DHARAMSHALA: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled the bust of former Chief Justice of India, Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan at Khaniara in Dharamshala today.
It was a matter of pride that a son of this soil rose to a high position when even the State had not come into existence, stated the Chief Minister.
"Justice Mahajan was a true patriot and whenever we will see this bust, it will remind us of his contribution for the nation and I hope, we all will be inspired by his legacy."
Chief Minister said Justice Mahajan was appointed as Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and played a key role in the accession of Jammu and Kashmir into India in October 1947.
He was also an Indian National Congress nominee on the Radcliffe Commission that defined the boundaries of India and Pakistan.
The Chief Minister commended the social work started by Justice Mahajan and the legacy that Vivek Mahajan, the grandson of Justice Mahajan, has carried on through the CII-MCM, Multi-Skills Training Institute.
This institute is providing skills training to the youth of Dharamshala and nearby areas.
There were about 6000 orphan children in the State. "We took a decision that the government will provide festival grant of Rs. 500 to the residents of Child Care Institutions, Nari Seva Sadan, Shakti Sadan and Old Age homes so as to facilitate them to celebrate the festivals, like others", said Sukhu.
The State Government has decided to set up Chief Minister's 'Sukhashray Sahayata Kosh' with an outlay of Rs. 101 crore to provide help to the needy children and destitute women.
He said that the State Government will bear the expenditure on skill development education, higher education and vocational training of such children.
He said that he had contributed his one month salary towards this fund and other Congress MLAs have also agreed to contribute their one month salary.
Grandson of Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan, Vivek Mahajan also welcomed the Chief Minister and apprised him about various activities being executed by the Trust.