Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today reached Spiti Valley on his three-day visit to district Lahaul-Spiti. The local people accorded a grand welcome to the Chief Minister with traditional costumes and musical instruments at Sagnam Helipad, Kungri Gompa and Dhankar Gompa.
The Chief Minister offered prayers at the famous Kungri and Dhankhar Gompa of the valley and wished for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state.Residents of the valley welcomed their beloved leader by presenting the traditional attires to Sh. Sukhu and his wife Kamlesh Thakur.
He started his speech by saying 'Jule', which means hello or 'Namaste' in Hindi.Addressing a gathering at Kungri Gompa, the Chief Minister said that emphasis would be laid on maximum use of technology to strengthen the infrastructure in the region and with a vision to strengthen the economy of the valley, 4G services would be extending upto Spiti Valley.
He said that the state government was well aware of the difficulties faced by the tribal areas and was working with commitment to make their daily life more comfortable and accessible. He said that to solve the problems of Spiti Valley, a plan would be prepared and implemented in consultation with the local MLA, said the Chief Minister.
After assuming office, he has come on a visit to Spiti for the first time and the rich cultural heritage of the valley was invaluable, said Sh. Sukhu. The present State Government was determined for the development of the tribal areas and this year a state level function was being celebrated at Kaza on Himachal Day, which would further strengthen the culture of the region and connect with the people here, he added.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was taking concrete steps to bring back the economy which was in the trough due to the financial mismanagement of the previous government and the positive results of these would be seen in the next four years.
He assured that with the cooperation of all, Himachal would be among the most prosperous states of the country in the next ten years.He said that with the aim of strengthening the rural economy, special provisions have been made in the budget.
He said that along with providing financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh to eligible widow women for house construction, a provision has been made for education loan at one per cent interest to poor children for higher education.
Linking solar energy with self-employment, the state government has made a provision of 40 percent subsidy for solar power projects ranging from 250 kW to 2 MW, which would provide means of income to the youth, he said.The Chief Minister announced Rs.50 lakh for the Kungri Monastery on the occasion.
A colourful cultural program was also presented on the occasion. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the locals of the Spiti Valley to preserve their unique culture. He also announced Rs. 50,000 for the cultural programme.
While welcoming the Chief Minister on his arrival in Spiti Valley for the first time, Local MLA Ravi Thakur thanked him for his three-day stay in the area and organizing the state-level Himachal Day here at Kaza for the first time.
He said that during his stay, the Chief Minister would also get an opportunity to know the customs and traditions of Spiti Valley. He hopes that the Chief Minister will solve the problems of this border area on priority.
Wife of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Kamlesh Thakur, former minister, Phunchog Rai, former MLA, Raghuveer Singh, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Bharat Khera, Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta, Superintendent of Police Kaza, Abhishek Verma, President, District Congress Committee, Gyalsan Thakur, Shashi Kiran, Ram Singh, Kunga Buddh were also present amongst others.