December 25, 2008 :Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal inaugurated the blood donation camp organized by Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha, on the eve of 85th birth Anniversary of former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at historic Ridge Maidan, here today.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister said that Shri Vajpayee has special affection for the hill State. He said that Shri Vajpayee is always concerned for the development of Himachal Pradesh and has given top priority for the welfare of the hill people. Prof. Dhumal said that during his regime, special economic package was given to the State, which helped in increasing the vast industrial investment.
Chief Minister said that the State and its people would always remain indebted to Shri Vajpayee. Keeping in view, the special penchant and respect for Shri Vajpayee, the State Government had started various schemes in his name, added Shri Dhumal. Giving reference of few, the Chief Minister said that ‘Atal Bijli Bachat Yojna’, ‘Atal Awas Yojna’ have been started in the State on his name. He said that under Atal Bijli Bachat Yojna, four CFL bulbs are being provided to each household free of cost in the State, adding that in future also, the consumers would be provided 4 CFL bulbs each for which the people will have to contact their concerned offices of electricity board.
Prof. Dhumal said that the State Government had renamed the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute, Manali. He said that Atal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunj, would be developed as self-contained world class Education Hub at Kalu Jhanda, in Solan District, where extensive training of international standard would be imparted to entrepreneurs and to prepare the skilled manpower. He said that the entire area has been named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said that the second phase of Atal Shiksha Kunj would be executed at Mandhala, where the land has been acquired by the Government.
Chief Minister said a sum of Rs. 61.7 crore is being spent to develop Atal Shiksha Kunj where people would get world-class education facilities at their doorsteps, and would open the doors for industrial investments.
Prof. Dhumal said that Shri Vajpayee is an eminent personality and wished him better health and a long life. He appealed the Member of Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha to follow the ideas of Shri Vajpayee and work for the welfare of the State and the country as well.
Amongst those present on the occasion were MLA, Suresh Bhardwaj, Vice Chairman HIMUDA, Shri Ganesh Dut, Shri J.S.Rana, Deputy Commissioner, Shimla , Shri R.M. Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Shimla , Organizing Secretary Shri Mahender Panday.