Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), April 15 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Friday said he will provide 25,000 jobs in the remaining tenure of his government.

The state is due to elect the new government in 2017.

Speaking at a function to mark Himachal Day in Bilaspur district, Virbhadra Singh said the state provided employment to more than 60,000 people in government and private sector in the last three years. 

That included 27,000 jobs in the government sector, he said.

The chief minister hoisted the national flag and took salute from contingents of the police, the home guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS).

Virbhadra Singh also said sub-divisional magistrate offices will be opened at Swarghat and Jhanduta in Bilaspur district.

A hundred handpumps will be installed in each assembly constituency of Bilaspur district to overcome the problem of water shortage, he said.

The chief minister bestowed the civil services award on Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kadam for launching Swachh Bharat Mission in 10 development blocks of Mandi district through Mahila Mandals or women groups.

The 'Prerna Srot Samman' ('source of inspiration honour') were given to Nalini Bibha for literature, Tog Chand Thakur for environment preservation, and Jeet Ram for athletics.