SHIMLA -15^th December, 2024-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing a public gathering in Baruna of the Nalagarh Assembly Constituency said that the upcoming budget would prioritize the rural economy, education and the health sector.

On the occasion, he announced the opening of a Superintending Engineer's office of the Electricity Board in Nalagarh, a fire station in Ramshahar and new Patwar Circles in Quarni and Sai Chadhog. He also announced to provide financial assistance of Rs. 2 crore for the Baruna Indoor Stadium and the construction of a bridge over Chikani Khad to improve connectivity. He said that the Government Senior Secondary School in Jongo would be named after Martyr Rifleman Rajesh Rishi. Apart from this the state government would also fund the construction of an Integrated Sports Complex in Nalagarh and establish a Primary Health Centre in Panjera.

The Chief Minister said that he would soon visit Nalagarh to lay the foundation stone of a one-megawatt Green Hydrogen Project which would play a vital role in promoting sustainable energy in the state. He said that the state government was making all possible efforts to protect the environment and ensure a better future for the coming generations. He said that the state government was working to uplift the poor and underprivileged while encouraging well-off families to forgo subsidies. He emphasised that public support was essential for 'Vyavastha Parivartan' which would ensure the development and prosperity of the state.

Sh. Sukhu said, “I do not believe in making superficial announcements. What purpose do such statements serve if educational institutions lack teachers and health facilities were understaffed, with no doctors or supporting personnel? The previous BJP government squandered the treasury of the state in a desperate bid to win elections. They stripped the poor of their rights while granting subsidies to affluent families.

The Chief Minister said that under the BJP's policies, Himachal Pradesh has slipped to 21^st place in quality education rankings, and the state’s health institutions have been reduced to mere referral centres. To address these shortcomings the present state government was implementing significant reforms in both sectors. He said that as part of these efforts, Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools were being established in a phased manner. Furthermore, the present government has generated additional revenue of Rs. 2,200 crore over the past two years, which was used for the betterment of the people of the state. He said that there was no financial crunch in the state and due to the effective management and systematic reforms of the state government, the derailed economy was coming back on track.

He said 'I understand the struggles of the poor as I too belong from such background'. To address the challenges of 23,000 families who were affected by the previous monsoon disaster despite financial challenges and no help from the centre, the government has provided a special package of Rs. 4,500 crore from its own resources. The Government has enhanced relief aid for these families and the compensation for completely damaged houses was increased from Rs. 1.50 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh. Not only this, orphaned children in the state have been adopted as Children of the State and the government was bearing the education expenses of children of widows and single women until they reach the age of 27 through the Indira Gandhi Sukh-Shiksha Yojana. The daily wage under MNREGA has also been increased to Rs. 300.

MLA Hardeep Bawa welcomed the Chief Minister to the constituency and expressed gratitude for dedicating developmental projects worth Rs. 31 crore for the area. He lauded the efforts of state government under the able leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for ensuring development across all panchayats of Nalagarh which was totally neglected by the previous BJP government.

Health Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil, Chairman Jogindra Bank Mukesh Sharma, Representatives of various Panchayats, congress leaders and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.