Shimla, Aug 15 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Sunday announced eight percent dearness allowance for state government employees and pensioners in his Independence Day speech at Karsog town in Mandi district.

Dhumal said daily wages of ad hoc workers will be increased from Rs.110 to Rs.120 from Oct 1 and 38 medicines will be provided free of cost for below poverty line (BPL) families in government-run health institutions.

For strengthening dairy farming in the state, the chief minister said veterinary dispensaries will be started in 80 panchayats from Sep 25.

‘As many as 1,150 veterinary dispensaries would be opened in each panchayat under ‘Mukhiya Mantri Arogya Pashu Dhan Yojna’ in this financial year,’ he added.

Dhumal unfurled the national flag and was presented the guard of honour by the Himachal Armed Police, district police, home guards, NCC cadets and scouts of various schools at Karsog, some 150 km from here.

Braving inclement weather, hundreds of people attended the functions across the state.