The State Government would develop unexplored and virgin areas of the State from tourism point of view for which a budget of Rs. 50 crore had been earmarked. This was stated by Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur while addressing a public Meeting at Chhatri in Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district today after preforming Bhumi Pujan of up-gradation of Pendapani Gattu and Brayogi to Lassi roads to be completed at a cost for Rs 3.21 crore and Rs. 4.70 crore respectively.
He said that the work on Garagushaini to Bagrachatri road would be metalled by spending Rs 7.20 crore and Rs 3.17 crore would be spent on mettaling and tarring of Tippri-Bhajauni road while Rs. 5.48 crore on construction of Bajjori to Chawog road.
The Chief Minister was given rousing welcome on his arrival at the Chhatri helipad and main market Chhatri. Thousands of people stood alongside the road from helipad to Magru Mahadev Temple Complex Chhatri and showered petals on their beloved leader during his maiden visit to this area after becoming the Chief Minister of the State.
He thanked the people of the area for giving him wholehearted support. He said that his only motto was ‘Shikhar par Seraj’ and it was for the first time that Mandi district got top position in the Government. He said he was also thankful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and BJP National President Shri Amit Shah.
Shri Jai Ram Thakur said that now the days of politics of regionalism and cap politics were over. His government would ensure balanced and overall development of every section and every area of the State. He said that in the very first cabinet of the State Government, eligibility age of senior citizens for getting pension without any income limit was lowered from 80 to 70 years. About 1.30 lakh such elderly people have benefitted from this decision and this would put an extra burden of Rs 200 crore on the state exchequer.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government has opened Sub Tehsil at Chhatri for the convenience of the people of the area. The Jhenjehli issue was unnecessary flared-up by some political adversaries as they could not digest the development of the area.
He said that the Budget presented by him for the year 2018-19 has 30 new schemes for the welfare of all sections of people in the budget, which was a record in itself. The Government has decided to use 15 per cent of the income of the temple of maintenance of Gau Sadans, besides Rs 1 per bottle of liquor.
The Chief Minister said the State was fortunate to have benevolence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged the people to strengthen his hands in 2019 as well.
He announced Rs. 20 lakh for bus stand at Chhatri, starting of bus service between Shimla and Chhatri, Rs. 16 lakh for Rest House Chhatri, Rs. 15 lakh each for six panchayats and Rs. 3 lakh for Mahila Mandal Chhatri.
He also visited the famous ‘Magru Mahadev’ temple of Chhatri and performed ‘Puja’.
A cheque of rupees one lakh was presented to the Chief Minister by BJP Shakti Kendra Bagarathack towards the Chief Ministers Relief Fund.
Chief Minister was honoured by various associations, organizations and manchs on the occasion.
MLA Karsog Shri Hira Lal said that it was the people of Seraj area who need to be congratulated for electing Shri Jai Ram Thakur continuously for fifth term. He said that the State was blessed to have a honest and dedicated person in Shri Jai Ram Thakur as the Chief Minister of the State. He said that Himachal Pradesh was bound to scale new heights under his leadership.
MLA Anni Shri Kishori Lal said that the budget presented by the Chief Minister has 30 new schemes, which speaks of the commitment of the Chief Minister towards the development of the State. He said that the 100 days tenure of the State Government has seen some unprecedented initiatives and developmental milestones. He said that Himachal Pradesh would emerge as a front runner State of the country under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur.
Seraj Mandal BJP President Shri Sher Singh while welcoming the Chief Minister said that people of Seraj had great expectations from the Chief Minister as they know that a new era of progress and prosperity had ushered in the area.
Vice President, District BJP Shri Jodh Singh, speaking on the occasion said that the whole district in general and Seraj area in particular was blessed to have Shri Jai Ram Thakur as the Chief Minister of the State. He requested the Chief Minister to take initiatives to promote the area from tourism point of view.
Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Chhatri Shri Ajit Rana said that the Chief Minister was aware of the developmental needs of the area. Smt Ritu Sharma former Pradhan of Chhatri Gram Panchayat also welcomed the Chief Minister. She thanked the Chief Minister for starting ‘Guidya Helpline’ for the safety of the women in the State.
OSD to the Chief Minister Shishu Dharma, Deputy Commissioner Mandi Shri Rugved Thakur, SP Mandi Shri Gurdev Sharma were present on the occasion among others.