Himachal Pradesh celebrates 47th Statehood Day

The tiny hill state of Himachal Pradesh, formed in 1971, today celebrated its 47th Statehood Day at Kullu with several people turning up to attend the function despite the intense cold wave conditions.
"The state has seen unprecedented development after attaining statehood. Its record of progress and development in all areas is laudable," Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said.
Crediting the hardwork of people and leadership of successive Congress governments at the Centre and the state for HP's unprecedented development, he said, "I have been fortunate enough to serve the state as chief minister six times and my government aims at ensuring transparency, responsiveness and efficient administration."

Listing achievements of his government, Singh said Dharamshala had been declared the second state capital and nearly 44,300 people were given jobs in the government sector and over 27000 in private sector.
He said under the Skill Development Allowance Scheme Rs 1,000 per month was being given to general unemployed youths and Rs 1500 to differently-abled youths.
Around 52 lakh youths have benefited from the scheme. In addition, the ADB-aided Rs 640 crore Skill Development Corporation has been set up to provide 65,000 youths training in the first phase, Singh said.

The Chief Minister said finacial provision under Social Security Pension (SSP) had been increased from Rs 450 to Rs 650 per month.

People above 80 years are getting SSP of Rs 1,200 per month irrespective of their income and at present the scheme covers 3.87 lakh benficiaries, Singh said.
Nearly 1,329 schools have been opened or upgraded and 42 colleges have been opened taking the total number to 116, he said
There are ove 37,000 km of road in the state and in last four years, 1,721 km roads and 180 bridges have been constructed. Under NABARD, 301 new road projects were approved, Singh said.
More than 168 health institutions have been opened in the state and medical colleges at Chamba, Hamirpur and Nahan have started functioning, he said.

An IIM is coming up at Dhaulakuan in Sirmaur and an IIT is functioning at Kamand in Mandi, the Chief Minister said.