Himachal Pradesh Government

CM calls on Union Health Minister
Urges for centre's assistance for developing Health infra

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda at New Delhi today.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the Union Minister to take up projects of Himachal Pradesh at Centre and support in the development of the state.

Chief Minister also held detailed discussions about strengthening health sector in the state. He sought support of the centre for health infrastructure projects besides Ayushman Bharat Programme.

The Union Minister assured of all possible assistance to the State.

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CM Meets Union Finance Minister, raises key fiscal issues of Himachal
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at New Delhi today.

Discussing fiscal issues of the State, the Chief Minister sought support of Centre Government for strengthening the financial condition of Himachal Pradesh.

Sh. Sukhu apprised the Union Minister about the memorandum and additional memorandum submitted to the 16th Finance Commission. He urged for making Revenue Deficit Grant at a minimum level of ten thousand crore annually. He laid stress on realistic assessment of Revenue Deficit Grant of States revenues and expenditure projections during the award period of 16th Finance Commission.

Chief Minister strongly pleaded for creating a separate ' Green Fund ' with earmarked annual allocation of 50,000 crore for hill states, they being the Green Frontiers and Lungs of North India, keeping in view the ecological services being provided by them. He also apprised about the revised formula proposed by the state for horizontal devolution for increasing the weightage for the criteria of Forest and Ecology. He urged that snow covered cum cold desert areas above tree lines should be included along with very dense forests and moderate sense forest areas for their symbiotic relationship.

He stressed upon reframing Disaster Risk Index developed by 15th Finance Commission pleading that Himalayan regions cannot be equated with other areas of the country. He said that State was deprived of adequate resources for its disaster relief despite facing heavy natural disasters. He urged for a separate DRI for hill states considering their unique indicators and demanded a separate allocation for hill states.

The Chief Minister requested the Union Finance Minister for extending support to the State by allowing additional borrowing of two percent GSDP as steep reduction in RDG over last few years has severely constrained the fiscal space available to the state.

Principal Advisor to CM Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar, and Senior Officers of State Government accompanied the Chief Minister.

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Ex-Servicemen’s discipline, leadership and spirit of service 'inspires generations', says Governor
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said that ex-servicemen have made invaluable contributions to nation-building not only during their years of service but also after retirement. He said that their discipline, leadership and spirit of service serve was a source of inspiration for the youth.

He was addressing the Army Day and annual function organised by the Ex-Servicemen League, Sujanpur and Sarv Kalyankari Trust at Sujanpur in Hamirpur district today, where he was the chief guest.

Extending greetings the Governor said that 15^th January reminds us of the indomitable courage, discipline and patriotism of the Indian Army. A grateful nation salutes the brave soldiers, veterans and their families who dedicate their lives to safeguarding the country's borders. He remarked that the Indian Army was not merely a military force but the guardian of the nation's unity, integrity and sovereignty. Serving in the most challenging terrains and harshest conditions, soldiers uphold national pride, and their sacrifice and dedication continue to inspire generations.

The Governor lauded organisations like the Ex-Servicemen League for connecting the values and experiences of veterans with society. He also appreciated the sustained social service of the Sarv Kalyankari Trust, noting its initiatives for the welfare of the poor and needy, including free medical camps, healthcare outreach in remote areas, women empowerment, support to vulnerable families and selfless service during disasters. Programmes organised every year on Army Day to honour the Indian Army, veterans, martyrs’ families and Veer Naris, he said, strengthen the nation's sense of gratitude.

Highlighting welfare measures for soldiers and their families, the Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Government has taken several historic steps, including the implementation of One Rank One Pension, construction of the National War Memorial, simplification of the defence pension system, expansion of healthcare services for veterans and welfare schemes for Veer Naris and dependents. He added that a strong Army forms the foundation of a secure and confident India.

Referring to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Governor said that increased indigenization in the defence sector is strengthening the Armed Forces while creating new opportunities for youth. He observed that recent military operations have further reinforced public faith in the Armed Forces and conveyed India's resolve for peace without compromising on its security and dignity. Calling upon the youth, he urged them to draw inspiration from soldiers' discipline, dedication and patriotism, emphasising that service to the nation can be rendered through the Armed Forces, social service or by performing one's duties with integrity.

Earlier, the Governor took the salute at the march-past presented by ex-servicemen. Eight contingents of ex-servicemen from the district participated in the parade. On the occasion, artists from Rajasthan also presented a colourful cultural programme.

The Governor honoured individuals who have rendered outstanding service in various fields with the "Shan-e-Himachal" awards and also presented the "Shan-e-Hind" awards.

Leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur, member of the former royal family of Mewar Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh and Lieutenant General (Retired) B.S. Jaswal also spoke on the occasion.

President of Sarv Kalyankari Trust Abhishek Rana welcomed the Governor and provided a detailed account of the organization's activities.

Secretary to Governor C. P. Verma and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

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State Government to form a State Nutrition Policy: Chief Minister
Composite testing laboratory at Kandaghat to be equipped with world-class technology

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while chairing a review meeting of the department of Health Safety and Regulation stated that government would formulate a State Nutrition Policy with an objective to ensure availability of balanced and nutritious food for all vulnerable groups, including children, adolescent girls, expectant and lactating mothers.

The Chief Minister said that the composite testing laboratory at Kandaghat would be upgraded with world-class, high-end technology to ensure precise analysis and greater efficiency. To ensure the quality and timely testing of food items, regional laboratories would be established in the first phase at Baddi, Mandi, Kangra and Shimla. In the second phase, similar laboratories would be set up in all districts of the state.

He further said that nutritional surveillance in the state would be strengthened. Food items would be tested and their nutritional content would be profiled and mapped. The department has been directed to carry out regular testing of food provided under schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Anganwadi services and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. He said that mobile vans would be used for testing, awareness generation, capacity building and training, so that the department’s outreach and effectiveness can be expanded across all districts.

To make departmental functioning more efficient and time-bound, the Chief Minister directed the use of modern information technology and complete digitization of all processes. He instructed the department to develop a state portal for the digital execution of all activities, including food sample collection and test results. Additionally, a State Nutrition Database would also be created.

The Chief Minister expressed concern that deficiencies in nutritional content and the presence of pesticides in food were contributing to an increase in diseases. He said that the state government was seriously addressing both issues and was working on effective solutions. In this context, he added that the government was promoting natural farming and encouraging farmers by providing benefits under various schemes.

He said that the state government was continuously strengthening the health sector. World-class standards were being adopted in medical education, ICUs were being established in every medical college and hospitals were ensuring a global-standard doctor-patient ratio.

Director DDTG Dr. Nipun Jindal, Special Secretary (Health) Ashwani Sharma, Director of Health Safety and Regulation Jitendra Sanjta and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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CM directs to issue Himcare Cards, e-KYC for all registered construction workers
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while chairing a review meeting of Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board here today directed that all the workers registered under the board should be issued Himcare cards to enable them to avail benefits of the scheme and their e-KYC be completed at the earliest through the Him Parivar Portal.

He also said that financial assistance provided to the children of registered workers for higher education such as PhD, MBBS, engineering, etc. should be given at the same rate as the fee charged by government institutions for those courses. The Chief Minister further directed that children with disabilities of registered workers should also be linked with the Mukhyamantri Sahara Yojana.

He emphasized upon holding awareness camps about the harmful effects of drug abuse under the anti-chitta campaign by the Board. He said that steps should be taken to ensure that workers receive benefits under various welfare schemes, said Sh. Sukhu.

It was informed in the meeting that the Board has spent Rs 20.70 crore on various welfare schemes in the financial year 2023–24, Rs 33.27 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 26.23 crore in 2025-26 so far. During the financial year 2025–26, pensions amounting to Rs 31.06 lakh were provided to 1,606 beneficiaries under the Board’s pension scheme.

Board Chairman Nardev Singh Kanwar said that the Board provides financial assistance of Rs 51,000 for the marriage of a registered worker and Rs 51,000 each for the marriage of up to two children of the worker. He gave detailed information about the assistance being provided under various schemes.

Member Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Rajiv Kumar, informed that around Rs 500 crore has been spent so far to provide benefits to workers under various welfare schemes. He said that currently 4,76,052 workers are registered with the Board.

Chief Minister’s Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Secretaries Priyanka Basu Ingty and Ashish Singhmar, Director DDTG Dr. Nipun Jindal, Labour Commissioner Virender Sharma and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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CM assures to raise the concern of apple orchardists with Union Government
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while chairing a meeting with representatives of progressive orchardists of the State attended their concern over reduction of import duty on apples imported from New Zealand which have adversely affected the interests of local orchardists.

He assured them that the issue would be raised with the Central Government to find a way out to address their concerns. "I will meet the Union Finance and the Commerce Minister and urge them to take necessary measures to protect the interests of the orchardists of the state" he said, adding that apple production was a major pillar of the state’s economy and its protection and promotion was a top priority of the state government.

Other important issues were also discussed in the meeting.

Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary C. Palrasu, Director of Horticulture Vinay Singh, State Committee President of Himachal Apple Growers Association Sanjay Chauhan, State Secretary of Himachal Kisan Sabha Rakesh Singha, President of Stone Fruit Growers Association Deepak Singha, Vice President of Progressive Growers Association Ashutosh Chauhan and other progressive orchardists were present in the meeting.

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