Shimla, 07 April: A delegation from Kullu district met with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Oak Over to express their gratitude for the appointment of Buddhi Singh Thakur as the Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Milkfed. During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s ongoing commitment to improving the rural economy, in which Milkfed plays a crucial role.
Strengthening Rural Economy and Supporting Farmers
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that nearly 90 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s population resides in rural areas, and the state government is tirelessly working to improve the livelihoods of these communities. As part of these efforts, the government has raised the purchase price of milk by Rs 21 per liter over the past two years. Additionally, the government has introduced the highest support prices for wheat and maize produced through natural farming, offering Rs 60 per kg for wheat and Rs 40 per kg for maize. Furthermore, turmeric will now be purchased at a support price of Rs 90 per kg.
Welfare Initiatives for Women and Education
The Chief Minister also outlined several welfare schemes aimed at empowering marginalized groups. Under the ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana’, the state is providing free higher education for children of widows up to the age of 27 years. Financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh is being offered to widows and single women for constructing homes. These initiatives, according to Sukhu, are crucial in ensuring the well-being of the rural population and women in particular.
A Symbol of Unity and Representation for Kullu
Sukhu further praised Buddhi Singh Thakur for his long-standing dedication to public service and noted their shared political journey, beginning with the NSUI. He acknowledged that the appointment of Thakur as Milkfed Chairman would provide Kullu district with much-needed representation at the state level. The Chief Minister also promised to visit the Ani Assembly constituency to further engage with the local community.
Commitment to Rural Development and Leadership During Crisis
MLA Sunder Singh Thakur applauded the Chief Minister’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the rural economy and lauded his leadership during the natural disasters of 2023. He assured that Kullu district stood firmly behind Sukhu’s leadership.
Buddhi Singh Thakur, in his response, thanked the Chief Minister for entrusting him with this important responsibility. With over 45 years of association with the Congress party, Thakur expressed that his appointment honored both the Ani Assembly constituency and the entire Kullu district. He assured the delegation that he would do everything possible to meet the government’s expectations and contribute to the district’s development.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, former MLA Kishori Lal, Himuda Vice Chairman Yashwant Singh Chhajta, and other dignitaries.
