Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla hosted 'At Home' on the occasion of Independence Day at Raj Bhavan today.  Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri were present on the occasion. Lady Governor Janaki Shukla was also present on the occasion.

Member of Rajya Sabha Harsh Mahajan, Judges of Himachal Pradesh High Court, MLA Harish Janartha, Pratibha Singh, former MP and State Congress President, GOC-in-C ARTRAC Lt. General Devendra Sharma, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of various Commissions, Boards, Corporations, Mayor MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Vice Chancellors, senior Centre & State Civil, Police and Military officers, prominent citizens of the town and ex-servicemen were also present on the occasion among others.

.0.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu performed inaugurations and foundation stones laying ceremonies of 33 development projects worth Rs. 216 crore at Sarkaghat for Sarkaghat, Seraj, Drang, Dharampur assembly constituencies of Mandi district today.

Chief Minister inaugurated Rs. 54.91 crore multi villages rural piped water scheme for Baldwara, Bhadrota and part of Gopalpur block, Rs. 48 lakh Ayurvedic Health Centre building at Ropa Thathar, tehsil Sarkaghat, Rs. 1.49 crore Science Lab at GSSS Baldwara, Rs. 4.93 crore metalling and tarring of Naghla Redu Kaner road, Rs. 5.70 crore road from Nai More, Barot Badahin, Balh, Mehra, Upper Ludhana Upper Barot, Rs. 1.33 crore bridge on Nabahi to Thanda Pani link road, Rs. 1.48 crore Science Lab at GSSS Paunta, Rs. 1.96 crore bridge on Nagla Thana road at Thana Nala of Nagla Mandir in GP Gopalpur, Rs. 14.90 crore combined office building at Baldwara tehsil, Rs. 12 lakh patwar circle building, Mohin, tehsil Sarkaghat, Rs. 12 lakh patwar circle building Kalthar, tehsil Baldwara, Rs. 94 lakh school building at GSSS(Girls) Sarkaghat, Rs. 31 lakh Panchayat Ghar Rissa,  Rs. 28 lakh Panchayat Ghar Guhumu, Rs. 31 lakh Panchayat Ghar  Upper Barot (Paunta), Rs. 32 crore Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School, Sarkaghat, Rs. 11 lakh Community Centre, Samsoh, Sarkaghat, Rs. 14 lakh Apna Pustkalya Library at Sub Division Balichowki, Rs. 1.15 crore Zila Bachat Samiti Shops in tehsil Aut Bazar, Rs. 11.06 crore Community Health Centre building at Marhi, Rs. 22.82 crore double lane bridge with footpath over river Beas at Kothi Pattan on Dharampur Sandhole road via Seoh Langana, Rs. 4.77 crore bridge over Sun khad from Kandapatan and Rs. 2.25 crore Bow string steel truss foot bridge over Sun khad to Purana Dharampur Bazar.

Sh. Sukhu performed foundation stones of Rs. 3.60 crore augmentation and improvement of LWSS Plassi Badahin, Nawani Katoh Alsogi (Phase 1^st and 2^nd) Jamnoun Tarndol, Bahnooo under Jal Shakti Vibhag Sub Division Baldwara, Rs. 16.45 crore Rain Water Harvesting structure on Soan Khad at Batal Ki Aal in G.P. Chouri tehsil Sarkaghat, Rs. 8.83 crore resilient and sustainable service delivery in water supply schemes under Jal Shakti Sub Division Baldwara, Rs. 95 lakh Science Lab at GSSS Chowk, Rs. 1.06 crore Primary Health Centre Chandesh, Rs. 22 lakh Health Sub Centre Chukku Paonta, Rs. 1.04 crore new block building at GSSS Chandesh, Rs. 1.14 crore Panchayat Ghar Maseran, Rs. 12.91 crore Government ITI at Mohin and Rs. 6.07 crore Chandpur  to Dhagwani road via Chhabhar Kawah Dalehra.  000

Honours various individuals and organizations for valuable contributions in multiple fields

During the State-level Independence Day celebrations at Sarkaghat in Mandi district today, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched Him Bhog wheat flour, Him Bhog daliya and Him Bhog turmeric products. These products were prepared of naturally grown wheat and turmeric to provide chemical-free products to the consumers.

The Chief Minister also honoured three eminent personalities of the State with the ‘Prerna Srot’ Award. Prof. Him Chatterjee of Shimla was conferred this award for reviving Kangra miniature painting and creating the World’s longest public artwork at Pragati Maidan Tunnel, New Delhi. He also gave away this award to Dr. Ram Swaroop Shandil of Shimla district for his outstanding national and international performances in folk, classical, ghazal, bhajan and group song genres, whereas Prof. Prem Kumar Khosla, Chancellor of Shoolini University, Solan, was awarded for his pioneering contributions to forestry education, including launching B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes. 

The ‘Himachal Gaurav’ Award was conferred on Chandrekha Dadhwal of Dharamshala for her exceptional literary contributions;,Shalini Vats of Seubagh, Kullu, for her work in empowering the visually impaired, differently-abled, women and children and Dr. Lal Singh of Chhota Shimla for leading over 50 projects on sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy and agricultural innovation. 

The State Rural Livelihood Mission of the Rural Development Department and the Indian Red Cross Society, Kullu, received the State-Level Civil Service Award 2025.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed Rs. two lakh each as marriage grants under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana to five beneficiaries from Sarkaghat and Dharampur areas and Rs 1.5 lakh each as the first installment for house construction under the Mukhyamantri Vidhwa Evam Ekal Nari Awas Yojana to 11 beneficiaries of Sarkaghat assembly segment, with the remaining Rs 1.5 lakh to be provided upon roof-level completion of the house.

Sh. Sukhu also honoured the departments, officers and officials of Mandi district who extended their valuable support to the district administration in execution of relief and rescue operations on war footing during this year's disasters in the district.    000 

        Announces Rs. 100 Crore for disaster relief, Rs 3,000 crore for mitigation and livelihood project 

• Announces formation of Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board
• Over 9,500 teacher posts to be filled up, 200 new CBSE schools to be opened,  No mid-session teacher retirements
• Rs 61 Crore for solar panel subsidy, 2,000 permits to be issued for E-three wheelers
• Announces to shift Atal Medical and Research University from Nerchowk to Sarkaghat

79th Independence Day was celebrated across the State with great enthusiasm and gaiety today. Functions were held at the State, District and Sub-Division levels to commemorate this historic occasion. The main attractions of the celebrations included the hoisting of the National Flag and an impressive march past by contingents of the State Police, Home Guards, NCC and the ITBP.

The State-level function was held at Sarkaghat in Mandi district, where Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute of from an impressive march past presented by contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC, ITBP, Uttrakhand Police, 3^rd India Reserve Battalion Pandoh, District Mandi Police, Traffic Police, Ex-Servicemen League and Home Guard Band amid heavy rains.  Deputy Superintendent of Police Umeshwar Rana commanded the parade. 

In his address, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the growing impact of global warming on Himachal Pradesh, noting that frequent disasters have caused heavy losses to life and property in the State. Referring to the 2023 disaster in which the State suffered damages of Rs. 10,000 crore, he pointed out that despite the Central Government’s own assessment, Himachal received only Rs 1,500 crore, that too after two years. He added that this year’s disasters have once again caused severe losses, particularly in Mandi district, and the State has not received any financial assistance from the Centre so far. He said that the State Government has already disbursed Rs 360.42 crore from its own resources to aid affected families. He expressed hope that Centre will soon extend financial support for the disaster affected families. 

Shri Sukhu announced to release an additional Rs 100 crore for disaster-hit families to provide prompt relief, along with the launching of  Rs. 3,000 crore project aimed at disaster mitigation and protecting livelihoods in affected areas. Paying homage to the 222 persons who lost their lives in this year’s disasters, as well as to the eight victims of the Maseran bus accident in Sarkaghat constituency, he assured that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with every affected family. Under the Special Relief Package, he said, compensation for fully damaged houses has been increased from Rs. 1.3 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, while for partially damaged houses it has been raised from Rs. 12,500 to Rs. one lakh. Houses rendered uninhabitable will also be treated as fully damaged for compensation purposes, he added.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the problem of chitta (Heroine) and said that the current State Government has been taking earnest efforts to protect the youth from chitta. “The government has implemented the PIT NDPS Act and seized property worth over Rs 42 crore from drug mafias. The State Government has made chitta testing mandatory in police recruitment,” he said. He also announced the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, under which volunteers will be prepared to act as a bridge between the police and the general public. These young volunteers will not only help in preventing the spread of chitta but will also assist in awareness campaigns and in providing timely confidential information to the police so that strict action can be taken against drug mafias. A provision for incentive payments will also be made for these volunteers, he said.

Sh. Sukhu also announced the formation of the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board, which will include experts from the Home, Health, Social Justice & Empowerment, Education, Youth Services & Sports, Panchayati Raj, and Prison Departments, along with NGOs and social scientists. This Board will work to prevent drug abuse and reintegrate youth trapped in addiction back into mainstream society. He said that, alongside this, the state government will ensure de-addiction and rehabilitation for the welfare of the youth caught in the drug trap. For this purpose, NITI Aayog, AIIMS, PGI, and the Health Department will jointly prepare an action plan, he added.

He further stated, “To eradicate chitta from its roots, I have directed the formation of anti-drug committees in villages and panchayats, consisting of the panchayat secretary, ASHA worker, Anganwadi worker, and a police constable. The police will gather drug-related information and share it with the committee. Superintendents of Police and SHOs will ensure that constables are designated at the panchayat level, meetings are held regularly, and monthly reports are sent to police headquarters. I expect no delays in this work, because timely action against drugs is the key to winning this fight.”

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government has implemented reforms in the education sector, as a result of which Himachal Pradesh has reached the fifth position in the country in terms of providing quality education to the students. He announced that teachers in all government educational institutions will no longer retire in the middle of the academic session but will retire at the end of the session, which include teachers in schools, colleges, medical colleges, ITIs, polytechnic colleges, ayurvedic colleges, and nursing colleges. In addition, he announced the opening of 200 CBSE curriculum-based schools in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government is continuously working to provide employment to the youth. During the last two and a half years, 23,191 youths have been given jobs in the government sector alone. Out of these, 5,452 posts of teachers have been filled, including 1,788 JBTs, 759 vocational teachers, 650 PGTs, 599 TGT (Arts), 405 TGT (Non-Medical), 410 TGT (Medical), 205 Shastri, 175 language teachers, and 458 drawing teachers. He said in the coming days, 9,535 more teaching posts will be filled in the education department. “In the private sector, 51,425 youths have secured jobs, and more than 1,300 will be recruited into the police force in the next month. Furthermore, 600 patwari posts, 600 JBT posts, 200 doctor posts, and 300 panchayat secretary posts will also be filled,” he added.

He said, “Our government believes in transparency, whether it is about jobs or decision-making. Over the last two and a half years, we have made efforts to ensure transparency at every level.” He added that hardworking youth should get the fruits of their hard work. The present government disbanded the Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Board because, during the tenure of the previous BJP government, jobs were sold in the Board. He said that the present State Government has taken a strict decision and eliminated this hub of corruption. In its place, the State Government has established the Rajya Chayan Aayog, which will conduct computer-based tests to ensure transparency and curb corruption, he added.

He further stated that the Government has taken another important step to ensure transparency and promote merit based selection. He said previously, in examinations conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, jobs were awarded solely on interview marks, while written exam marks were only qualifying and were not added to the final merit. “We decided that final merit will now include both written exam and interview marks so that truly hardworking candidates get the jobs.” The government is also serious about preventing cheating in exams. “We have decided to introduce a provision of three years’ imprisonment for those who cheat or help others cheat in examinations, and for this, the government will bring a Bill in the next assembly session,” he said.

Sh. Sukhu said that the State Government has resolved to make Himachal Pradesh the country’s first Green Energy State. He said that the government has made a provision of five percent interest subsidy for solar projects ranging from 100 kilowatts to 1 megawatt in tribal areas, while in non-tribal areas, four percent interest subsidy is being given for such projects. The electricity generated from these projects will be purchased by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, providing assured income to the youth. He announced Rs. 61 crore for this scheme and also declared that 2,000 permits for e-three-wheelers would be issued to the unemployed youth.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government has taken several decisions to strengthen the rural economy. The government is procuring cow’s milk at Rs 51 per litre and buffalo’s milk at Rs 61 per litre. Naturally grown maize is being purchased at Rs 40 per kg, wheat at Rs 60 per kg, raw turmeric at Rs 90 per kg, and barley at Rs 60 per kg. He said that, fulfilling its guarantee, the government has also started procuring cow dung manure from cattle rearers at Rs 300 per quintal. For the prosperity of horticulturists, the State Government has also taken various measures. Universal Cartons has been introduced and under MIS schemes, apples are being purchased at Rs 12 per kg, kinnow, malta, and oranges at Rs 12, galgal at Rs 10, and mangoes at Rs 12 per kg.

He said that to increase public participation in afforestation, the Government has launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana with an outlay of Rs. 100 crore, involving women’s groups and youth clubs. For ensuring economic security of women, the government has launched the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana for eligible women aged 18 to 59 years, under which 2,96,279 women are being provided Rs 1,500 per month.

The Chief Minister said that robotic surgery has been introduced at Chamiyana Hospital in Shimla district and will soon be started in other medical colleges. He also announced the shifting of Atal Medical and Research University from Nerchowk to Sarkaghat.

He further said that the state government has started border tourism, under which tourists from the Country and State are now visiting areas close to the China border. He added that he has requested the Central Government to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki La.

Congratulating Flight Lieutenant Arshveer Thakur, a resident of Jubbal in Shimla district, on being awarded the Vir Chakra for his prowess during 'Operation Sindoor', the Chief Minister said that his bravery has made the entire Himachal Pradesh proud. He noted that during the operation, Arshveer played an important role in destroying terrorist hideouts in Bahawalpur and Muridke, Pakistan. He said Himachal Pradesh is ‘Veerbhoomi’ and that the country’s first Param Vir Chakra was also awarded to Himachal’s Major Somnath Sharma. On Independence Day, he remembered those who made the supreme sacrifice for India’s freedom.

The Chief Minister announced to construct new bus stand at Sarkaghat, increase bed capacity of Civil Hospital Sarkaghat from 100 to 150 beds and provide land for parking near Shiv Mandir Sarkaghat.

 A colourful cultural programme was also presented by various cultural troupes.

Home Guards also showcased the demo of life rescue techniques on the occasion.

The Chief Minister also honoured the participants of the Parade and cultural troupes on the occasion.

Chief Minister was also presented a cheque of Rs. one lakh by Jagannath of Sarkaghat towards Chief Minister Relief Fund.

MLAs Chandrashekhar, Suresh Kumar, Ranjeet Rana, Dalip Thakur,  former Ministers Rangila Ram Rao and Prakash Chaudhary, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal Thakur,  Chairperson Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chander Pathania,  Chairman APMC Mandi, Sanjeev Guleria, Convener H.P. Kaushal Vikas Nigam Atul Karohta, Member, HP Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission Vijay Pal Singh, Congress leaders Pawan Thakur, Naresh Chauhan, Jeevan Thakur and Champa Thakur, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, other senior officers and Congress bearers were also present on the occasion.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today presided over the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Raj Bhavan, Shimla. The occasion was marked with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. The Governor extended his greetings and best wishes to the people of the State and the nation and also distributed sweets among the Raj Bhavan staff.

Earlier in the day, a ceremonial programme was held on the Eastern Lawn of the Raj Bhavan. The Governor hoisted the National Flag, after which the Police Guard stationed at the Raj Bhavan presented a guard of honour. The Governor inspected the parade. Lady Governor Janki Shukla, was also present on the occasion.

The Governor said that India is making progress in every sphere of development. “Independence Day is not just about hoisting the Tricolour, it is celebrated as one of the greatest festivals of our nation,” he remarked. He added that India today stands before the world with a clear vision and policies for development. “India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy and is steadily moving towards becoming the third-largest in the near future,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, the Governor recalled that 15 August 1947 marked a glorious chapter in India’s history, achieved through the sacrifice, dedication and struggle of countless freedom fighters. “I pay my floral tributes to all those great patriots and bow to the brave soldiers who, after independence, made the supreme sacrifice to preserve the unity and integrity of our country and to protect our borders. Their courage and sacrifice will forever inspire us,” he said.

The Governor said that Independence Day is both a symbol of pride and a reminder of our duties towards the nation. He urged every citizen to contribute to the unity, integrity and progress of the country and the State. “In this ‘Amrit Kaal’, we must resolve to do our best in our respective fields so that India reaches the pinnacle of development and prosperity,” he added.

Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma was also present on the occasion.

-0-

Launches  Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna across state

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the 76th State-Level Van-Mahotsav at the Kanlog area in Shimla. He also planted a deodar sapling during the event.

The Chief Minister launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna across all Assembly constituencies and virtually interacted with Ministers and MLAs participating in the programme and discussed forest conservation and afforestation measures in detail.

Addressing the gathering on this occasion, he said that Van Mahotsav highlights the importance of forests, often called the Earth's lifeline. This year, around nine thousand hectares of forest land would be planted with trees under different schemes and 60 percent of these saplings would bear fruits.

He said that the state government was working to protect and enrich rich biodiversity of the state. These efforts would contribute to achieve the target of increasing 30 percent forest cover by 2030.

The Chief Minister said that the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna would not only promote forest development but also enhance public participation and strengthen the rural economy. Under this scheme, mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, self-help groups and joint forest committees would plant and look after saplings on one to five hectares of designated forest land for five years. A budget provision of Rs. 100 crore has been made for this purpose.

This year, saplings were being planted across 1,000 to 1,500 hectares of forest land at a cost of Rs. 20 crore. An additional Rs. 1.2 lakh per hectare was being provided for sapling maintenance, said the Chief Minister.

He said that the state government was also focusing on financial discipline for Vyavastha Parivartan and  introducing various reforms in the working of the Forest department. The officers were being encouraged to dedicate more time to fieldwork related to forest expansion and conservation rather than office routines.

The Chief Minister further said that the government was implementing schemes that provide rural communities with self-employment opportunities near their homes, thereby strengthening their livelihoods. He said that the initiatives of the present state government in natural farming were also being recognized and appreciated nationally.

He also gave cheques of rupees one lakh each to different mahila mandals for tree plantation under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna. Apart from this cheques of Rs. 50,000 each have also been distributed under JICA project to the beneficiaries for livelihood.

Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood gave detailed information on various forest development activities.

MLAs Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor for Innovation, IT and Governance Gokul Butail, Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan, local councillor Alok Singh Pathania and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.  -0-