State won't compromise with legitimate rights of Himachal Pradesh: CM Sukhu

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 20 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a function organized by the Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association here on Thursday said that the current State Government would not compromise with the legitimate rights of Himachal Pradesh at any cost. He emphasized the judiciary's pivotal role in democracy and expressed hope for continued cooperation between the judiciary and the State Government.
The government would file a revision petition in the High Court to take over the 210 MW Luhri hydro project stage-I, 66 MW Dhaula-Sidh Power Project and 382 MW Sunni Power Projects, he stated, adding that if the executing companies abstain from the terms and conditions of the government, these projects would be acquired by the State. The state has experienced an investment drain in recent years and every possible step would be taken to safeguard the interest of the State. He further stated that the current government was moving towards a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh through 'Vyavastha Parivartan'.
Necessary legal amendments have been made to bring significant improvements across various sectors such as education, healthcare & revenue etc. The positive outcomes of these reforms are reflected in the state government's first two budgets, benefiting all the sections of society, he said.
The present government was focusing much on financial discipline and reforms to address the economic challenges inherited from the previous BJP Government. However, he clarified that there was no financial crisis in Himachal Pradesh. "The government would not have been able to reinstate the old pension scheme to state government employees and Rs 1500 per month pensions for women, if there would have been a financial crisis and my Government was simply working with financial prudence," said Sukhu.
He said that the state government was also considering introducing a welfare scheme for senior advocates as well.
"Being a law graduate from Himachal Pradesh University, I once considered practising law but my passion for politics led me to serve the people of the State from grassroots worker to the Chief Minster's chair. Many senior advocates of HP High Court today were my classmates or friends since my college days. I had even cast a vote in the 2011 Bar Association election," he said.
During the event, the Chief Minister also honoured advocates who donated blood at the Blood Donation Camp and those who won various sports competitions.
Advocate General Anoop Rattan welcomed the Chief Minister. Dilip Kayath, President of the Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association, presented a demand memorandum to the Chief Minister, who assured that it would be considered sympathetically.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mohan Lal Brakta, MLA Kuldeep Rathore, former Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Deputy Solicitor General Balram Sharma, President of the Himachal Pradesh Bar Council Lavneesh Kaushal, senior advocates, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.