Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu Announced Rs 680 Crore Rajiv Gandhi Startup Scheme for Farmers in Budget 2024-25, Seeks Rs 22 K crore from Centre to Make Himachal Atam-Nirbhar

: Category: Latest; Published: 17 February 2024

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SHIMLA: Chief Minister Sukhivinder Singh Sukhu today presented the Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Vidhan Sabha, articulating an ambitious vision for making Himachal Pradesh Atam Nirbhar, seeking Rs 22 K Crore from the Centre.

Emphasizing the government's unwavering commitment to fostering self-reliance, Chief Minister Sukhu pledged to prioritize robust decision-making to steer the state through challenging times.

He underscored the significance of additional financial resources to bolster Himachal Pradesh's journey towards self-sufficiency.

Presenting the Postmaster Needs Assessment (PNA) report, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the Central Government's commitment of Rs 19000 crore to mitigate losses incurred due to recent disasters. He further outlined a comprehensive plan, including allocating Rs 8000 crore for projects under the Bhakra Beas Management Board.

Chief Minister Sukhu unveiled transformative initiatives, including the establishment of a Himachal Pradesh Transformation Cell and a Coordination Center for Sustainable Development Goals. These entities aim to accelerate development by leveraging best practices at local, national, and international levels.

In a bid to empower farmers, Chief Minister Sukhu introduced the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start Up Scheme, earmarking Rs 680 crore to promote natural farming and elevate agricultural incomes- an old wine in new bottle.

This initiative, expected to benefit 36,000 farmers initially, reflects the government's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

Highlighting the cultural and nutritional significance of millets, Chief Minister Sukhu announced plans to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

Additionally, the government will focus on enhancing vegetable production, aiming to cultivate an additional 40,000 hectares of land under the JICA Phase II project.

In a significant move to revamp agricultural markets, Chief Minister Sukhu unveiled plans for new mandis across various districts and digitalization measures for transparent operations. Moreover, initiatives like the Center of Excellence for Vegetable Nursery Production will provide farmers with quality inputs and technical assistance.

Chief Minister Sukhu's budget also includes historic measures to support dairy farmers, such as increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cow and buffalo milk and announced Rs 45 per kg and Rs 55 Kg for buffalo milk- a first in India to do so.

Sukhu highlighted the government's commitment to promoting holistic development, stating, "At least one period per day will be made mandatory for sports and meditation in all schools." He stressed the importance of physical education, stating that the appointment of physical education teachers would be prioritized in over 500 schools.

The Chief Minister underscored efforts to enhance the education sector, stating, "All eligible colleges of the state will submit their claim for new creation in 2024-25 under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and Star Project." He also mentioned proposals under consideration by the Government of India, including allocations for PM Usha and PM Shri schemes.

Sukhu announced initiatives to upgrade educational infrastructure, including the construction of new schools and the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Education for Persons with Disabilities.

Addressing social welfare, Sukhu introduced schemes such as Mukhyamantri Sukhiya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Suraksha Yojana, aimed at providing healthcare and financial assistance to farmers, widows, and vulnerable individuals.

Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to timely delivery of benefits, stating, "The District Development Committee will be empowered to sanction benefits if meetings are not held on time."

Chief Minister Sukhu's budget proposal reflects a comprehensive approach to address the needs of Himachal Pradesh's populace, aiming to foster inclusive growth and upliftment across the state.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu Announced Rs 680 Crore Rajiv Gandhi Startup Scheme for Farmers in Budget 2024-25, Seeks Rs 22 K crore from Centre to Make Himachal Atam-Nirbhar

In a bid to empower farmers, Chief Minister Sukhu introduced the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start Up Scheme, earmarking Rs 680 crore to promote natural farming and elevate agricultural incomes- an old wine in new bottle.

Highlighting the cultural and nutritional significance of millets, Chief Minister Sukhu announced plans to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

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