"Economic reforms and strengthened rural economy paving way for a self-reliant Himachal"

DEAR PEOPLE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH,

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As we celebrate the 78th anniversary of the formation of our state on 15th April, | extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the occasion of Himachal Day and wish for a bright and prosperous future for you and our beloved state. This day holds a great historical significance for the people of Himachal. On this day in 1948, just eight months after India's independence, our beautiful state came into existence through the merger of 30 princely hill states and became a centrally administered territory.

The establishment of Himachal as a separate state was made possible through the efforts of our visionary leaders, heroes of the Prajamandal movement, countless freedom fighters, and the active participation of the people of the region. On this auspicious occasion, | pay my homage to Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the architect and_first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, along with all the great personalities who played a vital role in shaping the unique identity of Himachal.

As we look back on our journey from a humble hill state to one of the most progressive states in India, we must also reflect on the road ahead. Today, Himachal stands on the cusp of a new era. The state government has embarked on a transformative path to make Himachal self-reliant by 2027 and among the most prosperous states by 2032. This vision is rooted in concrete action, strategic reforms and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of people of state.

Despite formidable economic challenges, including a significant debt burden and a large share of the budget being spent on salaries, pensions and loan repayments, the government has adopted a bold and pragmatic approach. With nearly 50 percent of state expenditure already committed, the ability to launch fresh initiatives may seem limited. Our government has fulfilled six out of its ten key guarantees. This demonstrates a rare ability to implement people-centric policies amidst financial constraints.