DW BUREAU / Shimla Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, while presiding over the 'Pragtisheel Himachal: Sathapna Ke 75 Varsh' celebrations to commemorate 75 years of existence of Himachal Pradesh, performed inaugurations and foundation stones of 13 developmental projects worth about Rs. 26 crore in Doon Assembly Constituency of Solan district today and announced opening of SDM (Civil) office at Baddi to facilitate the people of the area. Chief Minister said that it was a coincidence that when the Nation was celebrating 75 years of independence, Himachal Pradesh was also celebrating 75 years of its existence. He said that in order to celebrate the glorious 75 years' developmental journey, the State Government has decided to organize 75 events in all the 68 constituencies of the State. He said that contributions of all the former Chief Ministers and general public were being remembered during these celebrations. He said that all these Chief Ministers have made immense contributions in the development of the State, but the real credit goes to the hardworking and honest people of the State. It was unfortunate that a few opposition leaders were opposing this initiative of the State Government, he added. Jai Ram Thakur said that at the time of formation of the State, there were only four districts whereas today there are 12 districts. He said that literacy rate of the State has gone upto 83 percent which was 4.8 percent in 1948. He said that there were only 228 kms roads in the State in 1948, whereas today there were nearly 40,000 kms roads connecting every nook and corner of the State. He said that major credit of this goes to the former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who started PMGSY with an amount of Rs. 60,000 crore as about 50 per cent roads in the State were constructed under the PMGSY. Chief Minister said that Baddi area was today the biggest Pharma hub of Asia and credit of this also goes to the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who announced an Industrial package for the State. He said that now the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned a Bulk Drug Park for the State which would be established in Una district. He said that it was indeed a momentous moment for Himachal to get this project of National importance, as it would ensure retention of pharma formulation units as well as create employment opportunities for many years in the State. He said that the estimated project cost of the park is about Rs 1200 crore, out of which Rs. 1000 crore would be funded by the Government of India for development of common infrastructure facilities. (editor@dailyworld.in)