New Delhi, April 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the people of Himachal Pradesh on the 75th establishment day and complimented them for converting challenges into opport ties. He noted the happy coincidence that the 75th establishment day comes in the 75th year of the Independence. He reiterated the commitment to take the development to every inhabitant of the state. The Prime Minister recalled the challenges of the hilly state at the time of its formation in 1948 and complimented the people for converting the challenges into opport ties. He praised the state’s achievements in horticulture, power surplus, literacy rate, rural road connectivity, tap water and electricity to every household particularly in the last 7-8 years. “Under the young leadership of Jai Ram ji, the double engine government has taken the initiative of expanding rural roads, highway widening, railway network, its results are now visible. As connectivity is getting better, Himachal’s tourism is entering new areas, new regions,” the Prime Minister said. He highlighted the new strides in tourism and new avenues of opport ties and employment for the local people. He especially noted the progress in the health sector by talking about the efficient and fast vaccination during the pandemic. He emphasized the need to work hard for unlocking the full potential of Himachal Pradesh and said there is a need to take forward the work in the fields of tourism, higher education, research, IT, biotechnology, food processing and natural farming. He said Vibrant Village scheme, announced in this year’s budget will give immense benefit to Himachal Pradesh. The PM also mentioned the expansion of central welfare schemes by the Chief Minister and his team, especially in the field of social security. ASU SY 1357