State Govt to oppose scrapping of MGNREGA

  CM seeks Public support for Chitta-free Himachal

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu strongly condemned the Union Government’s decision to abolish the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with a new legislation. MGNREGA has been the world’s largest employment scheme and a lifeline for the poor, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chief Minister said that abolition of MGNREGA  was an injustice to the poor and the State Government would firmly oppose this move.

The Chief Minister was in Indora in district Kangra, to preside over the closing ceremony of the 'Indora Utsav' on Friday. The festival, organised on the theme 'Chitta-Free Himachal', was highly appreciated by the Chief Minister. He also announced that Indora Utsav will soon be granted district-level status.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Sukhu said that the “Chitta-Free Himachal” campaign has become a mass movement. Illegal properties worth Rs. 50 crore linked to drug trafficking have been seized so far, and the remaining illicit assets will be destroyed within six months. He appealed to the public and Panchayats to support the campaign and urged citizens to share information through emergency number 112, assuring full confidentiality and rewards ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 10 lakh.

Elaborating the development initiatives of the State, the Chief Minister highlighted that Himachal Pradesh was the first state in the country to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops, including wheat, maize, turmeric and barley and milk. Strengthening the rural economy remains a key priority, with a goal to ensure a minimum monthly family income of Rs. 20,000 for every farmer.

In the health sector, he said modern technology is being prioritized, with replacement of outdated equipment from medical colleges to civil hospitals. Funds of Rs. 3,000 crore have been released for MRI, CT scan and X-ray machines, and robotic surgery has been introduced. Five medical colleges have been equipped with 3-Tesla MRI machines. Strict measures have also been taken to prevent misuse of the HIMCARE scheme. The Chief Minister said special revenue courts have been set up to dispose of long-pending cases, with a record 4.63 lakh cases already settled.

Highlighting steps towards self-reliance, the Chief Minister said the government has won the Wild Flower Hall case which was in litigation from last 23 years. The decision of the Apex court will help generate Rs. 20 crore annually for the State. The efforts of the State government yielded results as now the JSW operating Karcham-Wangtoo project have to pay 18 percent royalty to the state instead of 12 percent earlier, which will  generate Rs. 150 crore additional income  to the State per year.

He said the State Government was ensuring holistic development and creating ample employment and self-employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister also interacted with students of Angel Orphanage Home.

MLA Malender Rajan welcomed the Chief Minister and said the festival aims to spread awareness among youth about the harmful effects of drugs. He added that the State Government’s firm action against the drug mafia is yielding positive results and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh prosperous and self-reliant.

Cultural performances by renowned singer Lakhwinder Badali, HP Police Band, local artists and cultural troupes were also presented.

Agriculture Minister Prof Chander Kumar, Vice Chairman Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Chairman Wool Fed Manoj Thakur, Vice Chairman, HP Industrial development Corporation Vishal Chambyal,  Chairman APMC Kangra, Nishu Mongra, Former Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Former MLA's Ajay Mahajan Congress leaders, senior officers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Vice Chancellor of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Prof. R.S. Chandel presented a cheque of Rs. 25,66,606 to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu towards the Chief Minister Relief Fund as contribution of one day salary of staff of the University here today.

The Chief Minister thanked for the noble gesture and said that such contributions go a long way in helping the needy in distress. He appealed to the people to contribute towards this fund generously.

President of Teachers Association of University Dr. B.S. Dilta, President Personal Staff Association Rakesh Kumar Handa besides others staff members and union presidents were also present on the occasion.

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Speaking on the inaugural ceremony of the Officer Trainees of the 2025 Batch of the Indian Audit and Accounts Services (IA&AS) at Yarrows in Shimla on Thursday, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla called upon the young officers to remain committed to constitutional values, integrity and professional excellence, thereby becoming true custodians of the benchmark, as set up by the audit and accounts service throughout the country.

He urged the officers to maintain decorum and continuous dialogue towards strengthening financial accountability and reporting mechanisms at the grassroots level.

Recalling the rich legacy of the Academy since its establishment in 1950, the Governor said that the National Academy of Audit And Accounts (NAAA) has played a pivotal role in strengthening financial discipline, transparency and good governance in the country. It as a matter of pride for the trainee officers to receive their professional training from such a prestigious institution, he said.

Highlighting the constitutional importance of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, the Governor noted that the institution has been regarded as one of the most vital constitutional office. He reminded the trainees that they were joining an organization that directly safeguards public resources and upholds financial accountability in public administration.

“As auditors, your role goes far beyond financial scrutiny. Every audit you conduct opens the door for systemic improvement, strengthens governance and enhances the quality of public service delivery,” the Governor remarked.

Officers from Bhutan and Maldives also were part of the trainees.  

Stressing the need for continuous learning in the 21^st century, Sh. Shukla said that knowledge and adaptability were the keys to professional excellence. He encouraged the trainee officers to make full use of the academy’s resources to enhance both their intellectual and professional capabilities.

The Governor also released the Coffee Table book to mark the celebration.

Director General NAAA S. Alok welcomed and honoured the Governor on the occasion. He also administered oath to the trainee officers.  

Later, Director Pushpalata proposed a vote of thanks.  

Principal Accountant General (Audit) Purshotam Tiwari,  Principal Accountant General (Accounts & Entitlement) Sushil Kumar Thakur, Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

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Presides over State-level function of 'Pensioner Joint Front'

While speaking during the State-level function of HP Pensioner Joint front at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district on Wednesday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that Pensioner's Day was not merely a formal occasion but an opportunity to honour the services, sacrifices and dedication of those, who strengthened the administrative foundations of Himachal Pradesh through honesty, commitment and a strong sense of duty during their service. The strength of today’s institutions and the efficiency of administrative system reflect the tireless efforts and rich experience of retired employees, he added.

He said pensioners not only strengthen the government machinery but also set an inspiring example of discipline, responsibility and public service for future generations. The State Government, he asserted, would always remain grateful for their immense contribution.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to the welfare of employees and pensioners, the Chief Minister said that immediately after assuming office, the government fulfilled its promise by restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in its very first Cabinet meeting despite  financial challenges and a debt burden of 75000 crore received  from the BJP government.

He said the restoration of OPS has provided dignity, security and confidence to 1.36 lakh employees. The Chief Minister added that the huge backlog of salary and pension arrears left by the previous government was being cleared in a phased and systematic manner.

Detailing, he said that full payment of pension and family pension arrears has been made to the pensioners and family pensioners aged 75 years and above on priority. While the previous government had paid only 20 per cent arrears, the present government has paid 80 per cent of the same.

Similarly, pensioners aged above 70 years have received 70 per cent of their total arrears, with 50 percent by the present government as against 20 per cent given by the previous BJP government. The remaining 30 per cent arrears of this category will be paid within 40 days,  stated the Chief Minister.

Further he informed that the pensioners between  65 to 70 age group have been paid 38 per cent arrears. Despite a severe financial crunch, the present government paid an additional 18 per cent over the 20 percent paid earlier in previous regime, involving an expenditure of Rs.75 crore. Pensioners below 65 years of age have been paid 35 percent arrears, with the government paying an additional 15 per cent over the earlier 20 percent, at a cost of Rs.110 crore.

He further informed that 20 percent gratuity arrears have been paid to employees who retired between 1^st  January 2016 and 31^st  December 2021. Regarding salary arrears, the Chief Minister said Rs. 50,000 has been paid as an installment to Class-I to Class-III employees and Rs. 60,000 to Class-IV employees, involving an expenditure of Rs.800 crore. An additional Rs. 20,000 was paid to all Class-IV employees on 19 October 2024, costing Rs.100 crore.

So far, the State Government has spent Rs. 2,155 crore on arrears of employees and pensioners.

The Chief Minister said that to extend pension benefits to Class-IV employees, the government has granted the benefit of one year of qualifying service for pension calculation in lieu of five years of daily-wage service.

As revenue improves, pending arrears and liabilities of employees and pensioners will be cleared on priority, he assured.

The Chief Minister appealed to pensioners to support the government’s efforts to improve the State’s financial condition, keeping in view the serious fiscal challenges. He assured that by 2027, all pension arrears would be cleared and that the upcoming budget would include effective decisions in the interest of pensioners.

On the occasion, the Mandi unit of the Pensioners Joint Front presented a cheque of rupees one lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

The Chief Minister also elaborated on various initiatives undertaken under the government’s agenda of systemic reform. He said a policy was being considered to support families displaced due to the Bhakra Dam project in Bilaspur.

Criticizing the Centre, he said that BJP leaders, including Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, were not presenting correct figures regarding financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh and that the State’s interests were being neglected.

Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for dedicating development projects worth Rs.69 crore to the Ghumarwin area. He said that despite economic challenges, the Chief Minister ensured fiscal discipline and created new revenue resources, while implementing several welfare schemes.

State President of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Joint Front, Atma Ram Sharma, welcomed the Chief Minister He appreciated the financial benefits extended by the present government and highlighted pending demands of pensioners.

Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma ‘Bittu’, Member of the State Women Commission, Reena Pundir, Chairman APMC Satpal Vardhan, former MLA's Tilak Raj and Bumber Thakur, Congress leader Vivek Kumar, office-bearers of the Pensioners Joint Front and other dignitaries were also present.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his one-day visit to the Ghumarwin Assembly Constituency in Bilaspur district today, dedicated development projects worth approximately Rs. 69 crore to the people. These included the inauguration of two projects and the laying of foundation stones of five new works.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Ghumarwin Police Station constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.82 crore and the check dam and dyke built over the Seer Khad at a cost of Rs. 3.67 crore.

He also laid the foundation stones of several important projects, including a multi-purpose sports complex to be constructed near Tikkari Helipad, Ghumarwin, at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.08 crore; family quarters to be built within the premises of Ghumarwin Police Station at a cost of Rs. 6 crore. Apart from this he also lays foundation stone of upgradation of the seven kilometer long Amarpur-Hadsar-Dahad-Jaman-Ghumarwin road at a cost of Rs. 6.13 crore; upgradation of the 31-kilometre-long Ghumarwin-Barthin-Shah Talai road at an estimated cost of Rs. 34.95 crore; and construction of a 68-metre jeepable span bridge over the Seer Khad on the Badi Majhedwan-Dahad-Panol road at Badi Majhedwan, to be built at a cost of Rs. 6.80 crore.

Earlier, on his arrival in Ghumarwin, the Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome by the local people. He also interacted with residents at various places and also listened to their grievances.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma Bittu, former MLAs Tilak Raj and Bumber Thakur, DIG Rahul Nath, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar, Superintendent of Police Sandeep Dhawal, senior Congress leaders, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Says, HP first State to introduce 'National Common Mobility Card' for travel

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off the Nadaun-Hamirpur-Ghumarwin-Delhi Volvo bus service of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) after participating in the Anti-Chitta Mega Walkathon organised at Hamirpur. The newly launched Volvo bus will depart daily from Nadaun at 7:00 in morning and will reach Hamirpur at 8:00 & Ghumarwin at 9:00 am. It will leave Chandigarh at 11:40 and will reach Delhi at 4:40 in evening. On the return journey, the bus will leave Delhi at 8:30 in morning and will reach Nadaun at 6:30 in evening.

Addressing on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has taken several significant steps to modernize the public transport system and make it more commuter-centric and environmentally friendly. To enhance passenger convenience, fare can now be paid through UPI, debit cards and credit cards, as well.

He said that HRTC has become the first State Transport undertaking in the country to introduce the 'National Common Mobility Card' facility. With this card, passengers can travel across the country, including in the Delhi Metro, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, in Haryana Roadways and buses in western Mumbai. Facilities such as Him Bus Card, Him Bus Plus Card and Green Card are also being provided to offer concessional and free travel to eligible passengers.

The Chief Minister further informed that 297 new electric buses were being added to the HRTC fleet. With the induction of 25 state-of-the-art Volvo buses the total number of Volvo buses in the Corporation has increased to 98. In addition, 50 tempo travelers and 24 super luxury buses have also been purchased. The procurement process for 250 diesel buses, 100 mini buses and four cranes is currently underway.

Sh. Sukhu said that 234 new bus routes were being notified in the State, while the process for allotment of 350 new permits for operating tempo traveler vehicles with seating capacity up to 18 is in progress.

Emphasizing the State Government’s commitment to promote green transport, the Chief Minister said that EV charging stations were being set up at 88 petrol pumps and 41 locations along six green corridors. Apart from this, 310 charging stations were being installed at various locations, including rest houses and government offices across the State. He added that charging stations are also being set up at 41 other locations under the public-private partnership mode.

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