On April 15, people of the State, look forward for major announcements by the Chief Minister and Ministers marking Himachal Day. But this poll season, election Model Code of Conduct is likely to dampen the spirit of the historic day.
Election Commission of India has asked the General Administration Department (GAD) to work on the modalities so that the 67th Himachal Day celebrations remain a low-key affair and does not violate the Model Code of Conduct.
Traditionally Chief Minister addresses the State level function in any part of the State, while Ministers participate and unfurl the State flag at district headquarters and populist announcements are made by Chief Minister and Ministers.
Normally, wide scale publicity campaign is launched in the State and several folk and cultural programmes are held to mark the occasion and highlight the Government’s schemes.“We are still working on the modalities of the Himachal day celebration. Off course the celebrations will be a low key affair but we have to see that Model Code of elections is not violated by any means,” said an Election Commission official.
However, State Government’s general administration department is yet to finalise the venue for the State level celebrations. Normally Chief Minister goes to State level function, he goes in chopper and the place is covered with hoardings with pictures of entire Cabinet Ministers and the Ministers use red beacon with entire Government machinery working for the functions.
“If, we mean low key affair then that means only a token function will be held of Chief Minister with no publicity and Ministers functions at district headquarters could be curtailed,” said the election commission official.
After Independence of country, Himachal Pradesh was established on April 15, 1948 and State became a part ‘C’ State in September 1951 with the implementation of the Constitution of India. On November 1, 1956, Himachal Pradesh became Union Territory. On December 18, 1970 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the 18th State of the country came into being on January 25, 1971.