Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday once again resonated with sharp exchanges over the Congress Government’s decision to shut down hundreds of institutions established during the previous BJP regime. The opposition created a ruckus, demanding accountability. Amidst the heated debate, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced that the State Government would open new institutions based on necessity and demand.
Agnihotri assured that if any opposition leader provides documentary proof of closed institutions that had already been sanctioned with budgetary provisions and posts under the previous government, the administration would reconsider reopening them.
During the discussion, Agnihotri asserted that the current government is “stable, sustainable, and long-lasting”. He accused the eratwhile Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP Government of opening institutions in its last six months of tenure as a political gimmick to retain power. However, he noted that the electorate rejected the BJP's strategy and voted them out.
“The previous government opened over 1,000 institutions without allocating any budget or staff. The current government is making well-thought-out decisions rather than resorting to blind expansion,” Agnihotri said.
Responding to MLA Randhir Sharma’s query, Agnihotri stated that every assembly constituency would soon have a Jal Shakti division. He also emphasized the rationalization of education and rural development institutions, ensuring new establishments only where required.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, however, accused the Congress Government of acting with political vendetta by shutting down institutions set up during the BJP rule. Sharma further alleged that as of January 15, 2024, only 35 institutions had been reopened.
Over 3,300 FRA Cases Approved in 3 Yrs
During the Question Hour, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi revealed that 3,327 cases under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) had been approved in Himachal Pradesh over the past three years. Of these, 637 cases were sanctioned under Section 3(1), while 2,690 cases fell under Section 3(2).
Negi highlighted that FRA, a progressive legislation introduced by the UPA Government in 200, had not been effectively utilized in the state so far. To address this, the state will conduct a workshop for Panchayati Raj representatives in April to raise awareness about FRA benefits.
Accusing the BJP Governments of neglecting the Act, Negi asserted that the Congress-led administration would ensure its proper implementation. Replying to a supplementary query from Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, he confirmed that 52 cases under FRA had been approved.
Erring Contractors to Face Fines in SIDC Projects
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan warned that contractors found guilty of negligence in State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDC) projects would face penalties.
Replying to MLA Vipin Singh Parmar, Chauhan disclosed that 616 tenders were allocated by SIDC in the past two years. Of these, 242 projects are ongoing, while 374 have been completed. He assured that SIDC had functioned transparently and clarified that only contractors registered with the Public Works Department (PWD) or other government departments were eligible for SIDC contracts.
Sukhu Govt to Form Committee on Chief Guests in State Events
The Himachal Pradesh government will constitute a committee to frame guidelines on inviting chief guests for state, district, and fair-related events, Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri announced.
The committee’s recommendations will be presented to the Cabinet for approval to avoid disputes over guest selection. The move follows a controversy raised by MLA Rakesh Jamwal during Zero Hour, who alleged that despite assurances from CM Sukhu, defeated candidates were being invited as chief guests in district-level fairs.
Supporting the proposal, Minister Vikramaditya Singh cited instances where defeated BJP candidates’ names were inscribed on inaugural plaques during the previous regime. Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Pathania agreed on the need for clear directives to uphold the dignity of elected representatives.
Tourism Boost: Rs 2,400-cr Project Sanctioned by ADB
The state government has secured a Rs 2,400 crore tourism development project from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which will help transform Kangra into the ‘Tourism Capital’ of Himachal Pradesh, said Agnihotri.
Additionally, a Rs 36 lakh fund had been sanctioned for the construction of bridal paths in the Shahpur Assembly constituency, though the funds had not yet been released. Agnihotri assured that the amount would be disbursed within the current financial year.
