Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu, addressing the Congress’ well-attended Jan Abhar Rally at Dharamsala on Tuesday, announced to implement the ‘One Pension Scheme’ (OPS) in the first meeting of the full Cabinet. At the same time, the Chief Minister announced to create Rs 100 crore fund for the welfare of orphan children, single women, physically-challenged and senior citizens.
Declaring that the State Government would implement all the 10 guarantees as promised in the Congress manifesto during assembly elections in a phased manner, Sukhu said: “The Government will implement OPS in its first Cabinet. Besides, a decision to provide Rs 1,500 to the women in the age group of 18 to 60 years would also be taken soon.”
The Chief Minister said that the Congress Government was here not to enjoy power, but for bringing a change in the system. “After being sworn-in as the Chief Minister, I visited the Girl Child Care Institute at Tutikandi in Shimla and felt that a lot more is required to be done for the destitute children, women, and senior citizens…So, we have decided to set up ‘Chief Minister’s Sukhashray Sahayata Kosh’ with an outlay of Rs 101 crore so that it can meet the basic educational facilities of the children and destitute women,” he said.
He added that the State Government will bear the entire expenditure on skill development education, higher education, and vocational training of such children. They will also be given financial assistance from time to time, as well, so that they can lead a respectable life, he added
Sukhu said that the Government was committed towards providing a transparent, responsive, and accountable administration to the people of the State.
On his first visit to Kangra district after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister, Sukhu also expressed gratitude to the people of the district for their massive mandate in favour of Congress party in the recently-concluded assembly elections.
Launching a scathing attack on the previous BJP Government for opening over 900 institutions in different parts of the State without any budgetary provisions, he said that this was simply done to lure the people and with an eye on assembly elections, haphazard announcements were made.
“The present State Government cracked a big paper scam going on since the tenure of BJP Government in the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission, Hamirpur, which had become a den of selling question papers. Taking a bold decision, our Government suspended the functioning of the Commission. The present State Government will ensure free and fair examinations for different posts,” he said.
“Raja ji” Missing from Posters, Speeches
Congress’ six-time Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh, who also holds the distinction of being the longest serving Chief Minister of the hill state, was missing from the party’s Jan Abhaar Rally on Tuesday. As most of the speakers at the rally highlighted their relationships with the newly-appointed Chief Minister Sukhu, the state Congress chief and Virbhadra’s wife Pratibha Singh reminded the people about his contributions to the State.
“Congress has a tradition to remember its previous governments and their contributions. So, we should also remember the contributions of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh...It was Virbhadra Singh who brought the tradition of holding the winter session of the Assembly here in Dharamshala. He also started winter sojourns to end the gap between lower and upper Himachal,” she said addressing the rally.
Chief Minister Sukhu mentioned Virbhadra Singh’s name, but in reference to the former CMs.
Not only this, Virbhadra Singh was also missing from most of the banners and posters. Only the banners showcasing Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma had mug shots of former CM.
Heliports in all Districts to Boost Tourism
Chief Minister, upon his arrival in Dharamshala on Tuesday, said that heliports in all districts would boost tourism in the state. “Efforts would be made to ensure that all district headquarters had a heliport within a year. Clearances have been given for social impact assessments to review the effects of infrastructure projects and other development interventions with regards to the expansion of Kangra-Gaggal Airport and the Government will look into the prospect of increasing tourist stay in Dharamsala,” he added.
Three-Day Assembly Session from Today
The three-day session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha will start from Wednesday. The schedule for the three days includes administration of oaths to the newly-elected MLAs, election of the Speaker and the Governor’s address.
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IPS Officer Dies of Cardiac Arrest During Rally, Sukhu Condoles Demise
IPS officer Saju Ram Rana died of cardiac arrest during the Jan Aabhar Rally in Dharamsala on Tuesday. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu condoled the demise of an IPS officer, posted as Commandant, IRB Jangal Beri.
Chief Minister visited the Zonal Hospital, Dharamshala, and laid wreaths on the mortal remains of Rana. He also consoled the grief-stricken wife, son, and other family members of the IPS officer. “The State Government is with the family of Rana in this hour of distress,” said CM, adding that the Government would provide all possible assistance to the family.
Informing about the demise of the IPS officer, HP Police said: Saju Ram Rana was a hardworking and sincere Police Officer and his death is an irreparable loss to Himachal Pradesh Police. During the course of his service of 32 years and 11 months, he was also awarded Police Medal for meritorious services 2020 by the Government of India.