Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing the people on the occasion of ‘Pragtisheel Himachal : Sathapna Ke 75 Varsh’ (Progressive Himachal:75 Years of Formation) celebrations to commemorate 75 years of existence of Himachal Pradesh at the Ridge here today said that Himachal Pradesh had made rapid progress during these years.
Chief Minister said that the State of Himachal Pradesh was formed after merger of 30 odd princely hilly States on 15th April, 1948 and since then the State has created new milestones in every spheres of development. He said that the glorious and eventful developmental journey of the State saw many ups and downs, but the hardworking and honest people ensured that the State forges ahead on the path of progress and prosperity.
He said that to sensitize the people of the State about this eventful journey, the State Government has decided to hold 75 events in all the 68 constituencies of the State. Jai Ram Thakur said that the State over these years has grown both in size and stature and credit of this goes to the hardworking people and able leadership provided by the successive governments.
He said that there were only 228 kms roads in the State whereas today the State has a road length of over 39,500 kms. Similarly, there were only 301 educational and 88 health institutions in the State, whereas today the State has 16,124 educational and 4320 Health institutions, he added.
Chief Minister said that founder and first Chief Minister of State Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, whose birth anniversary falls today, laid a sound foundation for further development of the State. He said that Dr. Parmar laid special thrust on construction of roads and former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee started Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to ensure road connectivity in the rural areas.
He said that about 50 per cent of the roads constructed in the State have been constructed under the PMGSY. He said that the State has emerged as the first State in the country in effective implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission. He said that the State today has a few best National level institutions such as AIIMS, IIM, IIT, Central University, PGI Satellite Centre etc.
Jai Ram Thakur said that double engine Governments at the Centre and the State were vital for ensuring that the pace of development goes uninterrupted. He said that the special benevolence and love the Prime Minister shares with the people of the State, has ensured that the pace of development does not get affected for want of funds.
He said that the Centre provided special assistance of Rs 800 crore to the State besides restoring 90:10 ratio for funding of various Central projects. He urged the people to strengthen the hands of the Prime Minister to keep the pace of development goes uninterrupted.
Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that the State has made unparalleled progress in different spheres during these 75 years. He said that the progress made by the State in the field of education, health and horticulture has made Himachal Pradesh a role model for developed States of the country. He said that from a few electrified houses in 1948, today Himachal Pradesh is a power surplus State, with cent per cent electrification.
A theme song on 75 years of existence of Himachal Pradesh and a documentary based on 75 years of glorious history of Himachal Pradesh produced by the Information and Public Relations Department were also screened on the occasion.
Chairman HIMFED Ganesh Dutt, Vice Chairman Handicraft and Handloom Corporation Sanjeev Katwal, Chairman Kailash Federation Ravi Mehta, Chairman APMC Naresh Sharma, Chairperson Saksham Gudiya Board Roopa Sharma, Shimla Mandal BJP President Rajesh Sharda, Principal Secretaries Bharat Khera and Subhasish Panda, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Aditya Negi, Superintendent of Police Dr. Monika, Director Information and Public Relations Harbans Singh Brascon were present on the occasion among others.