Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Thursday stated that Himachal Pradesh’s tribal districts are set to undergo a “revolutionary transformation”, with multiple development projects in the pipeline aimed at boosting infrastructure and opportunities in the region.
Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla ahead of his visit to the tribal belts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, Rijiju said that foundation stones for projects worth over ₹85 crore will be laid during his tour.
“Himachal is the only state in the country to receive such large-scale projects under this phase of development,” he said.
As part of the two-day visit, Rijiju will visit Kinnaur on Friday and Lahaul-Spiti on Saturday.
Rijiju also took a swipe at previous governments, recalling that in 2013, the then Defence Minister A.K. Antony had said that India’s border areas would not be developed.
The Union minister said, “Our government is committed to build robust infrastructure in border areas and with the initiatives of the present government, the development of border areas is now matching China.”
Rijiju said he would lay the foundation stone of Rs 73.77 crore High Altitude training Centre at Lahaul and Spiti’s Kaza, which will include facilitivies for ice hockey, winter sports, vocational training and skill development.
“The aim is to empower local youth with opportunities for sports and training, especially when the region remains snowbound in winters,” he said.
In addition, Rijiju will also lay the foundation stones for a ₹4.89 crore indoor stadium in Peo, which will have facilities for badminton, table tennis, and other indoor games, a green turf football ground worth ₹4.79 crore in Gyabang, Kinnaur, and a ₹1.48 crore cricket ground in Kaza.
He said there are more schemes for mid and lower hill areas which he would announce in the second phase. He also confirmed he will be visiting Dharamshala on July 6 to extend birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama.
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