Himachal CM Sukhu Urges Punjab, Haryana to act as ‘Elder Brothers’, seeks Shanan project return and pending BBMB dues
Shimla, Sept 15,
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to Punjab and Haryana to act as “elder brothers” and extend cooperation to Himachal Pradesh in securing its rightful dues and overcoming hardships caused by recent natural calamities.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day National Cooperative Conference in Shimla on Sunday evening, Sukhu said Himachal has to struggle for its rights on many fronts. Despite the expiry of the lease period, the Shanan Hydroelectric Project has not been returned to the state, while pending dues from the Bhakra Beas Management Board remain unpaid due to resistance from Punjab and Haryana. “They are like our elder brothers and should support their younger brother generously,” Sukhu remarked.
Also read:Shanan HEP- HC issues notice to Centre, Pb. and HR. Govts
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Cyber Security Operation Centre of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank and released a cooperative anthem and souvenir on the occasion. Highlighting the contribution of cooperatives, he said the movement has been vital in strengthening the rural economy since its inception in 1904, with over 5,000 active societies operating today.
Sukhu assured consideration of exempting cooperative societies from restrictions under Section 118 to purchase land for commercial purposes and urged the State Cooperative Bank to implement a one-time settlement policy to ease the debt burden of farmers, orchardists and traders.
He noted reforms in education, which helped Himachal secure the fifth rank nationally in 2025, up from 21st during the previous BJP regime. The state, he said, has also achieved 100% literacy. In health, Rs 300 crore is being invested in modern equipment, with robotic surgery launched in two government hospitals.
Despite suffering losses worth Rs 20,000 crore in the recent monsoon catastrophe, Sukhu said development continues. He lauded the compassion of local communities in ensuring the safe return of 16,000 pilgrims stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra.
Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and ministers from other states also praised Himachal’s achievements and assured Centre’s support to strengthen its cooperative movement.
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