Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a meeting of Tribal Development and Horticulture departments late evening on Monday, said that the present state government was focusing on the strengthening of the rural economy of the State. He said that the state Government was making earnest efforts to enhance the income of the farmers and people residing in rural areas.
He said that the government was offering minimum support prices for the naturally grown agriculture crops to promote chemical free farming in the State. He said that the state government would provide all the support and fill up the vacant posts in the horticulture department to effectively implement the various welfare schemes and enabling farmers to derive maximum benefits.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the HPSHIVA project and emphasized the need for diversification of the fruit crops based on the geographical area and climatic conditions of different regions. He said that horticulture is the backbone of the economy of the state and the department should provide comprehensive technical support to the horticulturists to enhance productivity and increase their income.
Sh. Sukhu also reviewed various schemes under the Tribal Development department and directed to expedite the implementation of these schemes so that people residing in tribal areas could be benefitted. He said that 636 personal claims and 20 community claims were sanctioned under Forest Right Act, 2006 from March, 2023 to March, 2026 and a total area of 2,259.24 hectare land has been transferred to settle these claims.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the functioning of Eklavya Aadarsh Residential Schools at Nichar, Pangi, Bharmour and Lahaul. He directed to provide best possible facilities to the students enrolled in these schools. At present, 1,013 students are enrolled in these schools.
Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Secretary C. Paulrasu and other senior officers also attended the meeting.