Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that Leo-Chango road would remain with Border Road Organization (BRO) for upkeep and maintenance. He said that the tribal areas alongwith other areas of the State had made rapid development in all spheres such as roads, education, health, electricity, water supply, horticulture and agriculture. He said that the previous Government had put Rs. 12,500 crores debt and had misused the funds.

Virbhadra Singh was speaking in a public meeting at Chango in Kinnaur district today.

He said that the State Government had restored the roads, electricity, water supply and irrigation schemes on war footing in Kinnaur district as this district had suffered maximum loss and damages due to heavy rains, untimely snow and landslides during early monsoon in June.

Chief Minister said that the affected persons were being provided compensation. He said that the Cabinet had recently revised and enhanced the norms of relief under Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management and Relief Manual 2012. It would enhance the relief assistance provided to the disaster affected persons in the State, he added.

Virbhadra Singh said that food subsidy scheme was an ambitious scheme of Centre Government which had ensured wheat, rice and hoarse grains at cheapest rates. He said that subsidized ration scheme was started in the State during his previous tenure which would also be continued alongwith ‘Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna’ to cover the leftout and APL families.

Chief Minister said that State Government had adopted a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and no person how-so-ever big or influential he may be would not be spared.

Virbhadra Singh said that Himachal Pradesh had distinct and rich cultural heritage and tribal areas were rich repository which needed to be preserved. He said that every area have their own way of life, customs, traditions and dialects. He said that State Government was making efforts to preserve and promote the rich culture heritage.

Member Parliament Pratibha Singh thanked the people of Kinnaur for giving whole heartedly support to her during the latest bye-poll.