Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the whole year passed in Corona virus, which had adverse effect on the economic activities across the country. He said that even during this period, the state government made full use of technology through virtual mode inaugurated and laid foundation stone of projects worth Rs. 3500 crore in various 42 Assembly Constituencies of the State. The Chief Minister said this while addressing a public meeting after inaugurating residential buildings of Health Department constructed at a cost of Rs. 5.80 crore in Kullu today.The Chief Minister said that eight residential quarters of Type-4 and eight of Type-3 constructed at Tegubehar in Kullu was a long-standing demand of doctors and staff nurses which has been fulfilled. He said that even during the corona period, the pace of development in the state was not stopped and the construction of these buildings has also been completed in the midst of this period. He also appreciated the role performed by health workers during corona pandemic.Jai Ram Thakur said that new strain of coronavirus is spreading rapidly in different states of the country and Himachal was also not untouched by it. He said that the second wave of corona is more dangerous which a matter of concern for all and should be taken more seriously. He asked the health workers to work with more diligence to protect common people. He said that saving life is the biggest priority, therefore no laxity should be adopted in following standard operating procedure.
The Chief Minister said that due to Covid-19 last year, a huge economic loss has been faced, especially in the tourism sector. He said there is no restriction on the movement of tourists in the state, but it is necessary to ensure compliance of SOP laid down by the government. He said that the corona virus was spreading rapidly for the second time in the neighbouring state of Punjab, due to which there is a steady increase in cases in the border districts of Una and Solan. He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scientists of the country have prepared Corona vaccine which is proving very effective. The vaccine was also being inoculated to those who are 45 years old from 1st April. . He said the vaccine provides protection from virus but one should ensure use of masks, maintaining social distance and using sanitizers.The Chief Minister said that this year's budget has been passed amid most difficult situation and such a difficult phase has never been witnessed in history. He said this priority has been given to developmental works and social sector in the budget and adequate funds have been provided for it. He said that the construction works of several development projects were being completed in Kullu district within next one or two months and he would soon visit the district for its inauguration.Later, while speaking to journalists in Kullu, the Chief Minister said that keeping in view the increasing cases of corona in the State, it has been decided to keep the schools closed till 15th April. He said that no restriction is being imposed in development works and tourism. He said that constant monitoring of corona situation was being done in the State. He also urged the people of the state to follow guidelines of the government and administration to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur, MLA Surender Shourie, former MP Maheshwar Singh, Vice-Chairman HPMC Ram Singh, Chairman Him Bunkar Shiv Sharan Chauhan, Chief Advisor APMC Ramesh Sharma, State Planning Commission Member Yuvraj Bodh, Chairman Nagar Parishad Kullu Gopal Krishna Manhat, Councilors, BJP Mandal President Thakur Chand, District Secretary Tarun Vimal, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Richa Verma and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.