Six percent dearness allowance (DA) announced for the state government employees and pensioners from 1 July, 2021
Shimla. The 75th Independence Day was celebrated as Amrit Mahotsav with great enthusiasm, fervor and gaiety through-out the State today.
Functions were held at state, district and sub-division level to mark this historic occasion.
Unfurling of Tri-colour, impressive march past by contingents of State Police, Home Guards SSB, ITBP were main attractions of the celebration.
The state level function was held at historic Seri Manch in Mandi which was presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
The Chief Minister hoisted the national flag and took salute from the contingents of State Police, Home Guards SSB and ITBP. Pranav Chauhan commanded the parade.
While addressing the people, the Chief Minister announced six percent dearness allowance (DA) for the state government employees and pensioners from 1 July, 2021.
This decision would provide financial benefits of Rs 450 crores to the employees and pensioners.
He also announced enhancement in subsidy being provided to the BPL and APL families on edible oils from existing Rs 10 per liter to Rs 30 per liter to the BPL card holders and from Rs 5 to Rs 10 per liter to the APL card holder for the next four months.
This would benefit over 18.71 lakh card holders of the State.
The Chief Minister also announced Rs 15 crore for Municipal Corporation Mandi to ensure that it carry out its developmental works smoothly.
He said that since last about two years the whole world was fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and the timely and effective steps taken by the Prime Minister proved life-saving for the citizens of the country.
To deal with the adverse economic conditions, the Prime Minister announced an economic package providing direct financial assistance to the needy people and free vaccine facility to all the citizens.
He said that despite the challenges of Covid-19, the State government has tried to bring the state’s economy back on track by reviving the basic amenities smoothly.
He said that for the prevention of Covid-19, the biggest vaccination drive of the world was launched in the entire country.
Himachal Pradesh was among the leading states in this campaign and the steps taken by the State for Covid management have been appreciated by the government of India.
He said that despite all its best efforts, the State lost over 3500 people due to the pandemic. he also thanked the Corona warriors for their selfless services provided by them during the pandemic.
The Chief Minister paid rice tributes and homage to the freedom fighters, who laid down their lives for the sake of the nation’s pride and glory.
He also extended rich tributes to the martyrs, who made supreme sacrifices for sovereignty of the nation.
He said that it was a matter of pride that the country’s first Param Vir Chakra was bestowed on Major Somnath Sharma for his supreme sacrifice and thereafter, Colonel D.S. Thapa, Captain Vikram Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar also received this highest honor for their unmatchable bravery.
He said that apart from this, the brave soldiers of the state have been honored with two Ashok Chakras and 1096 gallantry awards for showing exemplary courage and valour.
These bravery medals received by the soldiers of the state would continue to inspire the future generations.
Chief Minister said that today, under the strong and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a strong nation in the world.
During last three and a half years, the state government has launched many schemes for the all-round development of the state and welfare of the people.
He said that as soon as the state government assumed power lowered the age limit of Social Security Pension from 80 years to 70 years without any income limit and their pension was increased to Rs. 1500 per month.
He said that under Swarna Jayanti Nari Sambal Yojana, all eligible elderly women in the age group of 65 years to 69 years were being provided Rs. 1000 per month without any income limit.
Shagun Yojana has also been launched in the state, under which a grant of Rs. 31000 is being given to the daughters of the families living below the poverty line at the time of their marriage, he added.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the state government has started Jan Manch to establish direct communication with the public and to redress public grievances immediately.
He said that Mukhyamantri Sewa Sankalp Helpline-1100 has been launched for the people to redress their grievances sitting at home.
Till now, 2.48 lakh complaints have been received under this helpline and most of them have already been redressed, he said.
