Pace of development hastened in HP, says Governor

Shimla, Feb 22 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Governor V S Kokje today detailed the achievements of the Virbhadra Singh Government and steps taken by it to fulfill the promises in providing a clean and transparent government.

In his address to the Vidhan Sabha on the opening day of the Budget Session, he said the focus of the government was on reduction of poverty and balanced development by the implementation of development programmes for SCs, STs, OBCs and other notified backward areas through special sub plans and other specific interventions.

Mr Kokje expressed optimism that the state economy was likely to grow at 9.3 per cent during this financial year after clocking 8.5 and 7.6 per cent during 2005-06 and 2004-05.

''The state plan size will be raised to Rs 2,100 crore during the next financial year (2007-08) after being raised to Rs 1,800 crore during this financial year from Rs 1,600 in 2005-06,'' he said.

He said 47,642 daily wagers and work charged employees have been regularised from April one, 2003 to July 31, 2006 besides reivising the minimum wages for unskilled workers from Rs 70 to Rs 75 from January one, this year.

Observing that the government was committed for the state's emotional integration, the Governor said the holding of the winter session of the Vidhan Sabha in a new building at Tapovan in Kangra district was a step towards fulfilling the long cherished dream of the people of the lower hill areas of the state.

He said the state government has hastened the pace of development in the state and had been honoured for its exceptional progress in education and health sectors, besides being named second in infrastructure development, environment, budget and prosperity during its ''State of the States'' study in 2006.

MORE UNI