HIMACHAL SCALING NEW HEIGHTS IN DEVELOPMENT -Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Day (15th April, 2012)

         We are celebrating 65^th Himachal Day today. On this day in 1948, Himachal Pradesh came into existence after merger of 31 odd princely States. First of all, I congratulate the people of the State on this auspicious occasion and wish for their happy and bright future.

Starting from a scratch in 1948, Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a role model of development not only for hill areas but also for other States of the Country. Some of the development indicators of the State like Per Capita Income, Gross State Domestic Product and Literacy Percentage in which the State has excelled are a testimony to this. When we peep into these and compare them with 1948, we find that Himachal Pradesh has made a remarkable progress. The Per Capita Income, which was Rs. 240 in the year 1948 had gone up to Rs. 65536 in the year 2010-11 and is likely to go up to Rs. 73608 in 2011-12, as per quick estimates, which is 20 percent higher  than the National level of Rs. 60972. Gross State Domestic Product has increased from Rs. 26 crore to Rs. 63084 crore and Literacy rate from 8 percent to         83.8 percent.

Food Production of the State has increased from 2 lakh metric tonnes in 1948 to about 16 lakh metric tonnes today and Fruit Production has gone up from 1200 metric tonnes to 10 lakh metric tonnes.  Not only this, Himachal Pradesh has also emerged as a major vegetable producer. Vegetable production is contributing about 3.3 percent to the Gross State Domestic Product. There are 3813 health institutions, over 16000 educational institutions in the State, whereas there were only a few in 1948.  Roads-the pre-requisite for development of hilly areas has been paid special attention, as a result of which, road length in the State has gone up from              288 kms in 1948 to 34000 kms today.

Friends, this had been possible due to sincere and earnest efforts made by the people of the State and also contribution of all those who had remained at the helm of affairs during all these years. With the benevolence of God and love and affection of the people of the State, I have also got an opportunity to serve the people of the State for more than nine years, previously from 1998 to 2003 and again from December 2007 till date. The endeavours of our Government during all these years have been to take the State to new heights by harnessing the resources available within the State for the development of the State. The six ‘S’- ‘Sadak’, ‘Shiksha’, ‘Swasthya’, ‘Swarojgar’, ‘Swabhiman’ and ‘Swablamban’ are priorities and motto of the Government. To achieve these objectives, emphasis has been laid on speedy exploitation of the natural resources available in the State and expand and consolidate of road, health and education network so as to benefit the people.

In last four years, Per Capita Income of the State has increased by about Rs. 30,000, which speaks volume about the sea-change that has come in the life style of the people in the State. State’s economy has grown at an average rate of                   78.3 percent during this period, taking Gross State Domestic Product from                      Rs. 33963 crore in 2007-08 to Rs. 63084 crore in 2010-2011.

To accelerate the pace of development in the State, our Government has tried to increase the Plan funds by effectively taking up State’s case with the Planning Commission. An outlay of Rs. 22,800 crore had been proposed for the 12^th Five Year Plan, which is 65 percent more then the 11^th Five year Plan. 10^th Five Year Plan was also formulated when our Government was in power last time and in that also we have succeeded in getting an increase of 70 percent over the 9^th Five Year Plan.            11^th Five Year Plan had been formulated during predecessor Government in the State and it could get only 33 percent increase over 10^th Plan.  This year’s Annual Plan has been fixed at Rs. 3700 crore, which is Rs. 400 crore more from the last year. The allocation under Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan has been enhanced from 11 percent in 2008-09 to 25 percent by our Government.  Rs. 915 crore would be spent under Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan in the State during current financial year for speedy uplift of the Scheduled Castes as against Rs. 231 crore spent during the year 2007-08. Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan for this year has been fixed at Rs. 333 crore, which is           12 percent higher than the last years’ allocation.

Himachal Pradesh has immense hydel, tourism and industrial potential when exploited fully, no doubt, the State would emerge as one of the prosperous States in the Country. Over 23000 MW hydel potential had been identified in the State so far. Out of these 7923 MW could be installed as yet. Our Government has intensified efforts for speedy exploitation of hydel potential by involving public, joint and private sectors.  In 2007, when our Government took over, the installed capacity of the State was 6393 MW. In last four years 2431 MW of additional power had been generated and hydel projects having generation capacity of 328 MW are likely to be commissioned in next three-four months, thus registering an increase of 43 percent, which is a record in the history of power development of the State. The work on hydel projects having generation capacity of 12798 MW is in progress and is likely to be completed by the end of 13^th Five Year Plan period. The State will get 16270 million units from this, thereby registering an annual income of Rs. 4393 crore. At present the State is getting annual income of about Rs. 1000 crore from hydel sector.

One of the major achievements of our Government has been upholding of the Himachal Pradesh’s legitimate claim of 7.19 percent power share in BBMB hydel projects by the Supreme Court of India retrospectively in accordance with the Punjab’s Recognition Act, 1966 in its decision on 27.9.2011. Himachal Pradesh would get Rs. 3997 crore as outstanding claim on account of this. It has already started getting 7.19 percent power share from 1^st November, 2011. The State would get an annual income of Rs. 120 crore annually from this on present rate. This would not have been possible but for the persistent efforts made by us, first from 1998 to 2003 and again from December, 2007 onwards.

An ambitious energy saving scheme ‘Atal Bijli Bachat  Yojna’ has been implemented by our Government in 2008, under which, four CFLs had been given free of cost to every domestic electricity consumer. This had ensured an annual income of over Rs. 110 crore to the State exchequer by way of energy saving.

Development of Tourism holds great promise for the economic development of the State. The sector is contributing over nine percent to the Gross State Domestic Product, besides generating direct and indirect employment to the local people.  The Government has given added priority for development of Tourism and has succeeded in establishing ‘Unforgettable Himachal’ brand. Himachal has been awarded National Tourism Award for the year 2010-2011 by the President of India. The State had got 25 Awards from different national and international agencies of repute for tourism promotion in last four years. Tourism is on the threshold of becoming the main industry of the State. Special emphasis had been given on development of rural, historic, nature, adventure and religious tourism by creating infrastructure and basic amenities. Rs. 428.22 crore tourism project had been got sanctioned from Asian Development Bank for creating infrastructure for tourism development and work on it had already been started. Heritage Museum had been set up in Shimla and work on developing complex at Pong Dam in Kangra district has also been started. National Heritage Museum, Geo-Park and a Hotel is being established at a cost of Rs. 9 crore at Kasuli in Solan district,

To give fillip to the tourism activities ambitious schemes viz ‘Home Stay’, ‘Har Gaon Ki Kahani’, ‘Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai’ has been started, which had yielded good results in attracting the tourists, besides ensuring their longer stay in the State. Last year, 1.51 crore tourists, including 4.84 lakh foreign tourists visited the State and this number is likely to be surpassed this year.

In order to provide skilled work force for tourism industry within the State, Indian Institute of Hotel Management has been set up at Hamirpur and ‘Food Craft Institute’ is being set up at Dharamshala. This would help the youth to get employment within and outside the State in Tourism Industry. Keeping in view, the sustained endeavours of the State Government, the day is not far when Himachal Pradesh would emerge as a ‘Tourist’s Paradise’ on the World Map.

Industrial development is another sector which can add to the prosperity of the State, keeping in view this, income generating, employment oriented and environment friendly industries are being encouraged. Since the present Government took over, approval for setting up of 5000 industrial units of different scales having employment potential of about 2 lakh persons has been granted. Over 3800 industrial units of different scales have been set up during this period in which more than 50,000 persons have got employment.

The then NDA Government, headed by Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India had given industrial package to Himachal Pradesh in the year 2002 which was to last upto 2013. This was bound to give big boost to industrialization in the State. This package was abruptly curtailed by the UPA Government till 2007 and was extended later upto 2010. This gives a set back in speedy industrialization of the State. Despite this, we have ensured that the pace of industrialization is not slowed down. For this, we have tried to provide investor friendly atmosphere in the State by giving various incentives like cheap and abundant electricity. Clearance is being given under one roof for industrial units. 5 percent exemption on electricity duty for a period of five years to all new units coming up in the State had been allowed from 1^st April, this year.

Agriculture and allied activities are the main vocation of the people of the State as more than 70 percent population in the State is dependent on Agriculture for their livelihood. Keeping in view this, the agriculture development has been given big boost as this vital sector contributes significantly to the State’s economy. The initiatives of the State taken in this sector have been appreciated at National level also. Himachal Pradesh has been conferred ‘State Agriculture Leadership Award 2010’ for its best performance on the basis of nationwide survey by a reputed magazine ‘Agriculture Today’. 12.95 percent of the Annual Plan 2012-13 has been allocated for Agriculture and Allied activities, which is much higher than the allocation made at national level for this sector.

The development that State had made during last four years is clearly indicated by the fact that Himachal Pradesh has been conferred 59 Awards by various agencies of national and international repute, including Government of India during this period. These Awards have been given for the Best performance of the State in various developmental indicators on the basis of nationwide surveys undertaken by these agencies. As per our commitment to provide accountable and responsive governance to the people, the Government has taken various effective initiatives.

Many ambitious schemes have been implemented to boost up the agriculture economy in last four years. Prominent among them are Rs.353 crore ‘Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan Bagwan Samridhi Yojna’ under which 80 percent subsidy is being given for construction of poly houses and minor irrigation. The subsidy component for BPL families for construction of poly houses had been enhanced to      90 percent. Since the inception of scheme, 9610 poly houses have been constructed and 4171 micro irrigation schemes implemented. An amount of Rs. 76 crore had been given as subsidy under this scheme so far. A provision of Rs. 50 crore had been made during current financial year for the purpose.

Rs. 321 crore Crop Diversification Scheme is being implemented in the State from last year with the assistance of Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), which focuses on crop diversification, water harvesting, organic farming, irrigation etc. To begin with, the scheme is being implemented in five districts Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur and will be extended to other districts. When this project is implemented fully, the economy of the farmers would witness a sea-change. Our agriculture economy is based on irrigation to a great extent. An area of 27541 hectares had been brought under irrigation during last four years in the State. Rs.88 crore Changer area irrigation scheme in  Bilaspur had also been completed last year which had brought 2350 hectare area under irrigation. The major irrigation projects Shahnehar, Medium Irrigation scheme and Sidhata in Kangra district and Balh Valley Left Bank Irrigation Scheme in Mandi district are likely to be commissioned soon this year. The work on Medium Irrigation Scheme Phina Singh in Nurpur area of Kangra district had been taken in hand recently. Rs. 205 crore would be spent on this. The work on Rs. 103 crore Nadun Medium Irrigation Scheme would also be taken in hand soon for which budget provision of funds in this year’s budget had been made.

Efforts had also been intensified to boost up Horticulture development by adopting integrated approach. Rs. 85 crore Apple Rejuvenation Project had been started from last year which envisages to replace the age old plants with quality and productive ones. 44750 plants of apple, pear and cherry would be imported from United States of America and France under this scheme. Out of this, 10,000 had already been imported. The rejuvenation process is on in 349 orchards at present covering 170 hectares of area.

To ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and fruit growers, marketing network is being strengthened. The work on Rs. 100 crore most modern marketing yard at Parala in Shimla district has been started and work on another similar market yard for lower areas would be started in Una district soon.

The role of Animal Husbandry in the agriculture economy of the State is all the more important. Rs. 300 crore ‘Doodh Ganga Project’ is being implemented in the State under which 50,000 families would be benefited. The loan upto Rs. 30 lakh is being given for undertaking milk related activities and Rs. 5 lakh for purchase of milch cattle to the people. 33.3 percent subsidy is being given to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and 25 percent to general categories under this scheme.  ‘Mukhya Mantri Arogya Pashudhan Yojna’ had been started to ensure at least one veterinary institution in each panchayat in the State. 1012 veterinary institutions would be opened under this scheme. Out of these 200 had already been opened. ‘Bhed Palak Samridhi Yojna’ has been started in Kangra, Mandi and Chamba districts  under which financial assistance of Rs. one lakh is being given for purchase of 40 sheep and two ram to each interested individual. A subsidy of Rs. 33,300 is being given to them for the purpose.

 “Himachal Pradesh Public Services Guarantee Act 2011” has been enacted to ensure time bound services to the people. Services of 12 major departments have been notified and official machinery made liable to provide them in stipulated time. This act provides for the penalty in case of delay. In order to make this Act more effective, a provision of second appeal before the State Chief Information Commissioner has been made whereas in many other States, this lies with the respective Secretaries of the Department.

To ensure zero tolerance towards corruption, ‘Himachal Pradesh Special Court (Attachment and Confiscation of Prosperities) Bill 2011’ has been passed and sent for the assent of the President of India. Under this, provision of attachment and confiscation of property acquired by the public servant through corrupt means has been made. Though Himachal Pradesh is one of the leading States, which had appointed Lokayukta several years back but we have further strengthened this Institution by giving more teeth to it. For this, Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta Bill, 2012 has been passed in the Vidhan Sabha in the recent past during Budget Session. Better roads, education and health facilities are three essential sectors  for development. Our Government had accorded top most priority for them. The pace of development in these sectors had been speeded up.  3400 kms. of roads and 250 bridges have been constructed in the State during last four years thereby providing connectivity to 1000 more villages. All the villages having population of 250 and above would get road connectivity by the year end. Construction of three tunnels viz Bangana to Dhaneta, Bhubhojot  and Holi to Utarala have been proposed to reduce the distance to facilitate the commuters. Our Government had got four National Highways sanctioned during last tenure and two during this tenure. In principle approval for five more National Highways have also been got. In inaccessible areas, the Mukhya Mantri Gram Path Yojna was started during last time, which was discontinued by the previous Government had been re-started and a number of roads had been constructed during last four years.

The importance of the Education in over all development of the society can not be overlooked. Keeping in view this, we have given priority for providing quality, professional and technical education to the youth within the State for which, a number of educational institutions have been opened during last four years in the Public and Private Sector. Some of these are Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Central University, Technical University, Institute of Engineering Technology, National Hotel Management Institute and 11 Universities in the Private Sector. The objective of opening more educational institutions in the State is that youth do not have to leave their homes to seek higher and professional education thereby saving lakhs of rupees of their parents. To ensure that quality education is provided in the Private Universities, the Government has set up State Education Regulatory Commission. Himachal Pradesh is first State in the Country to do it although there had been tremendous expansion of educational institutions in the private sector in other States also. More than 9100 crore had been spent on Education in the State during last four years and a provision of Rs. 3419 crore had been made for this year. More than 20,000 posts of teachers in different disciplines have been filled during last four years and process to fill up 1000 more posts is going on.

Technical Education has been given priority. A number of ITIs have been opened in the State with one ITI in every Assembly Segment of the State.  Five Polytechnics are being opened in Bilaspur, Kullu, Sirmour, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti during this year. Rs. 27 crore would be spent on strengthening and upgradation of existing nine polytechnics in the State.

Health is another priority of the Government as it is committed to ensure better heath care facilities at the door steps of the people. We have implemented ambitious schemes like ‘Atal Swasthya Sewa’, ‘Matri Sewa’, Pt. Deen Dayal Aushadh Sewa’, ‘Mukhya Mantri Vidhyarthi Swasthaya Karyakram, ‘Health Insurance Scheme’ besides strengthening the health institutions in the State. ESI Hospital and Medical College is being set up in Mandi district. In last four years, more than 800 MBBS and 300 Ayurvedic Doctors have been appointed and posted in far-flung areas of the State so that people do not face any inconvenience.  Number of seats of MBBS in IGMC, Shimla and Dr. R.P. Govt. Medical College, Tanda have been increased from 115 to 200 and Post Graduate from 39 to 127. The work on             Rs. 150 Crore Super Sociality Hospital in Dr. R.P. Medical College Tanda is likely to be completed soon this year. Most Modern Medical equipments have been provided in IGMC Shimla including 64.5 slice (MDCT) Scan machine Telco Watt Unit has been set up in Cancer Hospital in Shimla, which is best in Asia.

To give humane face to development efforts, we have accorded priority for Social Services Sector. 32.5 percent of total plan budget is being spent on this vital sector. This year, our Government has doubled the Social Security Pension from Rs. 200 per month to Rs. 400 per month thereby benefiting over 2.77 lakh eligible persons in the State.  Daily wage of the daily wagers had been enhanced from Rs. 75 to            Rs. 130. The wages and honorarium of all working categories in the State had been enhanced substantially by the Government. We have ensured the welfare of all sections of the society with special emphasis on the common man as the betterment of common man is ultimate focus of the Government. This Government is people’s own Government and is committed for the welfare of farmers, workers, employees, weaker sections, youth and women and will leave no stone unturned to achieve better in this regard in future also.

Let us on this auspicious occasion of Himachal Day, join hands for accelerating the pace of development in the State further so as to make ‘Himachal Pradesh’ a self-reliant where there are ample opportunities of employment and self-employment and where people could lead their lives with self respect and pride and Himachal is ‘Sabse Upar’.

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