Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued a clear directive to the Shimla Municipal Corporation, calling for immediate improvements in tourist facilities and overall cleanliness across the state capital. The instructions came following the CM's personal inspection of popular areas like the Mall Road on Saturday evening.
Focus on Tourist Experience and Local Needs
The Chief Minister stressed that Shimla must provide an exceptional experience for visitors while simultaneously addressing the needs of local residents. A key concern highlighted was the need to prevent vendors from overcharging tourists. Sukhu mandated that vendors must adhere strictly to fixed prices for food items and other goods.
He further emphasized the strict enforcement of regulations set by the Directorate of Health Safety and Regulation and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure food quality, safety, and hygiene. The CM stated that proactive and strict action by the Municipal Corporation on waste management is crucial, as it directly impacts and represents the image of Himachal Pradesh.
Urban Development and Relief for Small Shopkeepers
Outlining the state government's broader vision for urban areas, Sukhu mentioned the recent launch of the second phase of the Citizen Connect Programme under the theme "Clean City, Prosperous City." This initiative is designed to adapt to growing populations, increasing urbanisation, and changing citizen needs, setting a new, inclusive, and sustainable direction for urban development.
In a significant move for local commerce, the CM announced a major decision under the Mukhyamantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojana to benefit small shopkeepers. The scheme offers a one-time settlement facility:
- Shopkeepers with outstanding loans of up to Rs 1 lakh, whose accounts have been declared non-performing assets (NPAs) by banks, will receive assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh.
- Similarly, shopkeepers with loans between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh will get one-time assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh.
Push for Digital Governance and Transparency
The Chief Minister also highlighted efforts to modernize urban services. He noted that the Citizen Service Portal has brought urban services into the digital age. The first phase saw nine online services introduced, registering over 2.5 lakh citizens. In the ongoing second phase, nine additional services have been added, aiming to improve transparency and bridge the gap between the government and the public.
Another key digital initiative is the Digital Door Plate system, which is providing every urban household with a unique digital identity. According to Sukhu, this step will bring greater transparency and accountability to urban governance in Himachal Pradesh.
