Himachal Statehood Day at Pragpur: CM Sukhu Unveils Welfare Measures, Vision Document and Financial Roadmap
Pragpur (Kangra),
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday led the 56th Statehood Day celebrations at Pragpur in Kangra district, marking the first time that this historic town hosted the state-level function. The Chief Minister unfurled the national flag, took the salute from an impressive parade, and used the occasion to announce a series of major welfare decisions, institutional reforms and a long-term development vision for the state.
The ceremonial parade was led by IPS officer Taruna as Parade Commander and featured contingents from IRBN Jangalberi, IRBN Sakoh, IRBN Pandoh, Police District Nurpur, Home Guards (men and women battalions), SDRF Pandoh, Dharamshala Traffic Police, Van Mitras, NCC Government College Dhalyara, Scouts and Guides, among others.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended Statehood Day greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh and recalled the historic role played by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the state’s first Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Parmar in securing full statehood for Himachal Pradesh.
Key announcements and decisions made by the Chief Minister included:
• Pension relief for senior citizens
Despite the state’s strained financial position, the Chief Minister announced that all pending arrears of pensioners and family pensioners aged 70 years and above would be cleared in January itself. He said an amount of Rs. 90 crore would be spent to ensure complete payment to this category.
• Relief for retired Class-IV employees
Class-IV employees who retired between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021 will receive additional relief. The government will pay 50 percent of their pending gratuity arrears and 70 percent of leave encashment arrears in January, involving an expenditure of Rs. 96 crore.
• New administrative and health institutions
The Chief Minister announced the opening of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office at Pragpur and a Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Nalsuha in the Jaswan assembly constituency, aimed at strengthening local administration and healthcare delivery.
• Agriculture and Horticulture Commission
To protect the interests of farmers and orchardists, the Chief Minister announced the formation of an Agriculture and Horticulture Commission in the state. A Bill to constitute this commission will be introduced in the upcoming Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly.
Reflecting on governance and long-term planning, the Chief Minister said that the government is in the final stages of preparing a comprehensive document titled ‘Samriddh Himachal Vision’. He explained that the vision document is being drafted through extensive consultations with citizens, experts, institutions and the administration, keeping in view Himachal Pradesh’s fragile ecology, social traditions and aspirations of its people. The document aims to promote environmentally sustainable, disaster-resilient and inclusive development while preserving the state’s unique identity.
On the financial front, the Chief Minister highlighted the challenges faced by the present government. He stated that when the current administration assumed office, liabilities exceeding Rs. 10,000 crore related to salary and pension arrears were inherited. At present, outstanding arrears related to salaries, pensions and other dues stand at Rs. 8,555 crore.
He compared central financial support received by successive governments, noting that the previous BJP government received Revenue Deficit Grants of Rs. 46,862 crore, while the present government has received only Rs. 18,903 crore so far. Similarly, total central transfers during the BJP regime amounted to Rs. 1.16 lakh crore, whereas the current government has received Rs. 70,191 crore to date. GST compensation of Rs. 12,861 crore was provided during the previous government’s tenure but has since been discontinued.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that additional borrowing permitted during the COVID period under the 15th Finance Commission was withdrawn after the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, resulting in a loss of around Rs. 1,700 crore in borrowing space. Despite this, he said the government has worked to strengthen the state’s finances by increasing its own revenue and curbing non-essential expenditure. He noted that while the previous government generated Rs. 55,000 crore in own revenue over five years, the present government has achieved Rs. 49,500 crore in just three years.
Highlighting governance reforms, the Chief Minister said the government has launched a campaign for “Vyavastha Parivartan” and will not allow exploitation of state resources. He cited legal victories in cases related to the Wild Flower Hall hotel and the Karcham-Wangtoo hydropower project, and reaffirmed efforts to recover BBMB arrears and reclaim projects such as Baira Siul in Chamba and Shanan in Mandi from Punjab.
Emphasizing Himachal Pradesh’s ecological importance, he said the state provides air, water, electricity and environmental balance to northern India and possesses forest wealth worth several lakh crore rupees. He asserted that the government is committed to protecting this natural heritage rather than exploiting it to repay debts.
On welfare and rural development, the Chief Minister stated that seven out of ten guarantees made during the assembly elections have already been fulfilled. The Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Sammaan Nidhi Yojana, providing Rs. 1,500 per month to eligible women, is being implemented in phases and will cover the entire state within two years. He stressed that strengthening the rural economy and creating dignified self-employment opportunities near villages remain top priorities.
He also raised concerns over import duty on apples from New Zealand, anti-farmer policies of the Centre, substandard agricultural inputs, and recent changes to MGNREGA, which he said have weakened the scheme’s demand-driven character. In contrast, he highlighted that Himachal Pradesh has increased MGNREGA wages from Rs. 247 to Rs. 320 per day.
The Chief Minister said the state has relaxed BPL criteria and will provide pucca houses to 27,717 families who have remained under IRDP for two decades. He also recalled the devastating natural disasters of 2023 and 2025 and said that despite limited central assistance, the state government provided the highest compensation packages in the country, including Rs. 8 lakh for families whose homes were completely destroyed.
On governance and public service delivery, he said grievance redressal is a top priority, with special revenue courts disposing of over 5.1 lakh cases so far. Major reforms are also underway in health and education, including a Rs. 3,000 crore investment to replace outdated medical equipment and the introduction of robotic surgery. He noted that Himachal Pradesh now ranks fifth nationally in quality education and first in reading and learning levels.
During the event, the Chief Minister also released the web series ‘The White Truth’, produced by the Himachal Pradesh Gyan Vigyan Samiti, aimed at raising awareness among youth about the dangers of drug abuse. A vibrant cultural programme was presented, and parade contingents and cultural troupes were honoured.
Several ministers, legislators, senior officers, and prominent personalities were present on the occasion, underscoring the significance of the Statehood Day celebrations at Pragpur.
