CM inaugurates bus stand at Theog, fruit, veggie market complex at Shilaru
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today accused the previous BJP regime of wasting government money by constructing buildings worth Rs 1,000 crore for electoral gains, many of which now lie unused.
Addressing a large public gathering at Theog, the Chief Minister said the focus of Congress regime was on judicious use of resources to make Himachal self-reliant.
“As I hold the finance portfolio, I assure equal and balanced development across all regions of the state,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the Rs 14.84 crore bus stand at Theog and the APMC Fruit and Vegetable Market Complex at Shilaru constructed at a cost of Rs 23 crore. Sukhu said that the bus stand project, which had been pending for the last 12 years, has now been completed and dedicated to the people, fulfilling a long-pending demand.
Sukhu said the state has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restrict apple imports in order to safeguard the interests of local farmers. “We are raising the voice of the farming community at every forum and have urged Centre to enhance import duty on apple to the maximum,” he added.
He said that the newly inaugurated Fruit and Vegetable Market Complex at Shilaru would provide a reliable platform to local farmers and horticulturists to get fair prices for their produce, saving both time and money. “To further benefit the local fruit growers, work on a Rs 26 crore winery at Parala Market would commence soon,” he announced.
Referring to the natural calamity in 2023, the Chief Minister said that the government acted swiftly to restore road connectivity in the apple belt to ensure the timely transportation of apples and avoid losses to farmers. He also highlighted the government efforts of introducing Universal Carton in the first year of his government to support horticulturists.
The CM reiterated the government’s commitment to providing modern and accessible marketing infrastructure for the farming community. He also assured that sufficient funds would be made available for the construction of the Mini Secretariat at Theog and announced the opening of a new HRTC sub-depot and workshop in the area.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said Theog has consistently elected capable leaders and holds a place of importance in the state. Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar recalled the significant contribution of former Minister Vidya Stokes in shaping the Thoeg area.
MLA and AICC Secretary Kuldeep Singh Rathore said that development in Theog had slowed down during the past five years but had now regained momentum.
He thanked the CM for implementing the Universal Carton system and urged him to strongly take up the issue of enhancing import duty on apple the Central Government.
Himachal Tribune