Irrigation & Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes has stressed the need to preserve the traditions, customs, culture and language of the State for the coming generations.

She was speaking today on the concluding ceremony of two-day long traditional Bishu fair, organised by Sihal cultural troupe at Jimmu in Kumarsain area of Shimla district.

Stokes said that the government was ensuring all-round and speedy development of all the areas of the State and emphasis had been given to provide better road, health and education facilities up to the far-flung and remote areas.

She said that Shimla district was contributing immensely to the horticulture sector and government was ensuring that fruit producers get better marketing and other facilities. She added that directions had been given by the government to improve all the roads before the ensuing apple season so that apple producers did not face problems in marketing their produce to various markets.

She wished happiness and prosperity for the people of the area on the occasion of the Bishu Utsav.

The Minister announced a sum of Rs 10,000 each to the Thoda teams of Daror and Jamarthu (Shilaroo), Rs. five thousand to the children of GSSS Kyara for presenting a colourful cultural programme on the occasion, Rs. 10,000 to the cultural troupe and Rs. 25,000 to the Mela organizing committee.