CM Sukhvinder Sukhu Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stones for ₹96 Crore Development Projects in Kinnaur
Shimla, June 9:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for developmental projects worth ₹96 crore in the Kinnaur Assembly constituency today. These include the foundation stone of an auditorium at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Rekong Peo at a cost of ₹8 crore; the ₹29.88 crore Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex in Kalpa; and the inauguration of a ₹10.60 crore Youth Hostel in Kalpa.
Speaking at a public function held at the ice skating rink in Kalpa, the Chief Minister also handed over land ownership certificates to 25 beneficiaries under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. He noted that a total of 460 families across Himachal have been allotted land leases under this Act so far, with 25 of them from the Kalpa block.
Highlighting key initiatives of his government, CM Sukhu said that after 75 years, the strategically significant Shipki La pass is being opened for tourists. Now, visitors will be allowed entry with just an Aadhaar card and a token, which is expected to boost local tourism and economy in Kinnaur.
Reflecting on challenges, the Chief Minister said that while the state government restored the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for 1.36 lakh employees in its very first cabinet meeting, the Centre retaliated by halting a grant of ₹1,600 crore. He criticized the previous government for financial mismanagement, including allocating land to industrialists at throwaway prices and providing undue subsidies in the power sector.
He also shared that the state returned the ₹50 crore grant from the Centre for the Una Bulk Drug Park, choosing instead to develop it independently to safeguard state interests. Despite inheriting a ₹10,000 crore liability from the previous administration, his government saved ₹3,000 crore by eliminating corrupt practices.
Addressing recent natural disasters, CM Sukhu said the state incurred losses of over ₹10,000 crore but received no financial aid from the Centre. Nevertheless, the state disbursed a ₹4,500 crore relief package using its own resources. The government is now working towards making Himachal self-reliant by 2027.
He also responded to the opposition’s attempts to politicize the Vimal Negi case, assuring that justice will be served and any guilty parties will be held accountable.
The Chief Minister announced plans to create 25,000 new jobs in the current financial year. Under the “Sukh Ashray Yojana,” orphaned children have been given the status of “Children of the State” and their education is being fully sponsored. The government is also covering educational expenses for children of widows under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana. A new scheme for doorstep health checkups for senior citizens above 70 years will be introduced soon.
An allocation of ₹100 crore has been made to upgrade medical equipment in government medical colleges. The CM also announced the opening of CBSE-affiliated schools in four blocks of Kinnaur.
To promote sports, he declared ₹10 crore each for the new sports complex and indoor stadium and announced a reward of ₹10,000 each for the 11 members of the local “Khelo Cricket Tukpa Queen” team. He also joined local youth in a friendly cricket match after laying the foundation stone of the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex.
Earlier in the day, the CM announced ₹1 lakh in support of five Mahila Mandals for equipment purchases and released the annual magazine Narkusad of the DIET.
Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi thanked the Chief Minister for launching various development works in Kinnaur. He credited successive Congress governments at the Centre for granting tribal status and funding for the region’s development.
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