The Hindu : National : Dhumal favours power decentralisation

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Dhumal favours power decentralisation

For faster delivery of growth and justice at the grassroots level in Himachal Pradesh

Tehsildars would be directed to sort out problems of people at that level itself
Govt. will bring a white paper on economy to make people aware of the State’s financial health

File Photo

Prem Kumar Dhumal with senior BJP leader L.K. Advani after taking oath as new Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh in Shimla.

Dharamsala: The fledgling BJP Government in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday favoured decentralisation of power for faster delivery of growth and justice at the grassroots level.

The BJP Government is in favour of decentralisation of power for faster delivery of growth and justice at the grassroots level, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said replying to a debate on the Governor’s address in the State Assembly here.

“Tehsildars would be directed to sort out problems of people at that level itself so that they need not run to Shimla for everything,” he said adding those found wanting in efficiency would be taken to task.

For the welfare of ex-servicemen’s families who constitute a sizeable section of the State’s population, he said a special cell will be opened in the Chief Minister’s office to look into their problems.

Alleging that he had inherited an empty coffer from his predecessor, Mr. Dhumal said his Government would soon come out with a white paper on economy to make people aware of the financial health of the State, he said.

The Himachal CM also took a dig at the previous regime for opening a large number of schools and colleges particularly in the fag end of the rule with an eye on the Assembly election.

While Kallar College has no principal and lecturers but only seven peons, Uthala college in Hamirpur has only one student, he said adding the government would assess the viability of all such educational institutions to decide whether to continue with them or not.

The new Chief Minister said his government would withdraw the cases lodged against political activists in which no harm to government property was caused or violence took place.

Road connectivity

He said the government would formulate policies for better road connectivity in rural areas.

Mr. Dhumal also announced the state government’s decision to hike social security pension by Rs 100 and minimum wages by Rs 25.

Leader of Opposition Vidya Stokes said political change is a natural process and the Congress is not disheartened by losing power in the hill State.

In fact by sitting in the opposition, the responsibility of the grand old party has increased, she said and promised not to leave any stone unturned in fighting for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden. She said Congress would play a role of constructive Opposition and would raise issues concerning the common man both inside the house and outside it.

Ms. Stokes said Congress would watch the functioning of the Dhumal Government for the first six months before hauling it for its failure to deliver the goods.

Later, the house was adjourned sine die. -- PTI

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