Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], 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.