Himachal Pradesh Government

Bank of Baroda contributes one crore to Aapda Rahat Kosh
Bank of Baroda has extended significant support to the State’s disaster relief efforts by contributing rupees one crore to the Aapda Rahat Kosh. The cheque was handed over to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today by Sabhayek Singh, General Manager and Zonal Head, Chandigarh Zone, on behalf of the bank.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the generous contribution and said that such noble initiatives inspire others to come forward for humanitarian and philanthropic causes.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Deputy General Manager Bal Kishan, Assistant General Manager Rajesh Kumar Gawa, and other senior officers of the bank were also present on the occasion.

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CM leads mega Walkathon to eliminate ‘Chitta’, launches massive drive
Warns drug peddlers, Mend ways or face stern action

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched a massive public movement against the Chitta, marking the beginning of a decisive campaign across the state. The Chief Minister led the 'Chitta-Virodh' awareness Walkathon from the Ridge to Chaura Maidan in Shimla.

Thousands of Children, public representatives, officials and prominent citizens besides people from all sections of the society participated in the walkathon. The Chief Minister administered an oath at the Ridge, urging people to stay away from drugs and addictive substances.

Addressing the gathering at Chaura Maidan, the Chief Minister said that the state would confront the challenge of Chitta collectively. The public participation would ensure that drug traffickers find no safe harbour. This initiative would be a historic to wipe drug kingpins and peddlers, he stated.

“Chitta-Free Himachal is not merely a governmental initiative but is people’s movement" he remarked. It is battle against drugs with collaborative efforts of all. Himachal's moment against the drugs must echo not only across the mountains of the state but throughout the nation, he appealed.

The Chief Minister added that schools would not be just temple of education but centres of values and safety.

Sh. Sukhu appealed to women power especially the mothers to steer the movement effectively, stating that that women can play a pivotal role to awaken the society and be the backbone of this campaign, making it a success.

He also appealed to religious institutions to raise their voice against drug abuse. If all religious institutions stand together against Chitta, then no one will be able to stop us from ending this evil,” he said. In a stern warning, the Chief Minister said that those who are involved in Chitta business, destroying the future of children and ruin families will find no place in the land of the gods. “Our police is ready, our government is ready and more importantly our people are ready to route-out Chitta,” he remarked.

He said the goal was to create a Himachal, a State, where Chitta would be the talk of the past finding no mention in the States history henceforth. The Chief Minister said that Chitta was silently harming our culture, our values, and the future of our children. A strong public movement has now begun to end this menace. He said the State Government was working on three main points to fight drugs.

He stated that the Government was focusing on three main parameters. Firstly, spreading awareness against drugs, secondly, stopping youth from falling into drugs trap and addiction by taking strict action against drug mafias and strengthening law-enforcement agencies and giving them powers to deal with Chitta mafia sternly. Thirdly, ensuring the rehabilitation of children trapped in addiction. He said addicted youths were not criminals they need treatment, care, and support.

The Chief Minister said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against Chitta. No one involved in this trade will be spared, no matter how influential they may be. Soon after coming to power, the government implemented the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, to send repeated offenders involved in drug trafficking to jail.

New laws have also been passed for treatment, rehabilitation and control of organized drug crimes. These include provisions for the death penalty, life imprisonment, fines up to Rs. 10 lakh, and seizure of property of drug traffickers.

The government will soon form a team of 1,000 Anti-Chitta Volunteers who will act as a link between the police and the public, he said. Police have been instructed to identify drug users and drug mafias at the panchayat level, and this work has been completed.

A Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation Board has been formed, and a new chapter on drug awareness will be added to the school curriculum.

After the walkathon, the Chief Minister interacted with students and participants, explaining the harmful effects of Chitta. He also met parents who lost their children to drugs and offered them support.

Ministers, Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Harshvardhan Chauhan and Rajesh Dharmani, Media advisor to CM Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar, MLA's, Mayor, prominent citizens, religious leaders, senior officers took part in the walkathon.

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CM presides over concluding cultural evening of International Lavi Fair
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday evening presided over the closing cultural evening of the International Lavi Fair marked by colourful cultural performances by Indian Idol fame Neha Dixit and other talented artists who captivated the audience with their lively presentations.

The Chief Minister also released the souvenir of the International Lavi Fair.

Deputy Commissioner Shimla and Chairman of the Lavi fair Committee, Anupam Kashyap honoured the Chief Minister.

Former MLA Kishori Lal, Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Devender Shyam, Chairman of Milkfed Budhi Singh Thakur, Chairman of APMC Shimla Devanand Verma, Chairperson Zila Parishad Chandra Prabha Negi, Chairperson Nagar Parishad Rampur Muskan and other prominent dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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State urges Centre to reopen trade via Shipki La: Chief Minister
Chief Minister presides over closing ceremony of International Lavi Fair

Presiding over the closing ceremony of the four-day International Lavi Fair at Rampur in Shimla district today, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Rampur school would adopt the CBSE curriculum from the next academic session. He said that the State Government has requested the Union Government to reopen trade through the Shipki La pass adding that discussions were underway to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki La noting that an existing road from Rampur Bushahr and Pooh up to the pass would make it easier to develop the required infrastructure for the pilgrimage. “I initiated border tourism from Shipki La, and as a result, more than 70,000 tourists have visited this pass along the China border,” he said.

Extending his greetings for the Lavi Fair, he said that the fair was not only a symbol of our cultural heritage but also a living example of the centuries-old trade and cultural ties between India and Tibet. He said that this centuries-old fair continues to serve as a medium for trade, cultural exchange and the preservation of folk traditions.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was bringing reforms in every sector. Highlighting improvements in education, he said that Himachal Pradesh has now reached the fifth position in terms of quality education, compared to 21st during the previous BJP government’s tenure. We have initiated English-medium from the first class and rationalized the schools,” he reiterated.

Speaking about reforms in the health sector, he said that modern equipment would be made available at IGMC Shimla and Chamyana within six months. He added that the neighbouring states do not yet have robotic surgery facilities in the government sector and Himachal Pradesh has already started this service in Chamyana and Tanda Medical College.

Sh. Sukhu stated that every possible effort was being made to support disaster-affected families. During this year’s monsoon, a sum of rupees 81 crore has been released to around 4,000 disaster-hit families to reconstruct their homes. He said that the state government has also fully assisted those affected by the disaster that hit Samej near Rampur in 2024. He added that the government has taken up the issue to rehabilitate families who lost their land due to the disaster on forest land with the Union Government, as the law governing forest Act is dealt by the Central Government. “If the Central Government grants permission, we are ready to provide one bigha of land to every landless family, adding that if the State government had the power, he would changed the forest laws in a minute,” he added.

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh welcomed the Chief Minister to Rampur and said that the fair, which began in the 17th century, continues to reach new heights while preserving its original spirit. He stressed the need to connect the younger generation with the fair in changing times. He said that there will be no shortage in the development of Rampur Bushahr and with the Chief Minister’s support, the region’s growth will be accelerated. He stated that approvals amounting to Rs 120 crore have been granted for 13 roads in the Rampur block. He also said that the state suffered heavy losses during the monsoon season and for the first time, the compensation for fully damaged houses has been raised fourfold from Rs. 1.3 lakh to rupees Seven lakh. He assured that the state government would leave no stone unturned in rehabilitating disaster-affected families and restoration of roads damaged during the disaster is underway on a war footing.

Chairman, State Finance Commission and local MLA Nand Lal in his welcome address said that the Lavi Fair has a centuries-old history centered on International trade with Tibet. Over time, its form has evolved, adding new dimensions. Today, cultural programs are organized here for four days to promote folk culture. He thanked Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for providing special relief packages for disaster-affected families in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

In the departmental exhibitions, the Horticulture Department’s exhibit was awarded first prize, the Agriculture Department received second prize, and the Jal Shakti Department’s exhibit secured third prize. In the handicrafts category, Ram Singh from Dhalpur won first prize, Tek Singh from Gadagushaini received second prize, and Bobby from Kullu was awarded third prize.

In the handloom category, Yashu Negi from Pooh secured first prize, Chandra Singh from Nichar received second prize and Mani from Reckong Peo was awarded third prize. In metal craft, Dola Ram Soni won first prize, Lotam Soni received second prize, and Ram Das Soni was awarded third prize. Chief Minister presented awards to all the winners.

Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the International Lavi Fair Organizing Committee, Anupam Kashyap, honoured the Chief Minister and briefed him on the various activities and events taking place during the fair.

Former MLA Kishori Lal, Vice Chairman, H.P. State Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, HP State Cooperative Bank Chairman Devender Shyam, Milkfed Chairman Budhi Singh Thakur, APMC Shimla Chairman Devanand Verma, Zila Parishad President Chandraprabha Negi, Municipal Council Rampur President Muskan and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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CM dedicates projects worth Rs. 53.96 crore in Rampur
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of development projects worth Rs. 53.96 crore in Rampur Bushehar, district Shimla.

He inaugurated the Community Health Centre building at Gram Panchayat Dhar Gaura, constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.27 crore, the strengthening works of various drinking water supply schemes under Jal Shakti Sub-Division Rampur completed with an outlay of Rs. 1.78 crore and Rs. 74.38 lakh improvement works of the Flow Irrigation Scheme (FIS) Foula Ladhidhar scheme in Tehsil Nankhari. He also inaugurated Rs. 89 lakh residence-cum-office complex of Assistant Engineer PWD Sarahan.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones of several major projects, including up-gradation of the Jeori-Sarahan road under NABARD to cost Rs. 25.76 crore, lift drinking water supply scheme for ITBP colony Nogli to cost Rs. 2.77 crore, Rs. 4.57 crore strengthening of drinking water supply schemes for Munish-Bhali and Darkali panchayats and FIS from Belupul to Majheoti in Tehsil Nankhari to cost Rs. 1.19 crore.

He also laid the foundation stones for sewerage system for Nagar Parishad Rampur to cost rupees three crore and a multi-storey shopping complex and bus stand to be built at Nankhari to cost Rs. 9.96 crore.

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CM inaugurates ‘Children of the State Sports & Cultural Meet-2025’
‘Beti Padhao is not just a slogan, it is my personal mission’: CM

On the occasion of Children’s Day, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the ‘Children of the State Sports & Cultural Meet-2025’ at the Ridge, here today. To continue till 16 November, the event has been organised jointly by the Police and Social Justice & Empowerment Departments. Around 600 children from 29 Bal-Balika Sukh Aashraya ashrams from across the State are participating in the meet.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Children’s Day was dedicated to India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This sports and cultural festival reflects the State Government’s resolve to carry forward Nehru ji’s vision of pure affection, equal opportunities and a brighter future for every child.

Highlighting the features of the Mukhyamantri Sukhashraya Yojana, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was the first state in the country to frame a law for the welfare of orphans, destitute children, and women. Acting as a guardian, the State Government has adopted 6,000 orphans and abandoned children as ‘Children of the State’ ensuring their complete care, education and support until the age of 27 years. He announced that to ensure better opportunities, these children will be admitted to leading schools in every district and the entire cost of their education will be borne by the State Government. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the Government is committed to ensuring complete safety, quality education and unlimited opportunities for every girl child. ‘Beti Padhao’ is not just a slogan, It is my personal mission,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that sports are not merely a medium of entertainment but teach us humility, courage and life skills and praised the resilience shown by the Children of the State. He appreciated the Police Department and the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment for organizing this event and described it as inspirational.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister distributed laptops and school bags to the children.

Social Justice & Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said that the State Government was making sustained efforts to build confidence and leadership among children living in institutional care through sports, art, and cultural activities. He also shared details of various schemes being implemented by the department.

Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari welcomed the Chief Minister and shared details of the programme and informed that the Police Department is continuously undertaking several initiatives for the holistic development of children. IG Vimal Gupta presented the vote of thanks.

A dog show, cultural performances, nukkad-natak, and tug-of-war competitions were among the major attractions of the event.

MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Shyam Bhagat Negi, senior officers, councilors and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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