Punjab and Haryana Should Support Himachal Like Elder Brothers: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Shimla, September 15

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday stated that Himachal Pradesh has had to fight for its rightful share on several issues. Addressing the Himachal Cooperative Bank Conference, he pointed out that despite the lease period of the Shanan Hydroelectric Project ending, Punjab has not returned control of the project to Himachal. Furthermore, payments pending from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), as directed by the Supreme Court, have been delayed due to obstructions from both Punjab and Haryana.

“Punjab and Haryana are like elder brothers to us and should extend generous support to their younger brother,” Sukhu said.

He was speaking at the concluding session of the two-day National Cooperative Conference in Shimla, where he inaugurated the Cyber Security Operations Center of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank. He also launched the cooperative anthem of the bank and released a commemorative souvenir.

The Chief Minister highlighted that despite challenging geographical conditions and small landholdings, cooperative societies in Himachal Pradesh have played a vital role in strengthening the rural economy. He recalled that the cooperative movement began in the state in 1904 and gained momentum after it attained full statehood in 1971. Currently, more than 5,000 cooperative societies are operational, including nearly 2,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies that provide essential financial services to farmers and rural families.

Responding to a request from Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Sukhu said the government would consider granting exemptions under Section 118 to enable cooperative societies to acquire land for commercial purposes. He also urged the state cooperative bank to implement a one-time settlement policy to help small farmers, horticulturists, laborers, and traders become debt-free.

The Chief Minister further stated that the government had dissolved the board of Kangra Central Cooperative Bank due to irregularities during the previous administration, reiterating that public resources would not be misused. He added that the Congress government is implementing significant reforms in education, health, and rural development.

Citing recent achievements, Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh’s education ranking had improved from 21st in 2025 to 5th, with efforts underway to reach the top position. He proudly noted that the state has retained its status as fully literate. On health reforms, he said, “With an allocation of ₹300 crore this year, modern equipment is being provided at major hospitals, and robotic surgery has already been introduced at two government health institutions to ensure better treatment.”

Despite suffering nearly ₹20,000 crore in damages from natural disasters over the past three years, Himachal Pradesh has maintained its development momentum. Referring to the safe rescue of 16,000 pilgrims stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district, he said, “Compassion and service are deeply rooted in Himachal’s culture, where local communities ensured that no stranded pilgrim was left without food or assistance.”

To boost the rural economy, the government is promoting women’s self-help groups under the ‘Him-Era’ brand. After a historic increase of ₹21 per liter in milk prices, milk procurement has surged, with Milkfed now collecting 2.5 lakh liters daily from farmers. The Chief Minister also said that organic farming is being encouraged with assured support prices, while women and youth groups are being engaged in forest conservation activities.

Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar congratulated Himachal Pradesh on achieving 100% literacy and highlighted central initiatives under the leadership of Amit Shah to strengthen the cooperative sector. He noted that the government has launched the “Sahkar Taxi Service,” which can benefit the tourism potential of Himachal. He also suggested linking state institutions with the newly established Tribhuvan Cooperative University and assured that the center would consider special fee concessions for hill states.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri recalled that the cooperative movement began in 1892 from Panjawar in Una district and has since made remarkable progress. He mentioned that cooperative banks in the state now hold deposits of nearly ₹60,000 crore and emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in cooperative societies.

Uttarakhand’s Cooperation Minister Dhan Singh Rawat stated that over 1 million farmers in Uttarakhand have benefited from agricultural loans through cooperative societies, with a target of extending support to 1.5 million farmers. He also stressed women’s empowerment.

Health Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil, Himachal Cooperative Bank Chairman Devendra Shyam, Jogindra Central Bank Chairman Mukesh Sharma, Himachal Pradesh State Agriculture & Rural Development Bank Chairman Sanjay Singh Chauhan, HIMUDA Vice Chairman Yashwant Chhajta, NAFSCOB Chairman K. Ravindra Rao, Union Government Joint Secretary Raman Kumar, and representatives from cooperative bodies across the country also attended the event.