Committed to generate resources for state: CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 18

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most peaceful states of the country where crime rate is very low as compared to the other states and literacy rate of the state is second after Kerala, said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while interacting with the delegates who are here on a visit to the state under the ‘Know India Programme’.

Thakur said that the Himachal Pradesh was known as the ‘Dev Bhoomi’ for its several temples and gompas dotting almost every village and people had great faith in them. The state had several world famous destinations attracting tourists from all over the world.

He said the state was also known for its fruits, especially apples and other stone fruits. He said the Centre and the state government were adopting policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. The government was committed to eradicate corruption from all levels.

While replying to a question of a delegate regarding vision of the Chief Minister for development of the state, Jai Ram Thakur said that his vision was to make Himachal Pradesh the best tourist destination of the country and one of the favourite destinations of the world. He said he was also committed to generate resources for the state to make it self-reliant and self-dependent with ample employment and self-employment opportunities to the youth.

Chief Secretary Dr Shrikant Baldi said such type of programmes were vital for understanding the culture and tradition of other countries. He said this year the Union Government had made Himachal Pradesh a ‘Partner State’ under the ‘Know India Programme’.

Director Tourism Yunus said that 40 participants from nine countries viz. Myanmar, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Israel, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Guyana and South Africa were participating in this ‘Know India Programme’. He said in the last six days these participants visited different parts of the state.

Deputy Secretary External Affairs, Government of India Nishi Kant Singh said this scheme was started by the Union Government in the year 2003 with an objective to know and understand rich cultural repository of the country. The delegates also shared their experiences of the visit with the Chief Minister.

Zero tolerance towards corruption: CM

Himachal is known for its fruits, especially apple and other stone fruits. The Central and state governments have adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. The state government is committed to eradicate corruption from all levels. Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister