Kullu, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday presided over the closing ceremony of the International Kullu Dussehra 2026, announcing a series of measures to strengthen infrastructure, improve public services and boost the rural economy.
The Chief Minister announced a five per cent increase in the honorarium for deities and a 10 per cent hike for Bajantris. He also announced an honorarium of Rs 1,100 for the chief Gur of each deity and financial assistance of Rs 35,000 for every Mahila Mandal that participated in the week-long festival, which concluded on Tuesday.
Announcing infrastructure investments for the district, Sukhu allocated Rs 5 crore for improving connectivity in the Left Bank area of Kullu and an additional Rs 5 crore for the construction of the Manikaran Road.
He also sanctioned Rs 22 crore for a sewerage system in Bhuntar and announced the opening of an electricity subdivision in the town. An additional Rs 50 lakh was announced for the Vidyut Command-Bara road, while Rs 1 crore was approved for constructing a science block at Bajoura school.
The Chief Minister said Kullu District Hospital would be strengthened to improve healthcare services for residents. Specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff would be appointed, and the hospital would be equipped with advanced medical technology. Adequate funds would also be provided to upgrade healthcare infrastructure, he said.
Emphasising the government’s focus on the rural economy, Sukhu said the minimum support price for ginger would soon be increased to Rs 40 per kilogram to raise farmers’ incomes and improve the livelihoods of rural households.
He criticised the previous BJP government, alleging that it had weakened the education and healthcare sectors. The present government, he said, was working to improve infrastructure and service delivery in both sectors.
Describing Himachal Pradesh as the land of deities, Sukhu said Kullu Dussehra had grown into a festival of international stature. He assured that the government would continue working to improve the event’s organisation and scale in the coming years.
The Chief Minister said the government’s administrative reform initiative, ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’, was reflected in the arrangements and management of the festival.
Recalling the devastating disaster of 2023, Sukhu said Kullu district had been among the worst-affected areas. He said he and his Cabinet colleagues had worked on the ground around the clock to ensure relief for affected families.
He also praised the people of Kullu for organising community kitchens at various locations to support those in need, saying their spirit of service would be remembered across India and abroad.
Sukhu said the government had amended rules and regulations to safeguard the interests of disaster-affected families. Financial assistance for house construction had been increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh to help affected households rebuild their homes.
Accusing the BJP of spreading misleading information about the state’s financial position, the Chief Minister said his government was working to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant. Strengthening the rural economy remained a priority, and several schemes in this direction would be implemented soon, he added.
He stressed that cooperation and support from all sections of society would be essential to achieving the goal of a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh.
As part of the closing celebrations, Sukhu also flagged off the Kullu Carnival, which saw the participation of more than 600 women and artists.
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