Kangra: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led the 56th Statehood Day celebrations today at the heritage village of Pragpur, marking the first time this historic location has hosted the state-level function. After unfurling the National Flag and taking the salute from a parade led by IPS officer Taruna, the Chief Minister delivered a wide-ranging address that combined significant financial commitments with a strategic vision for the state’s future.
In a move aimed at providing immediate relief to the elderly, the Chief Minister announced that all outstanding arrears for pensioners and family pensioners aged 70 years and above would be paid in full during the month of January. This initiative will involve an expenditure of approximately 90 crore. Additionally, Class-IV employees who retired between 2016 and 2021 will receive 50 percent of their gratuity arrears and 70 percent of their leave encashment arrears this month, totaling a 96 crore payout. These announcements come despite the state grappling with a significant financial burden inherited from the previous administration.
Focusing on the backbone of the state’s economy, the Chief Minister announced the constitution of a dedicated Agriculture and Horticulture Commission. A bill to formalize this body, which aims to protect the rights of farmers and orchardists, is set to be introduced in the upcoming Budget Session. Local administration also received a boost with the announcement of a new SDM office for Pragpur and a Primary Health Center for Nalsuha. Furthermore, in a major shift for social welfare, the government has relaxed BPL selection criteria by removing the requirement of owning a “pucca” house, a move that paves the way for nearly 28,000 IRDP families to receive permanent housing.
The Chief Minister also used the occasion to contrast his administration’s financial management with that of the previous government. He noted that while central grants and GST compensations have decreased significantly, the state’s internal revenue has surged to 49,500 crore within just three years. He emphasized a commitment to “Vyavastha Parivartan,” or a change in the system, highlighting successful legal battles over assets like the Wild Flower Hall and ongoing efforts to recover power project arrears from neighboring states.
Addressing environmental concerns, the Chief Minister described Himachal Pradesh as the “lungs of Northern India,” asserting that while the state’s vast forest wealth could theoretically clear all debts, his government would never sacrifice environmental conservation for short-term financial gain. He expressed disappointment with the Union Government over the perceived dilution of the MGNREGA scheme and the high cost of agricultural inputs, while reaffirming the state’s proactive increase in MGNREGA wages to 320.
The event concluded with the release of ‘The White Truth,’ a web series designed to warn youth against drug abuse, followed by a vibrant cultural display. High-ranking officials, including Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma and Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, joined local leaders and citizens to mark the historic celebration in Pragpur.
