S Gopal Puri
Shimla
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the second phase of the Citizen Connect Program at Peterhoff, Shimla, under the state’s flagship initiative Clean City, Prosperous City. He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh is undergoing a positive transformation, with the government focusing on inclusive and sustainable urban development to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization.
Key Launches
- Rajiv Gandhi Laghu Dukaandaar Sukh Kalyan Yojna
- 15 Municipal Shared Services Centres
- 9 Online Citizen Services
- Chief Minister Urban Digital Identity Scheme
- Awards scheme under Swachhata Survey
- Central Business Districts in Hamirpur & Shimla
- Hydraulic Parking Facilities of the Urban Development Department
The CM distributed settlement letters to small traders and awards to Self-Help Groups under the Amrit Mitra Scheme. Urban Local Bodies were also recognized for exemplary work. Four MoUs were signed between the Urban Development Department and industrial houses.
Digital & Citizen-Centric Initiatives
- Him Seva Facility Portal praised as a unique nationwide platform offering all citizen services in one place.
- Over 2.5 lakh citizens registered in the first phase.
- 15 cluster-based citizen service centres being established at a cost of ₹47.37 crore.
- Digital door plates to provide every urban household with a unique digital identity.
- Nine new online services launched.
Major Urban Development Projects
- ₹400 crore shopping complex at Mandi
- ₹150 crore city beautification in Hamirpur
- New shopping complex at old bus stand, Hamirpur
- Projects worth ₹707 crore to be implemented soon, plus ₹500 crore facilities in Shimla
- Utility ducts across municipal corporations following Shimla’s model
- Plans for a world-class ‘Him-Chandigarh’ city near Baddi
Relief for Small Traders
- One-time settlement scheme for outstanding loans up to ₹2 lakh.
- Shopkeepers with loans up to ₹1 lakh (declared NPAs) will get settlement up to ₹1 lakh.
- Shopkeepers with loans between ₹1–2 lakh will also receive assistance up to ₹1 lakh.
Employment & Sustainability
- Chief Minister Urban Livelihood Guarantee Scheme: 120 days of assured employment for urban poor.
- GIS technology deployed for urban planning, tax transparency, and property verification (mapping underway in 36 urban local bodies).
- Biogas plants (5–20 TPD) to promote renewable energy, organic fertilizer, and circular economy practices.
- Urban local bodies ranking in the top 100 of National Cleanliness Rankings to be rewarded.
Leadership Remarks
- Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh: Stressed efficient execution of schemes and use of modern technology for inclusive development.
- Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar: Highlighted technology-driven service delivery.
- Director Neeraj Kumar: Welcomed the CM and briefed him on departmental initiatives.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, and representatives from urban local bodies across the state.
