Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Unveils New Initiatives for Bhattiyat Constituency
New Developments Announced in Bhattiyat
Subhash Mahajan
Bhattiyat (Chamba), November 3: On Tuesday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the establishment of a new Civil Court in Chuwari within the Bhattiyat Assembly constituency. Additionally, he revealed plans for a CBSE-affiliated school in the region and allocated ₹10 crore for various road development initiatives.
Launch of Financial Assistance Scheme
During a large public gathering at Chuwari Chowgan in Chamba district, Sukhu introduced the upcoming launch of the “Mukhyamantri Ka Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana”, set to commence next month. This initiative aims to provide eligible women from low-income families with ₹1,500 monthly as financial support.
Moreover, beneficiaries will receive 300 units of free electricity and access to health insurance cards for free healthcare. Approximately 20,000 women from around 10,000 qualifying families in Bhattiyat are anticipated to benefit from this program.
Commitment to Rural Economic Growth
Sukhu emphasized that his administration is the first in Himachal Pradesh's history to have a clear strategy aimed at bolstering the rural economy. He noted that the government is offering Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of ₹150 per kilogram for raw turmeric, ₹80 for wheat, and ₹50 for maize. Additionally, the rates for cow and buffalo milk have been nearly doubled, with ₹61 per litre for cow's milk and ₹71 for buffalo milk.
Advancements in Healthcare and Education
The Chief Minister reported that significant reforms have been implemented to enhance healthcare services in rural areas. A budget of ₹190 crore has been designated for the effective operation of Chamba Medical College, which now offers 32 postgraduate seats.
Regarding education, he mentioned that the government has streamlined educational institutions and filled numerous vacant teaching positions. To promote quality education in rural settings, at least two to three CBSE-affiliated schools have been established in each assembly constituency, with over 2,700 teachers recruited based on merit.
Critique of Previous Administration
Sukhu took the opportunity to criticize the former BJP government, claiming it fell short in governance by establishing numerous health and educational institutions without adequate staffing. He also pointed out that the Centre had halted the state's revenue deficit grant and that promised financial aid following natural disasters had not yet been received.
Despite these financial hurdles, he asserted that the state government is striving to make Himachal Pradesh prosperous and self-sufficient through resource generation and anti-corruption efforts.
Balanced Development Emphasized
During the event, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania remarked that the current government has ensured equitable development across all assembly constituencies in Chamba district. He noted that Bhattiyat, once deemed backward, has seen substantial advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and drinking water facilities under the present administration.
Pathania also commended welfare programs like the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana and Mukhyamantri Green Panchayat Yojana, highlighting that financial aid for rebuilding homes completely destroyed in natural disasters has increased from ₹1.50 lakh to ₹8.50 lakh.
Tributes and Dignitaries Present
A moment of silence was observed to honor Nand Lal, Chairman of the Seventh State Finance Commission and MLA from Rampur, along with Youth Congress leader Chandramani Kulethi. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including MLA Neeraj Nayar, former minister Asha Kumari, former MLA Ajay Mahajan, and Zila Parishad Chairperson Rekha Thakur.