59th Himachal Day celebrated in HP

Shimla, Apr 15 (UNI) The fifty-ninth Himachal Day was celebrated with usual fervour and gaiety here today.

A state-level function was held at Dehra in Kangra district of the state where Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh unfurled the national flag in presence of a large number of people.

Presiding over the function, he said the state had made rapid strides in every field and had emerged as a role model for other states of the country.

Lauding the successive state governments for taking the state on the path of development and progress, Mr Singh said the state had made giant strides since its formation on April 15, 1948.

Referring to Himachal's achievements in different fields over the years, he said the Planning Commission had also lauded its achievements.

The chief minister said this year's Budget had been dedicated to women empowerment and their socio-economic uplift, adding that his government would provide an annual grant of Rs 1,000 to the children up to the age of 14 years under the Mother Teresa Ashaya Matri Sambal Yojna.

Another scheme of Mukhayamantri Kanayadan Yojna aimed to provide a grant of Rs 11,001to the daughters of destitute women, he said, adding that 10 panchayats with higher birth-rate of girls would also be provided an additional grant of Rs five lakh each.

UNI AS HS SB BST1823