Himachal Pradesh CM Announces Major Industrial Development and Criticizes Previous BJP Government
In a significant move to boost economic growth in the region, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive development package for the Fatehpur Assembly constituency in Kangra district. The announcement, made during a public gathering at Jakhbar, includes substantial financial allocations aimed at infrastructure, women's empowerment, and sports facilities.
Key Announcements for Fatehpur's Development
The centerpiece of the announcement is a Rs 10 crore allocation for the construction of a new industrial area in Fatehpur. This initiative is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic activity. Additionally, the Chief Minister declared that the office of the chief engineer for the Shah Canal project, which was previously relocated from Fatehpur to Mandi, will be re-established in Fatehpur, enhancing administrative efficiency for this crucial water resource project.
Further supporting community development, Sukhu announced financial assistance of Rs 20,000 each to the 'mahila mandals' (women's clubs) in the area. This funding is intended to empower women's groups and support their social and economic initiatives. For sports infrastructure, the CM allocated Rs 50 lakh for the renovation of the Wazir Ram Singh Stadium, aiming to improve facilities for athletes and promote sports in the region.
Criticism of Previous BJP Government's Financial Management
During his address, Chief Minister Sukhu launched a sharp critique of the previous BJP-led state government, accusing it of financial mismanagement and irregularities. He highlighted that the BJP government had received approximately Rs 60,000 crore more from the Centre compared to the current administration. Specifically, he noted that the former government obtained Rs 54,000 crore as a revenue deficit grant and Rs 16,000 crore as GST compensation, whereas the current government has received only Rs 17,000 crore.
Sukhu alleged that the previous government constructed buildings worth about Rs 1,000 crore primarily to benefit contractors, with many of these structures remaining vacant and underutilized. He also pointed to the closure of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which he claims has resulted in an annual loss of Rs 8,000-10,000 crore to the state, severely impacting its financial health.
Allegations of Irregularities and Internal Divisions
The Chief Minister did not hold back in his accusations, stating that the BJP is making baseless statements for publicity and is internally divided into five factions, which he suggested hampers effective governance. He further alleged serious irregularities in the Himcare Scheme during the previous government's tenure, even claiming that ovarian surgeries were fraudulently shown for male patients in records. In response, Sukhu informed the public that the state government has ordered a formal inquiry into these matters to ensure accountability and transparency.
This announcement underscores the current government's focus on development while positioning itself against the financial legacy of the previous administration, setting the stage for ongoing political discourse in Himachal Pradesh.
