States » NorthPosted at: Oct 27 2026 5:42PM


Himachal CM announces hike in honorarium for deities, Bajantris at Kullu Dussehra

Kullu, Oct 27 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced a five per cent increase in the honorarium for deities and a 10 per cent hike for Bajantris (traditional musicians) participating in the International Kullu Dussehra festival. He also announced an honorarium of Rs 1,100 for the chief Gur of each deity.
Presiding over the closing ceremony of the International Kullu Dussehra 2026, the Chief Minister announced several development projects for Kullu district, including Rs 5 crore for connectivity in the Left Bank area, an additional Rs 5 crore for the Manikaran road and Rs 22 crore for a sewerage system in Bhuntar. He also announced the opening of an electricity sub-division in Bhuntar and Rs 50 lakh for the Vidyut Command–Bara road.
Sukhu further announced an honorarium of Rs 35,000 for each Mahila Mandal participating in the festival and approved Rs one crore for the construction of a science block at Bajoura School.
The Chief Minister said the state government would strengthen Kullu District Hospital by providing specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. The hospital would also be equipped with modern medical technology, with adequate funds being provided for improving healthcare facilities.
Emphasising the need to strengthen the rural economy, Sukhu said the minimum support price for ginger would soon be increased to Rs 40 per kilogram to improve the income of farmers and rural residents.
He said the previous BJP government had weakened the education and healthcare sectors, while the present government was working to strengthen infrastructure and improve public services in both sectors.
Describing Himachal Pradesh as the land of deities, Sukhu said Kullu Dussehra had gained international recognition and the government would continue efforts to improve the festival's organisation every year.
He said the initiative reflected the government's commitment to administrative reforms under its 'Vyavastha Parivartan' approach.
Recalling the devastating disaster of 2023, the Chief Minister said Kullu district had suffered extensive damage.
He and his Cabinet colleagues had worked on the ground to provide relief to affected families, he said, praising local residents for organising community kitchens and extending assistance to those in need.
He said the government had amended rules to safeguard disaster-affected families and increased financial assistance for house construction from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh to facilitate rehabilitation.
Sukhu accused the BJP of spreading misleading information about the state's economy and said the government was working towards making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by strengthening the rural economy and implementing new welfare initiatives. He called for the cooperation of all sections of society in achieving the objective.
The Chief Minister also flagged off the Kullu Carnival, which witnessed the participation of more than 600 women and artists.
MLA Sunder Singh Thakur thanked the Chief Minister for the announcements and acknowledged the contribution of government officials, employees, public representatives and local residents in successfully organising the festival. He said the participation of international cultural groups had enhanced its stature and helped showcase Himachal's rich cultural heritage to a wider global audience.
MLA Bhuwneshwar Gaur welcomed the Chief Minister and said the state government was working for the welfare of all sections of society, with particular attention to women and orphaned children.
In the cultural competition, Bhutti Vivraj Cultural Group secured first prize, followed by Sutradhar Kala Sangam in second place and Yuva Kala Manch in third.
UNI BN
Tags: #Himachal CM announces hike in honorarium for deities# Bajantris at Kullu Dussehra
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