Una (HP), March 13 The Himachal Pradesh government is committed to providing clean drinking water to the people of the state, and Rs 2,000 crore will be spent during the next financial year on modern water purification technology, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Friday.
This will ensure better health and well-being for residents and protect them from diseases, he said in a statement issued here.
Sukhu laid the foundation stone of the Turkal Panga drinking water scheme in the Kutlehar assembly constituency of the Una district, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 14.92 crore. This project will benefit over 10,000 residents of the Budhan, Chamyari, Dhungle, Lathiani, and Tanoh gram panchayats in the area, the statement added.
Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, the chief minister announced the opening of a DSP office and a sub-judge court in Bangana. He also announced primary health centres in Rainsari and Lathiani.
He commended Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma, saying he frequently visited the secretariat to push development works for the people of his constituency.
He recalled that the previous MLA used to visit him only to discuss his own tenders. Despite winning on a Congress ticket, the former MLA betrayed the party because his intentions were not sincere, he added.
Sukhu also slammed the Punjab finance minister, saying the financial condition of Himachal Pradesh is far better than that of Punjab. He said the AAP government in Punjab had promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees, but despite elections approaching, the scheme has not yet been implemented.
In contrast, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh approved OPS for its employees in its very first cabinet meeting, Sukhu said, asserting that the state government will not allow the resources and assets of Himachal Pradesh to be exploited at any cost.
He attacked the previous BJP government for spending public money recklessly to win elections and alleged that buildings worth Rs 1,000 crore were constructed to benefit their associates, but many of them are lying vacant.
Hitting out at the Centre, he criticised the Agniveer scheme, saying youth are being retired after just four years of service. He also alleged that employment rights under MNREGA have been weakened and that Himachal's constitutional right to Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) has also been curtailed.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said projects worth Rs 1,000 crore are underway to supply drinking water to every corner of Una district. Drinking water supply has already been ensured for Mata Chintpurni Temple and nearby panchayats. He added that a Rs 47-crore drinking water project for Kutlehar will soon be approved.
Punjab should focus on its own situation, as the state's debt has risen to Rs 4.5 lakh crore, Agnihotri said, adding that, "Himachal Pradesh may be the younger brother, but we are being deprived of our rightful share. Instead, comments are being made against us."
He said the Supreme Court has directed Bhakra Beas Management Board to pay Rs 4,500 crore to Himachal Pradesh, but the payment is yet to be made. He also alleged that Punjab has occupied the Shanan Hydel Project, and Himachal's 7.16 per cent share in Chandigarh has also not been given.
"Just because we are not speaking does not mean Punjab has the right to make such remarks. Before pointing fingers at Himachal, Punjab should look into its own affairs," the deputy chief minister said.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in a recent statement during the budget of the state assembly said the Punjab government is considering imposition of a reciprocal toll tax on Himachal Pradesh vehicles in response to the recent hike in entry fees for non-Himachal vehicles under HP Tolls Act, 1975.
Chief Minister Sukhu also unveiled the "Bhim Vichar Patra (Bhim Thought Paper)" published by the Himachal Pradesh State Scheduled Castes Commission during an event held at Bangana. This publication has been prepared with the objective of raising awareness regarding constitutional rights of the Scheduled Caste community.