CM exhorts PRIs to support state govt to fight drug menace

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today exhorted representatives of panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) to actively support the state government’s efforts to curb the drug menace in their areas.

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A delegation of the representatives of panchayati raj institutions called on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here and expressed their gratitude to him for enhancing their honorarium twice in the past two years. “The state government is taking stern action against drug peddlers. The PRI representatives should share information regarding drug peddlers with the authorities concerned and save the youth from falling prey to drug abuse,” he added.

Sulhu said that the PRIs played a vital role in the development of rural areas. “Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the PRIs through the historic 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution. This landmark decision has empowered women and significantly contributed to their active participation in the development of the state,” he added.

He said that the state government had prioritised the uplift of people living in rural areas and numerous steps had been taken in this direction. “The government is offering Rs 90 per kg of minimum support price (MSP) for ‘Haldi’, Rs 60 per kg and Rs 40 per kg for naturally-grown wheat and maize, respectively,” he added.

Sukhu said that the state government had enhanced daily wages under MGNREGA by Rs 80 in the past two years, which would go a long way in strengthening the rural economy. The PRI representatives thanked the Chief Minister for the significant hike in their honorarium. They also raised their demands with the Chief Minister, who assured them of considering these sympathetically.