While expressing deep sorrow over the death of the Haldwani-based transporter Prakesh Pandey, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat made it clear on Monday that the State Government would not provide any financial assistance to the families in case such incidents repeat.
“Resorting to suicidal threat to force the Government to meet demands would not be tolerated. This is an alarming trend and it should not be indulged by anyone in any way. We would not provide any type of financial assistance to the families if such incidents recur anywhere in the state,” he said.
The statement from the CM has assumed importance in view of the Opposition Congress and the bereaved family of the deceased transporter pressuring the State Government to release Rs 10 lakh and a Government job for the widow of Pandey as reportedly committed to by the district magistrate Nainital before the cremation of the transporter.
CM earlier unveiled lakshmanjhula- Rathuwadab-Dhumakot motor road being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 31 crore aside from laying the foundation stone of the 7- km stretch of Sanj-Chubyani-Gumal-Budholi motor road in Yamkeshwar block in Pauri district.
CM further announced that Thalnadi Gindi Mela would be included in the list of the state festivals.
Addressing the Gindi mela gathering organised by the Ajmeer-Udaipur Vikas Samiti in Thalnadi, CM said that these Kauthik and melas have been continuing here for centuries and they are now part of the national heritage. “They must continue as they are the repositories of the state’s culture and tradition,” he said. Among the projects he announced included a bridge in Been river, Sheela- Chanadi motor road, Bukandi-Vindhvashni motor road, one additional 108 Ambulance for Yamkeshwar and a parking lot at Neelkanth.
He further said that the State Government is mulling establishment of 15 growth centers for the women. Besides, he mentioned the community computer centers coming up at the ration shops from where the people can collect birth, death and other certificates.
Among those present during the CM’s programme were the father of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Anand Singh Bisht and MlA Yamkeshwar Ritu Khanduri.