Himachal’s Thrust Forward

By: Jan 26th, 2018 12:40 am

Himachal This Week Team

Himachal has progressed in different sectors after it came into existence as a full state in 1971. Successive governments led by chief ministers of both the main political parties in Himachal contributed immensely in the growth of this hilly state that celebrated its 48th Statehood Day on January 25. However aspirations of people continue to soar as they look forward to government for various reasons. Chief Minister jai Ram Thakur claims that his government’s aim to make Himachal a self reliant state as it is reeling under a debt burden of Rs. 45, 000 crore presently. Knowledgeable sources however feel that state would have to focus on specific sectors to make this dream a reality.

Josh Urdu Poet Wrote

Haijan hai chashm e pasti main rufat ka noshta padhne kaIk dhun hai taraqqi karne ki ik josh hai aage badhne ka (There is excitement amongst people on the go to push ahead, A time for verve to progress, a spirit to rise)

Contributed by Prof. N.K.Singh

Himachal As 18th State

Himachal became a part C state in  1951  and a Union Territory in 1956. On 18 December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on January 25, 1971. Thus Himachal Pradesh emerged as the eighteenth state of Indian Union.

‘Aim To Make Himachal Self Reliant’

Himachal This Week’s Sunil Sharma talked to Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to know his vision for state’s development. Following are the excerpts of the interview:

Our government is different. Corruption will not be tolerated at any level and guilty persons will not be spared

-Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister

HTW: The government has not been able to do much as law and order situation remained in the news recently?

CM: It has been directed that officials must improve image besides maintaining law and order situation. People’s faith will also be restored through community schemes. There would be no place for any mafia in

the state.

HTW:   What new initiatives would be taken to check corruption ?

CM: Our government is different. Corruption will not be tolerated at any level and guilty persons will not be spared.

HTW: What are achievements since the government was sworn in about a month ago?

CM: Every department has been given a target for 100 days. Decisions taken indicate that our government is employees friendly. We are trying to fulfill aspirations of people of Himachal.

HTW: How would you generate resources for development as state has empty coffers?

CM:  Wec inherited a debt liability of Rs. 45000 crore. Efforts are on to raise resources besides seeking Centre’s assistance. We aim at making Himachal a self reliant state.

HTW: How would you tackle unemployment issue?

CM: Unemployment youths hope to get government jobs. Our effort is to enhance industrialisation to generate employment and self employment opportunities. Efforts are on to get  a special industrial package.

HTW: How would you improve connectivity to boost tourism?

CM: The Centre has been urged to enhance air and rail connectivity. I had a meeting with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley after GST Council meeting. Focus will be on strengthening connectivity in Himachal.

Notable Contributions …

All former chief ministers of Himachal contributed towards the development of the state, though they had their own priority areas. However, policies and programmes of various governments of both the main political parties aimed for the betterment of Himachal and Himachalis. Notably, Himachal has bagged numerous wards in different sectors that are indicative of initiatives taken by different chief ministers during their tenures.

Dr YS Parmar: Founder of Himachal

For his untiring services for creation and development of Himachal Pradesh, Dr. YS Parmar would always be remembered as Himachal Nirmata, also the first chief minister of this hilly state. He was also instrumental in formation of Himachal in 1948. It was Dr. Parmar’s vision that Himachal attained statehood in 1971 after merger of lower areas in 1966 at the time of Punjab’s reorganisation. His most significant contributions were in fields of roads construction, horticulture and agriculture. He remained chief minister for more than 17 years till 1977.

Paaniwala Mukhyamantri:  Shanta Kumar

Though Shanta Kumar had two stints as Himachal chief minister in 1977 and 1990 but both the terms were truncated midway due to political reasons. He however is remembered as paaniwala mukhyamantri by people in Himachal as he worked extensively to provide drinking water supply to each and every corner of the state. Known as a visionary politician, Shanta Kumar also worked for making Himachal a self reliant state promoting tourism sector, hydro power generation and raising the issue of royalty on hydro power. He also encourage PPP mode for implementation of various projects.

Virbhadra’s Development Model

Former chief minister Virbhadra Singh focused on development of all sections and areas of this hilly state. He has served as Himachal chief minister on six occasions from 1983 to 2017. He opened numerous offices, educational institution including colleges with an aim to provide facilities to people nearby.

 

Sadakwala Mukhyamantri: PK Dhumal

Prem Kumar Dhumal completed two full terms as Himachal chief minister. During his tenure, he focused on expanding road network in Himachal. During his first tenure, roads were constructed under PMGSY project linking almost every village of Himachal with motorable road. Dhumal also showed his concern to protect environment by taking decisions on polythene ban and carbon credit project.

The Way Ahead…

Himachal This Week talked to some eminent personalities to seek their view as to what is the way forward to put this hilly state on the path of fast development. Their opinion was sought on following three questions:

1.How Himachal can become self reliant?

2.What should it expect from Centre?

3.What should be the development model here ?

1 Encourage hydro power generation and tourism to generate employment.

2 Plead for financial assistance for development of different sector.

3 Develop all sections and far flung areas while using resources without damage to the environment.

-KC Sharma. Retd. IAS, Dharamshala

-By Naren Kumar/ Dharamshala

1 Policy reforms are required to create an enabling environment to retain existing industries and attract fresh investments.

2 Improve Ease of Doing Business, strengthen four laning and railway connectivity.

3 Strengthen social infrastructure including healthcare and education.

-Rajesh Saboo, Chairman, CII Himachal Pradesh State Council

-By Vipin Sharma/ Nalagarh

1 Frame a concrete tourism policy to strengthen economy and generate employment.

2 A special tourism package besides improving connectivity.

3 Construction of quality roads and improving conditions at religious and hill destinations.

-Ankush Sood, Hospitality Sector, Mandi

-By Ashish Bharmouria/ Mandi

1.Can become self reliant by tapping tourism and hydro power sectors.

2.Centre should grant a special bail out package to improve state’s financial position.

3.Strengthen connectivity and promote religious tourism.

-Kanwar Hari Singh, State President, Himotkarsh

-By Jatinder Kanwar / Una


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