Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 26 (ANI): In a significant effort to bridge the gap between governance and citizens, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh today (Saturday) launched the “Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar” programme from Dodra-Kawar, a remote area in the Shimla district.
This initiative aims to bring government services closer to those living in distant and underserved regions. As part of the programme, the Chief Minister has pledged to stay in the village, engage with residents, and understand their challenges firsthand.
During his visit, he distributed a monthly honourarium of Rs1500 to local women, recognising their contributions and providing financial support.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of such government-citizen interactions, noting this as his third visit to the area, and underscored the need to address the specific challenges faced by residents.
“I visited this most backward area for the third time. From my previous visits, I gained insight into the fundamental problems here, and now we are working on a plan to address them,” he stated.
This visit is focused on planning and implementing projects tailored to the region’s unique needs, including improvements to local infrastructure such as roads, consistent electricity supply via solar power, and enhanced healthcare services.
In addition to the honourarium, the Chief Minister announced several development projects for the area, including an allocation of Rs1 crore for each of the five panchayats to improve road connectivity and facilitate the installation of solar plants for reliable nighttime electricity. These initiatives align with the government’s vision to uplift the rural economy by ensuring better infrastructure and creating employment opportunities.
“Our government is committed to understanding the rural economy. We’ve increased the MGNREGA rate to Rs60, allowing village residents to earn more. A major shift is also planned in the coming budget,” the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the push for village self-reliance, he outlined government plans to boost local economies through income-generating schemes, aiming to provide incomes equivalent to government jobs. “If we can provide an income equivalent to a job worth Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 within the village, we’re fostering a systemic change,” he explained.
The Chief Minister also addressed political criticisms, challenging the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to base their critiques on facts. “Members of the BJP continue to spread falsehoods. I don’t know how many taxes they claim we have imposed. Such claims are baseless. I urge the opposition to criticise factually. Despite our respect for the Leader of the Opposition, they failed to assist us in times of disaster; they neither raised the issue in Parliament nor approached the Prime Minister for aid,” Sukhu added.
Rajkumari, President of the local Mahila Mandal, expressed gratitude, saying, “The women received Rs1500, and the Chief Minister came to their homes. We are overjoyed; we’ve awaited his visit since morning, and it’s remarkable that he came here. Raja Saheb had also done much for this area, but the Chief Minister’s presence makes it even more special.”
Local residents also shared their appreciation. Rajkumari, a local woman, said, “Raja Saheb Virbhadra Singh did a lot for us, and today the Chief Minister came, giving Rs1500 as support. This gesture deserves our thanks, though there is still a shortage of employees here. Meeting the Chief Minister directly is a wonderful opportunity.”
Shouki Ram, former Pradhan of Kawar Panchayat, expressed his pride, saying, “It’s an honour for the local people that the Chief Minister has come to stay with us and is listening to our concerns. Previously, leaders and officers would come and go, but his stay among us shows commitment. He has assured us that any unresolved issues will be addressed, treating the people here like family. This brings great happiness.”
Through the “Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar” programme, the government seeks to establish a more direct and impactful connection with the people of Himachal Pradesh, beginning with its remote villages. By focusing on infrastructure, employment, and direct citizen engagement, the Chief Minister is working to ensure that development reaches every corner of the state. (ANI)
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