Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, September 30
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday flagged off six mobile forensic vehicles from his official residence in Shimla after returning from a private foreign trip. Each van, costing ₹65 lakh, is equipped with advanced technology to speed up police investigations under the Directorate of Forensic Services. “These vehicles will ensure faster and more efficient probes,” the Chief Minister said. Sukhu also addressed criticism of his recent visit to London, clarifying that it was a private trip for his daughter’s admission and that no public funds were spent. He accused the opposition of politicising the issue. He further stated that Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil’s foreign visit controversy was also unnecessary, noting that no official approval had been given. “Without my consent, no one can travel abroad,” he added.
On the cement industry, Sukhu dismissed opposition claims of a new tax, stating that no additional levy had been imposed. He said Himachal Pradesh has suffered losses under the GST regime, as have other small states, and called on the BJP to explain why the ₹1,500 crore special package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not been released. “The state urgently needs funds to support disaster-hit areas,” he said.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged delays in salary payments for HRTC pensioners and HPTDC employees, saying the financial crunch could continue for four to five months. He blamed the previous BJP government for the fiscal stress but assured that his administration was committed to paying salaries and pensions on time. Despite the strain, he said the government is working to deliver aid to disaster-affected people across the state.
