Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today inaugurated the second Silk Seed Production Center of the state at Thunag in Seraj Assembly Constituency in district Mandi to meet the need of silk seed production in Himachal Pradesh and to strengthen the economy of sericulture farmers. The Chief Minister also presided over the closing ceremony of Seraj Cultural Festival organised under Seraj Youth Sports and Cultural Festival.Chief Minister inaugurated the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (HPBOCWWB) sub-office at Thunag.
While addressing a large gathering at Thunag, the Chief Minister said that 12 thousand farmers of the state were involved in sericulture. To meet the requirement of 7500 ounces of silk for the state, 2500 ounces of silk was being produced by Palampur, the first Silk Seed Production Center of the state and the remaining 5000 ounces of silk would now be met by the Thunag Silk Seed Production Center which will help in the production of silk, which was earlier being imported.He said that the construction work of Silk Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Center at Bali Chowki with an expenditure of Rs. 4.94 crore was about to be completed, which is the first Centre in northern India. He said that the construction work of Government Silk Center at Bagachanaugi, Saroa, Dharot, Murah, Deem-Kataru was nearing completion with the cost of Rs 2.5 crore to promote silk industry in Seraj Valley.
He said that Rs. 1.5 lakh per farmer would be provided to 200 farmers of scheduled caste category for construction of silkworm rearing house. Besides this, Rs. 80 lakh has been provided to 200 farmers for silkworm rearing equipments and Rs. 28 lakh was being provided for mulberry plantation to 200 farmers of scheduled castes. Besides this, Rs. 50 lakh has been provided to 700 farmers of general category for mulberry plantation and purchase of silkworm rearing material. He said that these activities would give boost to the silk industry in the state besides generating self-employment opportunities.Chief Minister said Seraj Youth Sports and Cultural Festival provided a platform to 14 thousand rural youth with participation of 1390 teams of Seraj Valley.
He said that such events encourage sportsmanship and traditional sports along with playing a vital role in conservation of our rich cultural heritage.Chief Minister also inaugurated the 84th branch of HDFC Bank in Himachal Pradesh at Thunag. He said that with the opening of this branch, door-to-door loan facility would be available to small and marginal farmers. The benefits of various government schemes are directly transferred into the account of the beneficiaries. While appreciating the efforts of the bank for distribution of 85 thousand apple saplings through Sanjeevini organisation to 9185 farmers of 16 panchayats of Seraj Block under Plantation Project to boost the livelihood of apple producers.Jai Ram Thakur said that the state government has ensured socio-economic upliftment and welfare of every section of the society.
The people of the state have been benefited through several welfare schemes like Social Security Pension, Jan Manch, HIMCARE, Sahara Yojana, Grihini Suvidha Yojana, Shagun Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Swavlamban Yojana etc. along with the central government schemes. He said that road connectivity to every village has been ensured by the State Government. The construction of bridges and roads has also ensured socio-economic upliftment of rural areas.Chief Minister also distributed prizes to the winners of the Seraj festival on the occasion.Zila Parishad member Rajni Thakur proposed vote of thanks.Seraj BJP Mahila Morcha President Khem Dasi, BJP Mandal President Bhagirath Sharma also expressed their views on the occasion.Chairperson, H.P. Red Cross Hospital Welfare Section Dr. Sadhna Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Mandi Arindam Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, senior officers of various departments, office bearers of Seraj Youth Sports and Cultural Festival were present along with others.