Ajay Kumar Upadhyay
Bilaspur: Despite facing unprecedented natural calamities, financial constraints and limited central assistance, the Himachal Pradesh government has successfully completed three years of dedicated governance with public welfare at its core, said Town and Country Minister Rajesh Dharmani.
Minister counting achievements and future roadmap of the government he said that even during the devastating natural disaster of 2023, the state government extended a Rs 4,500 crore relief package from its own limited resources. He pointed out that while the state had sought Rs 9,300 crore from the Centre, only Rs 1,500 crore was sanctioned, further straining the state’s finances. He also noted a sharp reduction in central assistance and GST compensation, significantly impacting Himachal’s fiscal capacity.
Despite these challenges, the minister said the government safeguarded the state’s interests by securing major legal victories. The Wild Flower Hall case brought nearly ₹300 crore to the state and now generates a steady monthly income, while the JSW case verdict in the Supreme Court ensured additional revenue of around Rs 250 crore. He added that the government continues to pursue pending dues related to BBMB and the return of Rs 9,500 crore of employees’ NPS funds.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, Rajesh Dharmani said over 6,500 children are benefiting from the Chief Minister’s Sukh Ashray Yojana, which has now been expanded to include children of parents with up to 70 percent disability. He said the government has made transformative strides in education and healthcare, strengthening medical colleges, creating new posts and upgrading school infrastructure.
He announced that approval has been granted for the Multidisciplinary Institute of Innovation, Skill, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Research University (MIISTER) in Ghumarwin under the PPP model. Land acquisition is underway, and classes in select disciplines will commence from the next academic session, opening new horizons for youth in innovation, skills and entrepreneurship.