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Bilaspur, December 11: On the occasion of the Congress government completing two years in office, the celebrations took an interesting turn in the home district of BJP National President, JP Nadda. The Congress Karyakartas (workers) marked the occasion with vibrant celebrations, complete with drum beats, creating a festive atmosphere in Bilaspur. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu used this milestone to launch a series of new initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s socio-economic framework.
In a bid to further the government’s vision of inclusive growth and development, CM Sukhu unveiled six new schemes that span education, agriculture, self-employment, and health sectors. The announcements were made at a grand public event, showcasing the Congress’s commitment to delivering on its promises to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
A New Era of Welfare: Six Progressive Schemes Unveiled
Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana: A Leap Toward Education for All
One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which is set to benefit over 5,000 students in the state. This education-focused scheme aims to provide quality education to children from economically disadvantaged families, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. By offering scholarships, financial aid, and other educational resources, the Congress government intends to bridge the gap in access to education and contribute to the future of Himachal Pradesh’s youth.
Him Prakritik Kheti Utpadan Yojana: Empowering Farmers with Natural Maize Cultivation Support
Another significant initiative introduced was the Him Prakritik Kheti Utpadan Yojana. Under this program, funds were transferred to the accounts of beneficiaries to support the cultivation of natural maize, providing direct financial assistance to farmers. The scheme aims to promote organic farming and increase the yield of natural maize crops, which are a key part of the region’s agricultural output. This initiative aligns with the government’s focus on promoting sustainable farming practices and bolstering the livelihoods of farmers in the state.
Him Bhog Maize Flour: A New Product for Local Consumption and Economic Growth
Alongside the maize cultivation support, the Chief Minister also launched Him Bhog Maize Flour, an initiative that aims to increase the local production and consumption of maize products. This move is expected to provide a new source of income for farmers involved in maize production, while also contributing to the state’s food security. By promoting locally produced maize flour, the government seeks to create a direct link between farmers and consumers, thereby boosting the state’s rural economy.
Him Kenchua Organic Fertilizer Scheme: A Green Revolution for Agriculture
The Him Kenchua Organic Fertilizer Scheme was another important project introduced by the Chief Minister. This scheme focuses on providing organic manure to farmers at a subsidized rate of ₹300 per quintal. By promoting the use of organic fertilizers, the government aims to reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers, thus contributing to healthier soil and sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative is expected to support farmers in enhancing the quality of their crops while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Self-Employment Scheme: Empowering Youth with E-Taxi Opportunities
In an effort to create new avenues for self-employment, CM Sukhu handed over the keys to e-taxis to the youth of Himachal Pradesh under the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Self-Employment Scheme. This program provides financial support to young entrepreneurs looking to enter the transport sector, offering them the opportunity to own and operate electric taxis. The initiative not only aims to create new jobs for young people but also promotes green energy alternatives in the transportation sector, aligning with the state’s sustainability goals.
AYUSH Mobile Vans: Bringing Healthcare to the Doorstep
Health care took a prominent place in the celebrations with the launch of five AYUSH Mobile Vans. These vans are designed to provide traditional health care services in remote and underserved areas, ensuring that every resident of Himachal Pradesh has access to alternative medicine options. By making AYUSH treatments more accessible, the government seeks to enhance public health and well-being, particularly in rural areas where medical infrastructure can be scarce.
HP Shiva Horticulture Development Project: A Major Boost for Agriculture
The Chief Minister also dedicated the HP Shiva Horticulture Development Project worth ₹1,300 crore to the public. This project aims to promote horticulture across 6,000 hectares of land spread across seven districts—Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una. The project is expected to benefit more than 15,000 families and promises to transform the horticultural landscape of the state. This initiative focuses on enhancing the cultivation of fruits and other horticultural products, providing both employment opportunities and economic growth for rural households.
Honoring the Past and Present: Paying Tribute to Freedom Fighters and Beneficiaries
During the function, Chief Minister Sukhu also took the opportunity to honor freedom fighters and various beneficiaries of the Sukh Ashray Yojana. These tributes were a nod to the sacrifices made by Himachal Pradesh’s freedom fighters and the ongoing support for the state’s marginalized communities. The Chief Minister distributed cheques to beneficiaries, recognizing their contribution to the state’s growth and honoring their struggles.
Additionally, the event saw heartfelt gratitude from beneficiaries who expressed their appreciation for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), a key promise made by the Congress government during the election campaign. The reinstatement of the OPS has been seen as a game-changer for state government employees, offering them financial security in their retirement years.
A Platform for Future Growth: Communicating Government Achievements to the People
The event held in Bilaspur was more than just a celebration of the Congress government’s achievements over the past two years—it was also a vital platform for communicating the party’s future goals and priorities. The Congress administration used this occasion to reinforce its commitment to welfare, sustainable development, and public service reforms. By launching several key initiatives and providing tangible benefits to the public, the government sought to solidify its position as the true representative of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
As the celebrations unfolded, it became clear that the Congress government’s focus on improving the lives of common people—through better healthcare, sustainable agriculture, youth employment, and infrastructure—remains central to its political narrative.
Congress’s Continued Commitment to Development and Welfare
The Congress government’s two-year anniversary in Himachal Pradesh, marked by a significant function in Bilaspur, showcased a series of promising initiatives that will have a far-reaching impact on the state’s development. From supporting farmers with organic fertilizers to offering e-taxis to young entrepreneurs and launching mobile healthcare services, the Congress party demonstrated its resolve to improve the lives of Himachalis across various sectors.
As the celebrations conclude, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Congress leadership continue to focus on delivering tangible outcomes to the people. With a series of welfare schemes now launched and more in the pipeline, the Congress government seems determined to leave its mark on the state’s history, ensuring that the progress of Himachal Pradesh continues on a positive trajectory for years to come.
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