Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, May 21
On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid floral tributes at his statue in Chhota Shimla’s Sadbhavna Chowk, calling the late leader a visionary who laid the groundwork for India’s digital future.
Speaking at the commemorative event attended by senior Congress leaders including state party president Pratibha Singh, Sukhu reflected on Gandhi’s legacy, stating, “Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of the nation. He foresaw a digitally connected India four decades ago—what we now recognise as Digital India is rooted in his foresight.”
Sukhu praised Gandhi’s contribution to decentralisation and education reforms, particularly citing the introduction of 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas to improve rural education. “Many students from these schools today occupy top positions in society,” Sukhu said.
He also outlined ongoing developmental projects in Himachal named after the former Prime Minister, including Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools designed to provide quality education from pre-nursery to senior secondary levels.
Regarding ban on apple imports from Turkey, he said that he would discuss the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 24 and will propose to increase import duties to protect domestic farmers.
