Law is for those, who are in dire need of it: Justice Surya Kant

  HPNLU Shimla holds 2nd convocation ceremony

The Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, held its 2^nd Convocation Ceremony today at the Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy, Shimla. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu graced the occasion and extended best wishes to the graduating students and encouraged them to pursue their career with hard work, dedication and strong willpower.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister shared his own journey, stating, “I also earned a law degree from HPU, but I never practiced. I was interested in politics and social service and with the blessings of the people of the state, I have the opportunity to serve the state today.” He said that the real challenges in life begin after obtaining a degree and that true knowledge comes from experience. He further noted that studying law instills confidence in individuals, regardless of their chosen field.

Sh. Sukhu stated that his government has brought significant changes under the slogan “Vyavstah Parivartan” by addressing various issues and improving financial conditions over the past two years. He also underscored the legal reforms introduced by the government, making Himachal Pradesh the first state in the country to enact a law ensuring the welfare of 6,000 orphaned children. Additionally, provisions have been made to grant daughters equal rights in property and the legal marriage age for girls has been raised from 18 to 21 years.

He said that during the recent budget session, the state assembly passed the HP Anti-Drugs Act and the Organized Crime Act which reinforces the commitment of state government to combating drug-related offenses. He said that strict actions have been taken against drug mafias, leading to the dismantling of the drug supply chain. Furthermore, a State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Center is being established in Kotla Barog, Sirmaur district, to support youth struggling with drug addiction. He also highlighted significant advancements in the education and healthcare sectors which show the government’s commitment to holistic development of the state.

Addressing the gathering, Judge of Supreme Court of India Justice Surya kant encouraged students to push beyond their limits, emphasizing that success requires determination and intelligence. He spoke about the challenges faced by law students, including self-doubt, integrity and continuous growth, urging them to face challenges with resilience. He added “Law is not just for those who can afford it, but for those who are in dire need of it.”

During the ceremony, the Degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, was conferred upon Justice Sanjay Karol, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Justice Rajeev Shakdhar, Former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, in recognition of their contributions to the field of law. A total of 451 students received their degrees, including 114 from the B.A. LL.B. programme, 111 from the B.B.A. LL.B. programme, 211 from the LL.M. programme and 15 doctoral candidates awarded Ph.D. degrees.

Several outstanding students were recognized for academic excellence. The Founder Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal for the overall topper in the PG Programme was awarded to Surya Dev Singh Bhandari (2021), Tissy Annie Thomas (2022) and Nivedita Sharma (2023). Sheenam Thakur from the 2018 batch received multiple accolades, including the K.K. Luthra Memorial Gold Medal in Criminal Law, the Sh. Tarsem Kumar Gold Medal as the overall female topper, the Sri Shyam Sunder Goel Memorial Gold Medal for being the overall undergraduate topper, the Founder Chancellor’s Gold Medal for being the top Himachal Pradesh domicile student, the Founder Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal for overall topper and the Founder Chancellor’s Fellowship Prize for being the top law student from Himachal Pradesh. 

Aditi Sharma, who received the Justice Dharam Paul Sood Gold Medal for exemplary performance in Constitutional Law (2018), Lipi Aryan, who was awarded the K.K. Luthra Memorial Gold Medal in Criminal Law (2019), and Ankita Sharma, who received the Sh. Tarsem Kumar Gold Medal, the Sri Shyam Sunder Goel Memorial Gold Medal, and the Founder Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal for 2019. Hiaa Sharma was honored with the Founder Chancellor’s Gold Medal and the Founder Chancellor’s Fellowship Prize among students from Himachal Pradesh for 2019, while Sanchit Sharma received the Justice Dharam Paul Sood Gold Medal for exemplary academic performance in Constitutional Law for 2019.

The Convocation Ceremony was also graced by the Supreme court judges Justice M.M. Sundresh and R. Mahadevan, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court Justice GS Sandhawalia, Judges of the High Court, Vice Chancellor of the HP National Law university Prof. Priti Saxena and other dignitaries. 

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Prioritize resolution of public grievances, CM instructs all DCs 

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today here directed all district administrations to complete the mapping of drug networks, including suppliers and consumers of ‘Chitta’, at the panchayat level by 20^th April this year. Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress, he pointed out that despite instructions to complete the mapping by 15^th March no district has achieved the target yet.

Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to prepare detailed dossiers on drugs peddlers and consumers up to the panchayat level with utmost seriousness. He said that he would review the progress again on 20^th  April and officers submitting incorrect reports would be held accountable. He also stated that he would conduct surprise inspections at the panchayat level.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse, Sh. Sukhu directed all SPs to intensify efforts to dismantle the drugs network and instructed them to ensure strict surveillance and continuous monitoring of drug-related activities. The Chief Minister further stated that properties illegally acquired by the drug mafia will be demolished and 259 such properties have already been identified for action.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government has passed the Organized Crime Control Act and the H.P. Anti-Drugs Act during the Budget Session of the Assembly, which should be effectively implemented. He also said that the government is considering establishing drug de-addiction centers in all districts and instructed DCs to identify vacant government buildings for this purpose.

The Chief Minister also instructed them to prioritize the resolution of public grievances, ensuring timely disposal of cases. He stressed that the delaying practice must be stopped. Additionally, he encouraged officers at the block level to adopt government schools and conduct regular monthly visits. He asked them to raise awareness among students about the ill-effects of drug abuse and other social evils, while also instilling a sense of nationalism to help shape responsible citizens. Further, he instructed all DCs to review the implementation of government welfare schemes at the block level and submit progress reports.

Sh. Sukhu also reviewed the ‘Vidhwa and Ekal Nari Awas Yojana’ and the ‘Maharishi Valmiki Kamgar Awas Yojana’. He directed all DCs to expedite the identification of eligible beneficiaries so that they can avail benefits at the earliest.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, ADGP Abhishek Trivedi, Secretaries Ashish Singhmar and Rajesh Sharma were present in the meeting, while DGP Dr. Atul Verma, along with all DCs and SPs joined the meeting virtually.

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First ever collaboration of its kind in history of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana for establishing 400 MW Seli and 120 MW Miar Hydro Electric Power Projects in Lahaul-Spiti district. This is the first ever collaboration of its kind in the history of the State marking a significant milestone in the State's efforts to harness its vast hydro power potential.

 The MoUs were signed by Secretary Power Rakesh Kanwar on behalf of the Himachal Pradesh Government and Principal Secretary of Power Sandeep Kumar Sultania on behalf of Telangana Government in the august presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu at Shimla today.

Both the projects are expected to be set up with an estimated cost of Rs. 6200 crore on the bank of Chenab river and are set to generate about 5000 direct and indirect employment to the youth of the State. As per the agreement, Telangana Government has paid Rs. 26 crore as upfront premium and after the commissioning of both these projects, Himachal Pradesh will receive 12 percent, 18 percent and 30 percent free power for the first 12 years, next 18 years and remaining 10 years respectively under the new Energy Policy of the State Government. After 40 years, the Government of Telangana would transfer both the projects to Himachal Pradesh.  Additionally, the Telangana Government would contribute 1.5 percent of cost of projects towards Local Area Development Fund (LADF) and provide additional one percent free power for LADF after commissioning.  The affected families of these projects will also receive monetary benefits equivalent to 100 units per month for a period of 10 years.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu to Himachal Pradesh and said that this collaboration marks a new era of inter-state cooperation in the renewable energy sector. He also invited the Government of Telangana to explore further partnership in power banking or trading. He said, "Our Government is committed to protecting the State's resources while ensuring that hydro power projects benefit the people of the State. We will extend full cooperation to the government of Telangana to establish both the projects and look forward to the commencement of construction earliest. These agreements are win-win situation for both the States."

The Chief Minister said that the present State Government would not allow the exploitation of the resources of the State. He said that the State Government was recognizing water resources of the State as its wealth and it was undertaking radical reforms in the power sector to make Himachal Pradesh a self reliant State. He said that while the State has harnessed 11500 MW renewable energy so far, much of it has benefitted the Central Public Sector Undertakings. He said that the present Government is determined to change this and ensure the State's water resources are utilized for the economic growth of the people of the State.

Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana Sh. Mallu stated that Telangana Government was committed towards ensuring energy security for both the States keeping in view its fast growing demand. In line with Telangana Clean and Green Energy Policy, 2025, this MoU reflects our commitment to diversifying our energy portfolio while ensuring environment sustainability. He said, "By partnering with Himachal Pradesh, we are taking a significant step towards securing cleaner, greener and more reliable power for our future."

Deputy Chief Minister said that Telangana Government has been actively working towards increasing its renewable energy share and this agreement highlights the importance of inter-state cooperation in energy sector.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Principal Advisor Media to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Chief Managing Director Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) Musharraf Faruqui, Director Energy Rakesh Prajapati, Special Secretary Power Arindam Chaudhary and other senior officers of both the States were present on the occasion.

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Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania today here presented produce cultivated through natural farming to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Chief Minister said that state government has launched several schemes to promote natural farming in the state. The government is offering a Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure fair prices for naturally grown produce to encourage more farmers to adopt natural farming. He said that the state government has fixed MSP for maize at Rs.40 per kilogram and for wheat at Rs. 60 per kilogram.

The Deputy Chief Whip expressed happiness that farmers across the state are embracing natural farming as a mission. He also extended his gratitude to the Chief Minister for ensuring MSP for products cultivated through this agriculture practice.

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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today visited the residence of senior Congress leader Surendra Sethi in Solan and offered his condolences on the passing away of his wife Renu Sethi. He paid tributes to the departed soul and expressed his sympathies with the bereaved family.

The Chief Minister said that Renu Sethi was dedicated to the welfare of underprivileged sections of the society and inspired others to work towards this noble cause.

Later, the Chief Minister directed officials of the Health and Family Welfare department and other concerned departments to expedite the completion of the multi-purpose hospital under construction in Solan. He said that this hospital would be of immense importance not only to the residents of Solan district but also to those of Sirmaur and Shimla districts, as well as to visiting tourists. He said that the state government was actively strengthening health infrastructure across all district headquarters and other key locations to ensure that people receive quality healthcare services in a timely manner.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, MLA Vinod Sultanpuri, Mayor, Usha Sharma, Chairman, Jogindra Cooperative Bank Mukesh Sharma, Member of the Board of Directors of the HP Food & Civil Supplies Corporation Jatin Sahni, senior Congress leaders Dayal Pyari, Ramesh Thakur and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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 Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s 62^nd  birthday was celebrated at his official residence, Oak Over, Shimla with great enthusiasm where Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, party workers, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations, senior officers and a large number of the people gathered to extend their heartfelt greetings.

Dressed in traditional attire, a jubilant crowd reached Oak Over, dancing to the beats of drums and nagaras and conveyed their best wishes to the Chief Minister on his birthday. Party workers cut cakes and offered prayers for his long and healthy life.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla also extended his birthday wishes to the Chief Minister telephonically.

A blood donation camp was also organized by State Youth Congress at the Ridge, Shimla to mark the birthday of the Chief Minister.

Earlier, the Chief Minister launched a social awareness walkathon from H.P. Secretariat, by lighting a lamp and was culminated at H.P. Secretariat via the mall road. This event was organized by Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Services Sports Control Board on the birthday of the Chief Minister. He distributed 'halwa' on the occasion. Chief Minister also joined in the walkathon upto Oakover during the event. 

Shri Sukhu said that the main objective of this walkathon was to create awareness among the people about road safety, environment protection and other social evils.

Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar, MLAs, Sanjay Rattan, Sanjay Awasthy, Suresh Kumar, Ajay Solanki, Ashish Butail, Anuradha Rana, Capt Ranjeet Singh Rana and Vivek Sharma, Principal Media Advisor to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Vice President of Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Services Sports Control Board Kulvinder Singh, General Secretary Anup Kumar Saklani, President, HP Secretariat Service Employees Association Sanjeev Kumar, General Secretary Kamal Krishan Sharma and other office bearers of the Association were also present on the occasion. 

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