SHIMLA-11th December, 2025

We will transform Himachal as prosperous state in next two years: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while addressing during the Jan Sankalp Sammelan organized at Paddal Ground in Mandi today, highlighted the challenges faced by the state government during last three years on the front of economic, political and natural calamities and how they resolutely confronted them.

The Chief Minister said that the previous BJP government left the burden of a debt of Rs. 75,000 crore to the state exchequer due to its extravagance and financial mismanagement. The present government was compelled to take loans merely to repay this liability. In addition, even the responsibility of paying employee's arrears amounting to Rs.10,000 crore was also left on the present government.

He said that the former BJP government sold 4,500 bighas of land for only Rs.1.12 crore in the name of a customized package without registry. Our Government is committed to safeguarding the state’s resources and interests of the people adding that the rights of the Himachal would not be allowed to be plundered. Significant decisions had been taken to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant and prosperous state, while firmly asserting our rightful claims before the centre and neighbouring States.

The Chief Minister said that in the Wildflower Hall case, the state government secured a legal victory, ensuring an annual income of Rs. 20 crore for the state. He said that due to the sincere efforts of the present government, royalty from the Karchham-Wangtoo project had increased from 12 to 18 per cent, which would bring an additional annual revenue of Rs. 150 crore. While the previous BJP government earned merely Rs. 450 crore in four years by renewing liquor vends, our government generated the same amount within just one year through the excise policy.

The Chief Minister said that the BJP was resorting to misleading and personal attacks. Even his use of an Alto car was made a subject of petty criticism. However, our government’s performance would ensure a return to power in 2027, with a “52-seater Volvo”. He said that true servants of public life fear no one and by 2027, Himachal Pradesh would become self-reliant state.

Sh. Sukhu said that public welfare was of paramount importance for the present Congress government in the state. Immediately after assuming office, the government implemented the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana under which through legislation, orphaned children had been adopted as “Children of the State”. This was not a political guarantee but an outcome of compassionate thinking. He also highlighted the government’s extensive efforts to support disaster-affected people during the recent natural calamity.

The Chief Minister said that the decision to restore OPS was not politically motivated but taken to ensure social security for employees and their family members. Reaffirming the Congress Party’s commitment to public service and national interest, he said the party had sacrificed two Prime Ministers for the unity and integrity of the nation.

He urged the people to support the government's efforts in becoming a self- reliant state within the next two years. He said that together we would transform the destiny and the image of Himachal Pradesh.

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Himachal’s progress and transformation resound during Jan Sankalp Rally

· Our tenure reflects historic journey of public trust, transparent governance, economic reforms and people-centric policies: CM

· Continuous public trust and support is my greatest strength: CM

· Trust in leadership, confidence in future: Rajani Patil

A grand Jan Sankalp Rally was organised on Thursday at Paddal ground in Mandi to mark the completion of three years of the present government of Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of people from all districts attended the rally, turning the event into a festive celebration. The rally showcased the strong commitment of the state government towards development, vyavastha Parivartan (systematic change), transparent governance, economic reforms, social welfare and public participation.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing the gathering, said that the past three years of his government had been dedicated to public welfare, transparency and vyavastha parivartan aimed at strengthening the economy of state besides empowering youth, supporting vulnerable sections and building a prosperous, green and self-reliant Himachal Pradesh. He said that every scheme of the state government was focused on public welfare and every decision was being taken keeping their progress and welfare as the top most priority.

He said that the economy of the state was in shambles when the present government took the office. The previous BJP government drained the finances and resources of the State while our government, since from the very first day, has worked with a resolve and commitment to bring reforms and lay the strong foundation for a self-reliant and prosperous Himachal.

He said that during this period, various historic and transformative decisions had been taken to bring a sea change in people's lives. Out of the 10 guarantees given during the elections, seven had been fulfilled offering a major relief to different sections of the society. The government fulfilled its promise of restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for 1.36 lakh employees in the very first cabinet meeting ensuring dignity and financial security for retiring employees and their family members. However, it was unfortunate that after this decision, the Centre had restricted our borrowing limit by Rs. 1,600 crore causing a loss of Rs. 4,800 crore in three years to the State.

The Chief Minister said that Rs. 680-crore Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme had been launched for youth and another guarantee had been fulfilled by introducing English medium from Class 1st in all government schools. To strengthen the rural economy, Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 51 per litre was being given on cow milk and Rs. 61 per litre on buffalo milk, making Himachal the first State in the country to provide highest support price on milk. With a view to enhance farmer's income, the government has started purchasing cow dung at Rs. 300 per quintal. Apart from this, the government has introduced Universal Carton for horticultural produce and Himachal has become the first State to frame a comprehensive horticulture policy.

Sh. Sukhu added that the government has provided 23,200 government jobs in three years, while the previous BJP government provided only 20,000 jobs in five years. The BJP left behind a debt of Rs. 76,185 crore and the present government was repaying its principal and interest. He added that 70 percent of the additional loan taken by the present government was being used to clear the old debt.

He said that during Himachal suffered a loss of around Rs. 12,000 crore during 2023 monsoon disaster but the centre had not provided sufficient special relief so far. The State Government provided a relief package of Rs. 4,500 crore from its own resources and increased the compensation manifold. This year too, the State suffered a similar loss of nearly Rs. 12,000 crore but again Himachal had received no support from the Centre. He asked the BJP leaders must come out with a public document supporting their claims of Rs. 5,000 crore centre aid provided by the Centre.

The Chief Minister said that under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashraya Yojna, 6,000 children had been adopted as "Children of the State" whereas under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna, free education facility was being provided to the children of widow, destitute and disabled parents.

He said that it was due to consistent efforts of the present government that Himachal Pradesh’s national ranking in education has improved 5th place which had slipped to 21st rank during BJP regime. We have decided to introduce CBSE curriculum in 100 selected government schools in the first phase and the work on 20 Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools across different constituencies had already been started, he added.

Highlighting the achievements in the health sector, the Chief Minister said that for the first time in the state, robotic surgery had been introduced at AIMSS Chamyana and Tanda Medical College. This marks a major milestone in strengthening healthcare services and ensuring that people receive advanced treatment closer to their homes. The Government was spending Rs. 3,000 crore on modernizing health institutions and improving medical education.

He said that over 4,63,000 long-pending cases had been resolved by organising Special Revenue Lok Adalats which had provided a big relief to the general public. To strengthen rural economy, the government was purchasing wheat, maize and raw turmeric grown through natural farming at Rs. 60, Rs. 40 and Rs. 90 per kilo, respectively. The government also plans to spend Rs. 3,000 crore on expanding tourism infrastructure in the state. Kangra district was being developed as the tourism capital of the state and an international-level zoo worth Rs. 619 crore is coming up at Bankhandi in Dehra.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state was progressing rapidly towards becoming a Green Energy State. Six green corridors had been established in the state and Rs. 100 crore Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna was under implementation. Apart from this, the government aims to meet about 90 percent of the future energy demand in industry, transport and e-vehicles through renewable sources.

The Chief Minister said the government has strongly safeguarded the rights of the state. Through improved financial management, revised excise policy and creation of new revenue sources, the state has earned over Rs. 3,000 crore additional revenue in three years.

The Chief Minister firmly said that those who sell "chitta" and destroy the future of children have no place in the Devbhoomi. The government want to build a Himachal where chitta exists only in history books, as a finished and forgotten evil".

He thanked the people for their unwavering trust, strong support and active participation, saying that the coming years would be marked by reform, progress and transparent governance. He appealed the people of the state to unite and resolve to build a better future for Himachal.

Himachal Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajani Patil praised the remarkable achievements of the state government during the last three years. She said that under Sh. Sukhu's leadership, the State has set new benchmarks of development. The government has not just made announcements but has delivered concrete results on the ground.

She said that despite various challenges, the Chief Minister has taken decisive steps to build a self-reliant and progressive Himachal. She added that the BJP tried to weaken democracy through unethical means, but the people of Himachal gave a strong and a befitting response.

Rajani Patil said that the Gandhi family shares a deep bond and affection with Himachal. She added that the Congress party is committed to strengthening the state not only economically but also socially. She expressed confidence that the Congress would definitely return to power.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the achievements of three years were historic as they reflect hard and honest work on the ground. He highlighted the government’s initiatives in education, health, transport, water supply, culture preservation, infrastructure, employment generation, social security, women empowerment, agriculture and horticulture. He said that the "Himachal Model" was being discussed at the national level and the State's achievements was being recognized across platforms.

He said that certain BJP leaders in the State were trying to bar the State’s rightful claims by misleading the centre. He added that the present state government was firmly fighting for the rights and needs of the people. Highlighting the achievements of HRTC, he said that its employees had been given all dues and those misleading and defaming the corporation would be held accountable.

State Congress President Vinay Kumar said these three years would be remembered as a golden chapter of transformative decisions. The Congress Party would launch a widespread awareness campaign to ensure that people in every household understand the benefits of government schemes. He said the aim was to ensure that every welfare initiative reaches the last person in society.

Ministers also addressed the rally and highlighted the achievements of the state government and their concerned departments.

MLA Chader Shekhar welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked for presiding over the function.

A documentary prepared by the Information & Public Relations Department showcasing three years of Government achievements and future plans was screened.

Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, OSDs, Congress Party Co-incharges Vidit Chaudhary and Chetan Chauhan, former Congress State President, Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of various Boards and Corporations, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Padma Shri Nek Ram Sharma, office-bearers of various organizations, former Ministers and MLAs, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, party workers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Rs. 14.17 crore rupees distributed to 3,835 workers

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released financial assistance of Rs. 14,17,18,354 under various welfare schemes of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board during the Jan Sankalp Sammelan held today in Mandi. A total of 3,835 workers have been benefitted with this support.

Under the CM Single Window and Divyang Housing Scheme, Rs. 19 lakh were released to 19 beneficiaries and a sum of Rs. 1.50 crore to 117 beneficiaries as death and funeral assistance.

For education assistance, Rs. 9.28 crore were given to 3,040 beneficiaries.
Under marriage assistance, Rs. 3.01 crore were released for 600 beneficiaries.
An amount of Rs. 1.73 lakh was provided to 10 beneficiaries as maternity and paternity benefits. Support of Rs. 1.80 lakh was extended to nine mentally challenged special children.

Under the Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojana, Rs. 10.42 lakh was given to 10 beneficiaries besides, Rs. 3.53 lakh to 30 other beneficiaries as medical assistance.

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