Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today presided over the closing ceremony of the International Kullu Dussehra 2026. On the occasion, he announced a 5 percent increase in the honorarium paid to the deities and a 10 percent increase in the honorarium for Bajantris. He also announced an honorarium of Rs.1,100 for the chief Gur of each deity.
The Chief Minister announced Rs. 5 crore for connecting the Left Bank area of Kullu district. He also announced an additional Rs. 5 crore for the construction of the Manikaran Road, Rs. 22 crore for the construction of a sewerage system in Bhuntar, and the opening of an electricity sub-division in Bhuntar.
The Chief Minister said that the state government would strengthen Kullu District Hospital to ensure better healthcare services for the people of the district. He assured that specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff would be appointed at the hospital. He said that the hospital would be equipped with world-class medical technology and that the state government would provide sufficient funds for this purpose.
Sukhu said that the BJP was spreading misleading information about Himachal Pradesh’s economy, while the state government was working to make the state self-reliant. He said that the government was taking steps to strengthen the rural economy and that several schemes would soon be implemented. He said that the support and cooperation of all sections of society were necessary to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.
In the cultural programme, Bhutti Vivraj Cultural Group received first prize, Sutradhar Kala Sangam secured second place and Yuva Kala Manch won third prize.
