Himachal CM Sukhu Issues 3-Month Ultimatum for 27,898 Pending Rural Development Works
In a decisive move to accelerate rural progress, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday directed all concerned departments to complete a staggering 27,898 pending development works related to various schemes in rural areas within a strict three-month timeframe.
Review Reveals Massive Backlog in Rural Projects
The direction was issued during a comprehensive review of schemes sanctioned for rural regions across the hill state. CM Sukhu disclosed alarming statistics: 11,064 works worth Rs 204 crore have not even commenced, while 16,834 works amounting to Rs 348 crore have been languishing incomplete for extended periods.
"The sustainable and inclusive growth of our state depends largely on the progress of rural areas," Sukhu emphasized, noting that nearly 90% of Himachal Pradesh's population resides in villages. He expressed particular concern over delays in small but essential projects that directly impact daily life in these communities.
Critical Infrastructure Works Awaiting Completion
During the review, it was revealed that numerous works—despite having sanctioned funds—remain either unstarted or are progressing at an unacceptably slow pace. These pending projects span multiple important schemes including:
- Backward Area Subplan
- MPLAD (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme)
- Vidhayak Kshetra Vikas Nidhi Yojana
- Local Area Development Fund
- Mukhya Mantri Gram Path Yojana
- Various MLA-funded initiatives
The CM specifically highlighted delays in essential infrastructure works such as:
- Installation of hand pumps for drinking water
- Construction of village roads and footpaths
- Building of drainage systems and retaining walls
- Development of irrigation canals
- Erection of footbridges and boundary walls
- Construction of community halls
Enhanced Monitoring Shows Positive Results
Sukhu revealed that strict instructions had previously been issued to deputy commissioners and field officers to expedite these pending works. This enhanced monitoring has already yielded significant results: between October 2025 and January 15, 2026, a total of 18,262 works were successfully completed, providing substantial relief to rural residents across the state.
The Chief Minister explained that progress is now being tracked through a real-time dashboard system, with daily reports submitted by field officers to ensure accountability at every level. This technological approach represents part of the government's broader commitment to systemic reform.
Commitment to Systemic Change and Equitable Development
Reiterating his administration's guiding principle of 'Vyavastha Parivartan' (systemic change), CM Sukhu stressed that development must be transparent, equitable, and need-based—completely free from political bias or favoritism.
"Our focus remains on creating lasting infrastructure that serves all citizens fairly," Sukhu stated, underscoring that rural development isn't merely about completing projects but about transforming systems to ensure sustainable growth reaches every corner of Himachal Pradesh.
The three-month deadline represents a significant push to clear the substantial backlog of rural works, with the CM's office maintaining close oversight through technological monitoring and regular progress reports from field officials across the state's rural landscape.
