Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh sanctioned the Hamirpur Medical College: CM
Announces to make Kangu a CBSE-affiliated school; DPR for Manjheli–Bhunpal road to be prepared soon
Punjab Newsline, Nadaun (Hamirpur)-
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today listened to the public grievances at Manjheli and Karsai in the Nadaun Assembly constituency of Hamirpur district and directed officers to ensure prompt resolution. He announced the opening of a patwar circle and a health sub-centre at Manjheli. The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rupees One lakh and 100 chairs for each Mahila Mandal present on the occasion.
Additionally, Rs. 10 lakh would be provided for the construction of each Mahila Mandal Bhawan, whereas Rs. 50 lakh has already been sanctioned for strengthening the roads in Manjheli Panchayat. He instructed the Public Works Department to prepare the DPR of the Manjheli-Bhunpal road at the earliest. He also announced that Kangu School would be converted into a CBSE-affiliated school.
The Chief Minister said the state government was bringing major reforms in the fields of education and health. He said that due to bold initiatives taken by the government, Himachal Pradesh has risen from 21st to 5th position in the national education index. He added that many medical colleges and hospitals in the state still operate with around 20-year-old machines and the government has decided to replace these with modern equipment for the benefit of the people of the state. "Our doctors are highly capable, but outdated technology limits their efficiency. Hence, we are installing advanced machinery at par with AIIMS Delhi to ensure world-class healthcare facilities to the people of the state," he said.
Sukhu stated that Hamirpur Medical College was being developed as the state-of-the-art institution. Refuting BJP MP Anurag Thakur's claim of establishing the college, he clarified that it was sanctioned by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. "During the previous BJP government's tenure, the then chief minister only laid the foundation stone and no further work was carried out," said the Chief Minister, adding: "Dr. Manmohan Singh had approved Rs. 190 crore for the project, while the present state government has provided an additional Rs. 400 crore from its own resources to complete the construction."
He said that former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur "neglected Hamirpur district", stating that "despite having two MLAs from the area, none were included in the Cabinet during his tenure".
Highlighting the government's efforts to promote sports tourism in Nadaun, the Chief Minister said that the state's first indoor stadium, costing Rs. 120 crore, was under construction. The facility would include a swimming pool, shooting range and infrastructure for 17 different sports. He added that additional land would be acquired to develop football and hockey stadiums in the area.
He further stated that a rafting complex worth Rs. 59 crore was being developed in Nadaun to promote adventure sports and attract tourists, thereby boosting the local economy. In addition, a wellness centre and a water park were being constructed at a cost of Rs. 79 crore. Several other infrastructure projects were also underway to provide basic amenities to residents.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Nadaun for their unwavering support over the past 23 years, the Chief Minister fondly recalled his childhood days in Manjheli. "I grew up here in Manjheli and the memories of playing with my childhood friends are still afresh in my mind. There will be no delay in development of Nadaun," he said.
Students of Government Senior Secondary School Choru presented a cheque of Rs. 57,000, from their personal savings, towards the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Various delegations also felicitated the Chief Minister on the occasion. Sukhu laid the foundation stone for the Karsai Primary Health Centre (PHC) to be built at a cost of Rs. 2.04 crore. He said that the PHC at Karsai would initially function from a rented building and staff appointments for the centre would be made soon. He also honoured national medalist Arnab Saini and his Coach Sukh Dev, along with other athletes who won medals at the state-level sports competitions.
Addressing the gathering at Karsai, the Chief Minister said that the state government was making continuous efforts to strengthen the rural economy. Along with milk production, the state government was now providing Minimum Support Price for naturally grown raw turmeric, wheat, maize and barley. He added that wages under the MGNREGA scheme have also been increased by Rs. 80.
The Chief Minister further stated that the Congress government fulfilled its promise of restoring the Old Pension Scheme for government employees. However, in return, the Central Government imposed several financial restrictions on Himachal Pradesh.