Will seek MLA priorities for infrastructure development and funding in urban areas under UIDF: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over the meeting of MLAs priorities of District Kangra, Kinnaur and Kullu in the first session of the second day of Annual Plan 2024-25 here today invited suggestions from the MLAs on important issues viz. development policy of the state, mobilization of financial resources, economy, better administration, self-employment and employment generation etc. 
To solve the problem of uneven regional development in urban areas under Municipal Corporations and to develop infrastructure and funding in these areas, the government would seek priorities from the concerned MLAs for funding under Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF). Activities for creating infrastructure in rural areas are eligible under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), NABARD only, said the Chief Minister. 
The Chief Minister said that every MLA can propose five priorities. One scheme each of roads and bridges, minor irrigation schemes, rural drinking water/sewage schemes or three/two priorities in any one sector can be proposed. He said that one priority related to maintenance and one for plying electric buses along with establishing the charging stations could also be included.
The Chief Minister said that due to the earnest efforts of the state government the number of cases of forest clearance has been increased and instructions were issued to invite the concerned MLA in the review meetings of FCA and FRA cases. The state government has made a provision to provide funds from the MLA fund for underground cabling and construction work of Chief Minister Lok Bhavan as well, he said.
The state government has set a target to make Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by 31st March, 2026 thereby increasing the income sources and making the state self-reliant. He said that HRTC buses were being replaced with e-buses in a phased manner and e-charging stations were being set up.
 District Kangra
MLA Nurpur AC, Ranbir Singh urged for expansion of roads in his constituency. He demanded construction of health center Khukhled and new building of sub tehsil Sadwan besides channelization of Chakki and Jabbar Khad to prevent land erosion. He also stressed to take effective steps to curb the drug mafia.
MLA Indora, Malendra Rajan urged to open a medical college in his constituency, up-gradation of Basantapur School as school of excellence and to strengthen the old educational institutions instead of opening new ones. He also demanded new trades in ITI Gangath, opening of polytechnic college and police post in Bhadroha and stressed on ensuring public participation to curb drug and mining mafia.
MLA Fatehpur AC, Bhawani Singh Pathania demanded early completion of the construction work of College at Rey and combined office Building Fatehpur. He also urged to open a circle office of the HPSEBL in Fatehpur and adequate funds for the repair of Shah Canal.
MLA Dehra, Hoshiyar Singh gave suggestions for promoting tourism activities in the area and increasing economic resources through better forest management. He also demanded setting up of wood based industry and increasing the revenue through VIP darshan slips in the temples of the state besides to effectively take up the issue of 7000 oustees of Pong Dam with the Central Government.
MLA Jaswan Pragpur AC, Bikram Singh urged to provide adequate funds to complete the construction of polyclinic in his constituency, to start Government Polytechnic College, Jandaur besides strengthening Chunaur industrial area.
MLA Jwalamukhi, Sanjay Rattan demanded to increase facilities for the devotees by developing a master plan of Maa Jwalamukhi temple. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for providing the Integrated Center under the Mukhya Mantri Sukh-AashrayaYojana and Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding School.
MLA Shahpur AC, Kewal Singh Pathania expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for Shahpur Sewerage Scheme and opening the BDO office in his assembly constituency. He demanded to resolve the problem of low voltage in the area, improvement of Chambi ground and to prepare a calendar for timely delivery of LPG cylinders.
District Kullu
MLA Manali Assembly Constituency, Bhuvneshwar Gaur urged to expedite the work of Manali by-pass, to start commercial activities in Rohtang area, set up new ropeways and to develop tourism villages. He further demanded improvement of health facilities in Manali AC.
MLA Banjar, Surender Shourie demanded strengthening of NH-305 so that the tourists can visit Tirthan Valley conveniently. He urged to further improve the supply of drinking water and electricity and early completion of the under construction Dalasani bridge and Banjar bypass.
 MLA Ani, Lokender Kumar urged to improve Sainj-Ani road and to strengthen the facilities being provided during the Shrikhand Yatra. He demanded to strengthen the police to curb drug menace, opening of police traffic wing and CA store in Ani. He also demanded to ply e-vehicles from Jalodi Pass to Saryolsar Lake.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena presented the vote of thanks.
Agriculture Minister,  Prof. Chander Kumar, Revenue Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, AYUSH, Sports and Youth Services Minister, Yadvinder Goma, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Ram Subhag Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Onkar Chand Sharma, Director General of Police, Sanjay Kundu, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Bharat Khera, Principal Secretary Finance, Devesh Kumar, Advisor Planning, Dr. Basu Sood , administrative secretaries, heads of departments and Deputy Commissioners of respective districts were also present in the meeting.