The State Government was committed for the welfare of the senior citizens and would ensure that they lead a respectable life. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing a largely attended public meeting at Manu Rangshala, Manali in Kullu district today, after launching ‘Senior Citizens Initiative’ of District Red Cross Society, Kullu.Shri Thakur said that under this scheme medical facilities would be provided to the senior citizens. He said that on case of any medical emergency ambulance with doctor and other para-medical staff along with medicine would visit the old person and provide them treatment. He said that in its first cabinet, the present State Government reduced the age limit for getting social security old age pension without the income limit, from 80 years to 70 years. He said that this step has benefitted thousands of old people in the State which reflects the commitment of the State Government towards the welfare of the senior citizens.Chief Minister said that he was neither from the political background nor he was from affluent family. “I had to travel 18 kms daily to reach school and come back home and thus I understand the expectations and emotions of the common man” he added. He said that the people of Mandi Parliamentary constituency gave whole heartedly support to the BJP in the Assembly elections as 15 out of 18 seats were won by BJP. He said that cap was the symbol of Himachali culture and tradition, the cap were pride of ‘Pahari people’, but the opposition gave political colour to Himachali cap.Shri Thakur said that the State Government on the day one of assuming office set up target for 100 days. It was a matter of satisfaction that over 90 per cent targets had been achieved, he added. He said that ‘Gudiya’ episode during the tenure of the previous Government has brought shame to the ‘Dev Bhumi’. He said that the State Government has launched ‘Gudiya ‘ and ‘Shakti Button’ for the safety of the women in the State. He said that the previous Government opened 16 degree colleges in the State by making provision of Rs.1 lakh per college during the fag end of their tenure with an eye on elections.
Chief Minister also flagged-off an Awareness Rally of Manali Bikers Association for spreading awareness regarding Road Safety on the occasion of closing ceremony of Road Safety Week’ at HRTC Bus Stand, Manali. He also administered oath of Safety on the occasion. He urged the people to obey road safety rules for safety of their own and others lives.He also launched Mobile App for permits of ‘Rohtang Pass’ for the smooth plying of vehicle to Rohtang Pass. He also laid foundation stone of ‘Beautification of Mall Road Manali’. Under this scheme the historic Mall Road would be beautified and would also be an added attraction of the tourists.He said that Gram Swarajiya Abhiyan has been launched by the Union Government for empowerment and development of the rural areas. He said that the State Government has launched various schemes for the development of the State and welfare of all the sections of the society. He said that new scheme “Nai Manzil Nai Rahae has been launched by the State Government for development tourism activities in the State.The Chief Minister announced that the left bank road from Kullu to Manali would be posed for World Bank Funding soon. He also announced construction of circuit house at Manali, upgradation of PHC Patalikuhal to CHC and Police Post Patalikuhal to Police Station and upgradation of High School Soie to Senior Secondary School.Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the famous Hiddimba Mata Temple at Dungri at Manali and performed ‘Puja’ there. He also visited Himachal Pradesh Wildlife Information Centre at Manali.Chief Minister also visited Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery at Manali on the occasion of Budh Purnima.Various social, cultural and youth associations and Singh Sabha Manali, local Bar Association honoured the Chief Minister on the occasion.The delegation of National Highway Four lane affected Sangrash Simiti called on the Chief Minister and urged him to ensure their proper rehabilitation. The Chief Minister assured them that all possible help would be provided for providing them suitable compensation and rehabilitation.
Transport and Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur while welcoming the Chief Minister to his home constituency said that the three day tour of the Chief Minister to Kullu district from 28th to 30th April has proved as blessing for the district. He said that the Chief Minister has laid foundation stone of development projects worth Rs. 120 crore. He said that Chief Minister has given Rs 1 crore for the bus stand Manali yesterday and this Bus Stand would be constructed soon on PPP Mode. He also detailed various developmental demands of the area.High School Soi to Senior secondary School. Construction of Transport Nagar at Manali Indoor and Out Door Stadium. Member of Parliament Mandi Ram Swaroop Sharma said that about 120 new schemes have been launched by the Union Government for the welfare of the people of the country and the State. He said that with the State Government has taken up the matter with the Centre for expansion of Manali Airport. He said that the people of the State in particular and of country in general would be benefitted by the opening of Rohtang tunnel. He said that the nature park at Manali, foundation stone of which was laid by the Chief Minister yesterday would be completed at a cost of Rs 9 crore with the central assistance. He said that this would emerge as a major tourist attraction for the tourists visiting the region.General Secretary State BJP Mahila Morcha Smt. Dhaneshwari Thakur while welcoming the Chief Minister thanked him for gifting development projects worth Rs 120 crore for the Kullu-Manali area of the State.MLA Surinder Shorie, District BJP President Bhem Sain, General Secretary State BJP Ram Singh, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Trilok Jamwal, OSD to Chief Minister Shishu Dharma, Deputy Commissioner Yusuf and Superintendent of Police Kullu Ms. Shalini Agnihotri were present on the occasion among others.