Himachal Pradesh News
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Opens Manali Winter Carnival, Hints at Cabinet Reshuffle
Manali witnessed a vibrant blend of culture and politics on Tuesday as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the 14th national-level Winter Carnival, while also signalling key governance and development initiatives during his visit to the Manali Assembly constituency.
Manali witnessed a vibrant blend of culture and politics on Tuesday as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the 14th national-level Winter Carnival, while also signalling key governance and development initiatives during his visit to the Manali Assembly constituency.
Inaugurating the five-day festival, the Chief Minister hinted at an imminent reshuffle and expansion of the state Cabinet. He said the exercise would be undertaken after a performance review of ministers, stressing the government’s commitment to accountability, efficiency and responsive governance. Earlier, Sukhu paid obeisance at the historic Mata Hadimba temple and prayed for the prosperity and well-being of Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister raised concerns over the proposed 25 per cent reduction in import tariffs on apples from Norway. He said the matter had already been taken up with the Union Commerce Minister and announced that a delegation comprising state officials and horticulturists would soon meet the Centre to safeguard the interests of apple growers, who form the backbone of Himachal’s rural economy.
The Winter Carnival began with a colourful parade of tableaux flagged off from the Circuit House to Mall Road. As many as 298 Mahila Mandals and 18 cultural troupes from across the country participated, showcasing Himachali culture, traditional folk art, vanishing grain varieties and socially relevant themes. Tourists and locals lined Mall Road, capturing the spectacle on their mobile phones, turning the event into a lively celebration of heritage and community spirit.
At Manu Rangshala, Sukhu announced several welfare and infrastructure initiatives. He declared the extension of the Indira Gandhi Sukh Samman Nidhi scheme to Manali, under which eligible women would receive ₹1,500 per month from April 1. The Protsahan Rashi for Mahila Mandals was increased to ₹35,000. The Chief Minister also announced a ₹250-crore riverfront walkway project and assured that work on the strategically important Bhubu Jot tunnel would be expedited to strengthen regional connectivity.
