Latest news with #VikramadityaSingh
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Himachal Pradesh to achieve 1,500km road target if land made available in time: Minister Vikramaditya Singh
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Monday that the state govt was poised to achieve its ambitious target of constructing 1,500km roads, provided there was cooperation from local communities and panchayats. At the same time, he also stated that the target could be curtailed to 400–500 km in the absence of timely land availability and local support. The minister said Himachal Pradesh is leading the nation in uploading detailed project reports (DPRs) under Phase IV of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The minister added a comprehensive strategy was being adopted to expedite the implementation of development projects under the public works and urban development departments. He added a high-level review meeting was recently held with senior officers, engineers, and executive officers of the urban development department, PWD, and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Highlighting delays in forest clearances and non-registration of land, the minister said a joint meeting under the chairmanship of the CM was being planned with the panchayati raj and rural development departments. Land identification and acquisition would be accelerated with the involvement of local representatives and the district administration, he added. To ensure accountability, PWD divisions have been classified into four zones: red, yellow, green, and non-performing. Strict action, including charge sheets and blacklisting, would be taken against underperforming officers and contractors, the minister clarified.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Himachal Minister Vikramaditya Singh warns action over poor dept work, says inefficient contractors to be blacklisted
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 19 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Monday raised concerns over the underperformance of certain departments despite significant funding received by the state. 'I am concerned that we are getting so much money in the state, despite that, the performance of our department has its shortcomings in many places,' Singh said while addressing the media in Shimla. Highlighting key issues, he pointed to delays in obtaining land and Forest Conservation Act (FCA) clearances as major obstacles in project execution. 'Land is not available in many places; the FCA has not worked on time due to the clearance of the case,' he noted. The minister also cited inefficiency among contractors and department officials as reasons for poor performance. 'I saw that the performance is not up to the mark because of inefficient contractors, or our department officials and engineers,' he said, referring to his recent state-wide review meetings. To improve accountability, Singh said he has instructed officials to introduce a performance indicator system. 'I have ordered that performance indicators be made: red, green and yellow,' he stated. Issuing a warning, he added, 'I have clearly told them that where performance is not good, action will be taken against them. Contractors will be blacklisted.' Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of the Himachal Pradesh government, Vikramaditya Singh, said that the department was all set to start the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) stage four once it was approved by the Union government. After meeting the Union ministers during his recent visit to Delhi, he addressed a press conference in Shimla. Singh detailed Himachal Pradesh's progress under the PMGSY, highlighting key milestones achieved in road infrastructure in rural and remote areas of the state. 'Our government made sustained efforts to strengthen the road network across Himachal, especially in remote and backward regions where all-weather connectivity was crucial,' Singh said. He reported that under PMGSY-III, 3,100 kilometres of roads and 43 bridges had already been sanctioned, with projects spread across Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur districts. 'We executed PMGSY-III projects worth Rs 345 crore. Our goal was to complete these within 18 months. Already Rs 802 crore had been spent, and by the end of 2024-25, Rs 650 crore more was expected to be utilised out of the Rs 905 crore budget,' he said. Singh further shared that meetings with the Minister of State for Rural Development had yielded positive responses. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Shimla's Tutu gets 3-storey parking
Himachal public works minister Vikramaditya Singh on Friday inaugurated a three-storey parking constructed at a cost of ₹6.5 crore at Tutu, a suburb of Shimla city. Vikramaditya said the facility can accommodate 80 to 100 vehicles. He said that efforts were made by former chief minister Virbhadra Singh to bring Shimla and Dharamshala under the Smart City mission, and the foundation stone of this facility was laid during his tenure. The minister said that in the fourth phase of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, all remote areas of the state will be connected by roads. He said process is underway to construct ropeways from various places of Shimla at the cost of ₹1,600 crore.
India Gazette
13-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Nation must stand united behind armed forces, not tolerate terrorism: HP Minister Vikramaditya Singh
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 13 (ANI): The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya Singh, strongly backed the Indian government and armed forces in the aftermath of recent cross-border tensions with Pakistan, urging for national unity above party lines during such crucial moments for the country's internal security and sovereignty. Speaking to ANI, Vikramaditya Singh said that in such situations, it becomes the duty of every citizen to stand with the armed forces. 'Whenever such issues arise, those that involve national unity, integrity, and internal security, it becomes the duty of every citizen, regardless of political ideology or party affiliation, to stand firmly behind our armed forces. We are Indians first, and we will continue to stand united with our security forces.' He said. The Indian military launched precision strikes on terrorist bases located in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, particularly targeting camps in Muridke in Punjab and Bhagalpur, believed to be hideouts for Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba militants. 'The way our agencies and armed forces have acted over the past few days, and how our missiles have destroyed terrorist hideouts in PoK and Pakistan, including those of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, is commendable. The whole country is with them. This sends a strong message to the world that India will not tolerate terrorism at any cost,' Singh asserted. Referring to the understanding reached between India and Pakistan to stop military action, he acknowledged that peace is desirable, but added that deterrence remains a priority: 'Of course, we all want peace and harmony. But the Prime Minister has rightly ensured that there's a new normal now--any future terrorist attacks will not distinguish between non-state actors and the Pakistani state. If terrorism is state-sponsored, India will act accordingly.' He added. He praised the opposition's constructive role in the crisis, specifically pointing to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's call for a special session of Parliament, and Mallikarjun Kharge's demand as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha for a detailed government briefing. 'The opposition has played a positive role. Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, has requested a special Lok Sabha session. Kharge ji has also suggested a government statement. I believe the government must consider this seriously. National unity is vital in such times, and what we show outside Parliament must also be reflected inside,' he said. Touching upon the Indus Waters Treaty, Singh mentioned that the agreement remains under review. 'The treaty is currently in abeyance. But we lack sufficient water holding capacity, proper channelisation systems, or even dams like AIIMS for water retention. If Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continues, India must act decisively. The entire nation is with our forces. But for now, we must adopt a wait-and-watch approach based on how Pakistan responds in the coming days,' he said. He emphasised that national security must not be politicised. 'This is not a political issue. It's about internal security and boosting the morale of our armed forces. Brave soldiers from Himachal Pradesh have laid down their lives. It's a matter of grief but also pride for us.' Singh said. On being asked about the demand to ban apple imports from Turkey due to its strategic alignment with Pakistan and its alleged role in supplying drones used in India, Singh responded strongly. 'Turkey's ties with Pakistan have been sensitive. Many of the drones sent into India have been linked to Turkey and China. The maximum impact of Turkish apple imports is felt by Himachal's apple growers. These imports lower duties and severely hit our Rs 4,500 crore apple economy.' He said. He urged the Central Government to act decisively, saying, 'We, along with the Chief Minister, will raise this issue with the Centre. Action must be taken not just economically but also strategically. It's crucial both from a national security and community standpoint.' He added. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Himachal: 60 roads to be built in Kullu's Aani: Vikramaditya
Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Sunday that 60 roads will soon be built in Aani assembly constituency in Kullu district. 'All these roads have been approved under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana's phase 4. Aani has the highest number of roads in the state under this scheme,' he said. 'Consideration will be given to forming a division of public works department in Aani. Will raise this matter in the cabinet,' Vikramaditya said while addressing the people at the fair ground of Aani during the closing ceremony of the district-level 'Aani Fair'. Calling Aani area his 'home', the minister said priority will be given to the development of this area. 'After the approval of the alignment of Jalori Jot Tunnel, a provision of about ₹3,000 crore has been made for its construction. Work on this will start soon,' he said, and added the process of forming Aani nagar panchayat will be completed soon. 'This a long-standing demand of locals,' he said, assuring to look into the matter. 'Immediately after the Census, the urban development department will complete the formalities on the matter,' the minister said.
