Himachal Pradesh Government

Channelize energy for Nation-building, not conflicts: Governor to youth

Inaugurates Model United Nations & Youth Parliament session

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla while inaugurating the Model United Nations and Youth Parliament in the HP University today said that India was a young Nation and the creativity and energy of its youth would shape it into a developed country in near future.

The seminar was organized under the Viksit Bharat@2047 initiative by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Himachal Pradesh University.

The Governor said that such events serve as a powerful platform to channelize the energy and intellect of the youth, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully towards the vision of a developed India by year 2047.

He appreciated that students were discussing national and global issues while keeping their culture alive. “This cultural awareness is the soul of our democracy,” he said.

Speaking about Gen-Z, he said that the youth of Himachal Pradesh stand out for their deep-rooted connection with their culture and traditions. He added that he has personally witnessed their active participation in preserving and promoting these values during events like the Kullu Dussehra and other religious festivities. “In Kullu Dussehra, the young devotees pull the chariot of Lord Raghunath with immense reverence, reflecting their unwavering respect for our cultural heritage,” he remarked, adding that such spirit and devotion among the youth would once again help India emerge as a Vishvaguru.

He said the youth were not just the present but the future of the country, carrying forward Himachal’s simplicity, honesty and humanity. “Channel your energy for Nation-building, not conflicts, he appealed to the youth.”

The Governor emphasized that the real strength of democracy lies in diversity of thought and reminded the youth that the 'Rights come with Responsibilities'.

He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panch Sankalp’, saying it aligns with the spirit of this initiative and is a step towards building a new India. He called upon the youth to contribute through their ideas, ideals, and actions to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Prof. Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, welcomed the Governor and said such programs guide student's intellectual growth. Prof. Preeti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of National Law University, Shimla, stressed balancing development with environmental protection and spoke on sustainable development and voting rights.

Deans, faculty members, students, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Congress leader demands three CBSE schools in Jogindernagar constituency

The Congress candidate from Jogindernagar Assembly constituency of Mandi district Jiwan Thakur called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today and discussed various demands of the area.

He demanded to introduce CBSE curriculum in Government Senior Secondary Schools Jogindernagar, Chontra and Ladbhadol of his constituency.

The Chief Minister assured him to consider his demands sympathetically.

Jiwan Thakur also presented a cheque of Rs. 11,000 to the Chief Minister on behalf of Mahila Mandal Tikkru of his area towards the Chief Minister's Relief Fund on the occasion.

The Chief Minister thanked this noble gesture and said that such contributions go a long way in helping the needy in distress.

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Robotic surgery to be introduced in IGMC Shimla: CM

IGMC, Shimla would soon have the facility of robotic surgery after Super specialty hospital Chamiyana (Shimla) and Tanda medical college.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu disclosed this while chairing a meeting of health department here on Wednesday evening. He said that 40 beds would be allotted in IGMC, Shimla for robotic surgery for patients of the Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH), Shimla.

He said that the state government was providing the state-of-the-art machinery to the hospital to provide best medical care for the people of the State. He directed to start robotic surgery for gyne patients and added that the gynecologists of KNH would also perform elective surgery in IGMC and the KNH administration would deploy a team for these surgeries at IGMC so that female patients could easily get treatment facilities at both the hospitals.

The Chief Minister said that there would be three month trial for robotic and elective surgery at IGMC and further changes, if required, would be made accordingly.

Sh. Sukhu said that a diagnostic laboratory was being set up at IGMC for which Rs. 25 crore had been released to the college administration. After the test starts, the gynecologists of KNH would also benefit a lot in treating female patients as they would be able to get accurate test reports.

Secretary, Health M. Sudha Devi, Director, Health Education Rakesh Sharma and the gynecologists form KHN attended the meeting.

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HPSPCB organizes awareness campaigns for celebrating 'Green Deepawali'

On the directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the H.P State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) organized mass awareness campaigns in the government schools across the State to spread a message of celebrating clean and green Diwali to reduce the air and noise pollution.

The Board organised the programmes in educational institutions of Bilaspur, Kangra, Shimla, Chamba, Una, Sirmaur, Solan and Hamirpur districts

The Central Laboratory of the HPSPCB, Parwanoo celebrated "Swachh Deepawali, Harit Deepawali" theme on Wednesday at Government Senior Secondary School, Patta Masulkhana and Parwanoo in alignment with the 'Harit Deepawali' initiative. The slogan writing and Rangoli competitions were organized followed by the mass awareness rally by students of the schools to create the awareness among general public about ill effects of bursting of crackers.

Similarly, the HPSPCB Regional Laboratory, Paonta Sahib also organized an awareness program on "Swachh Deepawali, Harit Deepawali" at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary and Primary School, Bechar Ka Baag in Sirmaur district. The initiative aimed to inspire students and the community to celebrate a pollution-free and eco-friendly Deepawali. The creative competitions like poster making, slogan writing, and declamation ignited enthusiasm among students. Young participants showcased their talent and shared powerful messages through their artwork and speeches.

Dr. Hitender Kumar Sharma, Principal Scientific Officer, delivered a lecture on the ill effects of firecrackers and urged everyone to choose a greener way of celebrating Deepawali for a healthier environment. A student rally through the village further spread the message of sustainable celebrations. The winners were honoured with certificates and prizes for their commendable efforts. The event successfully planted the seeds of environmental responsibility in young minds. The celebration concluded with light refreshments and cheerful participation by all.

Another Diwali awareness programme was organised at Government Senior Secondary School, Ghaniara in Hamirpur district, where the students actively participated in a rally, raising slogans and spreading the message of a Clean and Green Diwali. A beautiful Rangoli depicting Himachal Pradesh was created and decorated with traditional earthen diyas by the students. Satvinder Kaur, Scientific Officer from the Regional Laboratory, Dari, while addressing the gathering encouraged everyone to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali.

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CM announces 3% dearness allowance with October salaries and pensions

· Introduce new compensation policy for outsourced staff of electricity board

Just before Deepawali, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced release of 3 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees and pensioners to be credited with October salaries and pensions, payable in November. The arrears for the period from April to September 2025 will also be deposited in the bank accounts of the employees in October. Separate orders will be issued for payment of arrears from July 2023 to March 2025.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Biennial General Convention of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board Employees Union in Shimla today. The Chief Minister said that after discussions with the union leaders, the government would consider providing One Pension Scheme (OPS) to the employees. He emphasized the need for reforms in the Electricity Board and highlighted that the support of the employees was essential for its success.

He pointed out that electricity production at the Uhl project currently costs Rs. 27 per unit for which senior officials are responsible while expenses of employee of the board was just Rs. 2.50 per unit, as the number of officers were much more than the number of employees. As a result the employees were bereft of the financial benefits.

The government has released Rs. 2200 crore to ensure financial benefits for employees of the HPSEBL. From 2023 to September 2025 the pensioners have received Rs. 662.81 crore as gratuity, medical reimbursements, leave encashment and pension arrears with an additional Rs. 70 crore to be paid by end of this year. Medical reimbursements have been centralized and are now disbursed weekly without any pending dues.

The Chief Minister directed the board to introduce a compensation policy for outsourced employees in case of accidents and ordered the immediate clearance of pending promotions. He also noted that despite the state government providing OPS to employees, pressure from BJP leaders, led the central government to halt additional borrowing. Time and again the Union government is pressuring to withdraw OPS. He acknowledged upcoming economic challenges in the next three to four months but expressed confidence in a swift recovery.

Accusing the previous BJP government of squandering public funds, the Chief Minister said that the current state government inherited a debt of 75,000 crore rupees and employee liabilities of 10,000 crore rupees. He said, "If employees are not receiving their benefits today, it is not due to the present government," adding that no one cared for making Himachal a self reliant State.

Sh. Sukhu said that the previous BJP government opened 600 educational institutions before the 2022 assembly elections, but they were forced to take tough decisions to close them. He said that they had brought about reforms in the education sector, which helped Himachal Pradesh rise from 21st to 5th rank in providing quality education. He said that the health sector was in a similar situation, and improvements have been made there as well. The current state government is replacing 20-year-old machinery and strengthening all medical colleges.

He also highlighted reforms in education, health, and medical infrastructure, including the introduction of PET Scans, 3-Tesla MRI machines, and robotic surgeries at Chamiana Hospital and Tanda Medical College with a planned investment of Rs. 3000 crore in new technology.

Chief Minister added that the government is strengthening the rural economy, procuring milk at higher price and providing support prices for crops like wheat, maize, barley and raw turmeric grown through natural farming.

The Chief Minister also released the union’s souvenir during the event.

Legislators Sanjay Awasthi, Harish Janartha, Ranjit Singh, Congress leader Surender Mankotia, Chairman HPSEBL Prabodh Saxena, Managing Director Aditya Negi, President All Engineers Union Lokesh Thakur, General Secretary Heera Lal Verma and President HPSEBL Employees Union Kameshwar Dutt Sharma were present amongst others.

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Startups and student innovation policy to boost youth entrepreneurship: Rajesh Dharmani

Startups to receive funding of up to Rs. 5 Lakh

Chairing a review meeting of HIMUDA today, Urban and Town Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani announced that youth-led startups will be encouraged under the HIMUDA Startup and Student Innovation Policy.

Under this policy, a startup fund of Rs. 25 lakh for one year has been allocated by HIMUDA. Each eligible startup proposal will receive funding of up to Rs. 5 lakh. The primary objective of the policy is to create a robust ecosystem to promote innovation and startups in the state. This initiative is expected to accelerate economic growth and generate employment opportunities, playing a significant role in shaping a vibrant startup ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh.

Minister Dharmani also emphasized that along with sustainable development goals, well-planned development projects are being promoted across the state. He instructed HIMUDA officials to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects. Highlighting the state’s tourism potential, he informed that a Tourism Village will be developed in Narghota, Kangra district. Furthermore, HIMUDA has been directed to explore opportunities for 'Spiritual Township' projects to further enhance tourism prospects in the state.

The Minister also highlighted efforts to develop Himachal Pradesh as an IT Hub, directing that work on IT Township projects should continue. In Shimla, he reviewed the Mountain City project at Jathiya Devi aimed at reducing congestion in the city. Discussions were also held regarding real estate projects in collaboration with private partners.

HIMUDA has streamlined several long-standing non-functional posts and, to strengthen its operational framework, 46 new posts across different categories have been created.

The meeting was attended by HIMUDA Vice-Chairperson Yashwant Chajta, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, CEO HIMUDA & Secretary Dr. Surender Kumar Vashisth and other senior officials.
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