Punjab Newsline | Shimla
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday announced that state government employees will receive a Dearness Allowance (DA) installment before Diwali, offering relief to lakhs of employees and pensioners across the state.
Addressing a public gathering at Kansa Chowk in the Balh Assembly constituency of Mandi district, the Chief Minister said some employees had been demanding the release of DA and assured them that the government was sensitive to their concerns. He stated that the state's economy is gradually returning to stability and that the government is continuously working to improve its financial position.
Sukhu expressed confidence that employees would receive relief during the festive season and hoped they would celebrate Diwali with happiness. He added that the government had increased revenue by curbing corruption and plugging financial leakages, which had helped meet liabilities related to employees and pensioners. The state government, he said, is also working towards making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.
During the event, the Chief Minister also announced several development projects for the Balh constituency. These include the opening of a CBSE-affiliated school in Gurukotha, establishment of divisional offices of the Jal Shakti and Electricity Departments, and a new DSP office. He also approved an immediate allocation of Rs 3 crore for the improvement of roads in the area.
In addition, Sukhu announced changes under the Sukhi Parivar Yojana, including a reduction in the eligibility criteria related to one day's MGNREGA wage and the annual income limit of Rs 75,000.
The public meeting witnessed a large turnout, with representatives from social, employee, women's, youth and other organisations welcoming and honouring the Chief Minister.
Earlier in the day, Sukhu inaugurated a 3-Tesla MRI facility and a Trauma Care Command and Control Centre (TCCC) at Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College and Hospital in Nerchowk, Mandi. He also laid the foundation stone for a PET-CT scan machine at the medical institution.
