Eyeing assembly polls, Sukhu opens State coffers for Gods and Goddesses, hikes ‘Najraana

Shimla, Oct 27,

With the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections approaching next year, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced higher ‘najraana’ (honorarium) for gods and goddesses participating in the International Kullu Dussehra, alongside a series of financial announcements for the district. The decision comes at a time when the state government has repeatedly highlighted financial constraints and its commitment to fiscal discipline.

Presiding over the closing ceremony of Kullu Dussehra on Tuesday, Sukhu announced a five per cent increase in the honorarium paid to deities and a 10 per cent hike for ‘ Bajantris’ the traditional musicians accompanying deity processions. He also announced an honorarium of Rs 1,100 for the chief Gur of each deity and Rs 35,000 for every participating Mahila Mandal.

The announcements have placed the government’s spending priorities under scrutiny, particularly as the Dev Samaj occupies an influential position in Himachal’s cultural and religious life. Deity institutions receive offerings and donations from devotees, although their income and assets vary widely. Eyeing Assembly Polls, Sukhu Opens State Coffers for Gods and Goddesses, Hikes Najrana higher public payments announced by the Chief Minister raise questions about the criteria used to determine government support for these institutions and the demands of competing public services.

Also read: HP CM Sukhu announces 5% DA , additional Rs 10,000 for Class IV employees

Sukhu also announced Rs 5 crore for connecting the Left Bank area of Kullu district, an additional Rs 5 crore for Manikaran Road, Rs 22 crore for a sewerage system in Bhuntar and Rs 50 lakh for the Vidyut Command–Bara road. An electricity sub-division was announced for Bhuntar, while Rs 1 crore was approved for a science block at Bajoura School.

The Chief Minister assured that Kullu District Hospital would be strengthened with specialist doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and modern medical equipment. He also announced that the minimum support price for ginger would soon be increased to Rs 40 per kilogram to improve rural incomes.

Defending his government’s record, Sukhu said the state was working towards self-reliance and strengthening rural livelihoods. He criticised the previous BJP government over the condition of education and healthcare, while recalling the relief measures undertaken after the 2023 disaster.

The announcements at the festival highlight the government’s effort to combine religious and cultural patronage with infrastructure development and rural welfare as the state moves towards the next Assembly election.

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