Dharamshala (Arvind Sharma) |
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended a Children’s Fair (Bal Mela) at Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra district on Sunday as the chief guest, where he announced several major development initiatives and highlighted the state government’s efforts to strengthen education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the state government is undertaking comprehensive reforms to improve the quality of education in government schools. He stated that nearly 24,000 students have shifted from private schools to the 150 government schools affiliated with the CBSE this year, reflecting growing public confidence in the government’s education system.
During the event, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for a Model Police Station and Police Housing Complex costing ₹8.56 crore, an Old-Age Home worth ₹9.62 crore, and an Auditorium to be built at a cost of ₹8.65 crore in Nagrota Bagwan.
Healthcare Infrastructure to Get Major Boost
Highlighting the government’s healthcare initiatives, Sukhu said efforts are underway to increase postgraduate (PG) seats in the state’s medical colleges by 330, including 100 additional PG seats at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. He said the move would significantly enhance the availability of specialist doctors and improve healthcare services across Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said the long-standing shortage of modern medical equipment in government hospitals is also being addressed. Advanced medical equipment is being installed at institutions such as Tanda Medical College to reduce patients’ dependence on private hospitals and medical treatment outside the state.
He further stated that Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to introduce robotic surgery in the government sector. In addition, 3-Tesla MRI machines are being installed in all government medical colleges, with facilities already operational at IGMC Shimla and AIIMS Chamiyana. Modern diagnostic equipment, including 1.5 Tesla MRI machines, PET Scan and CT Scan facilities, along with advanced cancer treatment systems, are also being installed in district and regional hospitals. Medical equipment that has been in use for 16 to 20 years is being replaced with modern technology, he added.
Government Committed to Welfare and Transparency
The Chief Minister said his government had fulfilled its promise of restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees. He also highlighted the government’s response during recent natural disasters, stating that despite financial constraints, affected families received generous relief from the state’s own resources without any disruption in relief operations.
Sukhu announced that the government would initiate an impartial inquiry into alleged corruption and issues related to government assets during the tenure of the previous government. He said a decision on constituting a White Paper Committee would be taken in the upcoming Cabinet meeting to place the facts before the public.
Focus on Kangra’s Development
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the balanced and rapid development of Kangra district, the Chief Minister said several important government offices, including those of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), and the State Backward Classes Commission, have been shifted to Dharamshala. He also said that various government institutions in Dharamshala are being strengthened and that the expansion of Kangra Airport remains a priority.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced the opening of a Mini Secretariat at Baroh, the upgradation of the Baroh Police Post into a full-fledged Police Station, and the elevation of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Serathana.
Paying tribute to the late G.S. Bali, Sukhu said his contribution to the development of Himachal Pradesh, particularly Nagrota Bagwan, would always be remembered.
