As Himachal Pradesh commemorates one year of Congress governance, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday declared the steadfast commitment to systematically fulfill all guarantees made by the party in the lead-up to the elections over the next four years.
Sukhu, speaking on the occasion, underscored the significant progress made during the first year of Congress rule in the hill state.
“Our first guarantee was to give the old pension scheme to government employees; we did it in the first Cabinet,” remarked the Chief Minister, highlighting the swift action taken to honour the promises made to the electorate.
The implementation of the start-up yojana, a substantial scheme amounting to Rs 680 crore, was noted as the realization of the second guarantee. Furthermore, the establishment of English-medium schools, a pivotal electoral commitment, has been successfully accomplished, signaling the government's dedication to fulfilling its electoral pledges in a systematic manner.
With a focus on the state’s economic stability, the Chief Minister Sukhu asserted that significant progress has been achieved, witnessing a 20 percent restoration of the economy. He assured that the Government is actively engaged in efforts to further revitalize the economy, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the monsoon-related devastation.
The return to the old pension scheme, a cornerstone of the Congress party's electoral promises, played a crucial role in securing victory in the 2022 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
Looking ahead, Sukhu outlined an ambitious vision to transform Himachal Pradesh into a ‘green state’ by 2026. Initiatives in the transport sector, such as the introduction of electric vehicles in the transport department and the promotion of e-taxis, are aligned with the government's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Sukhu expressed confidence in the state's revival, stating, “All roads have been restored, all tourists will be given proper accommodations, and the state is ready to welcome all tourists in 2024.”
The Congress, securing 40 seats out of 68 in the 2022 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, emerged victorious, marking a mandate for change. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's assurance to systematically fulfill guarantees reflects the government's commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and accountable governance in the years to come.
Priyanka reached Shimla to participate in function to celebrate one-year of Cong Govt
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday arrived in Himachal Pradesh, where she will attend a programme in Dharamshala on December 11 to mark the first anniversary of the party-led state government.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary reached Shimla early on Sunday and went to her house in Chhabbra on the outskirts of the town where she will rest for the day, officials said.
She will accompany Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to Dharamshala for the state-level celebration to mark the first year of the state's Congress government. Several other prominent Congress leaders are expected to take part in the event.
The opposition BJP, meanwhile, has announced that it will hold protests in all districts on Monday.
The BJP's Himachal Pradesh unit chief Rajiv Bindal earlier hit out at the Congress-led government for proposing to celebrate a year in office. “What is there to celebrate when there has been no achievement by the government except closing over 1,500 institutions?” he had asked.
