Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the satisfaction level of the people with the government was the highest and that this would be his biggest achievement to bank on for the party return to power in 2012 assembly elections. At a meet-the- press,Dhumal said,During past four years the government has reached out to every family in the state and provided them direct benefits with innovative schemes. Whether its free distribution of four CFL blubs to every house-hold,free ration,road connectivity or benefits of schemes for the farmers. More than Rs 5,870 crore benefits have been given to government servants. Despite financial constraints,the BJP fulfilled all its election promises to give 50 percent reservations to women in Panchayats and Local urban bodies,raised daily wages from Rs 75 to Rs 120 and social security pensions to Rs 330 per month. The CM also took credit for transforming Himachal Pradesh into a education hub,opening 11 private universities and facilitating the establishment of a new IIT at Mandi,Central University in Kangra,NIFT near Dharamshala,ESI hospital-cum-medical college,a private medical college near Solan,Hotel Management Institute at Hamirpur,Hydro-power Engineering college in Bilaspur and Institute of Technology at Kotkhai. This was biggest opportunity to local youths to get education in the state,instead of travelling to other states, he said. Dhumal also added that the government has implemented the Citizens Charter fixing the time for all public services. Only recently,a bill has been passed by the assembly which empowers the government to set-up special courts to confiscate properties acquired by government servants through corrupt means. Only two states - Madhya Pradesh and Bihar - have enacted this law and Himachal Pradesh will follow suit, he said. Replying to questions,the CM said that new Lokayukta Justice L S Panta will be taking charge soon and that the government is exploring possibilities for changes in the Lokayukta Act. Asked about the states financial position,Dhumal said,The governments resource base is narrow and there was a hope that once Himachal Pradesh starts getting its full share of power from Bhakra Beas Managementr Board,its position would improve. Dhunmal also gave details of the increase in per capita income from Rs 42,076 in 2007-08 to Rs 58,493 in 2010-11.The gross domestic product has also increased to Rs 52,426 in 2010-11 from Rs 33,963 in 2007-08, he added. Food Security Bill: Dhumal cautions central govt Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal came down heavily and cautioned the Centre from going ahead with the Food Security Bill as some aspects of the law were damaging and could create serious problems for the states. Due to Centre policies,the farmers are already committing suicide. Why would anybody take to farming if rice is to be provided at Rs 3 per kg and wheat at Rs 2 per kg? he asked. Instead of the Food Security Scheme,the government should double the wages of MNREGA scheme as it will not only put more money into pockets of the poor but also improve productivity, said the Chief Minister.
