Challenges Galore At Tapovan

Sunil Sharma             (Cover Story)

With the new BJP government having taken over the reins in Himachal, challenges galore before different departments to take the state on the path of development and economic prosperity. Major focus will be on seven departments including PWD, health, excise and taxation, tourism, urban development, transport and industries that have crucial role to play in state’s progress. These departments also generate majority of the employment opportunities. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has retained Excise and Taxation Department. However, other departments will also have to perform for welfare of all sections of the society.

Challenges

* Seven departments crucial for state’s development

* Focus on PWD, health, excise and taxation, tourism, urban development, transport and industries department

* Challenge of two smart cities and new township

* Initiatives to generate resources

* Test for same party governments in Centre and state

Industrialisation For Employment

Himachal faces the challenge of bringing a new package for industrial areas. Notably, the BJP has its governments both in Centre and in Himachal. The benefits available under industrial package are available for a restricted period now. This hilly state can provide employment to more than nine lakh unemployed only through industrialisation. There has been no industrialisation in inner parts of the state with big districts like Kangra and Mandi still lagging in this sector. There will be a challenge to divert investors to these districts.  There is need to attract investment for Information Technology and Biotechnological parks besides establishing automobile sectors.

Smart City Projects

Two smart cities are to be developed in Dharamshala and Shimla and Urban development Department faces the challenge to create quality facilities within the stipulated time. Even as developmental works are Centrally and state funded it has to be ensured that budgetary constraints don’t hamper these projects in the backdrop of state’s precarious financial position. The planning is being underway for Dharamshala and Shimla smart cities though municipal corporation has been constituted in Dharamshala. However, future works are yet to be initiated under these projects. The committee constituted in Shimla is gathering proposals from different departments. A new township is proposed at Jathia Devi and Himachal Cabinet has given nod for guarantee on loan for this project. There is no doubt that this project will be translated into reality with a plan to raise loan from HUDCO for the project in pipeline. There is also a challenge to provide plots and flats to more than 75,000 people.

Quality Transport Facilities

There is need to ensure quality services in transport sector besides modernizing it. The water transport system is still in its nascent stage with projects confined to files only. Transport department and corporation face shortage of staff. The ambit of transport needs expansion due to increase in number of commercial vehicles in Himachal. The department will all such challenges to make transport services more effective and comfortable.

Challenge to Generate Resources

Chief Minister Jai Ram holds excise and taxation department and the new government faces the challenge to review policies of the previous government. The BJP had been raising the issue of liquor mafia operating in this hilly state and questions were raised on the corporation constituted by the Congress government. Barriers at state’s entry points have not been computerized and the department faces staff shortage. The department fails to achieve projected targets of tax collection that forms important part in state’s exchequer.

Strengthening Road Network

Public Works Department, the biggest in state, faces the challenge of maintaining a strong network of roads in far flung areas besides more than 71 national highways. It faces the challenge to complete national highways in addition to pending projects. Chief Minister also retained this department that will have to face challenges of maintaining PMGSY roads, major district and link besides construction of bypasses of major towns witnessing rapid urbanisation.

Strengthening Law & Order Situation

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur announced to start 24 hour women helpline in all three police ranges, Shimla, Mandi and Dharamshala, to strengthen law and order situation. All three police zonal offices will be equipped with special cells to report any crime against women across the state, he added, pointing that chief minister’s office will keep a watch on it every day. Jai Ram Thakur stressed zero tolerance against crime against women. He also announced setting up of an Atal Helpline to pursue government’s zero tolerance against corruption. Steps are also taken to curb drugs and cyber crimes.

Speedy efforts are being put in for state’s progress with assistance from all quarters. I speak less but believe in working

-Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh

Boosting Tourism Sector

Tourism sector accounts for employment and self employment opportunities. However its contribution in state GDP has not increased beyond 8.9%. There is a challenge to divert tourism activities to rural areas and development of new tourist destinations without any political bias. This sector has capacity to attract high end tourists but tourist destinations selected during Congress government will have to be reviewed. Knowledgeable persons feel that educated youths and cooperative committees are encouraged to run these projects.

 

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