Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 23 : A delegation of Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) officers called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here on Wednesday. It was a courtesy call. The delegation comprised six HAS Probationers of batch 2024 and 16 promotee HAS Officers of batch-2022, 2023 and 2024, who were currently undergoing training at Dr Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration, Shimla, said a press statement.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister directed all the officers to uphold the values of honesty and transparency to deliver better services to the people of the State. He said that the present State Government is committed for good governance and HAS Officers can play a vital role in this regard.
He instructed them to prioritize the flagship programmes of the State Government and ensure that benefits reach the most vulnerable sections of society. He called for an end to delaying the developmental works and importance of setting clear timeline to achieve the desired targets. He also asked them to focus on incorporating technology to bring efficiency in governance.
Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma was also present on the occasion.
Earlier a delegation of representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) of the State called on CM Sukhu in Shimla on Tuesday and expressed their gratitude for enhancing their honorarium two times during the last two years, said a press statement.
They said that for the first time in the history of the State, the representatives of PRIs have received such a significant hike in their honorarium. They also presented their various demands to the Chief Minister and he assured them that consider their demands sympathetically.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that PRIs play a vital role in the development of rural areas. Former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi ensured 33 per cent reservation to women in the PRIs through the historic 73rd and 74th amendments in the Constitution. This landmark move has empowered women and significantly contributed to their active participation in the development of the State.
Sukhu said that the present State Government is prioritizing the upliftment of the people living in the rural areas and numerous steps have been taken in this regard. The State Government was offering Rs 90 per kg MSP to Haldi, Rs 60 per kg and Rs 40 per kg for the naturally grown wheat and maize respectively.
He said that the State Government has enhanced MNREGA daily wages by Rs. 80 in the last two years. He said that these measures will go a long way in strengthening the rural economy.
The Chief Minister also exhorted PRIs representatives to actively support the State Government's efforts in curbing the drug menace in their areas and said that the State Government is taking stern action against the drug peddlers. He said that PRIs representatives should share information regarding drug peddlers with the authorities and save the youth from falling prey to drug abuse.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Vivek Sharma, and other prominent persons were also present on the occasion.