Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually interacted with healthcare workers and beneficiaries of the Covid vaccination programme of Himachal Pradesh from New Delhi on Monday. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur participated in the main function organised at Peterhoff, Shimla while BJP National President and MP JP Nadda and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur participated in the programme from New Delhi.
While congratulating the state government and people of the state, PM Modi said that Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a champion to have administered the first dose of Covid vaccine to its eligible population. He expressed hope that Himachal would also be the first state in inoculating the second dose of the Covid vaccine. PM Modi said that the state was able to achieve this target due to the effective implementation of the vaccination drive by the state government and public awareness.
He appreciated the efforts of the state government in the successful implementation of the vaccination drive and said that he has witnessed Himachal struggle for meagre facilities and was now on the path of rapid development.
Himachal has become the first state in India to have administered at least one dose of Covid vaccine to its entire eligible population. Not only this but in the case of the second dose also it has crossed almost one-third of the population. This step of Himachal Pradesh has made us realise the importance of self-reliance, added the PM.
He said that Himachal showed belief in its potential and achieved the target.
This achievement is a result of the strong determination of each and every person. Women also played an important role in it. PM Modi appreciated the arrangements made by the state government, despite its hilly terrain. Himachal has ensured the fastest vaccination, without any wastage of the vaccine. Mass communication and public participation are huge factors in the success of the vaccination campaign. He said that faith, education and science can bring a massive change, which has been proved in Himachal Pradesh.
The PM suggested the state to use drone techniques in land surveys and encourage research related to early warning systems regarding landslides. He said that drones would prove a boon in far-flung areas of the state and would prove beneficial in the health, agriculture, and horticulture sectors. Besides this, it can also be used in delivering life-saving medicines and essential commodities with ease in far-flung areas. He laid emphasis on the importance of organic farming and said that the farmers of the state like the soldiers of Himachal were also playing a vital role in protecting our soil.
PM Modi said that the credit of the success goes to doctors, para-medical staff and women of the state. Himachal is evident of the fact that rural society was strengthening the world’s biggest vaccination drive that would benefit the tourism of the state but the people should continue following the Covid guidelines.
He also spoke of successful implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in the state. The PM also appreciated the various welfare and developmental schemes of the state government.
Prime Minister interacted with Dr Rahul of Civil Hospital Dodra Kwar of Shimla district, Dayal Singh of Thunag in District Mandi, Nirma Devi ASHA worker from Malana in District Kullu, Nirmala Devi from District Hamirpur, Karmo Devi from Una and Nawang Upasak from Lahaul-Spiti.