SHIMLA 18 July:

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur called on the Union Petroleum, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at New Delhi last evening and discussed various issues related to Skill development and youth empowerment in the State.

Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister that a provision of Rs 100 crore has been made in the current year budget for Skill Development Allowance and added that the State Government was making efforts to empower the youth of the state and encouraging them to take up self-employment ventures.

Jai Ram Thakur further informed the Union Minister that Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojna has been launched in the State to empower women and ensure environment conservation. He said that women would be provided gas connections to all the households which have not been covered under the Ujjawala Scheme. He said that a package of Rs 3500 would be provided under this scheme which would include gas cylinder and gas stove. He said that with this, Himachal Pradesh would become the first State of the country with every household with smoke-free kitchen.

State BJP President Satpal Satti was also present on the occasion.