Union Minister Harsh Malhotra criticises Himachal Congress government for failing promises; Highlights Central support

Dharamshala, October 2, 2024: In a press conference held today in Dharamshala, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra, criticised the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for allegedly backtracking on promises made to the public and retracting key facilities introduced by the previous BJP government under Jai Ram Thakur.
 
Malhotra highlighted that the free drinking water scheme for rural areas has been discontinued, with residents now receiving separate monthly  bills for water usage. Additionally, he pointed out that the 125 free electricity units provided under the BJP regime have been revoked, coupled with an increase in electricity tariffs for both domestic and industrial consumers.
 
Addressing the issue of student welfare, Malhotra accused the Himachal government of neglecting its share of Rs 30 crore required for forest clearance of the North Block at the Central University in Dharamshala, despite the central government’s contribution of Rs 250 crore for the project. He stated that the file has been stalled in the Chief Minister’s office.
 
Further raising concerns, Malhotra alleged that the Himachal Pradesh government is compromising the state’s educational interests by leasing land meant for educational institutions to their friends and relatives, under the guise of promoting tourism.
 
In stark contrast, Malhotra praised the central government’s initiatives in the state. He emphasized the construction of national highways worth Rs 23,000 crore in Himachal, along with Rs 2,500 crore allocated under the rural road scheme in this year’s Union Budget. “These roads are crucial for the economic development of Himachal,” he said, adding that 680 kilometers of national highways are currently under construction, with tunnels being dug to reduce travel time in the challenging terrain.
 
Malhotra also highlighted the environmental measures taken during infrastructure development, stating that 5 times  new trees are being planted to replace those cut during road projects. He remarked that while Himachal's economy was strengthening under the BJP government, the current Congress government seems directionless, with the Chief Minister frequently announcing new schemes without focusing on real development.
 
Earlier in the day, Malhotra visited Dharamshala's Kotwali market and participated in a Swachhata Abhiyan (Cleanliness Campaign) at the main bus stand.