Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday celebrated his 62nd birthday with a series of public engagements marked by environmental, social and welfare initiatives.
People from different walks of life, including party workers, Cabinet colleagues, officials and citizens, gathered to extend greetings and wish him good health and continued leadership. Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister planted a Chinar sapling at the premises of Oak Over, symbolising environmental conservation and sustainable growth. His wife, Kamlesh Thakur, MLA from Dehra, along with family members, was present during the celebrations.
Earlier in the day, Sukhu flagged off a marathon organised by employees of the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat. The run commenced from the Secretariat premises and concluded at the The Ridge, drawing enthusiastic participation from employees and citizens.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the State Budget presented by his government was people-centric and focused on welfare and upliftment of the common man. He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating that decisions in the coming months would aim at ensuring prosperity and balanced development across the state.
Expressing concern over the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which had been provided since 1952, Sukhu termed it a rightful entitlement of Himachal Pradesh and assured continued efforts for its restoration. He also highlighted the state’s ecological contribution to the nation, estimating ecosystem services at nearly Rs 90,000 crore annually.
The Chief Minister underlined efforts to strengthen financial discipline and improve fiscal management and also highlighted the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for government employees.
On the occasion, financial assistance was disbursed to 18 women beneficiaries under the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Each beneficiary received Rs 1 lakh as the first installment toward house construction support.
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