CM Sukhu Announces Rs 2 Crore for Kasha Pat School Building
Himachal CM Sukhu visits remote Kasha Pat village, announces Rs 2 crore for a new school building and various development schemes for remote areas.
In a significant boost to rural infrastructure, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a sum of Rs 2 crore for the construction of a new school building in the remote village of Kasha Pat. The announcement came during his visit to the Rampur Assembly constituency, marking a major step toward improving educational facilities in the state's far-flung regions.
A Night in Kasha Pat: Connecting with the Roots
The Chief Minister’s visit to Kasha Pat was marked by deep cultural engagement. After attending the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ programme in Shimla district, Sukhu traveled to the remote hamlet, where he was greeted by villagers with traditional musical instruments and attire. In a rare gesture, the Chief Minister stayed overnight at the residence of a local resident, Supan Das, to connect directly with the community.
Participating in the traditional Nati dance, Sukhu emphasized his personal connection to rural life. "I myself come from a village and believe that the state cannot truly prosper until our villages achieve economic prosperity," the Chief Minister stated, noting that it was a privilege to visit such a remote area.
Prioritizing Remote Development and Education
The state government is placing a special priority on developing remote and far-flung areas to ensure they are not left behind in the state's growth journey. Alongside the school building, Sukhu announced the development of a new playground in Kasha Pat and assured residents that all genuine local demands would be addressed.
New Bus Subsidy to Aid Students
To ensure no child is deprived of education due to travel difficulties, the Chief Minister outlined plans to start a dedicated bus service from Kasha Pat to Rampur via Taklech. To encourage local entrepreneurship in transport, the government has proposed a lucrative subsidy model:
- 40% subsidy for locals who purchase a bus costing up to Rs 30 lakh.
- A similar 40% subsidy will be available for operators in the Rohru area.
- Rs 50,000 monthly financial assistance for bus owners for a period of five years.
Support for Women and Solar Energy
The Chief Minister also unveiled several welfare initiatives aimed at social empowerment and sustainable energy:
- Mahila Mandal Support: Rs 5 lakh will be provided to Mahila Mandals lacking their own buildings, while those with existing buildings will receive Rs 1 lakh for essential equipment.
- 'Apna Parivar, Sukhi Parivar' Scheme: A new scheme to provide a monthly pension of Rs 1,500 to eligible women.
- Solar Energy Incentives: A 4% interest subsidy for solar projects, increasing to 5% in tribal areas.
Boosting Tourism and Social Awareness
As part of the World Tourism Week celebrations, the Chief Minister presented registration certificates to four residents who have registered for homestays in Kasha Pat. He noted that homestays are vital for creating new income streams and employment in remote areas. Additionally, Sukhu rewarded young girls who participated in cultural programmes with Rs 1 lakh each.
The visit also served as a platform for social advocacy, with awareness programmes held to combat drug abuse and female feticide, urging the community to work together against these social evils.