Shimla, January 5:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched Phase-II of the Citizen Connect Program at Peterhoff, Shimla, under the state’s ‘Clean City, Prosperous City’ drive.
The Chief Minister said clean towns are key to better life, jobs and growth. He said Himachal’s cities are changing step by step, with focus on simple services, fair systems and use of technology.
Several schemes and projects were launched at the event. These include the Rajiv Gandhi Laghu Dukaandaar Sukh Kalyan Yojna, 15 shared service centres, nine new online services, Urban Digital Identity Scheme, Swachhata Survey awards, central business districts in Shimla and Hamirpur, and hydraulic parking projects.
Small shopkeepers received settlement letters, while Self-Help Groups were given awards under the Amrit Mitra Scheme. Urban bodies doing good work were also honoured. The Urban Development Department signed four MoUs with private companies.
CM Sukhu praised the Him Seva Portal, saying it gives many services on one platform and saves time for people. He said over 2.5 lakh citizens joined the program in its first phase.
On city works, the Chief Minister announced a Rs 400-crore shopping complex in Mandi, Rs 150-crore beautification works in Hamirpur, and a new shopping complex at the old bus stand in Hamirpur.
Projects worth Rs 707 crore will start soon, while Rs 500 crore more will be spent in Shimla. Utility ducts will be built in cities on the Shimla model.
Sukhu also spoke about plans for a new ‘Him-Chandigarh’ city near Baddi. He said the number of urban local bodies has increased from 60 to 75, making city management stronger.
For the urban poor, the Urban Livelihood Guarantee Scheme will give 120 days of work each year. GIS mapping is being done in 36 towns to improve planning, tax collection and property records.
Big relief was announced for small shopkeepers. Those with bad loans up to Rs 1 lakh will get a one-time settlement. Shopkeepers with loans between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh will also get help up to Rs 1 lakh.
The Chief Minister said biogas plants will be set up to turn waste into energy and manure. Towns doing well in national cleanliness rankings will be rewarded.
Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh said city works must be finished on time and with care. Senior officers said new technology is helping improve city services.
