Himachal guv sets-out govt agenda on development, tackling drug problem
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat, who on Monday addressed opening session of Vidhan Sabha, set-out state's development agenda to double agriculture income, tackle growing menace of drug peddling, and its abuse, besides providing a transparent government and a responsive administration.
The Governor also patted the BJP government-led by Jai Ram Thakur, which has recently completed one year in the power and all set to present next year's budget in the House on February 9.
In his 55-minute address, Acharya Devvrat expressed satisfaction that the government's efforts to energise the farming sector has started showing results, within a limited period of one year and more than 3000 farmers have shifted over to zero-budget natural farming in the state, an initiative for which he had himself been taking interest.
"I am glad that my government is adding new dimensions to the farming practices in the State. A new scheme namely; Prakritik Kheti Khushaal Kisan has been started. Under this scheme, about 9,000 farmers were imparted training and about 3,000 farmers have successfully adopted this farming practice," he said.
Talking about serious problem of drugs in the state, he said the government has recoganised it as biggest challenge and steps were undertake to deal with the issue.
About 1,742 persons , including 10 foreign nationals, were arrested in last one year on the charges of drug peddling as 1,342 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Not alone this, the government has amended the NDPC act during last session of the Vidhan Sabha to make the provisions stringent.
"My Government has also established a coordination mechanism with neighbouring states Chief Ministers and DGPs to eradicate the evil of drugs," the Governor said.
The Governor also endorse the state government agenda on cow and recalled a bill passed by the state Vidhan Sabha for setting-up a 'Gau Sewa Aayog'. The main objective of constituting this Aayog is to help in preparing policies and action plans for protection, welfare and propagation of indigenous breeds of Cow
With a view to providing shelter to the helpless Cows, Cow sanctuaries and big Gau Sadans at district level were being established. In addition, the government has taken a significant decision that 15% of the total income of Temple Trusts will be provided as financial assistance towards management of Gau Sadans and Gaushalas .
The session would have a total of 13 sittings and it has been decided to hold the sittings even on Saturdays, February 9 and 16.
