The winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly started on December 10, 2019, and concluded its sitting on December 15, 2019. The sessions were held at Tapovan in Dharamsala. The assembly secretariat received 437 questions which include 344 starred and 93 unstarred questions. In this post, I will summarize the key discussion points in the Assembly proceedings:

Economic reforms

One of the biggest achievements of this session was the successful passage of the HP Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (facilitation of establishment and operation) Bill, 2019 and I congratulate the entire cabinet of Shri Jai Ram Thakur ji for the same.  

As per the provisions of this bill, any person who sets up a micro, small or medium enterprise in Himachal Pradesh is exempted from taking necessary approvals from the government department for a period of three years. This bill has been passed to boost the economy of the state and in line with the spirit of the investor’s meet held earlier this year. The opposition staged a walkout during the passage of this bill as they feel that the bill sells out Himachal Pradesh. It is unfortunate to note that the opposition does not see the benefits that this bill will have for the economy of the state. In fact, while discussing the bill in the house, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur ji clearly said that “”This bill will encourage the establishment of new enterprises, which may significantly contribute to overall economic growth and development in the state.” 

The Assembly also passed the HP Good and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2019. As per the current law, every supplier in Himachal Pradesh who makes a taxable supply of over INR 20 Lakh in Himachal Pradesh has to be registered in the state. The amendment increases the limit of INR 40 Lakh.

Farming and irrigation also matters

Lack of irrigation schemes near the Gobind Sagar Reservoir has been a cause of concern. However, the Minister for Irrigation and Public Health, Shri Mahender Singh ji announced to the house a reservoir that can make use of overflowing water both from the Gobind Sagar and Ali Khad has been planned. The reservoir will provide irrigation as well as drinking water to farmers and residents of the area. This news comes as a great relief for the residents of that area and I congratulate the government on taking this step.

In connection with farming and agriculture, Balbir Singh ji made an important observation. He noted that while the previous governments were unable to utilize the support provided by the central government on various fronts, this government has ensured that necessary steps are taken to revive both the economy and agriculture. He notes that the state has immense potential for the natural farming industry which has attracted a Harvard educated agriculturist to start the cultivation of black wheat in Una which is full of health benefits.

Enriching the tourism and horticulture sector

There was also a discussion about the global investor’s meet which was held in Dharamsala on November 7 and 8, 2019. Discussing the positive outcomes of the summit, Jai Ram ji pointed out to the Vidhan Sabha that investments have been proposed in various sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, wellness and education by the investors across the globe.  He further added that “The people of Himachal are known for their honesty, simplicity, and hospitality and that’s why so many investors from across the globe are eager to set up base here. Never before had such a grand event been organized at such a low cost.” I was very pleased to note this as the memoranda signed with the Dutch government and other projects in the pipeline will surely make Himachal Pradesh an investment haven.

Other achievements of the government

In relation to hydel and solar energy generation in Himachal Pradesh, Jairam ji submitted to the house that the state is a large contributor to the power sector, contributing 11,000 megawatts. Further, several hydel and solar projects are being undertaken under government schemes such as the National Solar Mission. 

There was also a discussion about the success of the Jan Manch program which has been a great initiative of Jai Ram ji’s government. Sukh Ram ji, an MLA, pointed out to the house that the government has successfully delivered basic services to residents at their doorstep through the Jan Manch program.  He added that “Whether it’s a water connection, pension application, income certificate or construction of a public toilet, the Jan Manch programs have ensured that these basic complaints are resolved on the spot.” Rakesh Pathania ji also added that out of 43,286 complaints received during these proceedings under Jan Manch programs, 39,566 have been resolved. This is indeed an excellent development and congratulations are in order for the entire cabinet for having managed the execution of this program successfully.

To conclude, I would say that this was a successful session of the assembly and the government was successfully able to satisfy the queries posed by the legislators.