Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has promised a good financial package to the displaced people of Kangra airport.

Addressing a huge public gathering while inaugurating the five-day state-level Shivratri Mahotsav at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Baijnath, Kangra district on Friday, he said a permission has been granted for the expansion of Kangra Airport which will give boost to the tourism industry and would be beneficial in making the Kangra district a tourism capital of the state.

He also inaugurated and performed laying of foundation stones and of 10 development schemes worth Rs. 49.22 crore in Baijnath Assembly constituency.

Sukhu accused the Centre of not releasing Rs. 9,043 for disaster relief works which was due to be released in December, 2023.

Prior to inauguration of the Shivratri Mahotsav, the Chief Minister offered puja at the historic Shiva temple Baijnath on the occasion of holy festival of Mahashivratri and took part in a huge procession and flag hoisting ceremony.

He also offered Purnahuti in the Havan organized in the premises of the temple. Shiv Dham Baijnath Shivratri has special significance and organizing a festival on Mahashivratri further increases its grandeur, he said, adding that fairs and festivals are symbols of rich Indian culture and it is our responsibility to preserve them.

Sukhu said the government has made special provisions in the budget to strengthen the rural economy and has declared the minimum support price of wheat, maize and milk, making Himachal the first state in the country to do so.

“The decision will result in farmers earning additional Rs. 20 to 25 thousand per month, hugely benefitting from the scheme,” said the Chief Minister, adding that the initiative would strengthen the economic condition of the farmers, who account for around 90 percent of the state’s population.

Congratulating the women of the state on the occasion of International Women’s Day and said that the State Government has started the Indira Gandhi Pyari Brahmin Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana under which honorarium of Rs. 1500 would be provided to eligible women above 18 years of age.

“Under this scheme, women of the state will get Rs. 18 thousand per year, an amount they could spend at their will making them somewhat financially independent,” said the chief minister.