Govt prioritising development of essential infra: Vikramaditya

Reaffirming commitment to comprehensive and balanced development, Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Friday said the state government was prioritising the development of essential infrastructure such as roads, education and healthcare, especially in remote and hilly areas. He was addressing a public meeting at Dand in Kihar of Salooni subdivision after inspected the under-construction Maida-Chakhotar Road.

The minister highlighted that in the past two years, approximately 1,300 km of new roads have been constructed across the state. He further said the Central Government has approved 1,200 km of road construction projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-4). In Salooni subdivision, detailed project reports (DPRs) for 10 roads have been submitted for approval, and construction work is expected to begin within the next two to three months upon receiving clearance, he said. He also assured that the government would promptly address all development-related demands of the region.

Singh also claimed that the Himachal Pradesh government has created 42,000 new employment opportunities in the past two years. Out of these, 25,000 positions are being filled in various government departments, and the recruitment process for an additional 12,000 posts has commenced, while another 12,000 vacancies will soon be announced.

Further elaborating on the government’s employment initiatives, he mentioned that under the Rajiv Gandhi Rozgar Startup Scheme, Rs 680 crore is being invested. As part of this scheme, unemployed youth are being provided with electric vehicles at a 50% subsidy and will be attached to various government departments, receiving Rs 50,000 per month.

During the event, the minister also heard public grievances and instructed the concerned department officials toa resolve them promptly.

Earlier, Vikramaditya Singh was warmly welcomed by members of the District Congress Committee, Block Congress Committee, and Youth Congress, along with elected representatives from various panchayats. Former Education Minister Asha Kumari and Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar were also present on the occasion among others.