SHIMLA, 03.01.24-MLA's Malender Rajan and Ajay Solanki in response to the baseless allegations made by Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur and BJP leaders said that the Congress government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has consistently worked towards the welfare and progress of Himachal Pradesh. They said that the claims of opposition leaders reflect a lack of understanding and awareness about the substantial and transformative initiatives implemented by the Congress government over the past two years. These leaders, instead of acknowledging the real progress being made have opted to mislead the public with unfounded criticisms.

The Congress government has fulfilled five guarantees within just 15 months of its tenure, including the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), benefiting over 1.36 lakh employees. Furthermore, the government has empowered women through the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides Rs. 1,500 in monthly financial assistance to eligible women, significantly enhancing their dignity and independence.

Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Himachal Pradesh has achieved remarkable milestones. The state became the first in India to implement a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk, with significant increases in rates to support dairy farmers. The MSP for cow milk was raised from Rs. 32 to Rs. 45 per litre, while buffalo milk increased from Rs. 47 to Rs. 55 per litre. Additionally, the state has set a precedent in natural farming by introducing the highest support price for wheat and maize in the country Rs. 40 per kilogram for wheat and Rs. 30 per kilogram for maize.

The Congress government has also met the long-standing demands of horticulturists by introducing universal cartons for apple growers and clearing Rs. 153 crore in dues under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). The government has further supported farmers by setting a minimum support price for apples, mangoes and citrus fruits, thus ensuring fair prices for these important produce.

MLA's said that the state has made substantial progress in the education sector as well. The introduction of English-medium instruction from the first grade in all government schools ensures quality education for every child which was paving the way for a brighter future for the youth of Himachal Pradesh.

Not only this on 11^th December, 2024 marking the completion of two years in office, the Congress government launched six new schemes aimed at further bolstering the state's development agenda. Among these initiatives, the launch of Him Bhog-Him Makki Atta, prepared from maize grown through natural farming, and the guarantee to purchase up to 20 quintals of grain per natural farming household, have significantly boosted farmers' incomes. In a show of direct support, the government procured 398 metric tonnes of maize from 1,506 farmers and transferred Rs. 1.20 crore directly to their accounts.

Furthermore, the government introduced a scheme to purchase organic compost and vermin-compost, benefiting small farmers and livestock owners, with one lakh rupees distributed to 100 farmers via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). In a bid to promote self-employment, 16 electric taxi owners received keys under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme, with a 50 percent subsidy for purchasing e-taxis.

The Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana was also launched, disbursing Rs. 1.38 crore to 5,145 beneficiaries to support the education and well-being of vulnerable children and families. The government further initiated the Rs. 1,292 crore HP Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva), aimed at developing 6,000 hectares of land and benefiting 15,000 farming families. Additionally, Rs. 1.90 crore in financial aid was provided under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana.

They said that the Congress government's track record speaks volumes about its commitment to development, inclusive welfare and ensuring transparency. The BJP's attempts to discredit the achievements of the Congress government were not only baseless but also failed to recognize the tangible progress witnessed by the people of Himachal Pradesh.