Opposition spreading misleading propaganda for their political interests: Rohit
Education Minister Rohit Thakur today said that the leaders of the state BJP are spreading misleading propaganda for their political interests in other states. He accused former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur of presenting false data against the state’s Congress government in other states, thereby jeopardizing the state’s interests. He emphasized that the Congress government has achieved remarkable milestones in its two years of tenure compared to the previous BJP government.
Rohit Thakur asked Jai Ram Thakur to appreciate the initiatives and programs launched by the state government for the welfare of all sections of society instead of neglecting the interests of Himachal Pradesh. He added that baseless statements by BJP leaders for political gains could adversely impact the state’s image.
The Education Minister detailed the accomplishments of the current State Government during its tenure, stating that five out of ten guarantees have been fulfilled, with the remaining being addressed in phases. These achievements include restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for 1.36 lakh government employees, launch of the Rs. 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana to support self-employment among youth and introduction of English-medium education from the first class
In the agriculture sector, he stated that the support price for fruits has been raised to record levels, and timely payments have been ensured. The government has released Rs163 crore to horticulturists, which includes dues from the previous BJP government. Subsidies for pesticides and fungicides discontinued by the previous BJP government have also been reinstated. Furthermore, universal cartons for apple packaging have been introduced, a move welcomed by horticulturists.
On education, Thakur mentioned that the government has approved the recruitment of 15,000 posts of different categories in the education department, and the recruitment process is ongoing. Additionally, various positions are being filled through promotions. The state government is making multidimensional efforts to bring qualitative changes in education, introducing several innovative initiatives under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s leadership.
Rohit Thakur also spoke about disaster relief measures, citing a Rs 4,500 crore relief package provided by the state government to assist those affected by last year’s heavy rains and natural disaster. He criticized the central government for failing to assist Himachal Pradesh and only offering false assurances, treating the state unfairly. He urged BJP leaders to present accurate facts about this in other states.
He further criticized the previous BJP government’s neglect of the farming community, stating that under their tenure, farmers were marginalized. He credited the visionary efforts of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for increasing farmers’ income. The government is purchasing maize at Rs 30 per kg and will procure wheat at Rs 40 per kg in the upcoming Rabi season. Himachal Pradesh has also become the first state in the country to provide support prices for milk, with cow’s milk priced at Rs 45 per liter and buffalo’s milk at Rs 55 per liter. Additionally, women above 18 years of age are receiving a pension of Rs1,500 per month.
He emphasized the state government’s efforts to make Himachal Pradesh a green energy state, promoting solar energy production through innovative measures, thereby contributing to environmental conservation alongside green energy production.
The Education Minister highlighted the government’s unprecedented efforts in social security. A first-of-its-kind law has been enacted to ensure the care of 6,000 destitute children. Additionally, for the first time, revenue lok adalats were organized, resolving over 2.25 lakh pending revenue cases.
Rohit Thakur concluded by asking the opposition to play a constructive role in the state’s comprehensive development rather than criticizing the state government merely for gaining headlines.
