Himachal truly ‘Dev Bhoomi’, says Industries Minister Chauhan
Industries, Labour and Employment, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan inaugurated the six-day cultural evenings of the international Shri Renukaji Fair on Friday evening by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the Renu stage. Extending greetings to the people of Sirmaur, he said Himachal Pradesh was truly a “Dev Bhoomi,” where faith in gods and goddesses was deeply rooted in every household.
He remarked that the people of Himachal take immense pride in their vibrant traditions and rich culture, where every auspicious occasion begins with divine worship. “The International Shri Renukaji Fair is a glorious expression of our faith and heritage, symbolising the sacred reunion of Lord Parshuram and his mother, Goddess Renuka,” he said, adding that the Aarti performed at Devghat marked a spiritually enriching beginning to this year’s festivities.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, Chauhan said the state was purchasing wheat from natural farming cultivators at Rs 60 per kg, maize at Rs 40 per kg, and raw turmeric at Rs 90 per kg under the state’s support price scheme. Similarly, barley grown naturally in the remote Pangi valley of Chamba district was being procured at Rs 90 per kg, with payments credited directly into farmers’ bank accounts.
He said around 38,400 dairy farmers were supplying 2.25 lakh litres of cow milk daily at a support price of Rs 51 per litre, while 1,482 buffalo rearers were being paid Rs 61 per litre for 7,800 litres of milk collected each day.
The minister further informed that under the Dr Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojna, students aspiring for higher education in India or abroad were being provided loans at just 1 per cent interest. “We have recently raised the annual family income eligibility limit from Rs 4 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh, making the scheme more inclusive,” he said.
Referring to the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojna, Chauhan said by September 2025, the state government had extended Rs 1.23 crore towards the social security of 316 orphaned children in Sirmaur district. Additionally, Rs 21.50 lakh was provided for house construction to 23 beneficiaries, while Rs 42 lakh were distributed as marriage grants among 21 beneficiaries.
Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening education, the minister said 8,000 teachers were appointed during the present government’s tenure. He also announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the Sanyas Ashram at Renukaji.
During the event, Chauhan unveiled the souvenir published to mark the International Shri Renukaji Fair. Deputy Commissioner and Vice-Chairperson of the Renukaji Development Board, Priyanka Verma, welcomed the chief guest and dignitaries.
Himachal Tribune