Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday stated that the Central Government's proposed alternative to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is not beneficial for the state and could negatively impact lakhs of workers. Speaking at a public gathering at Neri Kalan in the Kasauli assembly constituency of Solan district, Sukhu highlighted the potential hardships caused by the change.
Development Projects and Funding Announced
During the event, Sukhu announced Rs 20 crore for the construction of the Johadji–Malla road. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 12 development projects worth Rs 90.66 crore. These initiatives aim to boost infrastructure and economic growth in the region.
Criticism of Central Government Policies
The Chief Minister criticized the Central Government for halting regular recruitment under the armed forces and altering the MGNREGA scheme, causing difficulties for many. He noted that if the state's annual revenue deficit grant (RDG) of Rs 10,000 crore had not been reduced, Himachal Pradesh would have achieved self-reliance by this year.
Kishau Dam Project and Electricity Benefits
Referring to the Kishau Dam project, Sukhu said he strongly represented the state's interests during a meeting with the Union Home Minister. He explained that the state government rejected earlier terms and secured 211 MW of electricity for Himachal Pradesh without additional financial burden. This is expected to generate annual benefits of around Rs 600 crore for the state.
Initiatives for Rural Economy and Farmers
Sukhu highlighted several state government initiatives to strengthen the rural economy and enhance farmer incomes. Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been announced for milk, maize, and wheat to benefit farmers. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, women's groups and youth clubs are encouraged to undertake plantation activities, with the Forest Department supplying saplings and providing incentives for their protection.
Social Welfare and Education Reforms
The Chief Minister noted that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to enact a law granting orphaned children the status of “Children of the State.” The government bears the cost of their education, accommodation, upbringing, and other essential needs up to age 27. Under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, the government also funds higher education for children of widowed and single women.
Sukhu criticized the previous BJP government for a decline in education quality, causing Himachal to slip to 21st position nationally. He announced that nearly 7,000 teachers have been recruited and 150 CBSE schools have been started, with additional teachers to be recruited by July to further improve educational standards.
Healthcare and Local Support
Sukhu assured that efforts are underway to ensure the best healthcare facilities and high-quality medicines in government health institutions. Kasauli MLA Vinod Sultanpuri praised the Chief Minister for working tirelessly and effectively raising the concerns of Himachal Pradesh in New Delhi, resulting in tangible benefits for the state. Other MLAs present included Ram Kumar, Sanjay Awasthi, Bawa Hardeep, and former MLA Tilak Raj Sharma.
