66th Himachal Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor throughout the State today. On this day on 15th April, 1948 Himachal Pradesh came into existence after merger of 30 princely States. Functions were organized at State level and District level to mark the occasion. Unfurling of National Flag, march past and cultural programmes were main attractions of the celebrations.
State Level function was held at the historic Dhalpur Ground at Kullu where Chief Minister, Shri Virbhadra Singh unfurled the National Flag and inspected the prade in open jeep and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, Home Guards, NCC contingents .Thousands of people in their traditional colourful attire witnessed the ceremony with great enthusiasm and joy.Sh. Yogesh Rolta, Deputy Superintendent of Police commanded the Parade.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Virbhadra Singh greeted the people of the State on the occasion. He said that starting from a scratch in the year 1948, the State had made rapid progress and Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a pioneer in development not only for hill States of the Country but for other States also. He said that there were only 6 villages had electricity and 331 villages had drinking water facility at the time of formation of the State and today, almost 70 per cent villages have piped water facility and every household has electricity. He said that today the State has a Government school within a radius of 3 kms. and health institutions even in the farthest corners, but at the time of existence, there were only 331 educational institutions and only 6 villages had electricity.
Detailing the development the State had witnessed during the period, Shri Virbhadra Singh said that the State Government was committed Government was to ensure speedy and uniform development of the State. He said that it was the endeavour of the State Government to ensure that the benefit of development reaches the person living at the lowest ebb. He said that focus of polices and programmes of the State Government was on speedy uplift of weaker sections of the society and also the betterment of common man.
Paying tribute to Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, the founder and first Chief Minister of the State, Shri Virbhadra Singh said that it was Dr Pramar who spearheaded the struggle of the State for a separate entity, status and size and laid a sound foundation for its development. He said that Smt. Sonia Gandhi Chairperson of UPA and Dr. Manmohan Singh Prime Minister were always considerate towards the developmental needs of the State.
Chief Minister said that the State Government has accorded top most priority to Social Services Sector by allocation Rs 1371 crore for this vital sector, which was 34 per cent of the total budget. He said that the Social Security Pension for the old, handicapped and destitute has been enhanced from Rs. 450 to Rs. 500 per month where as senior citizens above 80 years were being given social security pension of Rs 1000 per month. He said that all the 10,900 pending cases of social security pension have been sanctioned.Shri Virbhadra Singh said that Mukhyamantri Adarsh Krishi Gaon Yojana would be launched in the State under which Agriculture Development Plans would be prepared for one panchayat each in all the 68 assembly constituencies. He said that Rs 10 lakh would be provided to each selected panchayat for creation and upgradation of agriculture infrastructure.
He said that in order to ensure remunerative prices to the fruit growers, procurement price of Apple, Mango, Kinnow, Malta and Galgal has been increased by 50 paise per kg. He said that anti-hail nets would be provided to the fruit growers on 80 percent subsidy to save the fruit crops from hailstorms. Shri Virbhadra Singh said that in order to upgrade the skills of the youth so that the could get better employment opportunities, the State Government has decided to provide 'Skill Development Allowance' of Rs 1000 per month to 10+2 and above educated unemployed youth. He said that Rs 1500 per month would be provided to persons with disabilities.
Chief Minister said that it was the endeavour of the Government to provide shelter to every person. He said that the housing grant under 'Rajiv Awas Yojana' and other State housing schemes has been enhanced from Rs. 48,500 to Rs. 75,000. He said that as many as 10,000 houses would be provided to the houseless poor during the current year. He said that Access to safe drinking water was another priority of the State Government. He said that 70 litre drinking water per person per day was being provided to 44,254 habitations out of 53,201 habitats in the State.
He said that 2500 habitations would be provided safe drinking water during the current financial year besides 2000 hand pumps would be installed in water scarcity areas of the State during the current financial year.Shri Virbhadra Singh said that view to provide reliable and quality power to all consumers, the distribution network would be strengthened by spending Rs 363 crore. He said that in order to provide electricity to domestic consumers at cheaper rates, a subsidy of Rs 270 crore would be given to domestic consumers. He said that a provision of Rs 175 crore has been made for providing three dals, edible oil and iodized salt at subsidized rates to all ration card holder under Food Subsidy Scheme.
Terming roads as lifelines for development of the hill areas, Chief Minister said that an amount of Rs 2291 crore has been earmarked for expansion and strengthening of road infrastructure in the State. He said that the State Government has fixed a target for construction of 515 km motorable roads during the current financial year. He said that 35 bridges would be constructed during the year and 80 villages would be connected by road. He said that Rs 24 crore would be spent on mettling of rural roads in Kullu district.
Shri Virbhadra Singh said that State Government is according top most priority to education by spending an amount of Rs 3836 core on this vital sector during the current financial year. In a major initiative, the Government has started free travel facility to all the students of government schools from home to school and vice versa in State Transport Corporation buses, he added. He said that State Government has decided to reopen all those 149 Government Schools which were de-notified during the previous Government. He said that 4500 posts of teachers of different categories would be filled up so as to ensure that studies of the students do not suffer for want of teachers. He said that a policy has been framed to regularize PTA teachers in the State. He said that Polytechnic Institutions would be opened in Bilaspur, Kullu, Sirmour, Kinnur and Lahoul-Spiti districts.
Chief Minister said that free treatment to all school children diagnosed with critical or congenital illness was being provided under 'Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram'. He said that an amount of Rs 10 crore would be spent under the scheme during the current financial year. He said that 59 additional Ambulances were being added to the existing fleet under 'National Ambulance Service'. He said that free travel facility was being provided to the patients suffering from cancer and spinal injuries and those on dialysis, along with one attendant in State Transport buses.
Shri Virbhadra Singh said that welfare and empowerment of women was one of the topmost priorities of the State Government. He said that CCTV would be installed in Shimla and other important towns for ensuring safety of women. He said that at least 20 per cent women would be recruited at Constable and Sub Inspector level in the Police Department. He said that financial assistance being provided under the 'Mukhyamantri Kanayadan Yojana' has been enhanced from Rs 21,000 to Rs 25,000. Similarly, free traveling facility was being provided to the mothers and new born baby from hospital to their residence under 'Janani Suraksha Yojana', he added.
Chief Minister said that the State Government was laying special emphasis on welfare of underprivileged and weaker sections of the society. He said that an amount of Rs 1014 crore would be spent on the welfare of scheduled castes under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan. Similarly, allocation of Rs 369 crore has been made under Tribal Sub Plan for development of tribal areas and welfare of tribal people, he added.
Shri Virbhadra Singh said that the State Government was promoting adventure tourism, religious tourism, eco-tourism and rural tourism in a big way. He said that for promoting tourism in the State, 1000 youth would be trained by the Government and appointed at village level for promoting hill and village based tourism. In addition, 3900 youth would be provided training in driving skills, he added. He said that keeping in view the important role of employees in the development of the State, the State Government has always maintained cordial relations with the employees and all their genuine demands and problems were being addressed on priority.
Shri Virbhadra Singh conferred 'Himachal Gurav Purskar', 'Civil Service Award' and 'Prerna Strotra Award' to inpidual and organizations on the occasion. 'Himachal Gurav Purskar' was conferred to Padma Shree Vijay Sharma a renowned artist and historian from Chamba for his contribution in the field of art and culture. He said presented cap, shawl and citation besides a cash prize of Rs 21,000.
'Civil Services Award' was provided to 38 BRTF(GREF) of Deepak Project of Border Road Organization for ensuring that roads in the tribal areas of Lahaul-Spiti remain open for maximum period. For this, the unit worked round the clock. They were provided a Cash prize for Rs 2.50 lakh, besides Citation.
'Prarena Sarotra Award' was conferred by the Chief Minister to a NGO based at Hamirpur district for rendering humanitarian services by providing free Dead Body Van service in any part of the State. Till date, this NGO had carried over 350 bodies form different parts of the State for last rites. This NGO was provided a Cash prize for Rs 2.50 lakh which was received by Shri Hem Raj Chadda the coordinator of the NGO.In inpidual category 'Prarena Sarotra Award' was conferred to Shri Abdul Gani, a philanthropist from Chamba who has donated blood over 175 times. He said presented cap, shawl and citation besides Rs 21,000 as cash prize.A colourful cultural programme and police band display was also organized on the occasion.
Shri Anil Sharma, Rural Development Minister, Shri Maheshwar Singh, Shri Karan Singh and Shri Khub Ram MLAs, Shri Raghuvir Singh and Shri Tek Chand Dogra former MLAs Smt. Dhaneswari Devi, Chairperson State Women Commission, Budhi Chand Thakur, President DCC, Shri Sunder Singh Thakur, PCC Delegate, Shri Rishab Kalia, President Nagar Parishad, Shri Munish Sharma, Vice Chairman Nagar Parishad, Shri Hari Chand Sharma, Chairman Zila Parishad, Shri Vikramaditya Singh, Chairman HP State Sports, Cultural and Environment Organization, Shri Bhuvnesh Gaur, Congress leaders, Shri Sudipta Roy, Chief Secretary, Shri B. Kamal Kumar, DGP, Shri Sharab Negi, DC Kullu, other senior officers, Freedom Fighters, Ex-Servicemen and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.Chief Minister also visited the exhibition put up by various departments and NGOs on the occasion and envisaged keen interest in it.Later Chief Minister also laid foundation stone of Superintending Engineer 6th Circle, PWD, building at Dhalpur ground. This four storey building would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 149.48 lakh and would have parking in ground floor.
Announcements
Chief Minister announced and amount of Rs 25 lakh for development and maintenance of Dalpur Ground at Kullu.
Chief Minister announced opening of Tourism Information Centre at Bhunter for facilitating the tourisms visiting the area.
Chief Minister announced Tehsil Status for Bhunter.
Chief Minister announced that where ever required the State Government would provide market yards in Kullu district besides adequate funds for maintenance of Katrain-Manali road. He said that parking facility would be provided at Manali.
Chief Minister said that the State Government would take up the matter of restoring air services for Kullu-Manali with the Union Government.
District Level Functions
At Chamba
Shri B.B.L.Butail, Speaker Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha presided over the district level function held at Chamba. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets. A colourful cultural programme was also held on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Butail said that the State Government was committed towards the welfare of the weaker sections of the society. He said that the State Government has enhanced social security pension form Rs 450 to Rs 500. He said that out of the total 283 panchayats in Chamba district, 228 have been connected by roads. He said that free travelling facility was being provided to the mothers and new born baby from hospital to their residence under 'Janani Suraksha Yojana'. He said that the State Government has also decided to recruit at least 20 per cent women at Constable and Sub Inspector level in the Police Department. He said that 63199 families have been provided employment under the Mahatma Gandhi Rashtriya Rogzar Guarantee Yojana by spending an amount of Rs 62 crore.Smt Asha Kumari, MLA, Shri Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, and other senior officers, Freedom Fighters, Ex-Servicemen and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Mandi
Smt Vidya Stokes, Irrigation and Public Health Minister presided over the district level function held in Mandi district. She unfurled the Tricolour and took salute of an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt Stokes said that providing access to safe drinking water was priority of the State Government and it was the endeavour of the Government to provide 70 litres drinking water per person per day in the State. She said that in order to provide drinking water in water scarcity areas, 2000 hand pumps would be installed during the current financial year. She said that the State Government was committed towards welfare and empowerment of women. She said that the financial assistance being provided under the 'Mukhyamantri Kanayadan Yojana' has been enhanced from Rs 21,000 to Rs 25,000. She said that anti-hail nets would be provided to the horticulturists at 80 per cent subsidy. Shri Sohan Lal, MLA, Shri Rangila Ram Rao, former Minister, Shri Puran Chand Thakur, DCC President, Smt Sushila, Chairperson Nagar Parishad, Shri Davesh Kumar, DC Mandi, Shri R.S.Negi, SP, Mandi and other prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Kangra
In the district-level function at held at Dharmasala, Shri Kaul Singh Thakur, Health and Revenue Minister, unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, Home Guards, NCC contingents. He said that the Government was committed towards improving health status of the people of the State He said that the State Government has launched a 'Iron Folic Acid Supplement Programme' in order to improve the health of the adolescent population in the reproductive age group. He said that in order to provide specialized health facilities to the people of lower areas of the State Rs 150 crore would be spent on strengthening Dr Rajindra Prasad Medical College Tanda. Shri Thakur said that the 'National Ambulance Service' would be expanded by adding 59 additional Ambulances to the existing fleet. He said that free travel facilities are being provided to the patients suffering from cancer and spinal injuries and those on dialysis, along with one attendant in State Transport buses. Shri Neeraj Bharti, Chief Parliamentary Secretary was the special guest on the occasion. Shri Ajay Mahajan, Shri Sanjay Rattan, Shri Yadvinder Goma and Shri Kishori Lal MLAs, Shri Jagdish Sephayia, Chairman Kangra Central Cooperative Bank, Shri C. Palrasu, DC Kangra, Shri Balbir Thakur, SP, Shri Digvijay Puri, PCC member, Shri Suresh Pappy and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Solan
Shri G.S.Bali, Transport Minister, presided over the district level function held at Solan. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets. A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Bali said that the State Government has enhanced the Social Security Pension from Rs. 450 to Rs. 500 per month where as the senior citizens above 80 years were being given social security pension of Rs 1000 per month. He said that all the 10,900 pending cases of social security pension have been sanctioned. He said that the Central Government has approved Rs. 22800 crore for the 12th Five Year Plan for the State, which was 65 per cent higher than the 11th five year plan. He said that Food Subsidy Scheme was being implemented in the State and three dals, edible oil and iodized salt was being provided to all the ration card holders at subsidized rates for which a provision of Rs 175 crore has been made under the scheme this year. He also announced Volvo Bus Service between Solan-Delhi-Solan on the occasion.Shri Govind Ram Sharma, MLA, Ms. Krishna Mohini, former MLA, Shri Kul Rakesh Pant, Chairman Nagar Parishad Solan, Shri Rahul Thakur, Congress Committee President, Ms Meera Mohanti, DC Solan, Dr. Ramesh Chajjta, SP, other senior officers, Freedom Fighters, Ex-Servicemen and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Shimla
Shri Sujan Singh Pathania, MPP and Power Minister, presided over the district level function held at historic Ridge Shimla. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets. A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pathania said that the State Government was taking effective steps to harness the identified hydel potential of 27,436 MW. He said that a target of harnessing 1918 MW hydel potential have been fixed during the current financial year. He said that with a view to provide electricity to domestic consumers at cheaper rates, a subsidy of Rs 270 crore would be provided to the consumers. He said that Rs 363 crore would be spent on strengthened the distribution network so as to provide uninterrupted power supply to the consumers. He said that 475 km motorable and 40 km. jeepable roads would be constructed during the current financial year.Local MLA Shri Suresh Bhardwaj, Mayor M.C. Shri Sanjay Chauhan, Secretary Personnel Shri SKBS Negi were also presented among others on the occasion.
At Bilaspur
Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Forest Minister, presided over the district level function held at Bilaspur. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets. A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bharmouri said that the State Government was planning to construct a Fisheries Interpretation Centre at Bilaspur. He said that the district has emerged as one of the biggest fish producing district in the State. He said that Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned for promoting 100 new Trout fish units in the State. He said that the State Government has decided to provide free school uniform to school students under 'Mahatma Gandhi Vardi Yojana'. He said that 5000 meritorious students of 10th and 12th class would be provided Netbooks free of cost under 'Rajiv Gandhi Digital Student Yojana'. Shri Bambar Thakur, MLA distributed prizes to winners of cultural programme.Shri Ram Lal Thakur, Chairman, State Level Planning Development and 20 Point Programme Committee, Shri Ajay Sharma, DC Bilsapur, Shri Anupam Sharma, SP, other senior officers, Freedom Fighters, Ex-Servicemen and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Hamirpur
Shri Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries and Information & Public Relations Minister presided over the district level function held at Hamirpur district. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets. A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion.
Shri Agnihotri said that three new state of the art industrial areas would be developed in Una, Solan and Kangra districts of the State. He said that to attract investors to invest in the State the Government would adopt a policy of 'Industry by invitation'. He said that clearances for industrial projects would be given within a period of 90 days of receiving the application. He said that the State Government under the leadership of Shri Virbhadra Singh Chief Minister has strongly taken up the matter for restoration of special industrial package to the State till the year 2020 at various levels in the Union Government. He said that the State Government has constituted 'Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board' for the welfare of the persons working in unorganized sector. An assistance of Rs 21000 would be provided for marriage of two children of building and construction workers. Shri Inder Dutt Lakhanpal and Shri Rajinder Rana MLAs, Shri Sunil Sharma, DCC President, Shri Kuldeep Pathania former MLA, Shri Ranjit Verma, other senior leaders of the districts, Shri J.R Chauhan, SP, other senior officers and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Una
Shri Sudhir Sharma, Urban Development and Housing Minister, presided over the district level function held at Una. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets. A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion.Addressing the people present on the occasion, Shri Sharma said that the Government was ensuring that every soul in the State has a shelter to live and food to eat. He said that for this the Government has increased the grant under 'Rajiv Awas Yojana' and other State housing schemes from Rs. 48,500 to Rs. 75,000. He said that 10,000 houses would be provided to the houseless poor during the current year. He said that the Union Government has brought Food Security Bill for providing food security to all and the State Government has decided to continue State Food Subsidy Scheme to provide three dals edible oil and iodized salt to all the ration card holders at subsidized rates, for which a provision of Rs 175 crore has been made for during the current year. Shri Satpal Singh Satti, MLA, Shri Abhishek Jain, DC Una,Shri Khushal Sharma, SP, ShriDes Raj Gautam, Chairman North Zone Khadi and Gramudhyog, other senior officers and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Sirmour
Shri Parkash Chaudhary, Excise and Taxation Minister, presided over the district level function held in Sirmour district at Nahan. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police.He said that due to the efforts of the Government, the 12th Five Year Plan for the State has been fixed at Rs. 22800 crore, which was 65 per cent higher than the 11th five year plan. He said that State Government has successfully extended the facility of filing e-returns, e-declaration, e-tax payment and issue of C&F forms online to the registered dealers having turnover of Rs 1 crore and above now the State Government has extended these facilities to the dealers having annual turnover of Rs 40 lakh and above. Shri Vinay Kumar, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Shri Kirnesh Jung, MLA, Shri Kush Parmar, former MLA, Shri Ajay Bhadur, Shri Roop Singh, Shri Priyatu Mandal, DC Sirmour, Ms Sumedha Devedi, SP, and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Kinnour
Shri Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Speaker HP Vidhan Sabha presided over the district level function held in Kinnour district. He unfurled the Tricolour and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets at district headquarter Rekong Peo.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Negi said that the State Government was committed towards welfare of underprivileged and weaker sections of the society. He said that an amount of Rs 1014 crore would be spent on the welfare of scheduled castes under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan. He said that Rs 369 crore would be spent under the Tribal Sub Plan for development of tribal areas and welfare of tribal people. This allocation was 11 per cent higher than previous year, he added.Shri Umesh Negi, DCC president, Ms Saroj Negi, President Mahila Congress President, Shri Ajay Bodh, SP, other senior officers and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
At Lahaul Spiti
Shri Bir Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul Spiti presided over the district level function held at Keylong and Lahaul Spiti district. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, home guard and NCC cadets. Shri Bir Singh said that the State has emerged as a leader of hill area development in the Country and is a fast growing economy. He said that the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti was also steadily progressing on the path of progress and prosperity despite harsh topography and climatic conditions.