Samman Nidhi: Lahaul-Spiti women to get Rs 1,500/month from February 24

Shimla, February 16

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said the Rs 1,500 monthly Samman Nidhi to women, promised by the Congress in its guarantees, would be given to all women in the tribal district of Lahaul Spiti from February 24.

Sukhu made this announcement in the Vidhan Sabha while replying to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address today. Even as the CM listed his government’s achievements like jobs to 20,000 youth, completion of work on relief and rehabilitation for expansion of Gaggal airport and steps for making Himachal a Green State by 2026, the BJP accused of him giving false data and staged a walkout.

He said women, who were getting a social security pension of Rs 1,050, would also get Rs 1,500 with an enhancement of Rs 450. “It is so unfortunate that the BJP legislators refused to support Himachal’s demand for special financial Relief Package from the Centre when the issue came up in the assembly,” he said. He added that it is Himachal Government which provided succour to the people by announcing a special package of Rs 4500 crore.

Sukhu, in his reply, accused the BJP of failing to protect the interest of the state in the setting up of the Bulk Drug Park and Medical Devices Park. “Precious land was given for the two projects at a lease of merely Re 1 without protecting the interest of the state,” he alleged. He said Himachal would set up the two projects on its own terms which are in the interest of the of the state and its people.

The CM accused the BJP trying to mislead people on the issue of old pension scheme and said that wrong facts were being quoted.

As the CM continued with his reply, the BJP legislators started raising slogans while accusing him of furnishing false data. “If you feel I am wrong then you can bring a privilege against me,” Sukhu dared the opposition. With the BJP legislators not being allowed so speak, they left the house raising slogans.