Minjar fair to get international status: Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur

Chamba, July 31

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launched state-level programme ‘Pragatisheel Himachal: Sthapna Ke 75 Varsh’ at Chawgan ground here today. The event will celebrate 75 years of formation of Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing the people on the occasion, the CM said Himachal had made unparalleled development and progress in all spheres in these 75 years. He credited the hardworking and honest citizens of the state for the achievement.

Tracing the progress of the state, he said the per capita income of the state grew from Rs 240 to Rs 2,01,873 from 1948 to 2022 while the GSDP surged from Rs 27 crore to Rs 1,75,173 crore, in the same period.

He said the literacy rate of the state had grown to 83% in 2022 from 4.8% in 1948. The agricultural production had increased from 954 MT to 1,500 MT and foodgrain output from 1.99 lakh MT to 15.14 lakh MT in the period, he added.

“There were only 228 km road network at the time of Himachal’s formation and today the state had over 39,354 km of roads,” Thakur said.

Congratulating people of Chamba district on Minjar fair, Thakur said it was a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. He said even PM Narendra Modi today in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme made special references to Minjar and Sayar and Jagra fairs, which are celebrated in the state.

The CM said international status will be granted to Minjar fair. He said proper lighting system would be installed at Chawgan ground. Earlier, he inaugurated an exhibition on the theme, ‘Himachal Tub Aur Ab’ put up by various departments, boards and corporations. A theme song on 75 years of existence of the state was also released on the occasion. A documentary based on 75 years of glorious history of Himachal produced by the Information and Public Relation Department was also screened.

Earlier, the CM inaugurated and laid stones of development works over Rs 21 crore in the district.