Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that Himachal Pradesh was a rich repository of culture and traditions and people should work collectively to keep it intact for the posterity. He was presiding over get-together ‘Toshim’ function organized by the Kinnaur Welfare Society, Shimla (KWSS) at Petterhof, here yesterday evening. Virbhadra Singh said that though every area of the State had distinct culture but tribal areas were known for its old customs, traditions and cultural heritage. He said that in present competitive era people should get latest education, adopt new technology and techniques for keeping pace with the development at the same time they should not forget their roots which gives them distinct identity. He said that the people of Kinnaur had made rapid strives in all fields especially education and were holding top positions since long in Government and private sectors.
Chief Minister said that State Government was committed to promote and preserve the rich culture heritage of the State and efforts of various societies and associations further strengthen it. He said that he had visited every area of not only Kinnaur but also other tribal areas of the State and it was noteworthy that these areas has witnessed immense development. He said that successive Congress Governments right from first Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Parmar had given special emphasis on the development of tribal and far-flung areas of the State.Virbhadra Singh said that presently Himachal Pradesh was competing with big States in the development and was ranked amongst top in Education, Health and Investment sectors. He said that about 300 schools were opened and upgraded during last one year while about 15 Government Degree Colleges were announced during this period. He stressed the need of providing quality education and raising the standard right from Primary classes to University level.
Chief Minister said that the demand for providing land near Shimla for KWSS would be considered sympathetically and he would ask the District Administration to look the suitable land if available.Chief Minister also presented outstanding achiever awards to Miss Shashi Kala Negi student of 12th class who won Bronze Medal in International Boxing and gave cash prize of Rs. 11,000, cash prize of Rs. 5000 alongwith award to Miss Rani Devi who won Bronze Medal in National Junior Boxing championship, Shri Subhash Negi, Chairman, HP State Electricity Regularity Commission, Dr. Subhash Negi Retired Professor of IGMC and Dr. P.C. Negi Professor and Head Cardiology Department IGMC. Chief Minister also released the souvenir brought out by KWSS on the occasion.
Deputy Speaker HP Vidhan Sabha Shri Jagat Singh Negi said that Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh had always remained considerate towards tribal areas and its people. He said that State Government had provided all assistance at war-footing to restore the damaged roads, water supply schemes, electricity and bring back life to normalcy when heavy rains and flash floods caused heavy damage in Kinnaur district last year. Shri Jagat Singh Negi also presented awards to the persons of Kinnaur for rendering distinguished services.General Secretary Kinnaur Welfare Society Shimla Shri Gian Sagar Negi conducted the proceeding. President Kinnaur Welfare Society Shri D.T. Negi welcomed the Chief Minister while Vice President Shri Mohinder Negi proposed the vote of thanks. A colourful traditional cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.Forest Minister Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shri V.C. Pharka, Principal Secretary Personnel, Shri S.K.B.S. Negi, Senior Officers, office bearers and other member of KWSS were present on the occasion.