Govt to advocate for Hattis in court: Sukhu

Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said the Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh would strongly advocate for the Hattis in the court and engage top legal representatives for the case related to the grant of scheduled tribe reservation to the community.Addressing a gathering at the first cultural night of the five-day long ‘International Renuka Ji Fair’ at Renuka Ji in Sirmaur district late Monday evening, Sukhu said the present state govt had issued a notification granting reservation to the Hatti community within 12 hours after fulfilling all the formalities. He said his govt was standing firmly with the Hatti community and was committed to ensuring all-round development of Sirmaur district.Sukhu also released a souvenir of the ‘International Sri Renuka Ji Fair’, brought out by Shri Renuka Ji Vikas Board. He also directed the administration to improve the basic amenities in the area to facilitate the tourists as well as the locals. The CM said Renuka Ji fair was one of the major fairs in the state. This fair holds not only religious importance, but also represents the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, he added. Sukhu, meanwhile, said the govt had organised revenue lok adalats to provide relief to the people and more than two lakh mutation cases had been resolved across the state, including over13,000 cases in Sirmaur district alone. Criticising the BJP, the chief minister said the previous govt led-by Jai Ram Thakur “misused” public funds for political advantage, distributing Rs 5,000 crore in “freebies” to influence elections. Institutions were opened without any budgetary provisions and subsidies were extended to affluent groups. Whereas the incumbent state govt is focusing on strengthening education and healthcare infrastructure, said Sukhu.The CM said further doctors and nurses in all the medical colleges would be recruited according to the international standards, ensuring quality treatment to the patients and a better working environment for the medical staff. The state govt has introduced free education for the children of widows, ensuring they have access to quality education, said Sukhu.

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