PM Modi’s Policies to Accelerate Infrastructure Growth in Himachal: Ravneet Singh Bittu

Union Minister of State for Railways and Minister of Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu, stated that the Union Budget 2024-25 is dedicated to the people of India, including Himachal Pradesh. This budget brings numerous welfare schemes for the poor, farmers, middle class, women, and youth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government is committed to Himachal’s development, and this budget will help the state reach new heights.

He emphasized that former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur remains actively involved in guiding Himachal’s development. Whether it is inflation, incomplete development projects, or public welfare concerns, the BJP has consistently raised issues in the interest of the people and will continue to do so.

The Union Minister announced that Himachal Pradesh has been allocated a special grant of ₹11,806 crore in this budget, which will lead to significant improvements in infrastructure, transportation, water supply, agriculture, and healthcare. Since 2014, the Modi government has provided financial assistance of ₹54,662 crore to Himachal, a milestone in the state’s overall development.

The Centre is investing ₹2,716 crore to strengthen railway connectivity in Himachal. This amount will help complete four major railway projects worth ₹13,168 crore. Additionally, the Kalka-Shimla World Heritage Railway will be enhanced with Vista Dome coaches to boost tourism. Key projects like the Bilaspur-Leh railway line and the Chandigarh-Manali-Leh railway project will also gain momentum. However, the Himachal government has not yet released its share of ₹660 crore, causing delays in crucial projects. The BJP demands that the state government release its financial contribution promptly to prevent disruptions in railway projects.

Key Central Government Schemes Benefiting Himachal

• Jal Jeevan Mission: ₹67,000 crore project to provide tap water connections to 15.42 crore rural households.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: ₹78,128 crore allocated to provide housing for 3.45 crore poor families.
• Garib Kalyan Yojana: Monthly pension of ₹3,000 for 30.6 crore unorganized workers, along with ₹2 lakh assistance in case of accidental death.
• Street Vendor Scheme: ₹373 crore allocated to support 68 lakh street vendors.
• Agricultural Development Scheme: Agricultural reform programs in 100 districts, benefiting farmers in Himachal.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: ₹12,100 crore allocated to provide LPG gas connections to 10.33 crore families.
• Anganwadi and Women Empowerment: ₹12,500 crore allocated to provide nutrition support to over 8 crore children.
• Tax Relief for Middle Class: No income tax on earnings up to ₹12 lakh per annum.

Ravneet Singh Bittu stressed that Himachal must play an active role in leveraging these central government schemes. The state government should utilize the allocated funds effectively and complete pending projects. He added that while the Modi government has laid a strong foundation for development, the negligence of the state government has stalled many initiatives. The BJP remains committed to Himachal’s development and will continue to fight for the state’s progress.

Targeting the Congress-led state government, Bittu accused it of failing to meet its financial responsibilities, leading to the underutilization of central funds. He pointed out that ₹660 crore in state funding for railway projects remains unpaid and that several schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission remain incomplete due to the government’s inaction. The state has also failed to implement smart city projects, road construction, and other development programs.

The BJP assured the people of Himachal that it would continue its fight for the state’s progress. The party’s primary goal is to ensure that the benefits of central government schemes reach the people and that Himachal moves towards self-reliance. Ravneet Singh Bittu urged the public to question the development-blocking Congress government and support the BJP for the state’s overall growth.