Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday accused the Sukhwinder Sukhu-led state government of misleading the public by failing to acknowledge the significant contribution from the Centre in the Rs 4,500-crore special disaster relief package. Thakur's statements followed his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he expressed gratitude for the assistance provided, reported news agency PTI.
As the Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Thakur met with Prime Minister Modi in Delhi on Wednesday, where he sought continued support for the state and engaged in a detailed discussion on the extensive damages caused by recent torrential rains, as per a statement released on Thursday.
Expressing gratitude for the central government's support during the natural disaster, Thakur also requested the Prime Minister to inaugurate the four-lane highway from Kiratpur to Sundernagar during a potential visit to Himachal Pradesh.
Thakur emphasized that the Centre played a significant role in the Rs 4,500-crore special relief package announced by the state government. Addressing the media on Thursday, he accused the state government of deceiving the public by not acknowledging the assistance received from the Union government, PTI reported.
"In the relief package announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Rs 1,000 crore is of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act [MGNREGA], which is granted by the central government," Thakur was quoted as saying by PTI. He highlighted the construction of 6,500 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, attributing it to the central government's efforts.
Thakur alleged that the state government included amounts received under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) and public donations of Rs 225 crore in the special package while accusing the government of running a false campaign against the Union government.
"It is because of the central government's contribution that the state government is able to provide help to the people," Thakur remarked, pledging that the opposition would expose what he called the state government's lies.
Thakur also criticized the state government's response to the disaster, noting the hike in diesel prices and the closure of stone-crushing units. Urging the Chief Minister to show compassion for the affected people, he emphasized the need for immediate relief measures, particularly with the onset of the winter season and snowfall in higher reaches.
Himachal Govt To Slash Tax On Commercial Vehicles
Meanwhile, the Sukhu administration on Thursday decided to reduce the new tax on commercial tourist vehicles registered outside the state. The government arrived at the decision after members of the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association met Sukhu and informed him of the negative impact that the new tax will have on tourism in the state.
Earlier From September 1, the Transport Department introduced a tax of Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 per day for commercial vehicles registered with other states and running in Himachal Pradesh. After Thursday's meeting, Sukhu said that the state would reduce the Special Road Tax (SRT) and other taxes levied on tourist buses, tempo travellers and commercial tourist vehicles, reported PTI.