State govt committed to holistic development: Minister Dharmani
The seven-day district-level Nalwar fair at Karsog in Mandi district concluded on Saturday amid great enthusiasm and cultural fervour. The closing ceremony was graced by Rajesh Dharmani, Minister for Town and Country Planning, Housing, Technical Education, and Vocational and Industrial Training, as the chief guest.
A grand religious procession marked the occasion, beginning from the revered Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple and culminating at the fairground. Led by Mamleshwar Mahadev, the procession witnessed participation from several local deities and hundreds of devotees, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Dharmani paid obeisance to Mamleshwar Mahadev and other local deities and emphasised the importance of preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage. “Fairs like these are an integral part of our hill culture, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve them for future generations,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s development agenda, the minister remarked, “Improving the system itself is real transformation.” He reiterated that the state government was firmly committed to the holistic development of Himachal Pradesh and was implementing several impactful initiatives to achieve the goal.
Dharmani announced additional budgetary provisions to expedite the completion of the ITI building at Karsog. He also confirmed that new courses would be introduced at the institute to enhance skill development and and employment opportunities for local youth.
He further stated that development works were being carried out in coordination with Panchayati Raj institutions to ensure systematic and sustainable construction. Stressing disaster preparedness, he advised people to avoid constructing houses near water streams, considering the risks posed by natural calamities.
The minister highlighted the government’s proactive approach towards disaster rehabilitation, noting that a “historic relief package” had been provided to affected families, including financial assistance of Rs 8 lakh for house construction.
On the education front, Dharmani said the government was continuously working to improve quality. Converting schools to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) pattern had been a significant step, leading to increased student enrolment, he said. Additionally, skill-based courses were introduced in colleges to better align youth with the available employment opportunities.
He also emphasised strengthening governance systems through strict implementation of rules and regulations, ensuring that benefits reached common people. In the agriculture and dairy sectors, the minister noted a substantial increase in milk procurement prices—from Rs 31 to Rs 61 per litre—and improved minimum support prices for naturally grown wheat and maize.
Speaking on financial management, Dharmani claimed that the government had curbed corruption and generated additional revenue of Rs 3,600 crore through effective measures. He also mentioned that the state government had taken over the Wildflower Hall Hotel, recovering dues worth Rs 400 crore and generating a monthly income of approximately Rs 2 crore.
The minister reiterated the government’s focus on strengthening basic infrastructure such as roads, healthcare, and water supply. He also said that efforts were being made to appoint doctors in rural hospitals to ensure better healthcare access near people’s homes. “Every village and town is being prioritised for development to transform Himachal Pradesh into a developed state,” he added.
On the occasion, Karsog SDM and Mela Committee Chairman Gaurav Mahajan honoured the chief guest with a traditional shawl, cap and memento. The minister also distributed prizes to winners and runners-up of various sports competitions organised during the fair.
