Una, April 11:- Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday laid the foundation stone for site development and infrastructure works worth ?250 crore under the upcoming Bulk Drug Park project at Polian Beet in Haroli sub-division. He also inaugurated the foundation for a working women’s hostel to be constructed at Panjuana at a cost of ?10 crore.
The Chief Minister described the Bulk Drug Park as a project of national importance and directed officials to expedite its execution. He emphasized that visible progress should be evident on the ground within the next six to eight months. He said the ambitious project would generate significant employment opportunities for local youth and transform the region into a modern industrial hub.
He added that the industrial complex, being developed at a cost of ?2,000 crore, would strengthen India’s pharmaceutical sector. The project will enhance the country’s global competitiveness in manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and reduce dependence on imports of raw materials. Only three such Bulk Drug Parks are being developed across the country, and the one at Haroli is a matter of pride for the state.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government has decided to execute the project independently, keeping public interest as a priority. Both the central and state governments are contributing ?1,000 crore each under a partnership model.
Highlighting reforms in education, he said the state has implemented the CBSE pattern in schools to improve quality. As a result, Himachal Pradesh has now secured the fifth position nationally in the education sector.
He also criticized the Centre for discontinuing the Revenue Deficit Grant, stating that it has adversely impacted the state. Despite this, the state government continues to strongly advocate for Himachal’s rights and development. He further alleged that the discontinuation of MGNREGA has affected the poor.
The Chief Minister mentioned the launch of the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Student Loan Scheme, which provides loans at just 1% interest to ensure that no deserving student is deprived of higher education due to financial constraints.
He said the state’s economy has shown positive improvement over the past three years, with special focus on the welfare of vulnerable sections, including orphans and widows. The government is also committed to preserving and promoting the state’s natural and economic resources.
He added that Himachal is offering the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the country for naturally grown crops. This year, MSP for natural wheat has been increased from ?60 to ?80 per kg, maize from ?40 to ?50 per kg, and turmeric from ?90 to ?150 per kg.
Targeting the BJP, the Chief Minister alleged that during the previous BJP regime, the state received ?60,000 crore more from the Centre compared to the present government, but the funds were misused instead of being utilized for public welfare. He claimed that BJP policies were anti-state and failed to prioritize public interest.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that the state government is working in a planned manner to give Haroli a global identity on the industrial map. He highlighted that several major development projects are underway, accelerating overall regional growth.
He informed that drinking water projects worth ?66 crore linked to the Bulk Drug Park have been completed, while other works are progressing rapidly. A proposed 5-km ????? line worth ?3,400 crore will connect the park to the national rail network, boosting investment and logistics.
He also stated that road connectivity is being strengthened, with the Santokhgarh–Jaijon road project worth ?500 crore progressing swiftly. Additionally, a ?175 crore drinking water scheme is being implemented to ensure clean and adequate water supply in Una district, particularly benefiting rural areas.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the government is prioritizing the development of the Bulk Drug Park, which will prove to be a milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s industrial growth and create new opportunities for employment, investment, and economic empowerment.
Several dignitaries, including MLAs Vivek Sharma and Sudarshan Bablu, former minister and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State SC Commission Kuldeep Dhiman, former MLA Satpal Singh Raizada, HPSIDC Vice Chairman Anurag Sharma, Himcofed Chairman Vikram Sharma (Dicky), Ex-Servicemen League President Manish Kumar, District Congress Committee President Deshraj Gautam, SC Commission member Advocate Digvijay Malhotra, senior Congress leader Ranjit Rana, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) R.D. Nazeem, Director Industries Dr. Yunus, Additional Director Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal, SP Una Sachin Hiremath, and Additional SP Sanjeev Bhatia were present on the occasion.