Himachal launches 'Atal Bijli Bachat Yojana' on I-day

Paonta Sahib, Aug 15 (UNI) On the occasion of the country's 62nd Independence Day, the Himachal Pradesh government today launched its ambitious enegry saving, 'Atal Bijli Bachat Yojana', named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was instrumental in giving a special industrial package to the hill state during his tenure.

While launching the scheme at the state level I-day function here, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal distributed four energy saving CFL bulbs. An estimated 16.5 lakh families would be benefited from this scheme which is being launched in a power surplus state.

Earlier the Chief Minister unfurled the National tricolor at the Nagarpalika Ground here and took the salute at an impressive marchpast by contingents of the state police and NCC cadets and school children.

While addressing the gathering,Mr Dhumal announced 6 per cent Dearness Allowance for about 3 lakh employees and pensioners to be paid from January this year. He also annouced to revoke the suspension and termination of all the employees who were politically victimised during pervious regime in the state.

Chief Minister also said that about 26,000 posts were being field by the present government, which included over 18,000 in the education sector. He said that five lakh families in the state had benefited after the recent increase in the minimum wages of daily paid workers.

He also announced the regularisation of about 6000 daily wagers who had completed 8 years as on March 31 this year. He also announced regularisation of all contract employees who have fulfilled the necessary job conditions.

Prof Dhumal declared that the daily allowance of Home Guard jawans would be increased from Rs 130 to 150. He said that this will put extra pressure on the state exchequer of Rs 3 crore.

The Chief Minister also announced remission of three months for 561 convicted prisoners and release of 43 other prisoners on this auspicious day.

He also announced an award of Rs 50,000 each alongwith citations and medals to outstanding government employees.

Meanwhile Vidhan Sabha Speaker Tulsi Ram unfurled the tricolour in Una district and took the salute to the police contingents. PWD Minister, Gulab Singh Thakur unfurled the tricolor at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla.

Health Minister Rajiv Bindal unfurled the flag at Chamba while Education Minister, I D Dhiman unfurled the flag in Dharmshala.

UNI ML-HS BP1641