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HP CM Sukhu Shares Political Journey, Hints at Entry Fee System Reversal

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu interacted with journalism students, sharing details of his political career that began at age 17. He encouraged the students to enter public service, emphasizing that anyone can rise to a high position. In a separate development, the CM indicated the state government is considering reverting to the previous system of collecting entry fees separately, rather than through FASTag. He asserted no fee increases have been made and alleged deliberate spread of confusion on the issue.

Key Points: HP CM Sukhu Meets Journalism Students, Considers Entry Fee Change

  • CM shares his political journey with students
  • Encourages youth participation in politics
  • Government may revert to old entry fee system
  • No increase in entry fees claimed
  • Confusion over fees alleged to be deliberate
2 min read

Journalism students' delegation calls on Himachal Chief Minister

Himachal CM Sukhu interacts with university students, recounts his political rise, and indicates a possible reversion to the old entry fee collection system.

"We had combined various fees, including toll tax, with FASTag. Now, we are considering restoring the earlier system. - Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, April 1

A delegation of students from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Himachal Pradesh University Shimla, called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today, a release said.

The Chief Minister interacted with the students and apprised them of various reforms being undertaken in the education sector to enhance the quality of education in government institutions.

Sharing insights from his own journey, the Chief Minister spoke about his student life and university days.

CM Sukhu said that his entry into public life began at the age of 17 when he was elected as a class representative. He subsequently went on to serve as State President of NSUI, Youth Congress and the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. He was later elected as a councillor of the Municipal Corporation of Shimla and subsequently as MLA from the Nadaun Assembly Constituency.

He said that anyone can rise to the position of Chief Minister, citing his own background from a modest, non-political family. He encouraged the students to actively participate in politics and contribute to public service.

MLAs Sanjay Awasthi, Suresh Kumar, Harish Janartha and Vivek Sharma, along with Prof. Shashikant Sharma, were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, CM Sukhu on Tuesday indicated that the state government may restore the earlier system of collecting entry fee separately, amid the ongoing controversy over the issue.

Making a statement in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said that the government had earlier integrated multiple charges, including toll tax, with FASTag for convenience, but is now considering reverting to the previous system.

"We had combined various fees, including toll tax, with FASTag. Now, we are considering restoring the earlier system where fees were collected separately. A decision will be taken shortly," CM Sukhu said.

He asserted that no increase has been made in any category of entry fee and alleged that confusion and dissatisfaction are being deliberately spread over the issue.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope this interaction was more than just a photo-op. Journalism students need to ask tough questions about press freedom and the state of media in HP. The real test is whether their critical voices will be heard later.
S
Sarah B
The part about the entry fee is confusing. First they combine it for 'convenience', now they might separate it again? This policy flip-flop creates uncertainty for tourists and locals who travel frequently. Clarity is needed.
V
Vikram M
As a Himachali, I appreciate CM Sukhu's humble background story. It shows that in our democracy, with hard work, you can reach the top. However, the entry tax issue needs a permanent, sensible solution, not constant changes. Tourists are the lifeblood of our state's economy.
P
Priya S
Wonderful exposure for the journalism students! Meeting the CM and MLAs is a great learning experience. Hope they also get to interact with working journalists to understand ground realities. The education reforms he mentioned are crucial for HP's future.
K
Karthik V
The CM says confusion is being 'deliberately spread' about the entry fee. Instead of allegations, the government should just put out a simple, clear FAQ on their website. Transparency ends confusion better than any statement. 👍

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