SHIMLA: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Armsdale Building Phase-III constructed at a cost of Rs. 43.07 crore here today that hopefully would come as a big relief to the visitors to the Secretariate.

The eight-storeyed building has modern amenities and has parking facilities for 123 four-wheelers and 60 two-wheelers.

It will house offices such as the Disaster Management Cell, Command and Control Centre, Tribal Development Office, Conference Hall, Meeting Hall, Rooms for officers and Drivers as well as Branches of State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank.

Chief Minister said that the old building of the Secretariat is a heritage building, where many historic decisions have been taken for the welfare of the society.

He said that the new building is a sign of the government’s commitment to keep pace with modern technology. He also emphasized the importance of employees’ contribution in implementing the policies and programmes of the State Government in an effective manner.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State was going through tough economic conditions, but expressed his confidence that Himachal Pradesh can become self-reliant in the coming four years, for which the State government was taking economically prudent decisions.

He said that the cooperation of the employees was also crucial in this regard.

The Chief Minister said that the present state government has also taken decisions to enhance its financial resources and many tough decisions will be taken in the coming times. Furthermore, changes were also being made at the administrative level.

He said that the role of the officers and employees of the Secretariat was vital in implementing the schemes of the government on the ground and everyone should work with full devotion and cooperate with the state government.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State Government was working with commitment to the welfare of the employees and despite the economic crunch, three percent dearness allowance has been released to the employees and pensioners of the state.

He said that the NPS money is with the Central Government and the employees would have to cooperate in getting it back to the State Government its share.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena welcomed the Chief Minister and said that after assuming the office of Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has given new momentum to the administration and has given new challenges to the work.

The new building of the Secretariat is a message to the entire State that the new government is functioning with a commitment to their welfare.

He assured that officers and employees will try to live up to the expectations of the Chief Minister.

Health & Family Welfare Minister, Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, PWD Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, Former Minister, Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Principal Secretary Revenue, Onkar Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Bharat Khera, President, H.P. Secretariat Services Employees Association Bhupinder Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion amongst others