Government committed to development of far-flung areas; efforts underway for Kasha Pat-Rampur bus service via Taklech
Shimla/Rampur:Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the remote village of Kasha Pat in Rampur Assembly constituency after attending the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ programme at Bhatwari in Rohru Assembly constituency of Shimla district.
The Chief Minister stayed overnight at the residence of local resident Supan Das, marking a special occasion for the villagers. He was accorded a warm traditional welcome, with villagers dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by traditional musical instruments. Cultural programmes continued late into the night, and the Chief Minister also joined the villagers in the traditional Nati dance.
Addressing the gathering, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said he himself comes from a village and believes that the state cannot achieve balanced development unless villages become economically prosperous. He said it was a privilege to visit a remote area such as Kasha Pat and assured the people that the government was giving special attention to far-flung regions.
The Chief Minister announced **Rs. 2 crore for the construction of a new school building at Kasha Pat** and also announced the development of a playground in the village.
He said efforts were underway to start a bus service from **Kasha Pat to Rampur via Taklech** to make transportation easier for schoolchildren and other residents. If a local person purchases a bus costing up to Rs. 30 lakh and operates the service, the government will provide a **40 per cent subsidy**. The bus operator will also receive financial assistance of **Rs. 50,000 per month for five years**. A similar 40 per cent subsidy will be available for the Rohru area.
The Chief Minister said nearly 68 per cent of Himachal Pradesh's geographical area is under forest cover, making road construction in remote areas challenging because of the requirement for Forest Department permissions. Despite these difficulties, the government was working to improve road connectivity and basic infrastructure in distant areas.
He also announced **Rs. 5 lakh each for Mahila Mandals without their own buildings**. Those already having buildings will receive **Rs. 1 lakh each** for purchasing essential equipment and other items.
Sukhu said the state government would soon launch the **‘Apna Parivar, Sukhi Parivar’ scheme**, under which eligible women would receive a monthly pension of Rs. 1,500. He also highlighted government initiatives to promote solar energy projects, including interest subsidies.
The Chief Minister announced **Rs. 1 lakh to encourage young girls** who participated in the cultural programme. Awareness programmes focusing on drug abuse and female foeticide were also presented.
He presented registration certificates to four residents who had registered for homestays in Kasha Pat, saying that homestays could promote tourism while generating employment and income opportunities for local communities.
On the occasion of World Tourism Week, the winners of a painting exhibition were also presented prize money.
Supan Das said the entire village was delighted by the Chief Minister's overnight stay and noted that it was the first time a Chief Minister had stayed overnight in Kasha Pat. Mahila Mandal member Veena Devi thanked the Chief Minister for addressing the demands of the villagers and providing financial assistance to Mahila Mandals.
Advocate General Anoop Rattan, HIMCON Chairman Vikesh Chauhan, Block Congress President Lal Chand Sharma and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.