Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur inaugurated and laid foundation stones of developmental projects worth Rs 26.50 crore in Seraj Vidhan Sabha area of Mandi district today through video conference from Shimla, after he was unable to personally visit the area due to inclement weather. Jai Ram Thakur inaugurated building of Government Senior Secondary School, Balichowki constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.78 crore.Chief Minister laid foundation stone of Combined Office building (Mini Secretariat) at Bali Chowki to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 17.20 crore which would go a long way in providing various services to the people under one roof. He also performed foundation stone laying ceremony of 45 meter span pre-stressed double lane bridge with footpath over Thirthan khad at Balichowki to be built with an outlay of Rs. 4.69 crore. Jai RamThakur laid foundation stones of Forest Rest Houses at Nauna and Panjain to be constructed by spending Rs 1.50 crore and Rs 1.27 crore respectively. Chief Minister said that 5th August would go down in the annals of the country as an historic day, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed ‘Bhumi Pujan’ at Sri Ram Temple at Ayodhaya. He said that the people of the country were fortunate to have been witnessed to this historic moment. He urged the people of the State to light ‘Diyas’ in their houses to celebrate the historic occasion of Bhumi Pujan of Sri Ram Temple at Ayodhaya.Jai Ram Thakur said that 45 meter span pre-stressed double lane bridge with footpath over Thirthan khad at Balichowki to be built with an outlay of Rs. 4.69 crore would ensure better connectivity between Seraj and Banjar Vidhan Sabha areas. He said that both the Forest Rest Houses to be constructed at Nauna and Panjain would help in promoting tourism activities in the area, besides facilitating the officers and officials on field duty. He said that similarly, the combined office to be constructed at Balichowki would house all the major offices situated there.
Chief Minister said that several offices were opened in Balichowki besides that eleven government schools were upgraded during this tenure of the Government in this area. He said that about Rs 150 crore were being spent on various road and bridge projects in Balichowki area. He said that in addition to this over Rs 37 crore was being spent on various water supply schemes in this area.Jai Ram Thakur said that during all these years, he had always strived hard to ensure that maximum villages get road connectivity so that benefits of development reach the person living in the remotest area of the State. He urged the people to maintain social distancing and also use mask to protect themselves from the coronavirus.Member of Parliament Ram Swaroop Sharma said that today was an historic day for crores of Indian as Prime Minister has today performed Bhumi Pujan of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. He said that with this the dream of constructing a beautiful Sri Ram Temple would come true within next few years. He congratulated the Chief Minister for being adjudged as the most popular Chief Minister of BJP ruled states. MLA Banjar Surender Shourie said that Seraj and Banjar Vidhan Sabha areas of the State have similar and identical developmental issues. He said that like other areas of the State, Seraj and Banjar areas were also progressing at a fast pace. President Seraj BJP Mandal Bhagirath Sharma welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion. He thanked the Chief Minister for initiating various developmental projects in the area.BJP Mandal General Secretary Bhisham Thakur, President of local Panchayat Champa, Deputy Commissioner Mandi Rugved Thakur, SP Mandi Gurdev Sharma and other officers were present on the occasion.