Shimla |October 4, 2026
Government Reaches Remote Villages, Bringing Development and Direct Dialogue
The real picture of development in the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh is reflected not only in major cities and towns, but also in remote villages where basic facilities such as roads, education, healthcare, transportation and employment continue to determine the quality of life of people. In this context, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s three-day visit to the Rohru and Rampur Assembly constituencies of Shimla district from October 1 to 3 was more than a routine administrative programme. It provided an important platform for direct interaction between the government and rural communities.
The Chief Minister’s special emotional connect with the Rohru and Rampur areas was also evident during the visit. Keeping in view the geographical challenges of remote mountainous regions, he emphasised giving priority to development in areas where the reach of the administrative machinery and government schemes can often be difficult.
During the visit, Chief Minister Sukhu stayed overnight at Bhatwari in the remote Rohru area and Kasha-Pat in Rampur. He is the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to undertake overnight stays in both these areas. During his stay, he interacted with local residents, understood their problems and directed officials to ensure prompt action on issues raised by them.
The Chief Minister dedicated and laid the foundation stones of 61 development projects worth ₹182.87 crore in Rohru and 28 development projects worth ₹232.93 crore in Rampur, taking the total value of projects in the two constituencies to more than ₹415 crore.
In a democracy, development is not achieved merely through schemes and budgetary allocations. It becomes meaningful when planning and implementation are aligned with the actual needs of the people. The Chief Minister’s direct interaction with residents during the Rohru and Rampur visit reflected this approach.
Residents raised issues related to roads, education, transportation, drinking water, community facilities and local development. The Chief Minister issued necessary directions to officials and made several announcements on the spot. This helped strengthen the feeling among local residents that their concerns were not confined to government offices but were being heard at the highest level of the government as well.
During his visit to both Assembly constituencies, the Chief Minister also participated in anti-chitta rallies and reiterated the state government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh free from the menace of chitta.
Major Announcements in Rohru
During the three-day visit, the Chief Minister made several announcements while giving priority to public concerns.
During an interaction with students of PM Shri Government Model Senior Secondary School, Rohru, a student requested a new school building. Responding immediately, the Chief Minister announced ₹2 crore for construction of the new building.
Addressing a large gathering at Chirgaon, he announced an increase in the support price of milk from December 1 for the welfare of farmers and livestock owners. He also announced an increase of ₹1 per kg in the procurement price of apples under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Apples will now be procured under MIS at ₹13 per kg instead of ₹12 per kg.
The Chief Minister also announced the upgradation of Community Health Centre Sandasu to a Civil Hospital, opening of a Sub-Tehsil at Samarkot, a survey for opening an SDM office at Chirgaon, and bringing Jangla and Chirgaon schools under the CBSE system.
At the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ programme at Bhatwari, the Chief Minister directly interacted with residents and listened to their problems and development requirements. The initiative highlighted the government’s effort to ensure that the benefits of development reach even the remotest villages.
He announced ₹5 lakh each for Mahila Mandals. He also assured that the Barshil bridge would be made motorable and announced ₹20 lakh for the Chingwari road. In addition, ₹5 lakh was announced for construction of the Pekha-Diudi Mahila Mandal building, along with a declaration to bring Dhamwari School under CBSE.
The Chief Minister said the state government has sanctioned ₹36 crore for construction of the Tikkar-Jarol-Gahan road. Once completed, the road is expected to provide better connectivity to apple growers and facilitate transportation of their produce to markets.
Focus on Students and Education in Rampur
An important feature of the Chief Minister’s visit was his direct interaction with children and students.
During an interaction with students in Rampur, children raised questions and concerns related to education, availability of teachers, non-academic duties assigned to teachers and other issues. The Chief Minister heard them patiently and assured them of necessary action.
He also announced that Taklech School in Rampur Assembly constituency would be brought under the CBSE system.
The Chief Minister travelled to the remote Kasha-Pat area to understand the living conditions and concerns of residents firsthand. He announced ₹2 crore for construction of a new school building in Kasha-Pat and also announced the development of a playground in the village.
He said the government was making efforts to start a bus service from Kasha-Pat to Rampur via Taklech, keeping the convenience of schoolchildren and residents in mind.
During a direct interaction with students at Government Senior Secondary School, Rampur Bushahr, a student requested construction of a building for Government Senior Secondary School Racholi. Accepting the demand immediately, the Chief Minister announced ₹2 crore for construction of the school building.
Financial Assistance to Workers
As part of the state government’s welfare initiatives, financial assistance amounting to ₹5,78,81,725 was provided at Nogli through the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board to 1,471 registered workers and their dependants under various welfare schemes.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to Rohru and Rampur highlighted the state government’s commitment to the all-round development of rural and remote areas. His direct engagement with villagers, students, farmers, workers and other sections of society, along with on-the-spot announcements and directions, reflected an approach aimed at taking governance and development closer to the people living in the farthest corners of the state.
