervention Scheme for facilitating the farmers and orchardists with sufficient amount for their produce. Besides, Standard Carton for marketing of apples in the State to check their swindling by the middle man. Besides this, an area of 27 lakh square meters have been brought under Anti-Hail net cover on which the Government was providing 80 percent subsidy. He said that a provision of Rs.55 crore has been made in this fiscal under Crop Diversification Yojna.

 The Government was focussing on to provide clean drinking water facility to the people of the State and for expansion of Irrigational facilities, said the Chief Minister adding that during the last two years 4600 habitations were provided clean drinking water by spending Rs 460 crore and as many as 3254 handpumps were installed in water scarcity areas. The Government so far  had spent a sum of Rs 270 crore for providing irrigational facility for 8200 hectare area

Besides, the focus of the Government was now to channelize the State rivers and nullahas. A sum of Rs 922 crore was being spent for channelizing the Swan River in Una along with its  73 tributaries which would reclaim more than 7200 hectare of land and make it cultivable. Apart from this a sum of Rs 180 crore was also being spent on channelization of Chaunch Khud in Kangra district.

The Chief Minster said that under MNREGA more than 9.86 lakh people were provided employment by spending Rs 1013 crore.

Added priority was being given to strengthen the Educational Infrastructure in the State and in this direction around 717 schools have been opened/upgraded besides opening of 16 degree colleges in the State so as to provide best educational facilities to the youth in far flung areas of the State and especially for the girl students at their very door steps. To facilitate girls in obtaining higher and better education nearer to their home the Government had opened many educational institutions in the far flung and remote areas of the State and was also ensuring the hostel facilities for the girl child in the colleges recently opened, said the Chief Minister. As many as 2352 posts were created for schools and colleges during the last two years. As many as 7457 posts were being filled by the education department and the process to fill 1755 posts was underway, said the Chief Minister.

We have formulated a policy for regularization of PARA and PTA teachers besides the honorarium of PTA teachers had been enhanced to Rs 10,375 from Rs 7500, that of TGT to Rs 10,425 from existing Rs 6950 and honorarium of C&V teachers has been enhanced from Rs 6750 to Rs 10,125. The honorarium of PAT teachers has also been enhanced to Rs. 8900, he added.

The Government was also giving added priority to the health sector, said the Chief Minister adding that during last two years of the present government’s regime more than 50 health institutions were either opened or upgraded and as many as 730 doctors were appointed who were posted in remote areas of the State. The State Government recently launched the Free Janani Express-102 scheme for bringing expectant mothers before and dropping them home after their delivery and 125 vehicles were introduced for the service. The Chief Minister said that super-speciality facilities were being created in DRPGMC at Tanda and in IGMC, Shimla.

Three new medical colleges at Sirmaur, Hamirpur and Chamba  had been announced by the Government and the work on them would begin soon in near future. A provision of Rs 190 crore each had been made for these medical colleges. Besides this  AIIMS is announced to  be opened in Bilaspur  and Indian Institute of Management in Sirmaur, added the Chief Minister. Rs 122 crore IIIT was being set up in Una district he said.

He said the Government was committed for construction of the roads and developing existing road infrastructure. During the last two years, 910 kilometers new roads and 98 bridges had been constructed in the State. The State Government had succeeded in getting sanctioned six new National Highways, added he. Apart from this, 1300 new buses have been added to the existing fleet of HRTC.

The Government was according approval for setting up new industrial units in the State within 90 days through single window system. During the last two years of the present government regime 118 new industrial proposal were cleared which would provide employment to more than 11 thousand youth, said the Chief Minister. The Government have approved investment proposal worth rupees 2500 crore through the investors meet held recently in metropolitan cities which would provide employment to 8000 youth in times to come. Kangra, Una and Solan were being developed as the potential industrial hubs, said he.

The Chief Minister said that employees were the backbone of any Government and during last two years financial benefits  worth Rs 2035 crore were given to the employees. Besides this the contractual and daily waged employees were being regularized.

He said that the State Government has decided to reopen the administrative tribunal with its headquarter in Shimla and Circuit Bench in Dharamsala in district Kangra.

The Chief Minister said that a provision of Rs. 388 crore had been made for providing cheap power to consumers.

The Government has also included ‘Safai Karamcharis, Auto-Rickshaw and Taxi drivers under the ambit of  ‘Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna’ thereby benefitting more than 4.48 lakh such families, said he.

He said that our Government had all respect and honour for the martyrs and their families and was committed for the welfare of the serving and ex-servicemen of the State. The Chief Minister said that the ‘Samman Rashi’ of the freedom fighters had been enhanced from Rs 7,500 to Rs 10000, besides enhancing the same for the wives and daughters of freedom fighters from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5000. He said that the Government had enhanced the annuity of gallantry awards winners from rupees three thousand to rupees five thousand.

 Referring to the problems of the Govindsagar Dam and Pong Dam oustees, the Chief Minister said that necessary steps had been taken for the rehabilitation but still more to be done. He said that the dam oustees, wherever settled at present, the same land may be registered in their names. He said that the Government was committed to rehabilitate the Bhakra Oustees and so far 1441 plots had been distributed to them till date.

Referring to the development of Bilaspur district, the Chief Minister said that five new roads and two bridges were opened under NABARD in Bilaspur besides three other bridges. A sum of Rs. 154 crore has been spent on construction of roads and bridges in the district. He also listed development undertaken in  Bilaspur district during the last two years.

 The Chief Minister also presented cash awards of Rs 20 lakh each  to Shri Ajay Thakur from district Solan, Ms Pooja Thakur, from Bilaspur , Ms Kavita Thakur from Kullu for bringing laurels to the State by wining Gold Medals in Kabaddi in Asian Games held at Incheon in South Korea in 2014. He  also distributed cash prizes of Rs 10 lakh to Shri Vijay Kumar from Hamirpur for winning Silver medal in shooting in the Asian games in South Korea.

Besides, the Chief Minister also presented cash award of Rs 8000 to Ravi Thakur for winning silver medal  in Korfball at National level, besides a sum of rupees 4800 each to Kumari Kiran and Kumari Palak for gold medal  in Korfball. He also distributed cash award of Rs 4000 each to Kumari Shelja,  Diksha Kumari, Sangeeta Sharma and Priyanka Kumari  for winning Silver Medal in National Handball championship and Rs 4000 to Archana Devi for securing 2nd position in Handball Nationals. All from Bilaspur district.

A police dog show and mo-bike stunts were also performed on the occasion by girl bikers.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also took an impressive march past from the contingents of the Police, Home-guards, NCC cadets, Scouts and Guides and the   school children.

A colourful cultural function was also organized by the students of different schools, troupes from different districts and the department of Information and Public Relations.

Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Shri Jagjeevan Pal and Shri Rajesh Dharmani, Chairman Twenty Point Programme Implementation  Committee, Shri Ram Lal Thakur, MLAs Shri Ajay Mahajan, Shri Sanjay Rattan, Shri Bamber Thakur, Shri  Rikhi Ram Kaundal, Shri Randhir Sharma, former MLAs Dr. Biru Ram Kishore, Shri Tilak Raj, Dr. Babu Ram Gautam and Shri O.P Rattan, DCC President Ms. Santosh Dhiman,  Mahila Congress President, Mrs Anjana Walia, Chief Secretary, Shri P Mitra, DGP Shri Sanjay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretaries, Shri VC Pharka and Shri Tarun Shridhar, ADGP Shri S.R. Mardi, Deputy Commissioner Smt. Mansai Sahay Thakur, SP Bilaspur Sh.Ashok Kumar and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions were also present on the occasion amongst others.