Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has strongly criticized the Sukhu-led state government’s recent decision to approve the Mukhya Mantri Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojna. The scheme promises financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month and 300 units of free electricity to eligible women aged between 18 and 59 years.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Thakur stated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), upon returning to power, would undertake a thorough review of all decisions made during the final year of the current administration’s term, along with its electoral guarantees.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Thakur asserted that the Congress government had failed to fulfill its electoral promises even after nearly four years in office. He suggested that the recent decision to launch the scheme was a direct consequence of the Congress party’s significant defeat in the recent Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections.
“Now that the Congress has faced a huge defeat in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has suddenly remembered the women of Himachal Pradesh and the guarantees made before the last Assembly elections,” Thakur remarked, questioning the timing and intent behind the scheme’s announcement.
Thakur raised concerns about the limited scope of the proposed financial assistance scheme, pointing out that Himachal Pradesh has over 18 lakh families. He specifically questioned the government’s decision to include only a select number of families under the scheme, implying a discrepancy between the promise and the current implementation.
He further elaborated on the alleged divergence between the initial promise and the present scheme. The Congress party, he recalled, had pledged to provide Rs 1,500 per month to all women aged between 18 and 59 years, a decision that was purportedly made during the party’s very first Cabinet meeting after coming to power. At that time, no income limit or specific eligibility restrictions were mentioned. Thakur estimated that approximately 28 lakh women in Himachal Pradesh fall within this age demographic. However, he claimed that the current government has announced the benefit for only 3.50 lakh eligible women, highlighting a substantial reduction in the intended beneficiaries.
Looking ahead, Thakur indicated that the BJP would utilize the upcoming winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly to raise several critical issues of public concern. Among the key issues slated for discussion are the escalating drug menace within the state and allegations of corruption. These matters, he suggested, require urgent attention and debate within the legislative framework.
The Mukhya Mantri Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojna, as announced, aims to provide a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,500 to women in the specified age group. Additionally, beneficiaries are to receive 300 units of free electricity. The scheme’s criteria for eligibility and the total number of beneficiaries are points of contention, with the opposition questioning the government’s approach to its implementation and adherence to prior commitments.
The political discourse in Himachal Pradesh is increasingly focused on the efficacy and fairness of welfare schemes, particularly as elections draw nearer. The BJP’s stance signifies a strategic move to scrutinize the incumbent government’s policies and highlight perceived shortcomings. The party has pledged to re-evaluate populist measures and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively and equitably. The review process, as outlined by Thakur, is intended to ensure accountability and transparency in governance, should the BJP form the next government.
The Opposition leader’s remarks also touch upon the broader political landscape of the state, where welfare measures often become central to electoral campaigns and political debate. The allocation of resources for such schemes and the criteria for selecting beneficiaries are frequently subjects of public scrutiny and political contention. The BJP’s promise to review these decisions underscores a commitment to fiscal prudence and a critical assessment of the previous government’s policy choices.
The government’s justification for the scheme and its eligibility criteria is expected to be further detailed in the coming days. However, the criticism from the former Chief Minister sets the stage for a robust political debate on social welfare policies and their implementation in Himachal Pradesh. The upcoming legislative session is anticipated to feature intense discussions on these subjects, reflecting the deep political divisions and differing approaches to governance in the state.
The Chenab Times News Desk
