Cabinet expansion in Himachal is likely before budget session of assembly: CM

Dharamshala: Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has said that the cabinet expansion in the state is likely before the budget session of the assembly. Addressing a press conference in Nurpur today, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said, “Before the budget session, cabinet expansion and assembly speaker will be elected.” The budget session of Himachal Pradesh assembly is going to start from February 25. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will present his third budget on March 6.

The expansion will be affected to fill two ministerial berths, which have been lying vacant for the past several months. Anil Sharma, who was the power minister in the state government, had to resign after his son Aashray contested on the Congress ticket from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat last year. Second seat was of Kishan Kapoor, who was the Dharamshala MLA and civil supplies minister in the state government, had resigned after he was elected to the Lok Sabha in May from Kangra.

On the question of the state's financial condition, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that the Congress is responsible for the state's poor economic condition.  Chief Minister said that to increase the revenue of Himachal government, the departments of Tourism, Mining and GST  working on implementing  the rules  effectively. Work is being done to implement new policies to increase revenue. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that Kangra district will also be included in the central government's Rs 2400 crore Horticulture project.

Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that tourism department is the main priority of the government and the government is working in this context. He said that the first priority of the government is to strengthen roads and airways. He said that steps have also been taken to develop new tourist places.