Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
Cabinet Minister Rajesh Dharmani unfurled the national flag at the historic Chaugan ground in Chamba during the district-level celebrations of the 79th Himachal Day.
In his address, Dharmani paid tribute to the great personalities who contributed to the formation of Himachal Pradesh and honored the freedom fighters and brave soldiers of the state. He emphasized that the government is taking concrete steps to make Himachal economically self-reliant despite limited financial resources.
The minister highlighted several initiatives:
- Revenue & Development: Effective policies have increased state revenue, ensuring smooth implementation of development projects.
- Disaster Relief: Last year, 1,387 disaster-affected families in Chamba received nearly ₹12 crore in assistance.
- Education & Health: Strengthening Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College with ₹194 crore sanctioned for Phase II construction, and affiliating 7 schools in Chamba to CBSE.
- Technical & Industrial Training: Upgradation of institutes like Chamba Polytechnic and Banikhet Polytechnic.
- Power Supply: Installation of 243 new transformers and strengthening of 165 others, along with 224 km of HT and LT lines.
- Agriculture: Promotion of natural farming with support prices for wheat, maize, turmeric, and ginger. Pangi Valley has been declared the state’s first natural farming subdivision, with barley support price fixed at ₹80/kg.
Dharmani also mentioned schemes such as the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Startup Scheme, Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana, social security pensions, and tourism development projects. He called upon citizens to work towards a “Drug-Free Himachal” and encouraged youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
The event featured a disciplined march-past led by Police Inspector (Women) Pankaj Sharma, with contingents from Himachal Police, Home Guards, Forest Guards, SPOs, NCC, NSS, Nursing College, and Anganwadi workers. Students from various institutions presented vibrant cultural programs.
Outstanding officials, employees, and social workers were honored with commendation certificates.
The ceremony was attended by MLA Neeraj Nayyar, former minister Asha Kumari, district leaders, and senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal and Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani.
