Dec 11 ‘Jan Sankalp Sammelan’ focus changes from celebration to rehabilitation
Munish Sood
MANDI:
Two Himachal Pradesh ministers clarified key points surrounding the ruling Congress’ upcoming ‘Jan Sankalp Sammelan’ after a series of questions from the media highlighted confusion over the event’s purpose, venue choice and political intent.
Speaking to reporters following a review meeting, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani addressed concerns raised about the programme scheduled for December 11 in Mandi.
‘Change in description was a bureaucratic error: Ministers
Responding to a question on why the event, initially described as a celebration of the government’s three years, was later projected as a relief-oriented programme for disaster-affected families, the ministers said the discrepancy arose due to a bureaucratic communication error.
They clarified that the event would now focus on providing assistance to those affected by calamities, aligning with the state’s ongoing relief efforts.
Addressing another question on why Mandi has repeatedly been selected for major government events, the ministers maintained that venue selection lies entirely with the government, adding that the administration is free to choose any location suitable for the scale and purpose of the programme.
When a journalist asked whether the government was attempting to mobilise crowds in the name of disaster-affected beneficiaries, the ministers did not offer a specific response, reiterating only that the event is intended to distribute relief and present the government’s progress.
Say panchayati raj polls when conditions ‘favourable’
In response to a query on delayed panchayati raj elections, Anirudh Singh said the elections would be held when conditions in the state become conducive, noting that the issue was discussed in detail in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Earlier, the ministers, accompanied by Dharampur MLA Chandrashekhar, inspected Paddal ground, the designated venue for the Sammelan.
At the review meeting chaired at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Anirudh Singh said the December 11 event will coincide with the government completing three years under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Chief Minister will outline the administration’s two-year roadmap for Aatmanirbhar Himachal, he added.
Anirudh directed officials to ensure arrangements for transport, accommodation, meals, sanitation, parking and crowd management. The event will also feature information programmes on welfare schemes and an anti-drug awareness initiative.
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani emphasised the need for inter-departmental coordination, especially for beneficiaries arriving from other districts. MLA Chandrashekhar also offered inputs related to venue preparedness.
Administration begins execution work
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan briefed the ministers on the progress of preparations and said several committees are being formed to manage various aspects of the event.
The meeting was attended by Water Management Board Vice-Chairman Shashi Sharma, APMC-Mandi Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission Member Vijay Pal, SP Sakshi Verma, ADC Gursimar Singh, SDM (Sadar) Rupinder Kaur, Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathore and officials from multiple departments.
