Himachal CM slams ‘neglect’, unveils projects in Hamirpur

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu accused former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur of neglecting Hamirpur district during his tenure, alleging that all developmental and welfare activities were concentrated in select regions. Addressing a public gathering at Majheli in Nadaun constituency, Sukhu said the Congress government was ensuring balanced growth across Himachal Pradesh.

The CM announced the opening of a patwar circle and a health sub-centre at Majheli. He also declared a grant of Rs 1 lakh and 100 chairs for each Mahila Mandal present at the event, along with Rs 10 lakh for the construction of Mahila Mandal Bhawans. Additionally, Rs 50 lakh has already been sanctioned for strengthening roads in Majheli panchayat. He directed the Public Works Department to prepare the DPR for the Majheli-Bhunpal road and announced that Kangu school would be upgraded to a CBSE-affiliated institution.

Highlighting the government’s education and healthcare reforms, Sukhu said Himachal’s ranking in the National Education Index has improved from 21st to fifth position due to sustained efforts. He added that many hospitals still use outdated machinery, which hampers doctors’ efficiency. “We are replacing 20-year-old medical equipment with modern machines comparable to those at AIIMS Delhi, ensuring world-class healthcare for our citizens,” he said.

Sukhu announced that Hamirpur Medical College would be developed into a state-of-the-art institution. Refuting BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s claim of establishing the college, he clarified that it was sanctioned by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh with Rs 190 crore, while the current government has allocated an additional Rs 400 crore to complete it.

He also revealed that the state’s first indoor stadium, worth Rs 120 crore, was under construction in Nadaun, featuring a swimming pool, shooting range and facilities for 17 sports. Plans are also underway for football and hockey stadiums, a Rs 59-crore rafting complex, a wellness centre and a Rs 79-crore water park to boost tourism.

Students of Government Senior Secondary School Choru presented a cheque of Rs 57,000 from their savings to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. MLA Captain Ranjit Singh lauded the CM’s leadership, saying equitable development was finally reaching Hamirpur after years of neglect.