A MARCH TOWARDS SELF- RELIANCE & PROSPERITY -Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal,Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh

15th AUGUST, 2008

August 15 is a red-letter day in the history of our country. It was on this momentous day in 1947 that India attained freedom from the tyrannical British Rule. This would not have been possible but for the relentless struggle and supreme sacrifices of the great freedom fighters and martyrs.  Today, if we are a free and fast forging nation on the path of advancement and development, we owe it to our freedom fighters and nation builders and we must, therefore, pay our reverence and gratitude to them. As we celebrate our 62nd Independence Day, we have the occasion and opportunity of remembering their sacrifices. Their ideals, patriotism and valour will hold us a good stead in meeting the challenges of today. On this auspicious occasion we also salute our valiant soldiers and security forces, who have successfully guarded our frontiers and held high the pride and dignity of our country.

 This indeed is a day of rejoicing and celebrations, and at the same time an occasion to sneak a peep into our past. We recollect with pride our role in the freedom movement, which was second to none. Though,  Himachal was not the centre stage of freedom struggle, yet certainly the hearts of the people of Himachal kindled with similar inextinguishable fire of patriotism and sprit of freedom. The people of this hill state made a significant contribution in liberating the motherland from the clutches of foreign rule. The freedom movement in our State was as deep rooted as it was in other parts of the country.  Incidents like "Dhami Goli Kand", "Praja Mandal Movement", "Suket Satyagraha" and "Pajhotha Movement" drew attention of the torch bearers of the freedom struggle at the centre. 

Himachal Pradesh came into existence exactly eight months after the attainment of independence by the  integration of 31 odd princely states. At that time the State was a dismal picture of poverty and backwardness, illiteracy and ignorance. However, the hardworking people of the State, with their Himalayan firmness and strength converted the challenges into opportunities. The pace of development, slowly but steadily, gained momentum. Today, with the persistent efforts of the people of the State, Himachal Pradesh is on the threshold of becoming front runner among  the most progressive States of the country.

The present BJP Government assumed office on 30th December, 2007. The most daunting task before us was to bring back on track  the derailed economy of the State, burry the bogie of regionalism and ensure balanced development of the State and most importantly, to infuse confidence amongst the people and initiate serious measures to fulfill their aspirations and expectations. Immediately  after assuming office, the State Government, enhanced the Social Security Pension from Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 per month benefiting 2,37,624 eligible people of the State, who have been waiting for such an increase for more than five years.  Daily wages for the daily wagers was enhanced from Rs 75 to Rs 100 and the increase was also made applicable in private sector. In order to facilitate the women of the State, holidays have been declared for women employees on Raksha Bandhan and Bhaiya Dooj besides free travel facility to women on these days in HRTC buses. The Government has also decided to reserve 50 percent seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies for women so as to enlist their active participation in the process of development. Indeed this has further strengthened  the process of women empowerment.

The present Government is giving special thrust on welfare and upliftment of weaker sections of the society so as to ensure their socio-economic development. Allocation of funds to the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan has been enhanced considerably  from Rs. 231 crore during the previous year to Rs. 594 crore during the current financial year, which is an increase of Rs. 157 per cent. The allocation has thus increased from the existing 11 percent of the aggregate plan size to 25 percent, which is more than double.

In an innovative special initiative, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawans would be constructed in every assembly constituency at a cost Rs. 10 lakh each with a total provision of Rs. 6.80 crore. All the 2,82,316 BPL families in the unorganized sector would be brought under the "Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna". Under the scheme, insurance cover of Rs. 30,000 per family will be provided on an annual premium of Rs. 750, out of which the beneficiary family will have to contribute only Rs. 30 per annum. Similarly, Health Insurance Scheme has also been launched under Handloom Weavers Welfare Scheme benefiting over 20, 000 weaver families in the State.

Road connectivity has been on the priority agenda of the State Government, since rural road connectivity promotes access to economic and social services, increases agricultural income and enhances employment opportunities.  Efforts are afoot to link all the villages having a population of more than 500 people by roads by the year 2009.  Mukhya Mantri Gram Path Yojana with a provision of Rs. 10 crore has been revived to provide road connectivity to smaller inhabitations in rural areas. An  ambitious Rs. 1365.435 crore Himachal Pradesh State Road Project has been launched in the State  under which 435 km long state highways and major district roads would be upgraded besides periodic maintenance of 2,000 kms road length in different parts of the State.  In addition to it, the Government would also ensure beautification of state and national highways. With a view to strengthen road network, we have proposed construction of 8 tunnels of 16.86 km length at different places. This 1852.96 crore project is being posed to 13th  Finance Commission for funding.

Education is another priority area under which the State has made spectacular progress. The last six decades have witnessed a silent social and economic revolution in the State. Qualitative and quantitative improvement in the field of education is one of the prime objectives of the present Government. To make academic atmosphere in educational institutions more congenial for studies, complete ban has been imposed on holding public meetings, official functions and community lunch etc. within the four walls of school premises. Yoga education would be started in educational institutions. Mid-Day Meal Scheme has been extended to cover upper primary classes, middle units of State Government and Government aided schools in the entire state, for which an amount of Rs 10 crore has been released. Scholarship Scheme has been introduced to benefit 10,000 students of OBC category studying in 1st to 10th class.

The State Government has taken up the matter of establishing IIT and Central University in the State strongly. It has proposed a suitable site at Katoula near Mandi town for setting up of an IIT sanctioned for the State for which Rs.760 crore has already been sanctioned by the Union Government. A  Central University is also being established in Dehra Sub division of Kangra district. These two premier educational institutions would provide an opportunity to the students of the State to get world class education nearer to their homes. 

 Health care has also received due attention of the State Government with special emphasis on strengthening health infrastructure in rural areas. Specialized services are being ensured in the premier health institutions of the State. The State Government has decided to open three Medical Colleges with public-private participation in private sector in Mandi, Una and Hamirpur districts. It has been made mandatory to provide 50 per cent seats in these colleges to the Himachali students. Rogi Kalyan Samitis have been reconstituted ensuring greater community participation at Medical College, District, CHC and PHC level hospitals.  Separate Medical Education Cadres have been constituted for IGMC Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda so that specialized doctors were available for this premier medical institution of the State.  With a view to encourage the doctors to serve the difficult and tribal areas of the State, special incentives have been  provided to doctors serving these areas besides enhancing the existing honorarium of medical officers.

Power sector, with an identified hydro potential of about 21,000 MW is playing a pivotal role in strengthening the economy of the State. The present Government is steadfast to make Himachal the 'Power State' of the country and the commitment for this sector shown by the Government has started yielding desirable results. The State Government has decided to invite open competitive bids for execution of projects over 5 MW capacity and global bidding in respect of projects over 100 MW capacity for ensuring transparency in allocation of power projects.  

Everyone is aware of the emotional attachment of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, former Prime Minister of India towards Himachal Pradesh. The State immensely benefited from his benevolence during his leadership of the nation. As a token of reverence to him, the Mountaineering Institute of Manali has been christened as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali. A new scheme to save energy and environment has also been dedicated to him. Rs. 80 crore 'Atal Bijli Bachat Yojna' is being  launched on the historic Independence Day under which four Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs would be provided to each of the 16 lakh domestic consumers of the State free of cost. All Government offices would use power efficient lighting equipment and State Government would replace all the old electric equipments by 25th December, 08, the birthday of our beloved former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This would not only help in conserving energy but also in saving the environment. The State Government has also decided to setup Himachal Pradesh Power Distribution Corporation to strengthen the Power Distribution System in the State.

The rich natural resources, industrial peace, clean and green environment, uninterrupted power supply, industry friendly climate and incentives provided by the State are acting as a catalyst for the speedier industrialization in the State.  The State Government has taken up the matter with the Government of India for extending the industrial package till 2013. The present Industrial Package is due to the benevolence of NDA Government headed by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, the then Hon'ble Prime Minister and the efforts of the BJP Government in its earlier tenure, which was subsequently reduced from 2013 to 2010.

It has been decided to acquire only barren land for setting up of Special Economic Zones in the State and that to with the concurrence of local people. Draft Development Plan for Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Special Area has been approved to carry out planned development in this industrial area. To facilitate entrepreneurs, procedure for obtaining clearances from different departments for setting up of units has been simplified.  

         Himachal Pradesh is playing an important role in maintaining ecological balance and conserving the environment. Taking into account the watershed, carbon reduction and other ecological benefits, the forest wealth of the State has been estimated at more than Rs. 1.5 lakh crores. Scientific forest logging can give the State benefits of at least Rs. 1,000 crore per annum. So far, our only reward has been the feeling of satisfaction and pride that we are serving a national cause. Contribution of Himachal Pradesh in this respect is notable and needs to be reciprocated in monetary terms in lieu of  the carbon credit it has earned as per the Kyoto-Protocol -2005. We have taken up the matter with the Government of India in this regard. An  ambitious and massive aforestation project "Jan-Jan Sanjivni-Van Abhiyan-2008" has been launched in the State to conserve the environment besides making the State the "Herbal State" of the country.

Endowed with natural beauty, Himachal Pradesh is indeed a paradise for tourists. The State Government is giving special impetus to tourism sector as it has tremendous potential to provide self employment. To promote tourism in the state, infrastructure is being developed in lesser known areas, besides focusing on tourism connected with Pilgrimage, Ecology, Health, Adventure, Wild life, Himalayan heritage  and   Villages. The State Government has also launched  ‘Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Scheme-2008’, with a view to promote  tourism in rural areas, decongest the urban areas and to generate employment.

Himachal Pradesh has diverse agro-climatic conditions, well drained soils, temperate to subtropical climate and adequate monsoons which offer immense scope for development in the horticulture sector comprising of fruits, vegetables, spices, hops, mushrooms, floriculture, apiculture and medicinal/aromatic plants. In order to boost agriculture production, cash prize scheme to the progressive farmers has been introduced in the State.  

The State Government has decided to pay 50 percent premium under Agriculture Insurance Scheme. "Soil Health Card" scheme has been introduced from the current financial year to help the farmers in identifying appropriate crops for their farms. So far, samples of soils from 56,000 farmers have been tested. One lakh such cards will be issued after soil testing to the farmers during the current financial year. The State Government has posed an Integrated Agriculture Project of Rs. 500 crore for funding to the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC)  to modernize the agriculture sector and generate additional income avenues to the State.

In an important decision aimed at strengthening the basic agriculture sector, the State Government has granted exemption on stamp duty and registration fees on loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs to agriculturists and horticulturists of the state on their mortgage deeds with financial institutions. Farmers will get benefit of over Rs. 35 crore with this incentive.

 Ginger crop has been brought under the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme on experimental basis to fulfill the long pending demand of the farmers. In order to ensure remunerative prices to horticulturists, support price of kinnow, malta, mango, apple etc. have been enhanced by 50 paise per Kg.  A Rs. 27 crore project to procure anti hail guns has been proposed for funding to protect the apple crop of the growers from hailstorms.

Himachal Pradesh is basically a rural state as more than 90 percent population resides in villages, therefore, in order to ensure transformation of rural economy, the developmental policies and programmes of the State government are rural oriented. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been launched in the entire State from 1st April, 2008 under which every job card holder in rural areas will be ensured 100 days of employment. In order to make our rural areas neat and clean a new scheme has been launched to reward each panchayat at block, divisional, district and State level with cash prize.

The Government has always stood by Government employees and is committed to their welfare. In order to provide relief to the employees, the Government immediately after assuming power released 5% interim relief to all Government employees and pensioners of the state. This has ensured financial benefits to the tune of Rs 300 crore to the employees and pensioners. The Government has also decided to reward the hard working and sincere employees so as to ensure better work culture. A new Transfer Policy has been implemented in the State for the employees. Daily wagers who have completed eight years of service in various departments are being regularized in a phased manner. As many as 13,205 daily wagers in I&PH and PWD departments have been regularized.

The Government is ensuring active participation of youth so as to harness their potential for the development of the State.  The Government is also ensuring that the unemployed youth of the State are provided 70 per cent  job opportunities in all Hydro Power Projects and Industrial Units in the State.  Due to persistent efforts of the Government, three Indian Reserve Battalions, including  an Indian Reserve Battalion of women have been sanctioned for the State. This has opened a new window of job opportunity to over 3000 unemployed youth. As many as 26,000 posts of various categories are being filled in the Government sector alone during the current financial year.

Himachal Pradesh has a considerable population of ex-servicemen and serving soldiers who have brought pride to the State by their exemplary courage. The State Government has constituted a new department of Sainik Welfare which would monitor welfare activities related to ex-servicemen and serving soldiers. In a bid to strengthen the State Police Department, Rs. 6.12 crore have been sanctioned for its modernization. A new uniform is being introduced for Himachal Pradesh Police from 15th August, 2008. The Police Stations at Dhalli in Shimla, Mandi town and Una have been awarded  ISO Certificates. 

The State Government is ensuring cordial relations with the Centre as well as neighbouring states. Many issues of common interest have been addressed amicably.  The construction of Chandigarh-Baddi road by June, 2009, priority construction of Shah Nehar Project, linking of Baddi and International Airport Mohali with Super Highway, construction of Ropeway between Shri Anandpur Sahib and Shri Naina Devi Jee have been effectively taken up with Punjab Government. Similarly, Punjab has agreed to provide 300 MW power during winter whereas Himachal would provide equal power to Punjab during summers. An idea had been mooted to constitute a Trans Himalayan Development Council for providing a uniform platform for solving various welfare issues and problems of all the hilly States of the country.  There is a pressing necessity of converting Railway line between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar to broad gauge and extending it upto Leh Ladakh for strategic geo political reasons, particularly after the linking of Lahasa with Beijing by China.  This railway line besides being of  strategic importance will also meet the developmental needs. The State Government has taken up this matter with the Union Government forcefully and it is indeed a matter of satisfaction that the proposal is receiving due attention.  

We have strongly taken up the matter of early construction of Rohtang Tunnel and adequate share of the state in power projects with the Central Government.

The State Government has designed and tailored  its policies in such a manner which would ensure speedy and balanced development of all the regions of the State.  The Government is not only committed to provide efficient, clean and transparent administration by rising above political considerations, but has initiated concrete steps to translate it into a reality. Public Redressal Cells have been setup in all the public service oriented departments besides others.

The State Government has vowed to serve the State and its people with all its strength and sincerity. Power, for us, is only a means of serving the people and our endeavour is to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant and prosperous State. I assure the people of the State that the Government will provide them a responsive, transparent and accountable administration.  I also assure the Nation that the people of Himachal Pradesh would make all effort to make the country strong and vibrant.

On this auspicious occasion of Independence Day, I felicitate the people of the State and wish them a happy and bright future. Let us rededicate ourselves to realize the ideals and dreams of our revered freedom fighters and achieve the real objectives of independence.