The one year tenure of the present state government has witnessed unparalleled development in different fields and the ‘Jan Manch’ launched by the state government has proved a boon to the people of the state for redressal of their grievances nearer to their homes. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing the ‘Progressive Himachal Meet’ function organized by a TV Chanel at Peterhoff last evening.Jai Ram Thakur said that the ‘Jan Manch’ has been a big success in the state which was appreciated by all. He said that over 20,000 grievances have been redressed during this period in the 74 ‘Jan Manch’ held in different parts of the state.The Chief Minister said that during this period he has visited 65 constituencies out of the total, 68 constituencies of the state to have firsthand knowledge of the developmental aspirations and needs of the people at grass root level. He said that during this period his government has ensured that youth may get ample employment and self employment opportunities. He said that several schemes have been launched for strengthening the economy of the farmers. He said that the endeavour of the government was to double the farmers income by the year 2022.Jai Ram Thakur said that the state government has succeeded in getting sanction of developmental projects worth Rs. 10000 crore for the state from the Centre. He said that the Centre Government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been considerate towards developmental needs of the state and has always been providing liberal assistance for its developmental works. He said that the state inherited a loan burden of Rs. 46,500 crore from the previous state government.
Thus the biggest challenge before us was to bring back the derailed economy of the state on track by curtailing the unproductive expenditure and effective financial management, he added.While replying to a question, Chief Minister said that he has taken up the issue of construction of International Airport in Mandi district with the Union Government. He said that the Union Railways Minister has also agreed to improve the existing rail tracks of Kalka-Shimla and Pathankot-Jogindernagar. He said that the travelling time on these tracks after upgradation would be reduced from existing five hours to three hours and from existing nine hours to six hours respectively.The Chief Minister said that the state government was planning to organise ‘Mega Investors Meet’ during the month of June next year at Dharamshala to show case the immense investment potential of the state in various fields such as industry, tourism, power, agro based industries and food processing sector etc. He said that this would not only strengthen the economy of the state but also provide ample employment and self employment opportunities to the youth within the state.The Chief Minister also honoured Motorist Suresh Rana, SP Shalini Agnihotri, Philanthropist Sarabjit Singh Bobby and folk singer Kuldeep Sharma on the occasion.Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Industries Minister Bikram Singh, MLA Rakesh Singha, Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Kusum Sedrate were present on the occasion.