Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. , Photo Credit: PTI
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on April 15 said that the state government will take up the issue of developing an airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti Valley with the Defense Ministry as it is important from a strategic point of view, and will also help in promoting tourism activities. Will do ,
He was addressing a meeting organized on the occasion of 76th Himachal Day at Kaza in Spiti subdivision of Lahaul-Spiti district. It is for the first time in the history of the state that the Himachal Day celebrations were held at an altitude of about 12,000 feet in the remote tribal area of Kaza, bordering China.
Mr. Sukhu announced the release of 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) for all employees and pensioners of the state, increasing it to 34% from the existing 31%. He said that this decision would benefit about 2.15 lakh employees and 1.90 lakh pensioners and would put an additional burden of about Rs 500 crore on the state exchequer.
He said the Congress government had brought 1.36 lakh government employees under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), thus fulfilling its pre-poll promise of restoring the OPS. The Chief Minister said that the government aims to make the state self-reliant and strengthen its economy through new initiatives.
“We aim to become a green energy state by March 2026 and the government has entered into an agreement for the Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Project, which will create over 3,500 job opportunities and attract investment of over Rs 4,000 crore. The state has declared six green corridors providing facilities for electric vehicles. 50% subsidy will be given to private operators who buy electric buses, trucks, taxis, autorickshaws and e-goods carriers to promote the use of electric vehicles,” said Mr Sukhu.
A colorful cultural program was organized on the occasion and the Chief Minister distributed prizes to the participants and government employees of Lahaul-Spiti district for their outstanding contribution in service.