Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla stated that digital technology has significantly improved the efficient management of resources, transparency in service delivery and public participation in policymaking. He said that good governance is no longer merely an ideal but has become a practical approach.

The Governor was addressing the valedictory session of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-2 Conference on Tuesday held at the Vidhan Sabha complex in Tapovan.

Congratulating the organizers on successfully hosting this significant annual conference of CPA India Region Zone-2, Governor Shukla said that holding such a dialogue at the sacred venue of Tapovan in Himachal Pradesh would certainly strengthen the rich traditions of our democracy. He expressed his delight that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla inaugurated the conference and said it was a privilege for him to address the concluding session.

The Governor extended a warm welcome to the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh and all the delegates from various states, on behalf of the people of Himachal Pradesh.

He said that on 30^th  June, a meaningful deliberation was held on the theme "Role of Legislatures in Resource Management and State Development". He emphasized that in a democracy, the legislature is not merely a body for enacting laws, but it also plays a decisive role in determining the fair, transparent and accountable use of the state's overall resources  economic, natural and human.

He cautioned that we must not forget that while resources are limited, expectations are infinite. In such a scenario, it becomes the responsibility of the legislature to play a positive, visionary and public-spirited role in the formulation and oversight of budgets, policies, and schemes.

The Governor said that the conference also deliberated on important subjects such as "Anti-Defection Law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution" and "Use of Artificial Intelligence in Legislatures". He said that the anti-defection law was enacted to preserve the sanctity of democracy, however over time interpretative complexities and political considerations have increased. Therefore, it is imperative to initiate a broad national dialogue on this subject to ensure continued public trust in democratic institutions and prevent the erosion of public mandate.

Speaking on Artificial Intelligence, the Governor said that this technology is no longer the future but very much a part of our present. Through AI, legislatures can enhance transparency, accessibility and efficiency in areas such as recording of proceedings, digitization of documents, legislative research, virtual meetings and data analytics.

He said that strength of our democracy lies in the culture of debate, discussion, and dialogue  and this conference is a powerful example of that tradition. He expressed confidence that the ideas and thoughts exchanged over the two days would not only improve the functioning of state legislatures but also deepen the roots of parliamentary democracy.

He said that today’s conference focused on the theme “Good Governance in the Digital Age: Resource Management, Safeguarding Democracy, and Embracing Innovation”  a theme that not only addresses the needs of our times but also provides direction for future generations.

He said that digital technology has led to efficient resource management, enhanced transparency in service delivery and greater public participation in policymaking. Good governance is no longer an ideal; it is now a pragmatic approach  one where strengthening democracy through innovation and digital empowerment must be our priority. This transformation inspires legislatures to become more accountable and sensitive while embracing technology and transparency.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Dr. Harivansh, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar also shared their views on the occasion.

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New agricultural procurement centre will be opened in Nadaun

CM presides over ’Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ at Dhaneta

 Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing public grievances during the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ programme in Dhaneta under the Nadaun Assembly Constituency of Hamirpur district on Tuesday, issued directions to officials for prompt redressal of problems as raised by the people.

The Chief Minister announced that the CBSE curriculum would be introduced in Government Senior Secondary School Dhaneta from the upcoming academic session, along with co-education and starting of science stream classes. He declared the launch of B.Ed. and BCA courses at Dhaneta degree college, opening new avenues for higher education for local students. He also announced the establishment of a new agricultural procurement centre in Nadaun.

Paying tribute to martyrs Arvind Singh and Subedar Kuldeep Chand, who sacrificed their lives in ‘Operation Sindoor’, the Chief Minister said memorial gates would be erected in their native villages to honour their supreme sacrifice.

Targeting the previous state BJP government, he criticized it for opening hundreds of institutions ahead of Assembly elections for political gains without making any budgetary provisions. He said that the present government decided to rationalize schools and due to the earnest efforts of the Government, our State  jumped from the 21st to the 5th position in quality education rankings nationwide. These include allowing students to choose their own smart uniforms, sending teachers and meritorious students on international exposure visits, and unifying the school education directorate from pre-primary to Class XII.

On the healthcare front, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for modernization of medical infrastructure. He said that discussions had been held with doctors at Tanda Medical College to improve health services. Although Himachali doctors are renowned across the country, but due to outdated medical equipments, the patients were forced to seek treatment outside the State. The government is working to upgrade equipment and facilities at Tanda, IGMC Shimla and Chamiyana in the first phase, followed by Ner Chowk, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Nahan medical colleges in the second phase. He said that a special survey was also being conducted to identify ailing senior citizens above 70 years of age to provide them home-based medical services.

Sh. Sukhu said the State was offering Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk, raw turmeric and naturally grown maize and wheat to boost the rural economy. He further said that Rs. 3,000 crore was saved by curbing corruption, which was now being used to uplift the standards of living of the people and development.

“Who would have imagined that a time will come when the government will adopt  orphan children as 'Children of the State' and will bear the entire expense of their education?” he said. Over 6,000 orphans have been adopted as ‘Children of the State’ and the government is also supporting the education of children of widows, ensuring benefits of welfare schemes reach to the last person in society, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the State’s economy would be strengthened in the coming years to realize the dream of  making Himachal Pradesh as a  self-reliant State  by 2027. “Our decisions are taken with the vision of ensuring direct benefits to the common people,” he remarked.

Referring to the natural disaster of 2023, he said that the State Government responded immediately to give relief to affected. “Following this, we also faced a political crisis, which we overcame with the blessings of the local deities and the people of the State,” he said. “Even I never imagined that my wife Kamlesh Thakur would become an MLA, but the people of Himachal taught a lesson to those who betrayed us.”

Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLA Kamlesh Thakur, Chairman of the HP Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Nardev Kanwar, Chairman of Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture & Rural Development Bank Ram Chandra Pathania, Advisor to Chief Minister (Infrastructure) Anil Kapil, State Skill Development Corporation Coordinator Atul Kadohta, Vice Chairman of HP OBC Finance and Development Corporation Dr. Mohan Lal, APMC Hamirpur President Ajay Sharma, President of Nadaun Nagar Panchayat Shammi Soni and other dignitaries also attended the function.

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Financial assistance distributed to beneficiaries of various schemes

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the office building of the Assistant District Attorney at Nadaun in Hamirpur district on Tuesday constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.28 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for the up-gradation of the Sera to Sera-Pakhrol-Manpul road, which would be constructed under NABARD funding at a cost of Rs. 7.61 crore.

The Chief Minister distributed the first installment of rupees one lakh each as part of rupees three lakh housing grant given under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana. The beneficiaries included Rohit Kumar of village Baihli (Post Office Bara), Rahul of village Kuthiana (P.O Dangri), Akshay Agnihotri of village and P.O Pansai and Deepak of village Kargu Jagir (P.O Badhera)  all from Nadaun and nearby tehsils in Hamirpur district.

Under the same scheme, he also handed over marriage assistance of rupees two lakh each to eligible beneficiaries. These included Khushboo Thakur of village Kalur, Ravi Kumar of village Khuyi Di Bhun (P.O Kohla), Aakanksha of village Kehdru (P.O Bheera), Shikha of Ward No. 3 (Tehsil Sujanpur) and Pradeep Kumar of village and Post Office Ree, Tehsil Sujanpur.

In addition, the Chief Minister provided financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Shagun Yojana to Anita Kumari (daughter of Rakesh Kumar, village and P.O Kashmir), Anjana Devi (daughter of Amar Singh, village Daad, P.O Kashmir) and Heena (daughter of Sher Mohammad, village and P.O Weha).

Under the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana, assistance was given to Rabina Kumari (daughter of Sudarshana Devi, village and P.O Mansai) and Anita Devi (daughter of Sumna Devi, village and P.O Panayali).

Khushi Sharma and Rudra Pratap Sharma, children of Pawan Kumar from village Kai Di Bahal, Hamirpur were provided financial support under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana.

The Chief Minister also distributed 359 induction chulhas to the beneficiaries registered under Himachal Pradesh Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

He awarded Rs. 21,000 to Anjali Devi, a student of Government Degree College Dhaneta, for securing the first position at Himachal Pradesh University. Varun Sharma, another student from the same college, received Rs. 5,100 for his outstanding performance in cultural activities.

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Lays emphasizes on zero waiting period for surgeries and tests

Held marathon meeting with Heads of Departments 

 Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the Government is looking forward to make Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda in Kangra as one of the finest healthcare institutions in Himachal Pradesh in the coming year. The Chief Minister held an in-depth discussion for more than three hours with department heads and faculty members of Tanda Medical College on Monday evening. He reviewed staff requirements and took feedback regarding modern medical technologies and equipments.

He said that the Government would invest Rs. 1,730 crore to equip all Medical Colleges in the State with modern technology, bringing revolutionary changes in the health sector and ensuring that people receive the best healthcare facilities within the State itself and no longer need to travel outside for treatment.

 “I have held similar interactions with the Heads of different departments of IGMC at Shimla and I want that the medical facilities in Tanda medical college would also be strengthened and prompt treatment to patients be ensured", said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to eliminate waiting periods for surgeries and diagnostic tests. He said that new departments would be opened at Tanda Medical College and high-end medical equipments will be installed to facilitate the people. In addition, posts of paramedical staff, nurses, technicians, and other supporting personnel will be filled to ensure smooth functioning. The number of General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM) seats will be increased and B.Sc. Nursing courses will be introduced in Tanda Medical College, he added.

Sh. Sukhu said that during the past two and a half years, significant reforms in the education sector have helped the State to jump from 21st to 5th rank in the NAS-2025 survey. Similar reforms are now being implemented in the health sector and positive outcomes will be visible soon in near future.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said that under  leadership of Chief Minister, the present State Government was committed to deliver improved healthcare to the people of the State. He said that a robotic surgery machine has already been installed at Chamiyana Hospital and that Tanda Medical College would soon receive a robotic surgery machine as well.

Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, R.S. Bali said that since Sukhu assumed the office of the Chief Minister, various significant advancements have been made at Tanda Medical College. Open heart surgeries and renal transplants have been successfully conducted for the first time, for which the patients earlier had to travel to expensive hospitals in Delhi, he said.

Doctors at the Medical College expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his concern to equip the hospital with modern technology and his assurance to start that robotic surgery in RPMGC Tanda soon.

Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Sanjay Rattan, Sanjay Awasthi, Ashish Butail, Kamlesh Thakur, Malender Rajan, Neeraj Nayar, former MLA Surender Kaku, Vice Chairman of HRTC Ajay Verma, Chairman of  H.P. State Wool Federation Manoj Thakur, Chairman,  HP School Education Board Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Chairman, APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra, Congress leaders Devendra Jaggi, Surender Mankotia, Jeevan Thakur and Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi were also present in the meeting among other dignitaries. 

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his tour to Kangra district on Monday performed inaugurations and foundations stones of eight development projects worth Rs. 36 crore for Nagrota Bagwan assembly constituency.

He inaugurated Rs. 3.10 crore Fire Post building at Nagrota Bagwan, Rs. 4.80 crore road from Malan to Gujrehra Pathiar and Sakrehar, Rs. 4.84 crore metalling and tarring of Kharat Jandrah Aerla Ropa Kardiana road and bridge over Dharoon khad  to connect Kaled  with  village Kari Da Bag completed with an outlay of  Rs. 3.47 crore.

He also laid foundation stones of Rs. 9.56 crore Rangehar Sadoon Malmu to Nera road including bridge over Nera khad and Rs. 10 crore various electrical infrastructure development works in Nagrota Bagwan area. 

Earlier, on his arrival at Nagota Bagwan, the Chief Minister was accorded a rousing reception by the people.

Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Chairman of H.P. Tourism Development Corporation R.S Bali, MLAs Sanjay Awasthi and Kamlesh Thakur, Vice Chairman, HRTC Ajay Verma were also present on the occasion.

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The 'Land Grazing Rights' of the Gaddi community should not be interfered with

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was accorded a rousing reception by Chairman Himachal Pradesh State Wool Federation Manoj Kumar along with a large number of supporters on his arrival at Dharamshala in Kangra district today.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Government was actively considering an increase in compensation for the loss of goats and sheep, and efforts would be made to amend the relief manual to enhance this compensation as much as possible in the near future. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of the Gaddi community and said that the next State Budget will include a proposal to enhance the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wool, thereby ensuring a dignified livelihood for wool producers.

Sh. Sukhu said that the Forest Department has been directed not to intervene with the 'Land Grazing Rights' of the community which was their customary privilege on such pastures.

Earlier, Chairman of State Wool Federation Manoj Kumar honoured the Chief Minister and expressed his gratitude for the government’s proactive approach towards addressing the long-standing issues faced by the Gaddi community. He thanked the Chief Minister for resolving the problems of the Gaddi community on priority basis.

Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Chairman APMC Nishu Mongra, and senior Congress leader Devender Jaggi were also present on the occasion.

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