Himachal Pradesh Government

India emerging as trusted global economic power under PM Modi's leadership: Governor

Central government's transformative initiatives strengthening India's global standing, paving way for Viksit Bharat@2047

Says Himachal holds immense potential to expand its global trade and investment footprint

Calls upon IBCCI to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Global Markets and Investment Opportunities

Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta said that India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emerged as a confident, self-reliant and trusted global economic partner, with the central government's transformative policies opening new avenues for investment, innovation, entrepreneurship and international trade.

The Governor was addressing the Indian Global Partnership Programme, organised by the International Business Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) in New Delhi, today. The IBCCI organised ‘India Global Partnerships' on Women Entrepreneurship and Startups@ Viksit Bharat 2047 and participating countries were Brazil, South Africa, Fiji, Mongolia, Suriname and Guyana.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that India's remarkable economic transformation reflects the Prime Minister's unwavering commitment to strengthening the nation's capabilities and enhancing its standing on the global stage.

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is no longer viewed merely as a vast consumer market but is increasingly recognised as a major centre for manufacturing, digital technology, innovation, startups and global investment. The initiatives undertaken by the central government have instilled renewed confidence among entrepreneurs and international investors," he said.
Highlighting the impact of flagship central government initiatives, including Make in India, Digital India, Startup India, Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat, Kavinder Gupta said these programmes have created an enabling environment for industrial expansion, technological advancement and employment generation.
Referring to India's growing economic strength, the Governor said the country's total exports reached approximately USD 825 billion during 2024-25, while foreign direct investment inflows stood at around USD 81 billion, reflecting India's increasing integration with the global economy.

The Governor said Prime Minister Modi's historic vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 represents a national commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant India.

He emphasised that the Prime Minister has identified youth, women, farmers and the poor as the four pillars of India's development journey, ensuring that economic progress reaches every section of society.

"Viksit Bharat is not merely about building a stronger economy. It is about empowering every citizen, creating opportunities for our youth, ensuring prosperity for farmers and enabling women to become leaders of economic transformation," he asserted.

Highlighting the central government's commitment to women-led development, Kavinder Gupta said initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Lakhpati Didi and Self-Help Groups have significantly expanded opportunities for women's financial independence and entrepreneurship.

He said the Narendra Modi government has brought about a fundamental shift from women's development to women-led development, recognising their indispensable role in India's economic progress.

The Governor further observed that Atmanirbhar Bharat does not signify isolation from the world but aims to strengthen India's domestic capabilities and enable the country to participate in international trade with greater confidence and competitiveness.

Referring to Himachal Pradesh, the Governor said that the state possesses immense potential in horticulture, tourism, medicinal plants, hydropower and traditional handicrafts. He emphasised that Himachal's world-renowned apples, natural products, Kangra miniature paintings, Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, Chamba Rumal and other indigenous products have tremendous potential to establish a stronger presence in international markets. He stressed the need for modern packaging, quality certification, effective branding and digital marketing to enhance their global competitiveness.

Sh. Gupta emphasized for connecting rural women, young entrepreneurs and small producers with international markets to strengthen the state's economy and generate employment opportunities. He also underscored the importance of promoting sustainable tourism, green energy and environmentally responsible industries while safeguarding the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Calling for stronger international partnerships, he urged industry organisations to connect Indian MSMEs, startups, women entrepreneurs and rural producers with global markets, technology and investment opportunities.

"Today's India is not waiting for opportunities; it is creating new opportunities through its talent, determination and innovation," the Governor remarked.

Kavinder Gupta expressed confidence that the central government's development-oriented policies, coupled with India's entrepreneurial spirit and growing global partnerships, would play a decisive role in realising Prime Minister Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047.

He congratulated the IBCCI for organising the programme and expressed hope that such initiatives would strengthen India's economic engagement with the world and contribute to sustainable growth, employment generation and shared prosperity.

Later, the Governor also felicitated distinguished persons from ministries, corporate world and entrepreneurs on the occasion.

Earlier, President of the IBCCI Manoj Sharma welcomed the Governor and highlighted the organisation’s initiatives to strengthen international trade partnerships, promote investment opportunities and connect Indian entrepreneurs, MSMEs and startups with global markets.

Senior officers from Government of India, diplomats, international dignitaries, women entrepreneurs and representatives from corporate houses were also present at the occasion.

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H.P. Cabinet Decisions

The State Cabinet, in its meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu decided to launch the ‘Mukhya Mantri Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojna’ in the State, under which eligible women in the age group of 18 to 59 years will receive financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 per month. The scheme will also provide 300 units of free electricity to eligible beneficiary families. A total of 3.50 lakh eligible women have been identified under the scheme. The Government had already enhanced the financial assistance from Rs. 1050 to Rs. 1500 per month to women above the age of 59 years.

It also decided to adopt a uniform state policy for determining and periodically revising the rates for the sale of surplus raw water to neighbouring States, government agencies and industries. Under the policy, an initial benchmark rate of Rs. 100 per 1,000 cubic feet will be applicable to all existing and future projects of the State, including inter-State water projects. The rates will be revised periodically in accordance with the prescribed mechanism linked to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

The Cabinet also decided to launch the ‘Khelo Himachal Chitta Mukt Abhiyan-2026’ across all 12 districts of the State. The initiative aims to engage youth in sports activities and strengthen efforts towards drug prevention by promoting a healthy lifestyle, discipline and positive community participation.

It approved amendments to the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021, providing for free power royalty at the rate of 50 percent for the first ten years after completion of 40 years of operation of commissioned projects of Central Public Sector Undertakings. The projects will be transferred to the State Government free of cost upon completion of 50 years from the date of their commissioning.

It approved the cancellation the allotment of 222 Solar Power Projects in view of prolonged non implementation of projects.

It also gave its nod to cancel the allotment of 13 hydro electric projects above 25 MW for non compliance of provisions of the policy and to re-bid 20 projects.

The Cabinet also approved an increase in the subsidy for the purchase of diesel buses from 30 percent to 40 percent under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-up Yojna, 2023, for operating passenger buses on identified intra-sub-division routes.

It further decided to provide a 50 percent subsidy on the purchase of electric buses and a 40 percent subsidy on diesel buses with a seating capacity of more than 10 passengers for operating on the Hamirpur Bus Stand–Dr. Radhakrishnan Medical College, Jolsapper, and New OPD, IGMC Shimla–Atal Institute of Medical Super Speciality, Chamiyana routes.

The Cabinet gave its nod to enhance minimum support price of naturally grown ginger from Rs.30 to Rs. 40 per kg.

It gave its nod to engage 1000 Rogi Mitras in the Health Department to provide affordable and quality health services to citizens of the State.

It gave its approval to create and fill up 561 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) in various government medical colleges and dental colleges and Directorate of Medical Education in the State to effectively implement hospital management information system.

It also decided to engage Data Entry Operators in the Health Department for implementing hospital management information system.

It decided to increase the emoluments of outsourced Perfusionist in the Government Medical Colleges from Rs. 25000 to Rs. 45000 per month.

It decided to create Department Geriatric Medicine alongwith creation and filling up of posts and Senior Resident posts at lndira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda and Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri Government Medical College Nerchowk, Mandi.

It decided create and fill up requisite posts of various categories for the Mother and Child Hospital Wing at Civil Hospital Nurpur in Kangra district for its smooth functioning.

It decided to create and fill up eight posts of Assistant Professor and one post of Associate Professor of various departments in Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur.

The Cabinet decided to grant one time relaxation in Rule -11 of Himachal Pradesh Police Department (Recruitment of Constables) Rules, 2024 for conducting written examination in offline mode instead of online for the posts of constable.

It also decided to fill up 20 posts of JOA (lT) in Rural Development Department.

It decided to create and fill up 15 posts of Stenographer, Grade-III in various Courts of the State.

The Cabinet decided to upgrade Police Post Baroh in Kangra district to Police Station along with creation and filling up of requisite posts.

It gave its nod to open Police Post for Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College Hamirpur.

It decided to create and fill up four posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) and one post of Multi Task Worker in Treasuries, Accounts and Lotteries Department.

It decided to fill up three posts of different categories from Persons with Disabilities under 4 percent quota in Youth Services and Sports Department.

It gave its approval to enhance the procurement of C-grade apple from Rs. 12 per kg to Rs. 13 per kg under Market Intervention Scheme.

It also decided to fill up requisite posts in newly upgraded Civil Hospital Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district and PHC to Civil Hospital Kotkhai in Shimla District.

The Cabinet also approved the implementation of the Registration Sewa Kendra Project to modernise existing Sub-Registrar Offices on the lines of Passport Seva Kendras. The project will be launched in the first phase in Solan, Shimla, Kangra and Sirmaur districts.

It decided to lease 2.26 hectares of land for the Central School at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district.

It also approved upgrading the District-level Phul Yatra Mela, Pangi, in Chamba district to the status of a State-level fair.

It decided to create the office of Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) at Dadasiba in Kangra district along with creation and filing up of various posts of different categories.

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Education, nation-building and social responsibility must be the guiding principles for youth:Govern


·        Education must focus on character-building, values and responsible citizenship, not just degrees and jobs

·        Youth have a key role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047

Governor Kavinder Gupta said that education, nation-building and social responsibility should guide the younger generation. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at a seminar organized by the Sunil Upadhyay Educational Trust, Shimla, on the death anniversary of Sunil Upadhyay at the historic Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, yesterday. The theme was ‘Role of Youth in Education, National Reconstruction and Social Responsibility.’

Remembering Sunil Upadhyay, the Governor said his life was an example of dedication, sacrifice and commitment to the nation. He appreciated the efforts of the Sunil Upadhyay Memorial Trust in spreading his ideals through education, social awareness and youth empowerment.

The Governor said that India's diversity was its strength and that shared cultural values and constitutional principles united people. He stressed that education should not be limited to degrees and employment but should also develop good character, discipline, scientific thinking and social responsibility.

Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, he said it promoted skill development, research, innovation and practical learning. He added that the country needed young people who could become job creators, entrepreneurs and responsible citizens rather than just job seekers. He said student life was not only about examinations and competitions but also about developing leadership, patriotism and concern for society. India's progress in science, technology, space research, sports and entrepreneurship offered several opportunities for young people to contribute to the country's growth.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047, the Governor called upon youth to work with dedication, innovation and a Nation First approach.

He said nation-building was the responsibility of every citizen and urged young people to contribute towards a drug-free society, a corruption-free system, social harmony and environmental protection. He also stressed the importance of staying connected to cultural roots while embracing modern knowledge and technology.

The Governor expressed confidence that organisations like the Sunil Upadhyay Memorial Trust would continue to inspire young people towards leadership and positive social change.

Special Guest Devdutt Joshi and programme Chairperson Amit Arya also spoke about the life and contributions of Sunil Upadhyay and encouraged youth to follow his ideals.

President of the Sunil Upadhyay Memorial Trust, Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta, welcomed the Governor, while Secretary Prof. Surender Sharma presented the vote of thanks.

Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, former Minister Suresh Bhardwaj and other prominent persons were also present on the occasion.

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No leniency for chitta traffickers, government committed to protecting Youth: Chief Minister

• CM leads anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Mandi

• Properties worth Rs. 92 crore acquired through drug trafficking seized

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today led the anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Mandi and appealed to the people of Himachal Pradesh, particularly the youth, to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse and help make the State drug-free.

The walkathon started from Paddal Ground, proceeded towards the Bus Stand and Seri Manch, and returned to Paddal Ground. A large number of students and local residents from across the district participated enthusiastically. On the occasion, the Chief Minister administered the Anti-chitta pledge to the participants and urged them to remain alert and contribute actively to the campaign against drug abuse.

Addressing a public gathering at Paddal Ground, the Chief Minister said that the state government was taking strict and continuous action against the drug trade. He stressed that the problem could not be tackled through government and police action alone and required the active support and cooperation of every section of society. ‘I want to make it absolutely clear that there is no place in Himachal Pradesh for those who sell chitta and destroy the lives of our youth for money,’ he said. He added that the government had adopted a firm policy against those involved in the illegal drug trade and that strict legal action was being taken against drug peddlers and traffickers.

The Chief Minister said that during the present government's tenure, 22 properties constructed on government land had been vacated and demolished. In addition, assets worth Rs. 92 crore, allegedly acquired through illegal drug activities, had been seized so far. He said that the police were continuously taking action against chitta networks and drug traffickers within the framework of the law. The government had also taken the campaign beyond enforcement measures and was working to turn it into a people's movement.

Seeking collective support, the Chief Minister said that the fight against drugs required the participation of every mother, father, teacher, panchayat, Mahila Mandal, Yuva Mandal and above all the youth of the state. He urged support of every section of society in this fight. Today, ‘I am entrusting this responsibility to the youth of the State,’ he said.

He urged people not to remain silent if they witnessed the sale of chitta or any other drug-related activity. Instead, they should share credible information with the authorities through the emergency toll-free number 112. He said that the state government had made provisions to reward individuals who provide accurate and reliable information about drug traffickers.

Reiterating the Government's commitment to safeguarding the future of the youth, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh would not allow itself to be defeated by the threat of chitta.

Recalling the journey of the anti-chitta campaign, he said it had been launched nearly a year ago with the aim of bringing society together against drug abuse. On 5 November 2025, thousands of people had taken to the streets of Shimla to raise their voices against drugs. The campaign subsequently received strong public support in Dharamshala on 1st December in Hamirpur on 16th December and in Una on 16th September, 2026. On 26th December last year, thousands of people in Bilaspur had also participated in a walkathon, demonstrating their collective resolve against chitta.

The Chief Minister said that, a year after the launch of the campaign, the same spirit of commitment and unity was clearly visible in Mandi. Appreciating the enthusiasm of the participants, he particularly praised the students who had travelled from remote areas of the district to make the event a success.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of the District Library building in Mandi, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 6.55 crore.

MLAs Anil Sharma, Chander Shekhar and Suresh Kumar, former Ministers Thakur Kaul Singh, Rangila Ram Rao, and Prakash Chaudhary, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal Thakur, Chairman of SC/ST Corporation Lal Singh Kaushal, Member Regulatory Commission Vijay Pal,Vice-Chairman of the Jal Prabandhan Board Shashi Sharma, Chairman SC Cell Congress Naresh Chauhan, District Congress President Champa Thakur, PCC Vice-President Jeevan Thakur, General Secretary Pawan Thakur, Dharamvir Dhami, Deepak Sharma Saraj Block Congress Committee President Jagdish Reddy, DGP Ashok Tiwari and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Governor reviews functioning of Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power station

· Says Nathpa Jhakri crucial to country’s energy needs

Governor Kavinder Gupta today visited the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS), operated by SJVN Limited, and reviewed its functioning, operational efficiency and contribution towards strengthening the nation's energy infrastructure.

During the visit, Chief General Manager and Head of Project (NJHPS) Rajeev Kapoor briefed the Governor on the power generation capacity, operational achievements and technological advancements of the hydroelectric project.

The Chief General Manager further apprised the Governor that several critical components and sophisticated equipment used in hydroelectric projects, which were earlier imported from foreign countries are now being manufactured indigenously in India, reflecting significant progress towards technological self-reliance.

Expressing satisfaction over this development, the Governor said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing remarkable progress in indigenous manufacturing through the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

He said that India's growing capabilities in manufacturing advanced equipment for major infrastructure projects demonstrate the country's determination to reduce import dependence and emerge as a technologically empowered, self-reliant nation.

Describing hydropower as a vital pillar of India's clean energy future, the Governor said Himachal Pradesh possesses immense potential to strengthen national energy security while promoting sustainable development and economic growth.

He said that projects like Nathpa Jhakri play a crucial role in meeting the country's growing energy requirements and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Governor appreciated the dedication, professionalism and coordinated efforts of the entire NJHPS team in maintaining operational excellence. He also emphasized technological innovation, workplace safety and environmental protection.

Congratulating the management, engineers and technical personnel, he encouraged them to continue contributing towards national development with renewed dedication and commitment.

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Governor inaugurates cultural evening of International Lavi Fair at Rampur

Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the first cultural evening of the International Lavi Fair at Rampur yesterday late evening, marking the beginning of cultural celebrations showcasing the region’s rich traditions and artistic heritage.

Lady Governor Bindu Gupta was also present on the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the Lavi Fair Organising Committee Anupam Kashyap, warmly welcomed and felicitated the Governor and the Lady Governor.

The inaugural cultural evening featured a captivating performance by Sufi singer Babar Mudassir.

The cultural programme highlighted the significance of the International Lavi Fair as a vibrant platform for promoting cultural exchange, preserving traditional heritage and strengthening the bonds of unity and harmony among people from different regions.

Chairman, Nagar Parishad, Rampur Karan Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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