MANALI: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday, January 2, opened the five-day national-level Winter Carnival Manali by offering prayers at the historic Hadimba Temple and flagging off the carnival parade at Manali.

The Chief minister  also envisaged keen interest in tableaux presented by 'mahila mandals', various departments and institutions on the occasion. He has  also inaugurated the cultural programme at Manu Rangshala by lighting the lamp.
Sddressing a public meeting, the Chief Minister later announced enhancement in 'Protsahan Rashi' of 'mahila mandals' from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000.

The Chief minister also announced that an indoor stadium and ice skating rink would be constructed in Manali to promote more tourism and other activities. He  further announced construction of the Manali bypass to ensure smooth flow of vehicles.

The CM  said wayside facilities would be made at Solang Nallah to facilitate the tourists, which  would provide better facilities to the tourists visiting the Atal Tunnel.

He also said the government was committed to fulfilling all 10 promises in a phased manner made by the Congress during the assembly elections. The old pension scheme would be implemented in the first Cabinet meeting.
The CM also said women in the age group of 18 years to 60 years would also be given Rs 1,500 per month as pledged in the election manifesto.

He said the government is committed to protect the environment and has decided to encourage electric vehicles in a big way. To start with, 18 transport vehicles will be replaced with electric vehicles by January 15. Better charging infrastructure will also be created in the state so as to enable people can opt for electric vehicles, he said.

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