Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly elected Panchayat Pradhans and Up-Pradhans of Kangra district at a ceremony held at Dari Ground in Dharamsala. Congratulating the representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), he urged them to work with transparency, accountability and active public participation to ensure faster and more inclusive rural development.
The Chief Minister also led the gathering in a collective pledge to make Himachal Pradesh free from the menace of chitta (synthetic drugs). Calling upon panchayat representatives to become active partners in the anti-drug campaign, he said village-level leadership would play a crucial role in protecting the younger generation from substance abuse.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu described panchayats as the strongest pillar of Indian democracy and said they were central to realising Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj. He noted that panchayat representatives serve as an important bridge between the government and citizens, ensuring effective implementation of development schemes related to roads, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, education and livelihoods.
Highlighting the state government’s commitment to strengthening local self-governance, he said the panchayat elections had been conducted on time without disrupting students’ education. He added that the honorarium of panchayat representatives had been increased as part of efforts to empower local institutions and improve governance at the grassroots level.
Sukhu reiterated his government’s goal of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant within the next five years through fiscal discipline, efficient resource management and systemic reforms. He said the state had generated additional revenue worth thousands of crores over the last three-and-a-half years and continued to pursue key issues with the Union Government, including the green bonus, revenue deficit grant, Shanan project and matters related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board.
The Chief Minister also highlighted recent achievements in safeguarding the state’s financial interests, including progress in the 422 MW Kishau Dam Project, the Supreme Court verdict on royalty from the Karcham-Wangtoo hydroelectric project and the settlement of the long-pending Wild Flower Hall case.
Focusing on rural prosperity, Sukhu said the support price for cow milk had been increased from Rs 32 to Rs 61 per litre and for buffalo milk from Rs 47 to Rs 71 per litre. He also highlighted incentives for natural farming and procurement of crops such as turmeric, wheat and maize at minimum support prices.
On employment generation, he announced that recruitment for 800 police constable posts would commence shortly. He also noted that MGNREGS wages had been increased from Rs 247 to Rs 320 per day.
Expressing concern over drug abuse, Sukhu said 234 panchayats had been identified as chitta-affected and placed under special surveillance. He urged elected representatives to engage youth in sports, education and cultural activities to keep them away from drugs.
The CM also outlined reforms in education, healthcare and tourism, including English-medium education in government schools, teacher recruitment, hospital modernisation and expansion of Kangra Airport. He called upon the leaders to place public service above all else and work towards creating model panchayats that contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Himachal.
Grassroots mission: Development with responsibility
