Himachal CM Announces Honorarium Hike for Deities, Bajantris at Kullu Dussehra

The initiatives focus on supporting traditional religious institutions, strengthening public services and improving the rural economy.

The Chief Minister announced a 5 per cent increase in the honorarium for deities and a 10 per cent hike for Bajantris, the traditional musicians who accompany religious processions. He also announced an honorarium of Rs 1,100 for the chief Gur associated with each deity and financial assistance of Rs 35,000 for every Mahila Mandal that participated in the weeklong festival, which concluded on Tuesday.

Several infrastructure projects were also announced for Kullu district. The government has earmarked Rs 5 crore for improving connectivity in the Left Bank area and an additional Rs 5 crore for the construction of Manikaran Road. Another Rs 22 crore has been sanctioned for a sewerage system in Bhuntar, where an electricity subdivision will also be opened.

The Chief Minister further announced Rs 50 lakh for the Vidyut Command-Bara road and approved Rs 1 crore for constructing a science block at Bajoura school.

Kullu District Hospital to Be Strengthened

Sukhu said the government would strengthen Kullu District Hospital to improve healthcare services for residents. He assured that specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff would be appointed and that the hospital would receive advanced medical technology. Adequate funding would also be provided to upgrade its healthcare infrastructure.

Highlighting the government's efforts to improve rural livelihoods, the Chief Minister said the minimum support price for ginger would soon be increased to Rs 40 per kilogram. The proposed hike is intended to raise farmers' incomes and provide greater economic support to rural households.

Sukhu criticised the previous BJP government, alleging that it had weakened the state's education and healthcare sectors. He said the current administration was working to improve infrastructure and service delivery in both areas.

Focus on Disaster Rehabilitation and Rural Economy

Describing Himachal Pradesh as the land of deities, Sukhu said Kullu Dussehra had grown into a festival of international stature. He assured that the government would continue working to improve the event's organisation and scale in the coming years.

He said the administration's reform initiative, Vyavastha Parivartan, was reflected in the arrangements and management of the festival.

Recalling the devastating disaster of 2023, the Chief Minister said Kullu was among the districts worst affected. He stated that he and his Cabinet colleagues had worked on the ground around the clock to ensure relief for affected families.

Sukhu also praised Kullu residents for organising community kitchens at multiple locations to support people in need. He said their spirit of service had earned recognition beyond the state and would be remembered across India and abroad.

The Chief Minister said the government had amended rules and regulations to protect disaster-affected families. Financial assistance for house construction had been raised from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh to support the rehabilitation of affected households.

Addressing concerns about the state's finances, Sukhu accused the BJP of spreading misleading information about Himachal Pradesh's financial position. He reiterated that making the state self-reliant remained a key objective, with rural economic development continuing to be a priority. He added that several schemes aimed at advancing this goal would be implemented soon.

The Chief Minister stressed that cooperation from all sections of society would be essential to achieving a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh.

As part of the closing celebrations, Sukhu also flagged off the Kullu Carnival, which featured the participation of more than 600 women and artists.