Shimla Marks Himachal Day with Pride and Policy Push at Historic Ridge

Shimla, April 15: The spirit of statehood and collective progress resonated across the iconic The Ridge as Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 78th Himachal Day with enthusiasm and ceremonial grandeur. The district-level event was presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who paid tribute to the historic formation of the state on April 15, 1948, when 30 princely hill states merged to form modern Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy CM reflected on the state’s journey while acknowledging economic challenges inherited from previous regimes, including a debt burden exceeding ₹76,000 crore. He emphasized that the government has repaid ₹25,000 crore and is focusing on resource mobilization to steer the state toward financial self-reliance.

He also flagged concerns over the discontinuation of revenue deficit grants as recommended by the Finance Commission, which could cost the state ₹8,000–10,000 crore annually. Despite constraints, the government has generated over ₹49,500 crore in revenue in the past three years.

Highlighting key sectors, Agnihotri underscored major investments in healthcare, including ₹3,000 crore for upgrading medical infrastructure, and advancements such as PET scan and robotic surgery facilities at Indira Gandhi Medical College. In education, Himachal has climbed to 5th place nationally in the Achievement Survey, alongside efforts to affiliate government schools with CBSE and establish Rajiv Gandhi model day-boarding schools.

Tourism, infrastructure, and industrial growth were also highlighted, with projects like the ₹2,500 crore Bulk Drug Park in Una and the development of Kangra as the state’s tourism capital. The Deputy CM further stressed initiatives like the “Chitta Mukt Himachal” campaign to combat drug abuse among youth.

A cultural showcase by students from various schools added vibrancy to the celebration, while outstanding police personnel and public servants were honored for exemplary service. The event concluded with a renewed call for unity, development, and responsible participation in upcoming Panchayati Raj elections.