Munish Sood
Mandi
The district-level Himachal Day celebrations in Mandi combined ceremonial pride with a forward-looking policy agenda, as Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh outlined the government’s priorities on infrastructure, welfare, and economic recovery.
Presiding over the event at Seri Manch, the minister unfurled the national flag and took the salute at an impressive march past featuring contingents from the police, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, and Scouts and Guides. He also paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Memorial in Indira Market and at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Cultural performances by school students added vibrancy to the celebrations.
In his address, Singh highlighted the historical significance of April 15, 1948, when 30 princely hill states were integrated to form Himachal as a Chief Commissioner’s Province. He paid tribute to the leaders of the Prajamandal movement, freedom fighters, and members of the armed forces for their role in shaping the state and safeguarding national unity.
Strategic Focus on Connectivity
Emphasizing infrastructure as a key driver of growth, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring road connectivity to every habitation despite the state’s difficult terrain. He announced that the Detailed Project Report process has commenced for upgrading the Shilhbudhani–Bhubhujot–Kullu road into a two-lane highway after being designated strategically important by the Defence Ministry.
He further noted that the proposed Bhubhujot tunnel will significantly improve regional connectivity, reducing the distance between Kangra and Kullu by approximately 55 kilometres.
Expansion of Rural Road Network
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 294 projects covering 1,538 kilometres of roads have been approved, involving an estimated expenditure of ₹2,244 crore. In addition, a proposal worth ₹1,200 crore is being prepared for the construction of another 800 kilometres of roads in the next phase.
The minister also announced that work on key roads connecting Mandi, Gagal, Chailchowk, and Janjehli will begin soon. To strengthen existing infrastructure, nearly ₹1,000 crore has been allocated for road maintenance.
Planned works for the coming year include construction of 500 kilometres of new motorable roads, 1,255 kilometres of cross-drainage works, tarring of 950 kilometres of roads, and construction of 47 bridges.
Governance and Economic Outlook
Highlighting governance reforms, Singh said outreach initiatives are ensuring delivery of services to remote areas, while special revenue courts are helping resolve long-pending cases in a time-bound manner.
Addressing the financial challenges arising from the discontinuation of revenue deficit grants, he expressed confidence in the state’s resilience and collective resolve to overcome the crisis. He noted that the government has generated over ₹49,500 crore in revenue over the past three years.
Key welfare measures include restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for 1.36 lakh employees and financial assistance of ₹1,500 per month to eligible women under a flagship scheme.
Employment, Agriculture and Education Initiatives
The minister highlighted the ₹680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start-up Scheme aimed at promoting self-employment among youth. The scheme provides a 50 percent subsidy and assured income support for e-taxi purchases, along with provisions to encourage natural farming.
He said the state is set to implement a comprehensive horticulture policy, expected to generate employment for over 82,500 people. Support prices have also been introduced for crops grown through natural farming, including wheat, maize, turmeric, and ginger.
In the education sector, the introduction of English-medium instruction from Class 1 in government schools and the phased affiliation of schools with CBSE were highlighted as key reforms. Singh noted that Himachal has improved its ranking in the National Achievement Survey from 21st place in 2021 to fifth position, while securing the top rank in student learning outcomes.
Healthcare and Social Commitment
Describing the introduction of robotic surgery facilities in medical colleges at Shimla, Tanda, Nerchowk, and Chamiyana as a major advancement, the minister said the facility will soon be extended to Hamirpur.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to building a drug-free state, he called for collective efforts to safeguard the future of the youth.
On the occasion, a cleanliness awareness campaign by the Municipal Corporation Mandi was launched. Sanitation workers, parade contingents, and cultural performers were honoured during the event, which was attended by senior officials, public representatives, and other dignitaries.
