Shimla, Aug 15,
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sing Sukhu pledged to clear all pension arrears for pensioners and family pensioners over 75 years old within this financial year. This announcement was made by the first time CM while presiding over the 78th Independence Day which was celebrated across the state with great enthusiasm, with events held at State, District, and Sub-Division levels.
In a first, the state-level function, held at Shaheed Bhuvnesh Dogra Ground in Dehra, Kangra district, was presided over by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Chief Minister hoisted the national flag and took the salute from various contingents, led by IPS Probationer Sachin Hiremath.
During the event, Chief Minister Sukhu made several significant announcements. Under the **Chief Minister Sukh Shiksha Yojana**, the state will provide a monthly assistance of Rs. 1000 to children from single-woman households, destitute women, widows, and disabled parents. The government will cover educational expenses for these children in prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, and medical colleges until they turn 27, and if necessary, provide Rs. 3000 per month for accommodation.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the **Green Panchayats Initiative**, aimed at transforming 10 Gram Panchayats into green panchayats by establishing solar power projects with capacities up to 500KW in each. This initiative supports the state’s commitment to sustainable development.
Additionally, he also introduced a scheme to resolve around 15,000 pre-GST legacy cases, providing relief to those affected by unresolved tax issues from previous administrations.
To empower women, the Chief Minister expanded the **Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana**, providing Rs. 1,500 per month to eligible women, benefiting an additional 2.37 lakh women who were previously covered under other pension schemes.
In support of the agricultural sector, the Chief Minister announced that Rs. 153 crore had been released under the **Market Intervention Scheme** to clear liabilities of apple growers. He also increased the minimum support price for cow milk to Rs. 45 per liter and buffalo milk to Rs. 55 per liter.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s success in creating over 31,000 employment opportunities in its 20-month tenure and resolving more than 1,87,500 revenue cases through Special Lok Adalats. He acknowledged the state’s financial challenges and emphasized ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy.
The celebrations concluded with the Chief Minister honoring various distinguished individuals and organizations for their contributions. A cultural program performed by students and local troupes added to the festivities.
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