Himachal CM Sukhu seeks Nadda’s support for upgrade of health infrastructure
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda to seek the support of the Central Government for strengthening health infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. He apprised the Union Minister about the state’s requirements for the implementation of schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission. He added that there was need for strengthening health facilities in the state.
Sukhu specifically requested Nadda for the establishment of a dedicated cancer care centre in the state and the introduction of advanced medical technologies and modern equipment in government hospitals to ensure better healthcare for patients. He also urged Nadda for relaxation in the eligibility criteria for various central schemes and sought the early release of pending funds.
Nadda assured the Chief Minister that the interests of Himachal Pradesh would be fully safeguarded and the Central Government would cooperate would the state government.
The Chief Minister also met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and discussed key water resource projects of Himachal Pradesh.
He sought the assistance of the Central Government for protecting the rights of the state in the Kishau hydroelectric power project with a favourable funding pattern.
The Central Government or the major beneficiary states such as New Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan should bear the entire financial burden of the Kishau hydroelectric project,” he added.
Sukhu also raised critical issues concerning the Renuka Dam project with the Union Minister. He called for due consideration of the Local Area Development Fund and the free power component. He added that while hydropower projects were essential for national development, their environmental and social impacts must also be addressed and the affected states should be fairly compensated.
Besides, the Chief Minister requested Patil for the early release of the pending funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission to the state. The Union Minister assured the Chief Minister of all possible assistance and cooperation from the Central Government.
Sukhu also met Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and sought early approval for the development of Auhar, Dehra and the Pong dam as major tourist destinations. He urged Shekhawat to accord approval to projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and a special scheme for States for Capital Investment for developing iconic tourist centres. He also requested the Union Minister for exploring the possibility of investment in the tourism sector in Himachal.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Chief Minister’s Principal Adviser Ram Subhag Singh, Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty and Chief Minister’s Secretary Rakesh Kanwar attended the meeting.
Protection of rights in Kishau project sought
- The Chief Minister requested Nadda for the establishment of a dedicated cancer care centre in Himachal and the introduction of advanced medical technologies and modern equipment in government hospitals
- Sukhu sought the assistance of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in protecting the rights of the state in the Kishau hydroelectric power project with a favourable funding pattern
- Sukhu urged Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for early approval for the development of Auhar, Dehra and the Pong dam as major tourist destinations
