HP govt to shift more departments to Bilaspur

Bilaspur, Jun 18 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government will shift more departments to Bilaspur with a view to strengthen the district with administrative infrastructure.

This was stated by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal while addressing a public meeting at Jukhala in this district after laying the foundation stone of Lift Irrigation Scheme for Jukhala group of villages estimated to cost Rs 188.93 lakh.

To improve the infrastructure of the district, the Chief minister said that Rs 43.45 crore were being spent on construction of roads and bridges during current financial year.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the government would consider exempting stamp duty on agro produce after taking all related aspects into consideration.

He said that three Agro Produce Marketing Collection Centres would be opened to facilitate the farmers to market their produce more conveniently.

"The state government is committed to strengthen and modernise the farming and animal husbandry sectors with a view to encourage educated youth adopt the same as their self-employment vocation.

He said that Kot-Kehloor is emerging as leader in promoting poly house culture in the state thereby motivating the farmers of other areas also to cultivate off-season vegetables and other agro products so that they could take benefit of selling the same in the market on remunerative prices.

"There is vast scope to find adequate employment opportunities in the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors," he said, adding that he would personally monitor the progress in both sectors as both portfolios are with him.

Later, the Chief Minister laid foundation stone of Government Degree College building at Jukhala.

He said that the state government would spend Rs 5.86 crore on each new degree college at Jukhala, Jhanduta and Bilaspur town.

UNI XC PS JS1916