Will seek funding in urban areas under UIDF, says Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu

Shimla, January 30

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu today said that to tide over the problem of fund shortage and uneven regional development in urban areas, the government would seek funding under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF).

Sukhu said this while presiding over the meeting with MLAs from Kangra, Kinnaur and Kullu districts in the first session of the second day of the Annual Plan 2024-25 here today. He invited suggestions from the MLAs on important issues like development policy of the state, mobilisation of financial resources, economy, better administration, self-employment and employment generation.

“The government would seek priorities from the concerned MLAs for funding under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) in the urban areas under Municipal Corporations and to develop infrastructure and funding in these areas,” he said. Activities for creating infrastructure in rural areas are eligible under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), NABARD only, he added.

The Chief Minister said that every MLA can propose five priorities for schemes like roads and bridges, minor irrigation schemes and rural drinking water/sewage schemes. He said that one priority related to maintenance and one for plying electric buses along with establishing the charging stations could also be included.

Sukhu said due to efforts of the state government the number of forest clearances has increased and instructions were issued to invite the concerned MLA in the review meetings of FCA and FRA cases. The state government has made a provision to provide funds from the MLA fund for underground cabling and construction work of Chief Minister Lok Bhavan as well.

“The state government has set a target to make Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by March 31, 2026, thereby increasing the income sources and making the state self-reliant,” he said. He said that HRTC buses were being replaced with e-buses in a phased manner and e-charging stations were being set up.

Jwalamukhi MLA, Sanjay Rattan demanded to increase facilities for the devotees by developing a master plan for Jwalamukhi temple. MLA Dehra, Hoshiyar Singh gave suggestions for promoting tourism activities in the area and increasing economic resources through better forest management. He also demanded setting up of wood based industry and increasing revenue through VIP darshan slips in the temples of the state.