SHIMLA_13^th December, 2024 -Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed a sum of Rs. 97,69,500 to 2,171 eligible women of Kupvi area under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana during a function held at Kupvi Sub-Division in Shimla District today. He also dedicated developmental projects worth Rs. 81.83 crore to the people of the area.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated several key infrastructure projects to the people of the area to enhance connectivity in the region. He dedicated Rs. 2.32 crore, 40-meter-long bridge over Katli Khad, a bridge over Lohana Khad built with an outlay of Rs. 2.65 crore, a bridge completed with an outlay of Rs. 3.04 crore over Bhrot Khad on the Basadhar-Gyankot road. He also inaugurated a bridge on the Kuthar-Kanodi road was constructed at a cost of Rs. 85 lakh. The Bajrauli bridge on the Sainj-Deha Chopal road built at a cost of Rs. 7.72 crore, was also inaugurated.

He dedicated several road projects, including the metalling and tarring of the Sadnada-Khgna road at a cost of Rs. 8.67 crore, the Neri-Thundal road costing Rs. 6.08 crore, and the Bhadavag to Dasholi road completed at Rs. 3.48 crore. Other projects included the Majholi to Baag road, constructed at Rs. 2.72 crore, and the Haripurdhar to Majholi road, developed with an outlay of Rs. 7.68 crore. The Kothi to Kanah road, built at a cost of Rs. 8.38 crore, and the Kupvi to Dhotali road, completed at Rs. 10.02 crore, were also dedicated to the public. Additionally, he inaugurated the Sarahaan to Jorna road, costing Rs. 6.8 crore and the Kupvi to Mashot road, developed at Rs. 11.34 crore.

The Chief Minister distributed rupees four thousand each to six beneficiaries under the Sukh-Aashray Yojana, one lakh each to two other beneficiaries for the construction of the house. Financial benefits to 13 beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana and Rs. 21,000 each to six beneficiaries under the Beti Hai Anmol Yojana.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was working with the motto of Vyavastha Parivartan in the state. With the innovative efforts and strong will of the government, Himachal was continuously moving ahead towards achieving the goal of a self-reliant state. He said that the state government has implemented many schemes and programmes with the aim of strengthening the rural economy. For the first time in the history of the state the minimum support price (MSP) for milk purchase has been fixed.

The Chief Minister said that the rules under Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana would be modified to address the unique challenges of Kupvi keeping in view the remote and difficult terrain of the area. He said that under the revised scheme all women in this region, excluding working women would receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,500. He further stated that efforts would be undertaken to establish Kupvi as a separate ward within the Zila Parishad. Additionally, the Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) of the IPH and PWD departments in Kupvi would be granted the powers of an Executive Engineer to ensure more efficient administration. He said that the possibility of opening an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Kupvi would be explored. He assured that foundation stones for the previously announced projects in the area would be laid soon and adequate medical staff including qualified doctors would be deployed to improve healthcare services in the region.

He said that the government was continuously working to protect the resources of the state and to ensure social equality and empowerment. Along with this Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to give the highest support price on wheat and maize. This initiative of the government shows that the state government was making sensitive efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

The Chief Minister stated that the government was progressing steadily on the path of development. Marking the completion of two years of the state government on 11th December 2024, six new schemes were launched at a function held in Bilaspur. These include the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme, Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, Old Pension Scheme (OPS), Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project, Rajiv Gandhi E-Taxi Scheme, Green Energy initiatives, Rajiv Gandhi Adarsh Day-Boarding School and Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana.

He said that the state government was committed to delivering top-quality education and healthcare services. Efforts were being made to strengthen the education system in rural areas, while model health institutions have been established with specialist doctors to ensure quality healthcare is accessible in remote regions. He said that the State BJP leaders were disheartened by the achievements of the present state government and were resorting to conspiracies and diversionary tactics. However, the development-oriented policies of the state government were set to bring significant improvements to the lives of the people.

Health Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil said that the state government was committed to empowering the weaker sections of society through various schemes and programmes. He said that the efforts were being made to uplift women and financial support was provided under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojan. Furthermore, over 4,000 children have been adopted as 'Children of the State' through the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana which has now been expanded to include abandoned children. He assured that comprehensive solutions to health and social empowerment issues would be prioritized in the region.

State Congress General Secretary Rajneesh Kimta also spoke on the occasion. He said that during the monsoon calamity every possible support was provided to the residents of the Chopal Assembly constituency and timely compensation was provided to affected individuals.

The Chief Minister performed Puja at Shirgul Temple in Kupvi and announced a donation of one lakh rupees to the Jai Durga Mata Mahila Mandal and five lakh rupees to the Durga Mata Chyama Praangan Mahila Mandal. During this visit, he also listened to the public's concerns and instructed officials to address them promptly.

The Chief Minister also visited the exhibition set up by various self-help groups.

Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Anupam Kashyap welcomed the Chief Minister and honoured him.

All India Congress Committee Co-Secretary Surender Sharma, Panchayat Samiti Member Jai Lal Sharma, State Congress Committee Secretary Chander Mohan, Congress leader Hari Singh Pachnayak, Secretary of Social Justice and Empowerment Ashish Singhmar, Director of Social Justice and Empowerment Kiran Bhadana, Director of Child Development Mrs Gandharv Rathore, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi, senior officials, Panchayati Raj representatives and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.