SHIMLA: In a heated face-off at the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh reiterated state's plan for an international airport in Dharamshala, aiming to promote Kangra as tourism hub of the state.
This has sent the BJP's Green Field airport proposal in Mandi, led by Jai Ram Thakur, into obscurity.
CM Sukhu's address to the Vidhan Sabha, streamed live on social media, critiqued the previous BJP administration's performance. The political battle extended to social media, with a debate over the proposed Mandi airport site, submerged during recent floods.
While Mandi and Kullu residents supported the Green Field airport, dissenting voices, led by leftist organizations, called for a relocation due to the fertile Balh valley.
Sukhu exposed the ADB-funded project's paper-only existence since 2018, criticizing the BJP for inattention. He disclosed that Rs 2300 Crore awaited approval from the Department of Economic Affairs.
Turning to the Kangra Tourism project, he vowed transparency and commitment, pledging to transform Kangra with Himachal Pradesh's first international airport in Dharamshala. "Land acquisition is underway," he declared, signaling the end of the Greenfield project.
Leader of the opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the former Chief Minister raised the issue Criticizing Chief Minister Thakur for Delayed Action on Pending Results and Unemployment Crisis.
He pointed out that Chief Minister Sukhu had previously assured that pending results would be declared within a month.
However, three months have passed since that promise, and the results are still pending. The delay in declaring results has left thousands of qualified candidates in limbo, causing frustration among the youth, he said.
Jai Ram Thakur expressed concern about the new commission established by the government and emphasized that merely changing the name of the state commission or appointing a new chairman would not solve the underlying issues.
They called for immediate action to address the plight of unemployed individuals who have been waiting for job appointments.
Jai Ram Thakur said over 3,500 candidates have been eagerly awaiting their future prospects. Many of these candidates have passed their exams but are stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of inquiries. This situation has pushed some to the brink of desperation, with threats of suicide becoming a grim reality, he charged.
In response to these concerns, Chief Minister Sukhu faced mounting pressure to take swift action to resolve the pending results issue and provide relief to the unemployed youth.
CM Sukhu addressed paper leaks at the Hamirpur service selection board, labeling it a hotbed of corruption under the previous BJP regime. He recounted candidates' grievances about paper leaks and pledged to modernize government recruitment for transparency.
He promised to provide 5 lakh jobs in the next five years.
The opposition also are raising concerns about the promised Rs 1500 honorarium for women, 300 units of free power, and guarantees for apple farmers and unemployed youth.
As the state reels under the pressing issue of unemployment, all eyes are on the Chief Minister to see if he will deliver on his promises and address the growing crisis.
