SHIMLA, 09.07.25-Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister today here launched a scathing attack on the opposition, accusing it of negligence in the vital sectors of education and healthcare during its tenure in government. Slamming the Centre for its diplomatic failure, Sh. Chauhan criticised Union Government for having done absolutely nothing at the grassroots level to protect the interests of apple growers. Despite repeated demands by the state government to impose 100 percent import duty on foreign apples, the Centre has instead slashed the existing tariff from 75 percent to a mere 50 percent. This is a blatant betrayal of Himachal’s orchardists and a direct assault on their livelihood.

Whereas under visionary leadership of Chief Minister the State Government is actively listening to and addressing the concerns of farmers and horticulturists. When a delegation of apple growers brought the alarming spread of a mysterious disease affecting apple belts to the Chief Minister’s attention, he acted without delay. Showing urgency and concern he held a discussion with Vice-Chancellor of Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan and directed the deployment of expert teams to the affected regions. He said that the Chief Minister has instructed the university to conduct a thorough scientific investigation and provide appropriate guidance to the orchardists regarding effective treatment measures. Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor has been directed to submit a detailed report to the Government within seven days so that immediate and appropriate action can be taken. He said that apple production forms the backbone of the economy of the state. At present, 5 to 6 expert teams from the Nauni University are actively engaged in field visits, gathering information from farmers regarding the disease.

He said that the previous BJP regime did little more than pay lip service to these critical areas and as a result, Himachal Pradesh slipped to the 21st position in the national education index a damning indictment of their incompetence and indifference. In stark contrast the present government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken decisive and bold steps to reform education and healthcare and the results are clearly visible, said Sh. Chauhan. Due to the efforts of present state government and its education-friendly policies, Himachal Pradesh now ranks fifth in the country for quality education, a feat the opposition could neither imagine nor achieve.

He further lambasted the opposition for their chronic apathy and said that the BJP lacked both vision and intent. They ran the government as if public services were optional luxuries. But the congress government on the other hand is working tirelessly to restore dignity and efficiency in governance.

He said that the establishment of robotic surgery facilities at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Speciality in Shimla, modelled after AIIMS Delhi, is the result of the efforts of the present State Government. Similar advanced surgical technology is being rolled out in Tanda, IGMC Shimla and Hamirpur Medical College in a phased manner. In a major step to address the shortage of trained technical staff, the government has also enhanced the number of seats for technician courses in the medical sector after a gap of 23 years. Seat capacity in B.Sc. medical laboratory technique, radiology and imaging, anaesthesia and OT technique has been increased significantly at IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC Tanda. This step would ensure more local youth receive quality training within the State. These efforts reflect the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and providing world-class medical care closer to homes.

Naresh Chauhan stated that while the opposition continues to make hue and cry, the present government is busy building a stronger, fairer and more self-reliant Himachal. He said that the people of this state are not fools. They have seen the contrast in governance hollow promises and neglect by the BJP versus meaningful action and measurable progress under the Congress-led government.

He advised the opposition to refrain from cheap political theatrics. He said that our government is answerable to the people not to a disgruntled opposition that failed the very citizens it now pretends to care for.