Himachal Pradesh Government

CM launches t-shirt for ‘Nashe Nu Lalkaar, Naujawani Di Pukaar’ campaign

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the t-shirt for the ‘Nashe Nu Lalkaar, Naujawani Di Pukaar’ campaign, under which a Marathon and Cultural Programme will be organised on 9th October, 2026 at Nalagarh in Solan district.

Appreciating the initiative, the Chief Minister extended his congratulations and best wishes for the successful organisation of the event. He said that collective efforts by all sections of society were essential to protect the youth from the menace of drugs and channelize their energy towards sports, creativity and other constructive activities.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was making concerted efforts under the Anti-Chitta Campaign to combat drug abuse and create greater awareness about its harmful impacts. He emphasised that the objective was not only to curb the drug trade but also to encourage young people to adopt a healthy, active and positive lifestyle.

The Marathon and Cultural Programme to be held on 9th October will convey a strong message of collective resolve against drug abuse and highlight the positive role of youth in the fight against drugs.

MLA Hardeep Singh Bawa and Chaudhary Ram Kumar were also present on the occasion.

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Job trainee doctors to be allowed to pursue PG courses: CM

• CM presides over review meeting of Health Department

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Health Department to allow job trainee doctors to pursue postgraduate (PG) courses. Presiding over a meeting of the Health Department here today, the Chief Minister said that doctors seeking permission to pursue super-speciality courses would also be granted permission, while the duration and amount of their bonds would be enhanced to ensure that they return to the state after completing their courses and continue to serve the people of Himachal Pradesh. This would ultimately benefit patients in the state.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government was taking several steps to provide world-class healthcare facilities within the state and the initiatives were yielding positive results. He said that strengthening diagnostic facilities remained a key focus of the government. He directed all Government Medical Colleges to digitise end-to-end data relating to all MRI, CT scan, X-ray and ultrasound examinations being conducted in their respective Radiology Departments by 20th October. He said that adequate manpower would be provided by the state government for the purpose. He also directed all medical colleges to submit department-wise requirements of nurses and technicians so that the recruitment process could be expedited.

The Chief Minister said that the state government had constituted an expert committee to examine the proposal for establishing Centres of Excellence with specialised departments in all Government Medical Colleges of the state, including the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS), Chamiana. The Committee would identify two to four departments in each Government Medical College, including AIMSS Chamiana, that have the potential to be developed as Centres of Excellence. These specialised centres would be envisaged to provide advanced multidisciplinary treatment for complex, rare and critical diseases requiring specialised expertise, advanced technology and facilities beyond the scope of conventional departmental services.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government was planning to send medical students on exposure visits to abroad so as to enable them to learn global best practices and gain valuable experience, which could subsequently be utilised for the benefit of patients in the state. He directed the concerned authorities to expedite the selection process for these exposure visits.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Secretary Health Ashish Singhamar, Director Medical Education Dr. Gopal Beri and Mission Director NHM Pradeep Kumar Thakur were present in the meeting. Principals of the Medical Colleges also participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

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CM announces Rs. 1 crore each for Himachali Kabaddi gold medallists

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced that three Himachali players of the Indian women’s kabaddi team-Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhawna Thakur-who won the gold medal in Kabaddi at the Asian Games, would be awarded prize money of at least Rs. 1 crore each by the state government. The players called on the Chief Minister here today.

Congratulating the players on their outstanding achievement, the Chief Minister honoured them by presenting Himachali caps and shawls. He said that the state government would soon organise a felicitation ceremony in their honour, where they would also be presented with the announced prize money.

The Chief Minister said that the three players would also be provided employment in government service. Those who do not wish to join the Police Department would be offered appointments in the Youth Services and Sports Department, enabling them to continue pursuing their sporting careers while contributing to the promotion and development of sports in the state, he added.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government had made historic enhancements in prize money by revising its sports policy. He said special emphasis was also being laid on strengthening sports infrastructure across the state.

The Chief Minister further announced that Indian women’s cricket team player Renuka Thakur would also be awarded Rs. 1 crore by the state government in recognition of her achievements.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil and Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan were also present on the occasion.

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47 students from Odisha call on Chief Minister

As part of the Youth Exchange Programme, a group of 47 students from 32 districts of Odisha, currently visiting Himachal Pradesh, called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today. The students, aged between 18 and 30 years, are pursuing various undergraduate, postgraduate and other courses in Odisha. Their visit to Himachal Pradesh commenced on 3rd October and will continue till 8th October. During their stay, they have visited NIT Hamirpur, Shimla and will visit other prominent destinations in the state, including IIT Mandi, Atal Tunnel and Jwalamukhi Temple.

Welcoming the students to Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister enquired about their experiences during their visit. He said that the people of Himachal Pradesh are peace-loving and deeply rooted in the state’s rich ‘Dev Sanskriti’. He encouraged the students to work hard with dedication and sincerity to achieve their goals.

The students also honoured the Chief Minister by presenting him with a traditional ‘Sambalpuri Uttariya’ and a Dhokra art painting, representing Odisha’s rich cultural and handicraft heritage. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the students and appreciated the traditional gifts presented by them.

The Youth Exchange Programme aims to familiarise students with the rich culture and history of Himachal Pradesh, as well as the state’s development journey. The programme also provides an opportunity for interaction and cultural exchange among youth from different states, thereby strengthening the spirit of national unity and integration.

As part of the same programme, around 50 students from Himachal Pradesh will visit Odisha from 12 to 19th October.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil and Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan were also present on the occasion.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s three day visit to Rohru-Rampur

·Government reaches remote villages, new hope through development and dialogue

·New horizons added to development in rural areas

The true picture of development in the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh is reflected not only in major cities and important towns, but also in remote villages where basic facilities such as roads, education, healthcare, transportation and employment continue to determine people’s quality of life. With this approach, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to the Rohru and Rampur Assembly constituencies of Shimla district from October 1 to 3 was not merely a routine administrative programme, but also an important opportunity for direct dialogue between the government and rural communities.

The Chief Minister’s special emotional connect with the Rohru and Rampur areas was also evident during the visit. Understanding the geographical challenges of remote mountain regions, he emphasized giving priority to the development of areas where reaching the administrative machinery and development schemes is often difficult. During the visit, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also stayed overnight at Bhatwari in the remote Rohru area and Kasha-Pat in Rampur. He is the first Chief Minister of the state to have stayed overnight in both these areas. He interacted with local residents, understood their problems and directed officials to ensure their prompt resolution on the spot.

The Chief Minister dedicated 61 development projects worth Rs. 182.87 crore to the Rohru Assembly constituency and 28 development projects worth Rs. 232.93 crore to the people of the Rampur Assembly constituency.

Development in a democracy is meaningful only when it is people-centric in a democracy, development does not happen through plans and budgets alone. Development becomes meaningful when schemes are formulated and implemented in accordance with the actual needs of the people. The Chief Minister’s direct interaction with people during his Rohru and Rampur visit reflected this approach.

People raised issues related to roads, education, transportation, drinking water, community facilities and local development before the Chief Minister. He issued necessary directions to the officials and made several announcements on the spot.

This strengthened the feeling among local residents that their concerns are not confined merely to government offices, but are also being heard at the highest level of the government.

During his visit to Rohru and Rampur, the Chief Minister participated in Anti-Chitta rallies in both Assembly constituencies and reiterated the state government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a Chitta-free state.

During the three-day visit, the Chief Minister made several announcements while keeping public aspirations at the forefront.

During his interaction with students of PM Shri Government Model Senior Secondary School, Rohru, a girl student requested a new school building. The Chief Minister immediately announced Rs. 2 crore for the construction of the new building.

At a large public gathering in Chirgaon, he announced an increase in the support price of milk from December 1 for the welfare of farmers and livestock owners. He also announced an increase of Rs. 1 per kilogram in the procurement price of apples under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Apples will now be procured under the MIS at Rs. 13 per kilogram instead of Rs. 12 per kilogram.

The Chief Minister also announced the upgradation of Community Health Centre, Sandasu, into a Civil Hospital, opening of a Sub-Tehsil at Samarkot, conducting a survey for opening an SDM office at Chirgaon and bringing Jangla and Chirgaon schools under the CBSE system.

During the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ programme at Bhatwari in Rohru, the Chief Minister directly interacted with local residents and listened to their grievances and development needs. The initiative to ensure the government’s presence in remote areas sent a clear message that the benefits of development should not remain confined to well-connected and developed areas, but should reach villages located in the remotest corners of the mountains as well.

He also announced grants of Rs. 5 lakh each for Mahila Mandals. The Chief Minister assured that the Barshil Bridge would be made motorable and announced Rs. 20 lakh for the Chingwari road. In addition, he announced Rs. 5 lakh for the construction of the Pekha-Diudi Mahila Mandal building and announced that Dhamwari School would be brought under the CBSE system.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has sanctioned Rs. 36 crore for the construction of the Tikker-Jarol-Gahan road for the convenience of the people of the area. Once completed, the road will facilitate apple growers in transporting their produce to the markets.

An important aspect of the Chief Minister’s visit was his interaction with children and students. During an interaction with students in Rampur, children raised questions and concerns related to education, availability of teachers, engagement of teachers in non-academic duties and other issues. The Chief Minister listened to them and assured them of necessary action.

The Chief Minister also announced that Taklech School in the Rampur Assembly constituency would be brought under the CBSE system.

The Chief Minister visited the remote Kasha-Pat area and gained a first-hand understanding of the lives of the people there. During the visit, he announced Rs. 2 crore for the construction of a new school building at Kasha-Pat. He also announced the development of a playground in the village.

He said that keeping the convenience of children in mind, the government is making efforts to start a bus service from Kasha-Pat via Taklech to Rampur.

During a direct interaction with students at Government Senior Secondary School, Rampur Bushahr, a girl student requested the construction of a building for Government Senior Secondary School, Racholi. The Chief Minister immediately accepted the demand and announced Rs. 2 crore for the construction of the school building.

As part of the state government’s development and welfare initiatives, financial assistance amounting to a total of Rs. 5,78,81,725 was also provided at Nogli to 1,471 registered workers and their dependents in the state under various welfare schemes through the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to Rohru and Rampur reflects his commitment to the all-round development of rural areas of the state and his vision of ensuring that development reaches even the most remote communities.

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CM announces Rs. 2 crore for Rachauli School building at student’s request

• CM holds interactive session with students on education, tourism and drug abuse

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today held an interactive session with students of Government Senior Secondary School, Rampur Bushahr, where students raised issues related to education, tourism, social equality, non-teaching duties assigned to teachers and drug abuse.

During the interaction, a student requested financial assistance for the construction of a new building for Government Senior Secondary School, Rachauli. She apprised the Chief Minister that the school is currently functioning from two locations and that adequate land is available at one site for construction of a permanent school building.

Responding to the request, the Chief Minister announced an amount of Rs. 2 crore for the construction of the school building. He also assured that the state government would provide additional funds, if required, to complete the construction work.

While responding to a student's question about why he chose politics as a means of serving the country, the Chief Minister said that he had been interested in politics since his student days and considered politics a means of public service. He advised students to pursue fields in which they have a genuine interest.

When asked what he would have done had he not entered politics, the Chief Minister said that he would have taken up farming.

On a question concerning the growing economic gap between the rich and the poor, he described it as a matter of concern and said that equality in society was important. He said that the state government was working continuously towards this goal.

Responding to a lighter question about his favourite food, the Chief Minister said that he enjoyed traditional Himachali cuisine, with siddu being his favourite dish.

When a student asked whether he had ever thought of becoming Chief Minister during his school days, he said that the path was ahead shaped by one’s actions and hard work. He encouraged students to work consistently towards their goals.

A student requested the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Rampur. The Chief Minister said that gradual changes were being introduced in the education sector and that the state government was giving special attention to improving the education system and developing quality institutions.

Students also raised concerns about teachers being assigned non-teaching duties for extended periods, which they said affected their studies. The Chief Minister said that the state government was working to reduce such duties so that teachers could devote more time to teaching and students.

A student also highlighted the shortage of Hindi teachers at her school, stating that there was only one Hindi teacher for around 150 students. The Chief Minister assured her that an additional teacher would be provided, as required.

A student who had recently travelled to Ayodhya as part of an exposure visit sponsored by the state government thanked the Chief Minister for the opportunity. She said the visit had also given her the chance to travel by air for the first time. She also referred to the role of tourism in strengthening the economy of Uttar Pradesh and other states and asked about steps being taken to promote tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said that the state Government was promoting spiritual tourism and highlighted Himachal Pradesh's rich Dev culture, religious sites and Shakti Peeths. He said that Lord Shri Ram was revered in the State and that students had been sent to Ayodhya as part of the exposure visit. He said that Himachal Pradesh attracts a large number of tourists every year and that the state government was giving special attention to strengthening tourism-related infrastructure.

The Chief Minister urged students to minimise the use of mobile phones. He said that the state government had restricted the use of mobile phones in schools and appealed to students to follow the guidelines. He also encouraged students to participate actively in sports alongside their studies. He said that childhood was the best period of life and advised students to make the most of it by focusing on studies, sports and other constructive activities.

Following the interaction, the Chief Minister flagged off an Anti-Chitta rally from Government Senior Secondary School, Rampur Bushahr and also joined the rally.

A large number of students participated in the rally, carrying placards with anti-drug messages and raising slogans against drug abuse. The rally passed through Chaudhari Adda and the main market before returning to the school ground.

The Chief Minister administered an anti-drug pledge to the students and called upon them to play an active role in building a drug-free society.

Advocate General Anup Rattan, Chairman HIMCON Vikesh Chauhan, Chairman Milkfed Buddhi Singh Thakur, Chairman HPBOCWWB Nardev Singh Kanwar, Chairman HP State Cooperative Bank Devendra Shyam, Co-Convener Drug-De Addiction Board Sanjay Bhardwaj, former MLA Kishori Lal, Congress Vice-President Paras Ram, Congress leader Brij Lal, Mandal President Lal Chand Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh were present on the occasion.

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