Shimla, 06.10.24-Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani today here stated that BJP National President and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda should stop lying and instead fulfill his duty as a Himachali. They said that Sh. Nadda should refrain from misleading the people of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, as there has not been a single allegation of corruption against the present Congress government during its twenty-month tenure. The people of the state are well aware of this truth.
The Ministers reminded Sh. Nadda that although he represents Gujarat in the Rajya Sabha, Himachal Pradesh is his homeland and as such, he should use his position to champion the state’s cause at the central level. They called upon him to be a staunch advocate for Himachal's rights and help secure what rightfully belongs to its people.
Dr. Shandil and Sh. Dharmani pointed out that last year, the Congress-led state government rehabilitated disaster-affected families with a special financial package of Rs. 4,500 crore from its own resources. However, financial claims amounting to Rs. 10,000 crore are still pending with the central government. They urged the Union Minister to play an active role in facilitating the release of these funds, along with Rs. 9,200 crore stuck with the central government under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and Rs. 4,500 crore in arrears from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
The Duo further criticized the Union Minister for presenting misleading figures to the people of Himachal Pradesh. The state has not received even a single penny or any other special assistance as disaster relief. They clarified that the funds provided by the Centre are part of the routine annual financial allotments to all states under the federal structure and are not exclusive to disaster relief. Himachal Pradesh would have received these funds even in the absence of any disaster. The state government, they asserted, is ready to furnish a detailed account of every rupee received from the central government whenever Sh. Nadda will ask for it.
Dr. Shandil and Sh. Dharmani further stated that the present Congress government has launched numerous schemes during its tenure to serve the underprivileged and marginalized communities. The present state government has become a voice for those who previously could not raise their concerns. Among these initiatives is the Chief Minister Sukh-Ashraya Yojana, aimed at supporting the education and care of orphaned children. Additionally, the state government is covering educational expenses for children of widows and single women, while also providing financial assistance of Rs.1.5 lakh for the construction of houses for these women and Rs. 3 lakh for sanitation workers for the same purpose.
The Duo said that Himachal Pradesh became the first state in India to introduce a minimum support price for milk to bolster the rural economy. The government is purchasing cow milk at Rs. 45 per liter and buffalo milk at Rs. 55 per liter. Additionally, natural farming produce such as wheat is being bought at Rs. 40 per kilogram and maize at Rs. 30 per kilogram. They proudly affirmed that the state government has initiated welfare schemes benefiting every segment of society.
The Ministers advised BJP leaders to be more responsible with their public statements, urging them to base their remarks on facts and exercise caution before making unfounded claims.