Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today reviewed various central sponsored schemes being implemented in Chamba District and took stock of the relief work being carried out after the damages caused due to heavy rains. He also reviewed the activities of Red Cross and Pradhan Mantri T.B. Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
On the occasion, the Governor said that nature has endowed Chamba with exquisite natural beauty, and it is equally outstanding art and culture. Despite being a district of historical importance, NITI Aayog has included it in the category of 'Aspirational District', which was a matter of concern.
He asked officers and employees of the district to act responsibly and discharge their duties with total dedication, in order to come out of 'Aspirational District' tag. He said that adequate funds are being released for all schemes, therefore, the progress of the works should be visible as well as their quality.
He directed the departments to assess their work and asked the officers to ensure their presence on the ground. Stating that it was important to have a strong road network in the district to give more expansion to tourism, the Governor said that work should be done on an alternative plan to further strengthen the road network in the district for which a detailed project report should be prepared.
He asked the Deputy Commissioner to prepare a road related report through the Speaker, Vidhan Sabha and also send it to him. He said that on the basis of that report, he would talk to the Union Minister for more funds.
The Governor said that there were 756 tuberculosis patients and 156 Nikshay Mitras in the district. He asked the Health Department to increase the strength of Nikshay Mitras.
Apart from this, he also asked to begin a major campaign against drugs. Speaker, HP Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania thanked the Governor for inaugurating the International Minjar Festival and said that he was ensuring to speed up the development activities in the district and would benefit by the guidance of the Governor.
He also urged him to take up the matter of providing forest land to the landless for their rehabilitation. On the occasion, MLAs Neeraj Nayyar and D.S. Thakur also gave their valuable suggestions.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan welcomed the Governor and detailed about various activities in the district and the progress of central schemes. Secretary to Governor Sandeep Kadam and Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Governor also inaugurated Blood Donation Camp organized by District Red Cross Society and honoured the blood donors. He also distributed Health Kits to the TB patients.
The Governor also visited Bhuri Singh Museum and honoured Padam Shee Smt. Lalita Vakeel and Shri Vijay Sharma for their outstanding contribution in preserving rich art and culture of the district. Lady Governor Janaki Shukla was also present on the occasion.