Providing Public Services is Duty of  Welfare State, Not Looting: Jai Ram Thakur

Mandi, 23 August 2024: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, has strongly criticized Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s recent statement, in which Sukhu said that he would not allow the state’s treasury to be looted for political gains. Thakur described the statement as unfortunate and ridiculous.

Jai Ram Thakur questioned whether the Chief Minister considers providing healthcare under the Himcare scheme, the Sahara scheme, free water to poor rural families, and electricity for the needy as acts of looting. He also asked if providing transportation subsidies to women and offering employment to the youth are also considered looting by the government. Thakur emphasized that it seems the Chief Minister does not understand the definition of a welfare state. He questioned whether the government’s role is limited to imposing taxes on the public and if spending the tax money collected from the people on their welfare is considered looting.

Thakur also demanded answers from the government on why, if spending on public welfare is considered looting, the current administration has appointed so many advisors and provided them with ministerial-level privileges. He questioned the unauthorized use of police convoys for ministers and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) and the additional expenses incurred in setting up new offices for ministers in the Secretariat.

He further criticized the Chief Minister for hiding behind a minister while employees raise their voices for their rights. Thakur condemned the actions of a minister who allegedly threatened employees and tried to pressure them, calling it unfortunate. He insisted that the Chief Minister must answer these questions.