Himachal Pradesh Government

Health Minister directs for floating tenders for essential drugs and CT scan machines

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil chaired a special high power committee meeting with the officials of Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation Ltd. here today to discuss on improving the state's healthcare infrastructure through transparent procurement of quality medicines, medical consumables and equipment.

The Health Minister emphasized the need to meet the growing demand for essential drugs and surgical items. He directed the officials to float the tenders for 888 essential medicines and drugs, as well as 273 medical consumables and surgical items to address the demand received from various health institutions. These tenders would ensure the procurement of high-quality medical supplies to cater to the needs of hospitals and healthcare institutions across the state.

Dr Shandil said that approval had been given for floating tenders for the purchase of CT scan machines for zonal, civil, and regional hospitals and these machines would be procured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. With this purchase, as many as 34 health institutions throughout the state would soon be equipped with these advanced diagnostic machines.

Additionally, the Health Minister said the formalities for purchase of Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) vans, aimed at enhancing HIV testing and counselling services had also been completed. These mobile units would provide testing and counselling services to the general population, high-risk groups (HRGs), industrial areas and prisons and would improve public access to critical healthcare services.

To ensure cost-efficiency and transparency, directions were issued to float e-tenders on a rate contract basis, rather than opting for one-time purchase of machinery and equipment valued at up to rupees one lakh. This change in approach would enhance the procurement process, especially for items costing less than Rs. 11,000 thereby ensuring a fair and competitive selection of suppliers.

He said that this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of high-quality medical supplies at affordable rates to the common masses through a transparent and efficient procurement process.

Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Director Health Dr. P.C. Daroch, Managing Director of National Health Mission Priyanka Verma and other senior officials from the Health department attended the meeting.

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Governor pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries today. At the historic Ridge in Shimla, the Governor offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, praising his unwavering commitment to truth, harmony, and non-violence.

“Gandhi Ji gave the message of peace and non-violence to the world and today the Prime Minister was walking into his footsteps, continuously having dialogues with the war torn Nations, especially the south Asian countries spreading the message of peace in the world”, said Shri Shukla.

Reflecting on the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the Governor highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's unwavering commitment to truth and harmony which has become the essence of his life's work. The Governor praised Gandhi ji for his deep-rooted connection with Indian traditions and customs marked by integrity and simplicity.

Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi's principles of Swadeshi, Swaraj, and self-reliance, the Governor said that his teachings continue to inspire all of us even today.

The Governor also visited a photo exhibition based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Later, the Governor also paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri at CTO Chowk.

"Shastri Ji inspired the countrymen to make India self-reliant by giving the slogan 'Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisan'. Shastri Ji's integrity, humility and simplicity will always inspire the people of India", said Shri Shukla.

The coming generations must study about these great sons of the soil to learn more about their their lives and the messages they gave to the world. Patriotic songs and bhajans were also recited on the occasion.

State Congress President Pratibha Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mohan Lal Brakta, local MLA Harish Janartha, MLA Capt. Ranjeet Singh Rana, Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi, Commissioner MC Shimla Bhupender Kumar Attri, Councilors and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

Later, he also visited the historic Indian Coffee House and enjoyed coffee with dignitaries and officers of the district administration.

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Deputy Chief Minister stresses digital revolution for expanding public services
Haroli set to become first constituency in State with full CCTV coverage

Emphasizes introduction of digital technology upto Panchayat level

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri emphasized the vital role of digital technology in making government services more accessible and efficient across Himachal Pradesh. He was speaking at the inauguration of a one-day conference organized by the Department of Digital Technology and Governance at the Skill Development Center at Palakwah in District Una today.

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need to develop a statewide policy that incorporates digital systems in temple services, including arrangements for online darshan and donations. He said that it would help improve public access to religious services and streamline operations in temples of the state.

He said that the conference focused on generating employment through digital technology and enhancing public services. It brought together officials from various government departments, IT experts, entrepreneurs and representatives from educational institutions. He said that citizen-focused digital applications and the use of emerging technologies for the state's development were also discussed in detail.

Sh. Agnihotri while highlighting the potential of drone technology called for coordinated efforts to bring innovations in this field, particularly to serve rural areas. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing drone services for delivering essential supplies like medicines to remote regions and encouraged local drone manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports. He also proposed short-term drone pilot training programmes for youth. He suggested that IIT Una could offer short-term courses for students for pilot training courses.

The Deputy Chief Minister further underscored the need to ensure digital advancements to benefit the common people, particularly in rural areas and urged for the establishment of more Lokmitra Kendras where needed. He said that digital revolution was meaningful only when it simplifies public services for common masses. He also praised the introduction of cashless travel in HRTC buses, allowing passengers to pay fares through digital applications.

Mukesh Agnihotri said that it was due to efforts and hard work of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi that have lead to revolution of computer era in India. It was his vision which laid the foundation for the country's growth in information technology. He said that despite initial opposition, this revolution has transformed public services and brought the country to the forefront of the global digital landscape.

He called on the district administration to organize more innovative programmes in Una to provide technical education for youth. He said that these initiatives would prepare our children for future employment opportunities. He also advocated for introducing digital technology upto the Panchayat level to improve access to information regarding the schemes started by the government.

In a significant move towards enhancing security and connectivity, it was announced that Haroli will soon be the first assembly constituency in the state to be fully equipped with CCTV cameras. This initiative aims to strengthen security measures in the area. Furthermore, efforts are underway to ensure complete internet connectivity throughout Haroli, enabling seamless access to various online services for the public.

Secretary of the Digital Technology and Governance Department Dr. Abhishek Jain reaffirmed the government's commitment to harnessing the power of digital technology for the benefit of all citizens. He highlighted that the IT Park at Dharamshala (Chauntra) is now ready, while the construction of the IT Park in Shimla (Mehli) is nearing completion. Additionally, the development of the Centre of Excellence for IT at Vaknaghat is progressing steadily.

The Director of the Digital Technology and Governance, Nipun Jindal further outlined the department's ongoing initiatives and achievements in advancing digital infrastructure in the state. He said that at present the department was providing 251 services under e-district project and soon 40 more services would be made available to the public.

Director IIT Una Prof, Manish Gaur, Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal, IT Officer Bajaj Finance Anurag Jain and senior officials of Digital Technology and Governance Department and other dignitaries was present on the occasion.

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Governor administers oath at Raj Bhavan
Justice Rajiv Shakdher sworn in as Chief Justice of HP High Court

Justice Rajiv Shakdher was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court during an official ceremony held at Raj Bhavan today. The oath of office was administered by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla in the presence of several dignitaries.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena conducted the formal proceedings of the ceremony and read out the Warrant of Appointment issued by the President of India.

Lady Governor, Janaki Shukla, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh Town & Country Panning and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani Judges of Himachal Pradesh High Court, Judges of Delhi High Court, State Congress President Pratibha Singh State BJP President Rajiv Bindal, Advocate General, Anup Kumar Rattan, Director General of Police Dr. Atul Verma, Chairman HP State Human Rights Commission, Justice P.S. Rana, State Election commissioner Anil Khachi, Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of various boards and corporations, senior officers of the state government, family members of Chief Justice of HP High Court and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher

Born on 19^th October, 1962, Justice Rajiv Shakdher holds a B.Com (Hons.), CA and LL.B. degree. He was enrolled as an advocate on 19^th November, 1987 and has since practiced extensively in civil, constitutional, taxation and corporate law. His legal expertise spans cases before the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court.

Justice Shakdher was appointed an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court on 11^th April, 2008, and later became a permanent judge on 17^th October, 2011. He served at the Madras High Court after being transferred there on 11^th April, 2016 and was subsequently transferred back to the Delhi High Court on 15^th January, 2018.

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Chief Minister launches three Start-Up Projects
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today launched three Start-Up Projects Shayata, Saffira and Fayan developed by 18 years old Shayan Abdul Jishan of Shimla. Shayata offers doorstep services of stitching, hair salon facility and branded clothes, while Saffira boasts of home delivery of grocery articles within 30 minutes in Shimla city and other organic food items, whereas Fayan enables the e-payment facilities to pay water, electricity bills etc.

Praising the young entrepreneur, Sh. Sukhu said that it was a matter of happiness that youth of the State were coming forward to start their avocations thereby creating employment and self employment opportunities for others. He urged the youth of the State to emulate such ventures to earn their livelihood besides offering employment opportunities to others. He said that the State Government has set up a Rs. 680 crore fund under 'Rajiv Gandhi Start up Scheme' to encourage youth to engage themselves in their avocations.

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Nishad Kumar calls on Chief Minister
Nishad Kumar, the silver medalist of Paris Paralympics- 2024 from Una district called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today and shared his experiences with him.

The Chief Minister congratulated Nishad Kumar for his remarkable achievement and said that his success serves as an inspiration to the youth of the State, encouraging them to strive towards their dreams with dedication. He said that the State Government was offering various facilities and incentives to the youth to excel in their fields and bring laurels to the Nation as well as the State.

Nishad Kumar has also secured silver medal in Tokyo Paralympics 2020, won a Gold Medal at Asian Para Games, 2022 held in China and holds the Asian record in high jump. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award.

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