DW BUREAU / Bilaspur The State during the last 75 years has not only grown by size in terms of area and population, but has also achieved quite a few distinctions in different fields. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing a mammoth public meeting at Jhandutta in Bilaspur district on the occasion of 'Pragtisheel Himachal: Sathapna Ke 75 Varsh' celebrations to commemorate 75 years of existence of Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh besides being a small and hilly State has emerged as a role model for even several big States. He said that since its inception in 1948, Himachal Pradesh created new milestones in almost every sphere of development. He said that credit for this goes to the dedication and hard work of people of this State working in different fields. Jai Ram Thakur said that the State, once a picture of poverty and hardships, has today emerged as one of the most progressive States of the country. He said that former Prime Minister late Atal Behari Vajpayee started Rs 60,000 crore PMGSY, which proved a boon to ensure rural connectivity to almost every village in the State. He said that although the State has made tremendous progress in all spheres, but a lot more could have to be done. He said that it was unfortunate that a few leaders gave more importance to getting power instead of development of the State. Referring to the contribution of National BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda for the State, the Chief Minister said that it was due to the vision of the National BJP President that State today has one AIIMS, Medical Colleges at Mandi, Bilaspur, Chamba, Sirmour and Hamirpur. He said that the present State Government despite the corona pandemic ensured that the pace of development goes at a steady pace. He said that adequate support provided by the Centre and the strong political will of the State Government proved a golden era in the development history of the State. He said that enhancement of Rs 50 on daily wages of the daily wagers was a record in itself. Honorarium of ASHA workers, Anganwari workers and other para workers was enhanced considerably by the present State Government, he added. Jai Ram Thakur said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has special love and affection towards the State and its people. He said that during the last four and a half years, the Prime Minister has visited the State seven times. He said that these visits of the Prime Minister were not going well with the Congress leaders and they were fearing that these visits of the Prime Minister would drown their dreams of coming to power in the coming Vidhan Sabha elections. The Chief Minister said that schemes such as HIMCARE, Sahara Yojna, Shagun Yojna, Grihini Suvidha Yojna, Mukhya Mantri Swabalamban Yojna have provided much needed relief to lakhs of people of the State. He said that now the opposition leaders were saying that they would discontinue these schemes once they come to power. The Chief Minister also flagged off a fire tender vehicle for Jhandutta constituency on this occasion. A theme song on 75 years of existence of Himachal Pradesh and a documentary highlighting 75 years of glorious history of Himachal Pradesh produced by the Information and Public Relations Department were also screened on the occasion. MLA Jhandutta Jeet Ram Katwal, welcomied the Chief Minister in his constituency. (editor@dailyworld.in)