Himachal Pradesh gets new year sops

Soon after taking the office as Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Prem Kumar Dhumal has begun on a populist note by announcing new year sops to the poor and old of the hill state on Tuesday.

"I hereby announce the raising of daily wages in the government sector from Rs 75 to Rs 100 from today as promised in our election manifesto," said Dhumal here.

"I would expect the private sector also to raise the wages of daily wagers on a par with the government," he said.

When asked how many people would this decision benefit, he said the number of daily wagers was being counted. "Old age pension is also being raised from Rs 200 to Rs 300 and would benefit 237,250 poor and elderly citizens," the chief minister said.

Speaking about the proposed tunnel construction in the state he said, "We will build tunnels to reduce distances at many places, thus connecting far-flung areas of the state and reducing time and wear and tear." On his government plans to grapple with the huge debt crisis he said, "First the disease will be identified and thereafter the treatment will start."

Questioned about his government's stand on the proposed Rs 3600-crore ski village in Manali by Ford motors he said, "Though we welcome the investment, the project must be in the interest of the state. It must provide jobs to locals alongwith taking environment-protection measures in one of the most scenic locations (Kullu valley) in the country.