Himachal a `role model' for other states
Tribune News Service

Shimla, September15
Continuing its success story, the hill state has again done well in
road connectivity and social sectors like education and health.

It has been ranked as the best state in the country in terms of
investment environment, primary education and health and second in
consumer market, macro-economy and infrastructure in a survey
conducted by India Today.

Hailing the achievement, public works minister Gulab Singh, transport
minister Kishan Kapoor and horticulture minister Narender Bragta said
the outcome of the survey reflected the commitment of the state
government to ensure all-round development.

Himachal Pradesh was the first state in the country to achieve the
target of universalisation of elementary education and 100 per cent
literacy, even ahead of Kerala. The state had 20 per cent enrolment
in colleges, which was twice the national average.

"Increased awareness and quality health facilities at the doorstep of
the people has improved the health indicators of the state,
particularly life expectancy, immunisation, infant and maternal
mortality. It has been ranked the top state in investment environment
in the country mainly because of its investor friendly policy,
efficient administration, uninterrupted power supply and peaceful law
and order situation. It has already attracted an investment of more
than Rs 3,500 crore, creating not only gainful employment to the
skilled and educated youth, but also significantly contributed
towards state's economy," they said.

The survey observed that Himachal Pradesh had become role model for
other states when it came to development priorities. It had given top
priority to roads, health, education and self-employment, the survey
observed.