
Himachal CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Discusses Budget Priorities with MLAs from Kangra, Kullu, and Kinnaur
- HIMACHALKANGRAKINNAURKULLUPOLITICS
- February 3, 2025
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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a crucial meeting with MLAs from Kangra, Kullu, and Kinnaur districts to discuss their priorities for the 2025-26 annual budget. During the meeting, he highlighted the state’s success in securing approval for 127 projects worth ₹903.21 crore from NABARD for 2024-25, which include 50 MLA-priority schemes under the Public Works Department valued at ₹412.75 crore and 23 schemes under Jal Shakti Vibhag amounting to ₹179.07 crore. Major initiatives include the establishment of a 1.5 LLPD capacity dairy processing plant in Kangra and 96 electric bus charging stations. The Chief Minister assured that efforts were being made to secure additional MLA-priority projects by March 2025. Additionally, the government has allocated ₹1087.77 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 2024-25, reflecting a 5.28% increase compared to the previous year.
Reaffirming his commitment to ‘Vyavastha Parivartan,’ the Chief Minister emphasized the state’s focus on education, healthcare, self-employment, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, horticulture, industry, and women and child development. He also announced an increase in daily wages for MNREGA workers from ₹240 to ₹300, benefiting thousands of workers. The state government is committed to strengthening the rural economy over the next three years and generating employment for local youth. Special efforts are being made to boost tourism, particularly in religious and tea tourism, with Himachal Pradesh studying the tea tourism model of West Bengal for possible implementation. Additionally, he reiterated the government’s strict stance against the drug mafia, assuring stricter measures in the near future.
Kangra District Priorities
Indora MLA Malender Rajan requested the establishment of an Adarsh health institute and expansion of healthcare facilities. He also urged the construction of an additional grain market and incentives for sugarcane farmers. Dehra MLA Kamlesh Thakur sought the appointment of staff in new government offices, the opening of new Patwar Circles, the enhancement of sports infrastructure in schools and colleges, and improved tourism facilities at historic temples. Jawalamukhi MLA Sanjay Rattan reported that 60% of the projects discussed in the previous meeting had been completed, with ongoing work on the remaining ones. He expressed gratitude for the fulfillment of 12 out of 14 promises made during the Chief Minister’s February 2024 visit. He urged the development of tourist facilities in Jawalamukhi and requested the establishment of a fire post in Khundiyan. Palampur MLA Ashish Butail thanked the Chief Minister for allocating ₹70 crore for Palampur’s beautification, ₹135 crore for sewerage schemes, and the construction of a heliport. He advocated for the promotion of tea tourism, repairs to Newgal Bridge, and the establishment of a Veterinary University in Palampur. Baijnath MLA Kishori Lal appreciated the selection of Baijnath for the Statehood Day function and called for a tourist information center at Bir-Billing, a world-renowned paragliding site. He also requested the launch of heli-taxi services from Baijnath to Bada Bhangal and Chhota Bhangal.
Kullu District Priorities
Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur urged the acceleration of the ice-skating rink construction and criticized NHAI for collecting toll tax on an unfinished road, calling for a halt until completion. He also sought the upgradation of the HPMC cold store in Patlikuhal to a CA store and the expedited construction of two ropeways. Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur emphasized the need for continuous air connectivity to Kullu and advocated for direct flights from Chandigarh to Bhuntar. He also requested additional staff for Kullu regional hospital and the Mother and Child hospital.
Kinnaur District Priorities
The MLAs from Kinnaur stressed the need for infrastructure development and enhanced disaster preparedness in the region. They requested investments in road connectivity, tourism, and agriculture to boost the district’s economy. The representatives also emphasized the need for better healthcare and educational facilities, ensuring overall development in the district.
The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, State Planning Board Deputy Chairman Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, administrative secretaries, concerned Deputy Commissioners, and Heads of various departments.
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