SHIMLA, APRIL 21 — Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday gave a firm assurance that all schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in Himachal Pradesh will have their teaching staff in place by June 30, 2026. Speaking at a public meeting in Jakhbar, part of the Fatehpur Assembly segment in Kangra district, Sukhu also announced a ₹10 crore package aimed at reviving industries in the region, emphasizing the state’s commitment to economic recovery.
Reiterating that education and employment remain top priorities, Sukhu declared, “By June 30, every CBSE school in Himachal Pradesh will have qualified teachers in classrooms.” Additionally, in a move to empower women, he announced financial aid of ₹20,000 for self-help groups and allocated ₹50 lakh for the renovation of Wazir Ram Singh Stadium in Shahpur.
Addressing financial concerns, the Chief Minister highlighted the closure of the Railway Development Corporation (RDC), which he claimed had resulted in an annual loss of ₹8,000–10,000 crore for the state. He dismissed criticisms from the BJP as “baseless rhetoric,” asserting that his government has remained steadfast in its people-centric governance. “Since last year, we have introduced English-medium education from Class 1 and upgraded 151 schools to the CBSE pattern,” Sukhu noted.
Agrarian relief was also a key focus, with the state government committing to procure naturally cultivated turmeric at ₹150 per kg. The fisheries sector received attention as well—reservoir-based aquaculture workers were guaranteed a minimum support price (MSP), fishermen affected by the monsoon ban were promised ₹3,500 in compensation, and reservoir royalty was reduced from 15% to just 1%, easing financial burdens on local communities.
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Sukhu also highlighted progress under the ‘Apna Parivar-Sukhi Parivar Yojana’, a welfare scheme for ultra-poor families. Across six completed phases, over one lakh households have been identified, with the seventh phase nearing completion. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹1,500 monthly pensions and up to 300 units of free electricity.
Bhagwani Singh Pathania, Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Board and MLA from Fatehpur, assured that an industrial zone would be established near Shahpur within two years. State Agriculture Minister Chaudhary Chandra Kumar, former legislator Ajay Mahajan, and other leaders—including Advocate Digvijay Malhotra (Member, Scheduled Caste Commission), Congress leader Karn Singh Pathania, and senior district officials—were present.
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In the lead-up to the upcoming panchayat polls, Sukhu clarified that the Congress would not field candidates, stating, “These elections are local in nature, and we respect every individual’s right to contest independently.” He accused the previous BJP government of corruption, pointing to irregularities in the Himcare health scheme, including instances where men were listed for ovary surgeries. “We have ordered a probe into these discrepancies,” he said.
Reaffirming his government’s focus on practical solutions, Sukhu reiterated its dedication to addressing grassroots challenges while simultaneously advancing industrial and educational growth across Himachal Pradesh.
