Shimla: Himachal Pradesh celebrated its
40th statehood day on Monday with Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal
highlighting the rapid progress made by the hill state during
the period.
On this day in 1971 HP was conferred statehood and became
18th state of Indian union.
"Starting its independent journey on January 25, 1971, HP
has made rapid progress and has emerged not only as a model
for hill area development but also a pioneer for other
states," the CM said addressing a gathering in his native
Hamirpur district.
Highlighting the progress made by the state in these
years, he said the per capita income of the people which was
Rs 651 in 1971 has increased to Rs 46,000 and literacy rate
has increased from 31 to 84 per cent in the period.
"From a modest 7740 km of road length in 1971 the hill
state has 31,000 km roads today," he added.
Dhumal also announced release of 10 per cent arrears to
the employees and pensioners on the basis of revision of pay
scale on Punjab pattern with effect from January one, 2006 and
including 15,000 more people in social security net.
Earlier, Dhumal unfurled the national flag at the
function and took salute from marching contingents.
PTI
First Published: Monday, January 25, 2010, 20:34