Shimla, May 7
Himachal Pradesh will be honoured by the Central Government with a national award for outstanding implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the flagship rural road initiative, as it completes 25 years. The award will be presented on May 9 in Sehore.
The state has also received an incentive grant of ₹46 crore for maintaining high-quality work standards under the scheme. Additionally, ₹2247 crore has been sanctioned under PMGSY-4 for connecting 250 habitations across the state.
Addressing the media, Vikramaditya Singh said Himachal Pradesh has delivered exceptional performance under the rural road development programme. He said the Union Ministry of Rural Development conducted a nationwide assessment of states, in which Himachal Pradesh was selected for its significant contribution towards improving road connectivity in rural areas.
The minister said that successive governments since 2000 have consistently focused on expanding rural infrastructure, resulting in the development of nearly 3,500 kilometres of road network under the PMGSY scheme. He termed the achievement a major milestone for the hill state.
Vikramaditya Singh further said the government is continuing efforts to provide road connectivity to remote and inaccessible regions, including Dodra Kwar, Lahaul and Spiti, Chhota Bhangal and Bara Bhangal.
Responding to questions regarding BJP-supported candidates contesting the Zila Parishad elections, the minister said such elections are generally fought on ideological grounds rather than official party symbols. However, he added that the Congress party would deliberate internally before deciding its political strategy on the matter.
On reports of election boycotts and people refraining from filing nominations in regions such as Mandi, the minister said such situations were not unprecedented. He explained that residents in some areas have concerns about increased taxes following the formation of municipal corporations. The government, he said, would continue dialogue with the public and take future decisions accordingly.
Commenting on the recent blasts in Punjab and the political reactions surrounding the incident, Vikramaditya Singh described the matter as sensitive and said it would be inappropriate to make comments without complete information.
Regarding the post-election violence in West Bengal, the minister said the country functions under constitutional provisions, and any new government would be formed in accordance with those norms. Referring to Mamata Banerjee, he stated that legal remedies remain available through the courts. On allegations of vote theft, he said the Congress party has already raised the issue with supporting evidence.
