Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday inaugurated the five-day state-level Shivratri Mahotsav at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Baijnath, Kangra district and also inaugurated and performed laying of foundation stones and of 10 development schemes worth Rs. 49.22 crore in Baijnath Assembly constituency. Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister stated that permission has been granted for the expansion of Kangra Airport and the State Cabinet has also decided that a good relief package would be provided to the displaced families. He added that with the expansion of Kangra Airport, the tourism industry would get a big boost which would aid in making the Kangra district a tourism capital of the state. He accused the Centre of not releasing Rs. 9,043 for disaster relief works which was due to be released in December, 2023. Prior to inauguration of the Shivratri Mahotsav, the Chief Minister offered puja at the historic Shiva temple Baijnath on the occasion of Mahashivratri and took part in a procession and flag hoisting ceremony.  Sukhu said that the government has made special provisions in the budget to strengthen the rural economy and has declared the minimum support price of wheat, maize and milk, making Himachal the first state in the country to do so. "The decision will result in farmers earning additional Rs. 20 to 25 thousand per month hugely benefitting from the scheme," stated the Chief Minister adding that the initiative would strengthen the economic condition of the farmers, who account for around 90 percent of the states population. He congratulated the women of the state on the occasion of International Womens Day and said that the State Government has started the Indira Gandhi Pyari Brahmin Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana under which honorarium of Rs. 1,500 would be provided to eligible women above 18 years of age. "Under this scheme, women of the state will get Rs. 18 thousand per year, an amount they could spend at their will making them somewhat financially independent. This has been made possible due to our continuous efforts of curbing corruption. This money is being spent on public welfare," said Sukhu. He said that a youth policy has been made to encourage sports and players to save the young generation from drugs. He said that the diet money for school level players has been increased to Rs. 400. Similarly, AC three tier and air travel facility has been started for the players participating at national level.

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