Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced Rs. one crore for the construction of an indoor stadium at Maharana Pratap International Public School, Pathiar, while paying rich tributes to Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap, whom he described as an enduring symbol of sacrifice, self-respect, freedom and patriotism. He also honoured meritorious students and released a souvenir to commemorate the occasion.
Addressing a function organised to mark the 487th Birth Anniversary of Maharana Pratap at Dharamgiri Pathiar in Kangra district, the Chief Minister said the legendary ruler was not only a fearless warrior but also a visionary leader who upheld his principles in the face of adversity. Referring to the Battle of Haldighati, he said it continues to symbolize courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to freedom and honour.
Urging the youth to emulate Maharana Pratap’s ideals, the Chief Minister called upon them to embrace the values of sacrifice, discipline and national service while contributing to national unity and social harmony. He said the state government was committed to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and prosperous through good governance, rural development, quality education, skill enhancement and environmental conservation.
Highlighting the State’s rich tradition of patriotism, he recalled the sacrifices of decorated soldiers, including Major Somnath Sharma, Colonel D.S. Thapa, Captain Vikram Batra and Subedar Major Sanjay and also lauded Flight Lieutenant Arshveer Singh Thakur of Jubbal for his exemplary courage during Operation Sindoor. The Chief Minister said the government was steadfastly working to safeguard the interests of the state and strengthen its economy.
He said sustained efforts have paved the way for the implementation of the 422 MW Kishau Dam Project, with the Union Government agreeing in principle that beneficiary states would bear nearly Rs. 2,000 crore towards Himachal Pradesh’s power component, significantly reducing the state’s financial burden. Once completed, the project is expected to provide around 100 crore units of electricity annually, generating an estimated revenue of nearly Rs. 600 crore.
He further said the government has generated additional revenue worth thousands of crores over the past two and a half years through prudent financial management while vigorously pursuing the state’s legitimate claims before the Centre. He added that the government was seeking enhancement of the Green Bonus and had urged the Prime Minister to constitute a high level committee for the hill state to assess the losses incurred on account of discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).
He said that the state was also reclaiming the 110 MW Shanan Power Project and recovering pending dues from the Bhakra Beas Management Board. He also highlighted the Supreme Court verdict in favour of Himachal Pradesh in the Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project royalty case, which would increase annual revenue by around Rs. 150 crore, besides the successful resolution of the Wildflower Hall Hotel case that is now generating over Rs. 20 crore annually for the state.
Speaking on education reforms, the Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a national leader by achieving 100 percent literacy and securing a place among the top five States in the National Achievement Survey. He said the government has introduced English-medium education from Class I, established Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools, adopted the CBSE curriculum in selected government schools, recruited over 5,400 teachers and expanded vocational and skill-based education to prepare students for future challenges.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the Rs. 680 Crore Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start-up Scheme has been launched to make youth self-reliant through entrepreneurship and green mobility. Under the scheme, 50 percent subsidy and assured income are being provided for e-taxis, while interest subsidies are available for solar power projects on private land and incentives were being extended to promote natural farming.
He said that 500 MW of solar energy projects and the green panchayat programme would create sustainable livelihoods and new employment opportunities across the state. Highlighting the government’s focus on healthcare, the Chief Minister said nearly Rs. 3,000 crore was being invested to modernize medical infrastructure and replace outdated equipment.
He said robotic surgery facilities have been introduced at major government medical institutions to provide advanced and affordable healthcare closer to the people. Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, the Chief Minister said the government has launched the ‘Chitta-Mukt Himachal Abhiyan’ with active public participation and announced rewards for informants while ensuring complete confidentiality.
He said that the upcoming ‘Khelo India Chitta Mukt Abhiyan’ would encourage youth to embrace sports and healthy lifestyles, helping build a drug-free and progressive Himachal Pradesh. Chairman, Rajput Kalyan Trust Kuldeep Thakur, Patron T.C. Rana and Chairman of Rajput Kalyan Sabha also addressed the gathering.
Youth Services, Sports and Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Chairman, HPTDC, R.S. Bali, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Neeraj Nayar, former MPs Viplove Thakur and Kripal Parmar, former MLA Surender Kaku, former Mayor Devender Jaggi, Chairman, Wool Federation Manoj Kapoor, Chairman, Kangra Agriculture Bank, Ram Chand Pathania, Vice-Chairperson of the Cooperative Bank Sanjay Chauhan, DC Hemraj Bairwa, SP Ashok Rattan senior officers of the State Government and a large number of representatives of the Rajput Kalyan Sabha and local residents were present on the occasion.