Himachal Pradesh has taken a slew of measures in various sectors to improve the living conditions of people. The government has stepped up its efforts to improve the state's education system, skill development, health services, employment scenario as well as infrastructure, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said on Wednesday, on the completion of two-and-a-half years of his government.
"The objective of the state government during the period has been to serve the people with utmost dedication, so that benefits of the development percolate down to each section of the society, thereby transforming their living standards," he said in a statement.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna, food security is being provided to 37 lakh people. "Beneficiaries under the scheme are being provided 3kg wheat at Rs 2/ kg and 2kg rice at Rs 3/ kg per beneficiary per month. Families covered under BPL are being provided 35 kg ration every month under the scheme," the statement said
The government has also taken effort to ensure efficiency and transparency in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and has initiated e-PDS Scheme.
"In order to enhance the skills of the youth an allocation of Rs 500 crore has been made under the Skill Development Scheme. Under this <g data-gr-id="52">scheme</g> eligible candidates are being provided Rs 1,000 per month and those who are physically handicapped are being provided with Rs 1,500 per month as <g data-gr-id="51">skill</g> development allowance. This year Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the scheme," it said.
To improve the education system of the state, a slew of measures have been taken in the last two and a half years. "At least 750 new educational institutions have been opened or upgraded. <g data-gr-id="58">Twenty one</g> new colleges have also been opened in the State. Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) has been opened at Una with an estimated cost of Rs 122 crore. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is also being established in Sirmaur district. An engineering college would also be set up at <g data-gr-id="61">Jeori</g> in Shimla District.
The state government has also taken steps to improve the health care services in the state. "During the last two and half years three medical blocks, 11 civil hospitals, 11 community health centres, 39 primary health centres and six health <g data-gr-id="44">sub centres</g> had been opened in the state," it added.
Three medical colleges would be opened at Nahan, Chamba and Hamirpur with an estimated cost of Rs 189 Crore for each college.
AIIMS would be opened at Bilaspur district. Janani Express 102 service has been launched to provide safe and free ambulance facilities for pregnant women to <g data-gr-id="46">hospital</g> and after birth free transportation to mother and child.