5% increase in offerings to deities, 20% hike for drummers

Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday announced a 5% increase in offerings to deities and 20% hike in honorarium of Bajantris (drummers).Presiding over the closing ceremony of International Kullu Dussehra, Sukhu also announced the construction of a bridge at a cost of about Rs 26 crore to connect the left and right banks of Beas river at Pirdi in Kullu district.Sukhu further said the state govt would make every effort to construct Bhubhu-Jot tunnel and the matter had been raised with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union minister Nitin Gadkari. The chief minister also announced to increase the financial assistance for Dussehra celebrations in Haripur, Manali, to Rs 3 lakh.The state govt will strengthen the 100-bedded Mother and Child Hospital in Kullu to provide better health services and will appoint medical specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff there, said the CM.He said the state govt would provide adequate funds to ensure world class health technology at the district hospital in Kullu. He also announced to provide Rs 8 crore to Kullu PWD mandal and Rs 5 crore to Manali mandal for disaster relief work.Sukhu offered prayers at the camp of Lord Raghunath and wished for happiness and prosperity in the state. He also flagged-off the Kullu Carnival, in which more than 600 women and artistes participated, including six international teams, various schools and women from more than 30 self-help groups, besides tableaux from various departments.The CM also inspected the site of the base station of Bijli Mahadev ropeway being constructed at a cost of Rs 273 crore in Pirdi. Sukhu said the state govt had received the necessary clearance for the construction of the ropeway.He also inspected the site of the proposed Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School and judicial complex in Pirdi.

CM announces 4% hike in DA of state govt employees

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced a 4% increase in Dearness Allowance for state government employees, raising it to 50% of their basic salary, effective from October 1. This hike, coming just before the Diwali festival, is set to benefit around 3.9 lakh employees. A similar increase was implemented in March this year.

Pb should hand over Shanan hydro project to HP: Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh called for the transfer of the British-era Shanan hydropower project from Punjab, highlighting the end of its 99-year lease. He visited the site to assess its condition and announced an additional Rs 85 crore for phase III of the Uhl Project, expected to start by January 2025.

Minister inspects site for 300 crore library-cum-science centre in Coimbatore

Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi inspected the site for the Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Library and Science Centre in Gandhipuram, set to open in January 2026. The centre, featuring English and Tamil books, competitive exam resources, and science exhibits, will cost 300 crore. Tender submissions are due October 16. A renovated primary school in Pallapalayam was also inaugurated.

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