CM Sukhu Celebrates Independence Day in Dehra, Opens His Heart for His 'Susural'
Dehra/Shimla: 78th Independence Day state-level function was held at Shaheed Bhuvnesh Dogra Ground in Dehra, Kangra.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, whose wife Kamlesh Thakur hails from Dehra and represents it as MLA, chose this special location to preside over the celebrations, making it a personal occasion as Dehra being his 'Susural'.
CM Sukhu, with a heart full of gratitude for the people who elected his wife, hoisted the national flag and inspected a grand parade led by police and other forces.
He didn’t miss the chance to express his affection for Dehra, making several key announcements for the region including four road projects.
These included the opening of offices for Superintending Engineer (HPSEBL), Superintending Engineer (Jal Shakti), and Block Medical Officer in Dehra, directly .
The CM also assured the resolution of ownership claims for Pong Dam oustees under the Forest Rights Act and revealed plans to convert 10 Gram Panchayats into green panchayats with solar power projects of up to 500KW capacity.
Under the 'Chief Minister Sukh Shiksha Yojana', Rs. 1,000 monthly assistance will be given to children from single-woman households, destitute women, widows, and disabled parents until they turn 18.
For those pursuing higher education, including IITs and IIMs, the government will cover educational costs until they are 27. If free hostels aren’t available, Rs. 3,000 per month will be provided for accommodation.
The CM promised to clear all pension arrears for those above 75 years within this financial year, addressing economic self-reliance while phasing out liabilities. To tackle pre-GST legacy cases, a new scheme will be introduced, potentially resolving 15,000 cases.
Despite financial strains, Sukhu highlighted that the Congress government’s policy changes had generated Rs. 2,200 crore in additional revenue in just one year.
He took the opportunity to honor the brave sons of Himachal, including Param Vir Chakra recipients and other decorated heroes.
He didn’t shy away from criticizing the previous BJP government, blaming it for the state’s current financial woes.
He also addressed recent natural disasters, emphasizing the government's commitment to rehabilitating affected families with immediate relief packages.
CM reiterated a hike in the minimum support price for cow milk from Rs. 32 to Rs. 45 per liter and buffalo milk from Rs. 47 to Rs. 55 per liter.
He also mentioned the introduction of universal cartons for apples and the clearing of Rs. 153 crore in liabilities to apple growers.
Honoring distinguished individuals and organizations, the CM presented the Civil Services Award, Prerna Srot Samman, and Himachal Gaurav Puraskar to various notable figures. A special award was given to Arunoday Sharma, fondly known as the KBC boy.
Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri presided over the function at The Ridge Shimla.
