North News
Shimla, October 11
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that marriage, birth, and death certificates issued by Gram Panchayats across Himachal Pradesh will soon be accessible online. Chairing a review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to providing essential services at citizens’ doorsteps.
The Chief Minister on Thursday highlighted the state’s rural development efforts, noting that Himachal achieved 344.31 lakh labour days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in 2023-24, surpassing the target of 275 lakh. A target of 300 lakh labour days has been set for 2024-25, with 214.51 lakh already earned.
Sukhu also emphasized progress in making villages Open Defecation Free (ODF) plus, with 9,203 villages already achieving this status and an additional 2,347 verified. He added that 32 plastic waste management units have been established, 26 of which are operational.
The Chief Minister praised the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) for empowering women through the formation of 43,161 self-help groups (SHGs). Products worth Rs 1.4 crore have been sold via ‘Himera’ shops, with Rs 1.2 crore generated from 80 weekly markets. Sukhu announced plans for an online platform to market SHG products, branding ‘Himera’ as a premium product line to be showcased in Delhi and Chandigarh exhibitions.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh affirmed the government’s focus on empowering Gram Panchayats and rural development. Key officials, including Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and NRLM CEO Shivam Pratap Singh, attended the meeting.
