Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 22 : A delegation of representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) of the State called on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here 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.