Sanjay Awasthi Emphasizes Self-Reliant Villages as Key to Himachal’s Prosperity

Arki, September 27, 2025 — Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi inaugurated a newly constructed Panchayat Bhawan worth ₹50 lakh in Gram Panchayat Kotlu and laid the foundation stone for Panchvati Park in Gram Shera with an estimated cost of ₹21.63 lakh. Speaking at the event, Awasthi emphasized that self-reliant villages form the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s prosperity and stressed the government’s focus on strengthening the rural economy through innovative schemes.

He highlighted several measures to boost farmers’ and livestock owners’ income, including increased minimum support prices for wheat, maize, turmeric, cow milk (from ₹45 to ₹51 per liter), and buffalo milk (from ₹55 to ₹61 per liter). Awasthi also assured that the government is actively creating employment and self-employment opportunities for educated youth, with transparent and effective selection processes.

Addressing the recent heavy rainfall, he noted that the Arki constituency suffered estimated damages of ₹7 crore, but damaged roads have now been reopened, with repair work completed efficiently. He also announced financial assistance for local projects, including ₹1.5 lakh each for Moksh Dham Barshnu and Fugana, ₹10 lakh for constructing two additional rooms at Government Secondary School Shera, and ₹11,000 each for women’s groups in Shera, Samana, Fugana, and Barshnu.

The event witnessed participation from local Panchayat heads, senior Congress leaders, government officials, and a large gathering of villagers. Cultural programs, including welcome songs and group performances by women’s groups, added vibrancy to the ceremony.