Swarnim Himachal Rath Yatra would commence from 15th April, 2021 on the auspicious occasion of Himachal Day and cover all the 3615 Gram Panchayats and other Urban Local Bodies areas during its 51 days Yatra, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said this while presiding over the meeting of State Level Executive Committee of Rath Yatra here today.

Chief Minister said the main objective of the Swarnim Himachal Rath Yatra was to ensure active participation of every Himachali and to instil a sense of belongingness. He said the Yatra would focus on showcasing the glorious 50 years developmental journey of Himachal Pradesh. He said that active participation of Ministers, MLAs and elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies must be ensured to make the event a success.

Jai Ram Thakur said that Swarnim Himachal Rath Yatra would ensure reaching out to approximately 25 lakh people of the State through Rath Yatra and social media. He said that all the major departments of the State must ensure their participation and highlight the achievements of their respective departments.

Chief Minister said the main focus would be on highlighting the achievements, policies and programmes of the State Government for which the departments must provide their promotional IEC material and brochures to highlight their developmental journey so that the same could be showcased through the digital Rath Yatra. He said that efforts should also be made to rope in the local and national level artists and cultural troupes to entertain the people and highlight the glorious journey of the State through street plays, skits and songs.

Jai Ram Thakur said that event such as Swarnim Etihaas Par Charcha, quiz competitions, debates and painting competitions should also be organized at local level to ensure active participation and involvement of youth and students.

Chief Minister said that State Level Sub Committees should also be formed to conceptualize and plan the entire Swarnim Rath Yatra programme. He said that these Sub Committees would ensure implementation and monitoring of the entire programme.

MLA and Chairman of State Level Executive Committee of Rath Yatra Dr. Rajiv Bindal said that apart from ensuring a detailed presentation on 50 years of glorious journey of the State, efforts should also be made to highlight the targets and roadmap for development of the State for the next 50 years.

Chairman 6th State Finance Commission Satpal Singh Satti, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Trilok Jamwal, Chairman Zila Parishad Mandi Pal Verma, Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Additional Chief Secretary J.C. Sharma, Secretary Rural Development Sandeep Bhatnagar, Commissioner cum Director Industries Hansraj Sharma, Director Tourism Yunus, Director of Energy Harikesh Meena, Director Scheduled Castes, OBC, Minority Affairs Vivek Bhatia, Director Information and Public Relations Harbans Singh Brascon, S.P. Shimla Mohit Chawla and other officers attended the meeting.