Himachal Pradesh Gets Best State Award in Education, Infrastructure and Overall Development

Himachal Pradesh was declared best state in the fields of Education, Infrastructure and overall development in Big State category at State of the States Conclave-2017 organised by India Today Group. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh received the award presented by Union Minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari in Delhi today.

Himachal was judged best state in two categories i.e. Education and Infrastructure. Himachal also got place in top five states in seven categories and got the best state award for overall development.

In his address on “The politics of development: My turn around story”, Virbhadra Singh spoke about the journey of Himachal Pradesh on the path of development since its formation. He acknowledged the role of leaders like former Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and first Chief Minister of the Himachal Pradesh Dr Y.S Parmar for laying strong foundations for the emergence of Himachal Pradesh as a developed state.

He said that the state has emerged as a model of development for other states and has been competing with big states on the development and growth indicators. Himachal had been lauded for developmental efforts at National level in past and had won many awards too, he added.

Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of States and said that in a democratic country like India, states needed to be strengthened to make the nation strong as developed states contribute to the development of the country.

The present Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has concentrated on equitable and inclusive development from the very first day, he said. The poor, weaker and vulnerable sections have been given special attention in the state, he added

He also said that Himachal has achieved spectacular progress in areas of health, education and equitable development of infrastructure with special focus on the poor and underprivileged. The State has adequate educational and health institutions while road connectivity, tourism and industrial sectors were also growing considerably.

Mr. Singh lauded the India Today Group for encouraging the states by appreciating the good work done by state govts.

Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur, Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, MLA Asha Kumari and Chief Secretary V C Pharka were also present on the occasion.