HP: Kangra’s Shahpur gets development projects worth ₹77 crore

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of development projects worth ₹77.66 crore in Shahpur assembly segment of Kangra district

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of development projects worth ₹77.66 crore in Shahpur assembly segment of Kangra district.

HP chief minister Jai Ram Thakur during his visit to relief camps in Sihunta of Chamba on Monday. (HT Photo)

Recalling contributions of all former CMs of the state, Thakur said the people of Himachal Pradesh played a very significant role and ensured their active participation in the overall progress of the hill state despite geographical constraints and other challenges.

He also slammed the Congress for accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving nothing to Himachal during his visits to the state.

“Perhaps, they have forgotten that it was Narendra Modi who granted ₹800 crore as a special central assistance to the state,” said Thakur, adding that PM has a special affection for the state.

The CM said the present state government was spending over ₹ 1300 crore annually on providing social security pensions to the needy as compared to only ₹400 crore by the previous government.

“Giving top priority to social welfare sector, the government has reduced the age limit for old age pension to 60 years,” he said.

The chief minister also flagged off two fire tenders for Shahpur substation.

CM visits relief camp in flood-hit villages of Sihunta

Thakur on Monday also visited the Kakroti relief camp in Sihunta tehsil of Bhattiyat constituency in Chamba district where 36 landslide and flood-affected families have been provided temporary shelter.

Houses of these families belonging to Hatli, Thulel, Balana and Kakroti panchayats were damaged in the floods and landslides earlier this month.

He said that a survey will be conducted to ascertain if the families can be resettled at their village or else they will be provided suitable and safe land for their rehabilitation.

He said the district administration and local revenue officials were assessing the damage.

The CM said that NDRF and local relief and rescue agencies were immediately pressed into service to ensure relief work after the incident. He said that the damage of link roads due to heavy rains in Bhattiyat constituency was estimated to be ₹ 24 crore.

Local MLA and chief whip Bikram Singh Jaryal was also present with the chief minister.