Himachal Pradesh CM announces tourism investment and community housing schemes

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced several major initiatives for the state. To boost high-end tourism, the government plans to invest between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 crore over the next five years, focusing on infrastructure and air connectivity. This includes Rs 3,000 crore for the expansion of Kangra airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

In social welfare, the Chief Minister introduced a housing assistance scheme providing Rs 3 lakh to eligible families within the Valmiki community to construct homes on their own land. The scheme targets families with an annual income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh, with a survey to identify beneficiaries expected to be completed by November 28.

Additionally, Sukhu has called upon the Central Government to establish a dedicated Himachal Scouts Battalion. Modeled after the Ladakh and Sikkim Scouts, the proposed force would recruit youth from strategically significant border districts like Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti to enhance defense preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).