Every Section of Society Distressed by Congress Government’s Policies, Says Jairam Thakur

Shimla, August 9: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has criticised the Congress-led state government over its policies and administrative decisions, alleging that people across different sections of society are facing difficulties due to what he described as “wrong, impractical and arbitrary” measures.

In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur said the health, education and horticulture sectors were facing serious challenges under the present government. He alleged that beneficiaries were experiencing difficulties in accessing healthcare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Himcare. He also claimed that shortages of essential medicines, pending payments to civil supply stores and technical issues related to barcodes were causing inconvenience to patients, forcing some to purchase medicines from private outlets and seek diagnostic services at private facilities.

On education, Thakur criticised the increase in fees at Himachal Pradesh University and other institutions, stating that the move had placed an additional financial burden on students, particularly those from economically weaker and rural backgrounds. He said students were being compelled to stage protests and hunger strikes over issues related to the fee structure.

Thakur also expressed concern over the situation of apple growers, describing horticulture as a crucial component of Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy. He alleged that the Congress had come to power after promising growers greater freedom in determining apple prices, but that the present government was now issuing notices to growers under the Market Intervention Scheme.

He claimed that growers who had sold more than 100 bags of apples were being summoned to the offices of SDMs, tehsildars and naib tehsildars and asked to produce land records and Aadhaar cards. He further alleged that payments amounting to nearly Rs. 80 crore under the Market Intervention Scheme for 2024-25 and 2025-26 were still pending.

The former Chief Minister also questioned the reported restriction on the purchase of gunny bags for apple packaging, saying that a limit of 30 bags was impractical for growers with large orchards and substantial production. He alleged that such measures were creating difficulties for farmers and demanded that the government reconsider the restrictions.

Thakur said the government’s policies had contributed to growing dissatisfaction among farmers, students and patients across the state. He warned that if the government failed to withdraw what he termed “anti-people” decisions and provide relief, the BJP would intensify its opposition and raise the issues in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

He reiterated that the BJP would continue to highlight issues concerning public welfare and hold the government accountable for its decisions and policies.