Shimla – The future of Thunag Horticulture and Forestry College has become uncertain after the state government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu withdrew Rs 10 crore allocated for its development. The move has evoked sharp reaction from the opposition. Former chief minister and leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur has accused the government of reneging on its promises and conspiring to close down the institution.
In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur hit out at the Sukhu government, saying it was systematically scrapping projects initiated by the previous BJP-led government. “This government has made it clear that it is not interested in development. Instead, it is focused on reversing our progress by closing down schools, hospitals and now colleges,” he said.
Thakur, who raised the issue in the August 30 session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, said Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Chief Minister Sukhu had assured the House that the college would continue to function and receive aid. However, the government’s recent action of withdrawing the allocated funds has caused widespread concern.
“They had promised in the assembly that the Thunag Horticulture and Forestry College would be strengthened and developed in every possible way. Now, less than a month later, they have withdrawn the funds earmarked for the construction of the college. This is nothing but a betrayal of the people,” Thakur said.
The college, which has completed three academic sessions, was considered a landmark initiative for the development of the horticulture sector in the region. Thakur described the government’s move as “shameful” and claimed that it was a deliberate attempt to undermine educational progress in rural areas.
“This is an anti-people move. The Sukhu government will be remembered in history for closing down important institutions instead of building them. Their focus is not on development, but on destruction,” he said.
The opposition leader claimed that the Sukhu government was facing a “crisis of credibility” and accused it of spreading false assurances. He said, “Everyone in this government, including the chief minister, is telling white lies. The people of Himachal Pradesh deserve better leadership and transparency.”
The decision to withdraw funds has raised questions over the future of the college and the government’s commitment to rural education and horticulture development. Thakur urged the public to hold the government accountable and demanded that the administration reconsider its stand to continue operating the college.
The College of Horticulture and Forestry at Thunag in Mandi was established on March 8, 2019 as the fourth constituent college of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. Initially established as Regional Horticulture and Forestry Development and Extension Centre at Panicha village on September 11, 2018, it was later renamed as College of Horticulture and Forestry, Thunag.
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