Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Launches Phase II of Citizen Connect Program
Inauguration of the Citizen Connect Program
S Gopal Puri
Shimla
Today, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu officially launched the second phase of the Citizen Connect Program at Peterhoff, Shimla, as part of the state’s prominent initiative, Clean City, Prosperous City. He highlighted the ongoing positive changes in Himachal Pradesh, with a focus on inclusive and sustainable urban development to tackle the challenges posed by rapid urbanization.
Key Initiatives Introduced
Key Launches
- Rajiv Gandhi Laghu Dukaandaar Sukh Kalyan Yojna
- 15 Municipal Shared Services Centres
- 9 Online Citizen Services
- Chief Minister Urban Digital Identity Scheme
- Awards scheme under Swachhata Survey
- Central Business Districts in Hamirpur & Shimla
- Hydraulic Parking Facilities from the Urban Development Department
Support for Small Traders and Self-Help Groups
The Chief Minister distributed settlement letters to small traders and awards to Self-Help Groups as part of the Amrit Mitra Scheme. Additionally, Urban Local Bodies were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions. Four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Urban Development Department and various industrial entities.
Digital and Citizen-Centric Services
Digital & Citizen-Centric Initiatives
- Him Seva Facility Portal recognized as a unique platform providing all citizen services in one location.
- Over 2.5 lakh citizens registered during the initial phase.
- 15 cluster-based citizen service centres are being established with an investment of ₹47.37 crore.
- Digital door plates will give each urban household a unique digital identity.
- Nine new online services have been introduced.
Major Urban Development Projects Announced
Major Urban Development Projects
- ₹400 crore shopping complex at Mandi
- ₹150 crore city beautification project in Hamirpur
- New shopping complex at the old bus stand in Hamirpur
- Projects worth ₹707 crore are set to commence soon, along with ₹500 crore facilities in Shimla
- Utility ducts will be implemented across municipal corporations, modeled after Shimla.
- Plans for a world-class ‘Him-Chandigarh’ city near Baddi are underway.
Support for Small Traders
Relief for Small Traders
- A one-time settlement scheme for outstanding loans up to ₹2 lakh.
- Shopkeepers with loans up to ₹1 lakh (declared NPAs) will receive settlements up to ₹1 lakh.
- Shopkeepers with loans between ₹1–2 lakh will also be eligible for assistance up to ₹1 lakh.
Employment and Sustainability Initiatives
Employment & Sustainability
- Chief Minister Urban Livelihood Guarantee Scheme: Provides 120 days of guaranteed employment for the urban poor.
- GIS technology is being utilized for urban planning, tax transparency, and property verification (mapping is currently in progress in 36 urban local bodies).
- Biogas plants (5–20 TPD) are being established to promote renewable energy, organic fertilizers, and circular economy practices.
- Urban local bodies ranking in the top 100 of National Cleanliness Rankings will receive rewards.
Leadership Insights
Leadership Remarks
- Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh: Emphasized the importance of efficient scheme execution and the use of modern technology for inclusive development.
- Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar: Discussed the significance of technology-driven service delivery.
- Director Neeraj Kumar: Welcomed the Chief Minister and provided updates on departmental initiatives.
Event Attendance
The event saw participation from Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, along with representatives from urban local bodies throughout the state.