Congratulates Armed Forces on Operation Sindoor success

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a high level meeting here today after the success of 'Operation Sindoor' by the Indian Armed Forces.

Sh. Sukhu congratulated the security forces on the successful operation. He praised their courage and professionalism in safeguarding the nation. He said the entire country was proud of the brave hearts and their unwavering dedication.

The Chief Minister reviewed the state's security, transport, and communication systems, along with food and power supply, disaster management and health services. He also issued necessary directions to the concerned officials.

He also reviewed the security system and various arrangements in the state in detail. He gave necessary guidelines to the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all the districts.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Director General of Police Dr. Atul Verma and various senior officers were present in the meeting.

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The State Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today, approved the inclusion of domestic working women under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behana Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna. Women who have completed a minimum of 100 days as domestic help, along with their daughters aged  21 years and above, will now be eligible for benefits under the scheme and receive Rs. 1500 per month as pension.

 It approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops in the state. The MSP for naturally grown wheat has been raised from Rs. 40 to Rs. 60 per kilogram and for maize from Rs. 30 to Rs. 40 per kilogram. Additionally, the Cabinet okayed the MSP for naturally grown raw turmeric at Rs. 90 per kilogram and for barley from the Pangi block in Chamba district at Rs. 60 per kilogram. It was also decided to declare Pangi as the first Natural Farming Sub-Division of the state.

 The Cabinet gave its nod to allot 422 stage carriage routes in favour of private operators to offer efficient transport services to the people of the State and provide self employment opportunities to the unemployed youth. 

 To address the problem of roadside parking and congestion, the Cabinet gave its nod to open the feasible closed basement floor for parking purposes. If the designated parking floor is used for any purpose other than parking the concerned will be levied with  heavy penalty and will have to restore the floor for parking purpose. 

 The Cabinet approved the establishment of Nephrology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology departments at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, along with the creation and filling of 118 posts across various categories to ensure their smooth functioning. 

It decided to fill up 43 posts of various technical vacancies under different Krishi Vigyan Kendras  of the State. 

Additionally, the Cabinet decided to open a new division of the Jal Shakti Vibhag at Sujanpur in Hamirpur district.

  The Cabinet approved new Home Stay Policy  and decided to fix the registration fee for homestays in Pangi Sub Division of Chamba district at 50 percent of the standard rate. 

It also approved the upgradation of the Ayurvedic Health Centre at Kosari in the Jaisinghpur assembly segment of Kangra district to a 10-bedded Ayurvedic Hospital, along with the creation and filling of necessary posts. 

Additionally, the Cabinet gave its approval to upgrade the Primary Health Centre at Panjawar in Una district to a Community Health Centre, with the required staff positions to be created and filled.

 The Cabinet decided to provide relief in water tariffs to residents of the newly constituted 14 Nagar Panchayats and the merged areas of the upgraded Municipal Corporations of Hamirpur, Una and Baddi, as well as the Municipal Councils of Nadaun and Baijnath-Paprola. The decision also covers areas recently included in the Municipal Councils of Jwalamukhi, Dehra, Paonta Sahib and the Nagar Panchayat of Jwali. These areas will continue to be charged water tariffs at rural rates for the next three years.

 The Cabinet gave its approval to merge seven State of Art  (SOA) ITIs in ITIs and seven women ITIs in ITIs across the State. The SOA Government ITI  Ghumarwin merged in Government ITI Ghumarwin, SOA Govt. ITI Garnota in Govt. ITI Garnota, SOA Govt. ITI Shamshi in Govt. Shamshi, SOA Govt. ITI Sunni in Govt. ITI Sunni, SOA Govt. ITI Nahan at Paonta Sahib in Govt. ITI Nahan, SOA Govt. ITI Gagret in Govt. ITI Bhaderkali and SOA Govt. ITI Sundernagar in Govt. ITI (PWD) Sundernagar. It also merged Govt. ITI Bilaspur (Women) in Govt. ITI Bilaspur, Govt. ITI Nahan (Women) in Govt. ITI Nahan, Govt. ITI Chamba (Women) in Govt. ITI Chamba, Govt. ITI ReckongPeo (Women) in Govt. ITI ReckongPeo, Govt. ITI Mandi (Women) in Govt. ITI Mandi, Govt. ITI Shimla (Women) in Govt. ITI Shimla and Govt. ITI Una (Women) in Govt. ITI. Una. 

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 Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed to clear the backlog of employment on compassionate ground within a period of one year. While presiding over a high level meeting on Compassionate Employment Policy here today, the Chief Minister said that income criteria will be raised from Rs. 2.50 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh per annum.  He said that the backlog of compassionate employment will be cleared in three phases and directed to give priority to the widows and orphans below the age of 45 years. At present, there are 141 widows and 159 orphans falling in this criterion.

Sh. Sukhu said that in the second phase eligible individuals falling in the low income group would be given priority for compassionate employment and the remaining candidates will be offered jobs in the third phase.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretaries M. Sudha Devi and Rakesh Kanwar and Secretary Law Sharad Kumar Lagwal were also present in the meeting.

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The State Cabinet in its meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu decided to convert part time class-IV workers as daily wagers working in various departments who have completed seven years of continuous services as on 31st March, 2025.

It was also decided to shift the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department from Shimla to the CPD KFW Project Office building in Dharamshala, Kangra district and the office of the CPD KFW Project will be relocated to the vacated premises of the Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Dharamshala.

The Cabinet approved the shifting of the District Jail from Mandi to the newly constructed building at Nerchowk. The existing District Jail premises in Mandi will be converted into an Open Jail for women inmates. To ensure its smooth functioning, the Cabinet gave approval to create and fill-up requisite posts across various categories.

It okayed the Himachal Pradesh Online Filing and Processing of Court Cases Rules, 2025 under the Revenue Department. These rules will allow Revenue Courts to receive and process applications, appeals, revisions, reviews and other petitions online.

Additionally, the Cabinet authorized the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog to determine the examination fees for recruitment tests conducted by the Aayog.

It further decided to prepare development plans for the Shri Chintpurni Special Area in Una district, Sarahan Special Area in Shimla district and Bhota Planning Area in Hamirpur district, aiming to regulate unplanned growth of rural settlements and unchecked commercial development along the National Highway.

The Cabinet approved new guidelines related to the requisition of vacancies, the selection process and the issuance of appointment offers across various government departments, where the stage of requisition is over. It was also decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub Committee to look into these aspects for future appointments. 

It also sanctioned the allotment of 350 new stage carriage routes across the state as well as new extra routes based on local demand, for the operation of 18-seater tempo travellers by private operators, to enhance public transport services and improve connectivity.

The Cabinet approved the filling of 81 posts of Medical Officers, including 68 posts of Casualty Medical Officers and 13 posts in various other categories. This decision aims to strengthen emergency services, trauma centres, casualty units, blood banks and tertiary cancer care facilities in government medical colleges and institutions.

It also sanctioned the recruitment of 18 FACT and FACT Plus qualified professionals in the Department of Forensic Services to enhance forensic capabilities.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the filling of 11 posts of Subject Matter Specialists in various Krishi Vigyan Kendras to support agricultural extension services.

The Cabinet approved the construction of a commercial complex comprising two high-rise buildings of 14 and 17 storeys at Mohal Chotta Shimla, Dehat Shimla. The project aims to address the city’s growing administrative and commercial needs by offering world-class infrastructure with modern amenities, ample parking and an efficient design layout.

It designated the Jal Shakti Vibhag as the service provider on behalf of Panchayats for the execution and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes under the 15th Finance Commission.

The Cabinet approved the transfer of 21-09 bighas of land at Mauja Changar Palasiyan in favour of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for the expansion of AIIMS Bilaspur under Phase-II and Phase-III, free of cost.

It also sanctioned the transfer of 52-17-00 bighas of land at Revenue Estate Sarol in Chamba district to the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, for the functioning of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya.

It approved the withdrawal of the earlier notification regarding the upgradation of Nagar Panchayat Sunni to a Municipal Council in Shimla district.

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No allegations of corruption against state government in two and a half years: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the people of Himachal Pradesh must receive their rightful share of water. "Water is the most precious natural asset of Himachal Pradesh. The state produces 12,000 MW of electricity, yet what has Himachal gained from it? The SJVNL has grown into a Rs. 6,700 crore company, but we need to ask-what has come back to Himachal? Punjab and Haryana are fighting over water, but it's flowing from Himachal. What are we getting in return?" said the Chief Minister.

He was speaking after inaugurating a newly constructed parking facility at Sector 5, New Shimla, built at a cost of Rs. 18 crore. The three-storey structure can accommodate over 50 vehicles, which will greatly benefit the residents of the area. On this occasion, he announced Rs. 50 lakh for the construction of another parking facility in New Shimla, the establishment of a community center and a Primary Health Centre.

Recollecting memories of his personal connect to the area, the Chief Minister said: "My sister lives here and I've spent my childhood in this locality. My political journey also began from here. Where Sector 5 stands today, there used to be walking trails. We would walk through this area, and over time, it has seen significant development."

The Chief Minister also reflected on the financial challenges the present government inherited. "When our government came into power we were burdened with a debt of Rs. 75,000 crore and pending liabilities of Rs. 10,000 crore to be paid to the government employees. To stabilize the economy, we had to make some bold decisions. Through honest and transparent governance, we have generated an additional revenue of Rs. 2,500 crore in the last two and a half years. Not a single allegation of corruption has been made against our government," he said.

Highlighting the state government's focus on rural development, the CM mentioned that minimum support prices are now being provided on milk, and maize and wheat grown through natural farming. He also emphasized that Himachal has implemented the Old Pension Scheme for 1.36 lakh employees, whereas Punjab was yet to implement it.

The Chief Minister asserted that significant reforms in the education and health sectors are beginning to yield positive results. He noted that, for the first time since Independence, the Kasumpti Assembly Constituency has been given representation in the state cabinet. He praised Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh for actively addressing the issues of the region and announced the construction of a major multi-purpose complex in Vikasnagar at a cost of Rs. 250 crore, which will house various government offices along with parking facilities.

Anirudh Singh said that the Chief Minister was well-acquainted with the problems of Shimla city and was consistently working towards resolving them. He appreciated the efforts of Shimla Municipal Corporation councillors for ensuring the success of the event despite inclement weather. He also requested the CM to resolve the parking issues in New Shimla and informed that works worth Rs. 250 crore are currently underway in the Kasumpti constituency. He announced that a modern library will also be built in New Shimla and lauded the CM’s vision of making Himachal a Green Energy State.

Local Councillor R.R. Verma welcomed the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for the new parking facility.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Mayor MC Shimla Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Vice-Chairman HIMUDA Yashwant Chhajta, Chairman APMC Dev Anand Verma, councillors and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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AIMSS to become First hospital to start robotic surgery: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the In-Patient Department (IPD) services at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS) at Chamiyana near Shimla. In order to cope-up with the patient load at IGMC Shimla and provide better healthcare facilities, the departments of Gastroenterology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Urology and Plastic Surgery have been shifted from the IGMC to the Chamiyana Super Specialty Hospital. In the next two months, Cardiology and Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery (CTVS) services would also be transferred to this hospital.

During inspection, he directed the officials to ensure to provide quality healthcare services to the patients. He also held a meeting in the campus and enquired about the services being provided to patients and issued necessary directions for their improvement. During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed the Public Works Department to improve the approach road leading towards the hospital and stated that the transport facilities would also be enhanced for the convenience of patients.

As Chamiyana hospital has been under construction for quite some time, the present Government has undertaken the completion work from its own resources and Rs. 23 crore has been sanctioned for it, remarked the Chief Minister. The hospital has a capacity of 337 beds and is equipped with high-end operation theatres and a cath lab. While it has just started, it will become fully functional within the next six months, he said.

The State Government was upgrading Chamiyana Hospital as well as all medical colleges, zonal hospitals and regional hospitals with modern technology to ensure world-class facilities for patients within the State itself. It would go a long way in saving their time and money. Chamiyana will also be the first hospital in the state to offer robotic surgery, followed by Tanda. Three Tesla MRI machines would soon be installed in the medical colleges of Tanda, Hamirpur and Nerchowk to provide specialized services to patients. The current MRI machine at the IGMC was 19 years old and is being replaced by the State Government.

The Chief Minister said: "We are spending Rs. 200 crore to implement modern technology in the hospitals and were consistently working to make our medical services, world-class."

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Principal of the AIMSS, Chamiyana, Brij Sharma and other senior officers were also present on the occasion

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