SHIMLA, 29.12.25-
Scrapping of MNREGA is Anti-Rural: CM
- Statewide protests to be launched against the decision
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday, along with members of his Cabinet, staged a protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Ridge, Shimla, opposing the Central Government’s decision to discontinue the MNREGA scheme.
Addressing those present, the Chief Minister termed the move deeply anti-rural and detrimental to the livelihood security of millions of rural families. He said MNREGA, conceived and implemented by the Congress-led UPA government under the leadership of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, had been a cornerstone of rural employment and inclusive growth.
He pointed out that under the earlier framework, works under MNREGA were planned and executed based on the resolutions of Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas, reflecting local priorities and ensuring grassroots participation. However, the new mechanism sidelines Panchayats, as planning authority has been centralized and funds will now be allocated directly by the Centre, with projects notified for selected areas. He said the Congress Party would intensify its opposition by organizing protests at district and block levels across the State to expose the anti-people nature of the decision.
The Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh would be among the worst affected. Earlier, the Central Government met the entire wage liability under MNREGA, while the State Government provided an additional incentive of Rs. 80 per day to workers. Under the revised arrangement, the Centre will bear only 90 percent of the wages, leaving the State to shoulder the remaining burden. He asserted that MNREGA must continue in its original spirit, driven by Panchayat demands and local development needs.
He further stated that salaries of officers and employees posted in Zila Parishads under MNREGA have also been discontinued, which would adversely impact the effective implementation of the scheme.
Responding to another query, the Chief Minister said the State Government was firmly opposed to the Central Government’s decision to reduce import duty on apples. He cautioned that the move would severely impact apple growers in Himachal Pradesh and assured that the matter would be strongly taken up with the Centre to protect the interests of orchardists.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, HPCC President Vinay Kumar, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, Congress Co-incharge Chetan Chauhan, MLAs Chander Shekhar and Anuradha Rana, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma, Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, councilors, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various boards and corporations and senior Congress leaders were present on the occasion. (eom)
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Delegation calls on Chief Minister
A delegation of Pangi area of Chamba district called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and apprised him of various demands of the people of the area.
The Chief Minister assured them that the State Government will consider their demands sympathetically.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Member of Tribal Advisory Council Chuni Lal, Chairperson Panchayat Samiti Pangi Kiran, former President of Block Congress Committee Subhash were also present on the occasion.
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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announces bold strides in industrial growth
- · Promotion of rural based industries our priority
- · Himachal emerges as a global investment destination
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today detailed a transformative vision for Himachal Pradesh’s industrial landscape, highlighting the success of the 'Industry through Invitation' initiative'. Under this proactive outreach strategy, the state has successfully positioned itself as a premier destination for high-tech, sustainable and rural-based industries.
"Our government is not merely waiting for investment, we are inviting it with a clear roadmap," said Chief Minister Sukhu. By engaging with global markets in Dubai and Japan and domestic hubs like Mumbai, we have secured memoranda of commitment exceeding Rs.5,000 crore in the last three years, he said. The present State Government have approved 683 industrial projects worth Rs.14,000 crore, which are set to generate employment for approximately 32,000 of our youth."
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state is diversifying beyond traditional sectors. The State Government is establishing the necessary infrastructure to support eco-friendly transport, empowering MSMEs and Startups. The Chief Minister said that Strategic focus was being placed on green energy & green hydrogen for attracting the investors in leading the transition toward a sustainable economy. Besides, through tourism, harnessing Solar energy, building the digital infrastructure of the future and transforming the agriculture sector by modernizing dairy, food processing to benefit rural farmers will go a long way in strengthening industrial sector.
Recognizing MSMEs as the backbone of the state's economy, the government has moved proposals worth Rs.1,642 crore to the Central Government to strengthen rural industries, already securing Rs.109.34 crore in initial funding.
"We are fostering a strong culture of innovation," the Chief Minister stated. Through 14 incubation centers at prestigious institutions like IIT Mandi, IIM Sirmaur, and AIIMS Bilaspur, we are nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, he stated adding that currently, 107 startups have successfully launched, with another 407 in the development pipeline.
Sh. Sukhu stated that under the Chief Minister’s Swavalamban Yojana, the state has approved 1,607 self-employment units with an investment of Rs.373.87 crore, creating immediate livelihoods for over 3,500 people.
He stated that to ensure a seamless investor experience, the state has integrated 180 services into a unified single-window portal. Significant policy shifts have also been implemented, including revised construction regulations that allow for 70% land utilization for industrial buildings. Furthermore, the government has notified 13 new large and micro-industrial areas to accommodate the surge in demand.
The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh’s efforts have received national recognition, with the State winning the Best Performer Award in the State Startup Ranking 2023, Aspirant State Award for Ease of Doing Business 2024, and first prize under the PM formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. The State has also been recognized by DPIIT in 2025 for excellence in the Health and Services sectors, and for outstanding performance in Construction Permit Enablers.
"These awards are a testament to our commitment to transparent and efficient governance," Chief Minister said. He said that Himachal Pradesh was open for business and we are dedicated to ensure that industrial growth translates into prosperity for every citizen of our state.
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