Vishal Rana, Hamirpur

Marking the 78th Himachal Day, HPTDC Chairman RS Bali announced major developmental initiatives, including a ₹2400 crore plan to create new tourist hotspots across the state. The ‘Chief Minister Tourism Start-Up Scheme’ will provide 4-5% interest subsidies to youth for establishing homestays and hotels.

Bali revealed the government’s ambitious roadmap: transforming Himachal into a Green Energy State by 2026, self-reliant by 2027, and India’s most prosperous state by 2032. In a farmer-friendly move, milk MSP saw significant hikes – cow milk now at ₹51/liter and buffalo milk at ₹61/liter, with enhanced rates for naturally grown wheat, maize and turmeric.

The health sector will witness revolutionary upgrades with dialysis units in 69 hospitals, while seniors above 70 will receive doorstep medical care under the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Yojana. Education gets a ₹680 crore push through the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Startup Scheme, alongside recruitment for 15,000 teaching positions.

The celebrations featured vibrant cultural performances by school children and impressive parades by police, NCC cadets. Good Samaritans Sandeep Thakur and Mohinder Singh were honored for their roadside rescue efforts.

CM’s Political Advisor Sunil Sharma ‘Bittu’, MLAs Suresh Kumar and Captain Ranjit Singh, Kangra Cooperative Bank Chairman Kuldeep Pathania, APMC Chairman Ajay sharma, ex-MLA Manjeet Dogra, and senior Congress leader Dr. Pushpendra Verma, Suman Bharti Sharma were also present on the occassion.