Pangi declared 1st natural farming sub-division of Himachal
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday declared Pangi as Himachal Pradesh’s first natural farming sub-division with a revolving grant of Rs 5 crore. The announcement was made during the state-level Himachal Day program held at Pangi in Chamba district.
The Chief Minister unfurled the national flag and received the ceremonial salute during a parade led by IPS officer Ravi Nandan, featuring six contingents.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, CM Sukhu announced that improving the Udaipur-Killar road remains a top priority for the state government. He directed the administrations of Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts to expedite all formalities to accelerate the project.
He also announced Rs 60 per kg Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown barley, and setting up of a milk processing plant with a capacity of 10,000 litre in Pangi area.
To strengthen power supply in the Valley, he stated that the state government is working on various projects worth Rs 62 crore. This includes Rs 5 crore for an 11 KV line from Tindi to Shaur and Rs 45.50 crore for a 33 KV line from Thirot to Killar.
Taking into account the unique challenges in the region, CM Sukhu assured sufficient funds for construction of Mahila Mandal Bhawans and declared that Sach would be granted the status of sub-tehsil.
To improve transportation services, he announced 20 new bus permits for the Valley, along with a 40 per cent subsidy on bus purchases, and a four-month exemption from road tax.
Further, the Chief Minister announced the opening of a Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School in Pangi, and the development of the Civil Hospital in Killar into Adarsh Swasthya Sansthan.
He also declared 50 per cent waiver on registration fees for homestays and allocated Rs 1.5 crore for the improvement of link roads in the Valley.
CM Sukhu also paid tribute to former PM Indira Gandhi, recalling her 1984 visit to Pangi—the first by any Indian PM. He credited her visit as a turning point for the region’s development and said, “This is a testament to the Congress government’s commitment for development of tribal areas.”
Sukhu stated that the state government has made efforts to revive the economy by introducing changes in policies and laws, resulting in significant improvements in Himachal Pradesh’s financial condition.
The government has fulfilled six out of its ten guarantees and has taken several steps to strengthen the rural economy, he said.
The event was attended by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, MLAs Sunder Thakur and Neeraj Nayyar, HP State Cooperative Bank Chairman Devendra, and senior officials.
