President Ram Nath Kovind has said that the initiative taken by the Himachal Pradesh Government to take the development journey of the state to the people is highly commendable. He said, Himachal Pradesh has set new dimensions of development in various fields. President was addressing the Special Session of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly being organized to mark the Golden Jubilee of the statehood in Shimla today. He said, state ranks second in the country in the Sustainable Development Goals – India Index 2020-21 by the NITI Ayog shows leading state in the country on many parameters.
The President further said, the people of Himachal Pradesh have been valiantly responding to injustice, terror and any attack on the country’s pride when required. Youth from almost every village of Himachal Pradesh serve in the Indian Armed Forces. He saluted all martyrs who made supreme sacrifice and laid their life for the country pride. He said, it is a matter of pride for all of people of Himachal that in the year 2014, this Legislative Assembly became the first paperless Legislative Assembly of the country. It is a good example of efficient use of technology, protecting the environment and saving economic resources. He added that for the protection and promotion of the environment, the State Government has made many commendable efforts, including banning the use of plastic. Laws like Non-bio-degradable Garbage Control Act, 1995, Prohibition of Smoking and Non-smokers Health Protection Act, 1997 passed by the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly have a good impact on the whole country. He said, many such laws have been made in this Legislative Assembly, which have been paving the way for future-oriented changes.
This year is full of special joy and gaiety for the residents of Himachal Pradesh and the entire country. As on one hand we all are celebrating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Independence on the other hand Himachal is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of statehood.
On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of statehood, President said that Himachal Pradesh is continuously strengthening their democratic heritage and healthy traditions so as to make state happy and prosperous.
The President also said, the credit of being the first voter of the first election of independent India goes to Shyam Saran Negi of Himachal Pradesh. He was made the brand ambassador by the Election Commission of India in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Mr Kovind said that the previous governments have played significant role in the development of the state. He further added that the grant of full statehood to Himachal Pradesh was the successful culmination of the people struggle under the leadership of people’s heroes who believed in democracy like Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar.
President also extended his heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in a recent natural calamities. He urged Central and State Governments together to develop scientific solutions to such disasters. He appreciated all the Corona Warriors of Himachal Pradesh for being first in the country to set a record 100 per cent first dose of COVID vaccination to its people in the state.
President also remembered late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his deep attachment to state as he considered Himachal as his home. He had provided a special industrial package to Himachal, which encouraged investment in the state. President said Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the one who laid the foundation stone of the project in 2002 which is now known as ‘Atal Tunnel’, the longest highway-tunnel in the world. He said, with the construction of Atal Tunnel parts of Himachal and Leh-Ladakh will always be connected with other areas of the country and there will be rapid economic development of the people residing there.
President Ram Nath Kovind is third President after APJ Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee to address the Special Session of Himachal Legislative Assembly.
Earlier, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Speaker Vipin Parmar and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also addressed the Special Session called to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of statehood. On this occasion who’s who book on HP was released by the Governor and presented to the President. On this occasion, former and present MPs, legislators besides other dignitaries were present.
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and MP from Himachal Anurag Singh Thakur was also present to grace the occasion.
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