Veer Bhoomi Himachal on Unprecedented Path of Development

Today, we are celebrating the 75th Independence Day as Amrit Mahotsav. We are very fortunate to witness this historical era of Independent India. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Amrit Mahotsav this year. I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the people of the State on this auspicious occasion.

India attained its independence after a long struggle and numerous sacrifices. I pay my homage to all the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle of the country and the freedom fighters, who laid down their lives for the sake of the nation's pride and glory. I also extend my rich tribute to the martyrs, who made supreme sacrifices for sovereignty of the nation and great personalities who made their valuable contributions for the development of the nation and the state.

The brave sons of Himachal Pradesh exhibited their valour in the freedom struggle of the country. I salute all the freedom fighters and great personalities. Dev Bhoomi Himachal is also known as Veer Bhoomi. The brave soldiers of Himachal have written new chapters of valour in safeguarding our frontiers.

It is a matter of pride that the country's first Param Vir Chakra was bestowed on Major Somnath Sharma for his supreme sacrifice. Thereafter, Colonel D.S. Thapa, Captain Vikram Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar also received this highest honour for their unmatchable bravery. All these heroes belonged to the state of Himachal Pradesh. Apart from this, the brave soldiers of the state have been honored with two Ashok Chakras and 1096 gallantry awards for showing exemplary courage and valour. These medals of bravery received by the soldiers of the state will continue to inspire the future generations.

Joining the army by the youth has been the glorious tradition of Himachal Pradesh. The serving soldiers of the state are giving dedicated services to guard our borders and the ex-servicemen are playing an important role in the development of the state. The state government is committed to the welfare of veteran freedom fighters, their dependents, serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families. Many schemes are being implemented by the state government for their welfare.

Today, under the strong and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a strong nation in the world. The schemes launched and historical decisions taken by the Central Government are proving to be a boon. The 'Make in India', doubling the farmer's income by the year 2022 and the new National Education Policy etc. are proving to be helpful in achieving the resolve of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Since its inception in the year 1948, Himachal scaled new heights and has achieved distinction of being an Ideal State among the hilly states. In many areas of development, our state has been a torchbearer to the big states of the country. Undoubtedly, the credit for this goes to the determination, will power and sincere efforts of the hardworking, honest and innocent people of the State.

The state government assumed office on December 27, 2017. In the last three and a half years, the state government has launched many schemes for the all-round development of the state and welfare of the people. The participation of the people has been ensured in the developmental process and policy making to fulfill the aspirations of the people, eliminate the distance between the people and the government and to make schemes accessible to the people of the State.

As soon as the state government assumed power, showing respect for the elderly people, the age limit of Social Security Pension was reduced from 80 years to 70 years without any income limit and their pension was increased to Rs. 1500 per month. As many as 6.09 lakh social security pension beneficiaries are being benefitted in the state. Under Swarna Jayanti Nari Sambal Yojana, all eligible elderly women in the age group of 65 years to 69 years are being provided Rs. 1000 per month without any income limit. Shagun Yojana has also been launched in the state, under which a grant of Rs. 31000 is being given to the daughters of the families living below the poverty line at the time of their marriage. In the category of states having population of less than 50 lakh elderly people, Himachal Pradesh has topped in the Care of Elderly People category.

The state government has started Jan Manch to establish direct communication with the public and to redress public grievances immediately, which is being appreciated not only in the state but also in the entire country. Due to Covid-19, Jan Manch is not being organised for the time being, it will be resumed in near future as soon as the conditions become conducive.

The State Government has started Mukhyamantri Sewa Sankalp Helpline-1100 for the people to redress their grievances sitting at home. Till now, 2.48 lakh complaints have been received under this helpline and most of them have already been redressed.

Under Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana, free gas connections have been provided to more than 3.17 lakh families by spending Rs. 116 crore whereas under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, free gas connections were provided to more than 1.36 lakh families by spending about Rs. 21.81 crore.

Providing better health facilities to the people of the state is the priority of our government. The government has provided health cover to the people under Himcare scheme. Total 5.13 lakh families have been registered under the scheme and 1.74 lakh people have got free treatment, on which Rs. 162 crore have been spent. In order to provide financial assistance to the economically weaker patients suffering from serious diseases, assistance under the Sahara Yojana amounting to about Rs. 31 crore has been distributed to 14,254 beneficiaries.

Youth are the strength of any nation. Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana has been started to make the youth selfreliant so that they do not seek employment but become employment providers. As many as 6,000 people were provided employment by implementing 1,903 projects and a subsidy of Rs. 122 crore has been provided under Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana. Total 154 start-ups and 11 incubation centers have been provided benefits worth Rs. 10.43 crore under Mukhyamantri Start-up Yojana.

In order to promote industrialization and investment in the state, for the first time in the year 2019, Global Investors' Meet was organized in the State in which investors from different countries participated. During the event, State government signed 703 MoUs with a proposed investment of Rs. 96,721 crore. After this, the first ground breaking ceremony of 240 projects with an investment of Rs 13,656 crore was successfully organized.

Agriculture and horticulture sectors are the backbone of the state's economy. About Rs. 150 crore was spent on fencing of fields under the Mukhyamantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana benefiting 4,412 farmers. To encourage natural farming, Prakritik Kheti - Khushal Kisan Yojana was launched. Under the scheme, 1,18,504 farmers have adopted natural farming and an area of about 6,500 hectares has been brought under natural farming.

The state government has succeeded in bringing about 9 lakh square meter area under anti-hail net by spending about Rs.51 crore under the Agricultural Produce Protection Scheme, benefiting about 7,000 horticulturists. Irrigation facility was also provided in 292 hectare area by spending Rs. 67 crore on Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana in the state, benefiting 1,172 farmers.

Concerted efforts were made in all the villages and habitations of the State to provide clean drinking water to the people. Drinking water connections have been provided to about 6 lakh households under Jal Jeevan Mission. Highest polling station of the state located in Spiti area at Tashigang now also enjoys drinking water facility.

About 24,000 MW of hydel power potential is exploitable in the state, out of which about 11,000 MW has been tapped. Now Himachal is a power surplus state. Under the Mukhyamantri Roshni Yojana, so far 11,084 electricity connections have been provided.

The state government is implementing various schemes to promote tourism. Rs. 200 crore have been sanctioned under the Nai Rahein-Nai Manzilen scheme. Kangra's Bir-Billing is being developed as Paragliding, Shimla's Chanshal valley as Ski and Mandi's Janjehli as eco-tourism destination. Apart from this, a magnificent Shivdham is being constructed at Kangnidhar in Mandi district.

The construction of roads is amongst the top priorities of the state government. At the time of the formation of the state in 1948, there were only 288 km. of motorable roads. Presently there is a network of about 40,000 km. roads in the State. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 780 works worth Rs. 2,700 crore have been completed in the state.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the State government in September 2020, with the Government of India and the World Bank for the Himachal Pradesh State Road Improvement Project at a cost of Rs. 800 crore. Ropeways have been identified in Shimla, Manali and Dharamsala. The work of Dharamshala Mcleodganj ropeway in district Kangra is in the final stage. The work of Baglamukhi ropeway and Shikwari to Banadhar ropeway will commence soon in district Mandi. The work of Rohtang and Bijli Mahadev in district Kullu, Palampur Chunja in district Kangra, Bharmani Mata in district Chamba and Narkanda to Hatu Peak ropeway in district Shimla will also start soon.

Despite the limited economic resources, the State Government has taken the development forward rapidly with its determination and the cooperation of the Central Government. The State government is determined for the upliftment of every section of the society and every area of the State. We also have to protect our rich cultural heritage and environment in our developmental journey. I express my gratitude for the generous assistance being provided by the Central Government for the development of the state under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Since the year 2020, the whole world is fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Timely and effective steps taken by the Prime Minister proved to be life-saving for the citizens of the country. To deal with the adverse economic conditions, the Prime Minister announced an economic package providing direct financial assistance to the needy people and also provided free vaccine facility to all the citizens of country.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19, the State government has tried to bring the state's economy back on track by reviving the basic amenities smoothly. With the cooperation of the people of the state, we have succeeded in preventing Corona infection to a great extent. For the prevention of Covid-19, the biggest vaccination drive of the world was launched in the entire country. Himachal Pradesh is among the leading states in this campaign. I express my gratitude to all the people of the state and Corona warriors for their significant role in the fight against the pandemic.

We not only have to participate in the vaccination campaign, but also have to adopt the mantra of 'Dawai Bhi - Kadai Bhi' besides taking all the precautions. Corona is spreading again. Even after vaccination, it is absolutely necessary to adopt Covid appropriate behavior and we have to play the role of a responsible citizen.

Once again, I wish the people of the State a very happy Independence Day and wish everyone a healthy and prosperous life.