Himachal Pradesh Forest department signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore based company Proclime here today in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to engage the community for afforestation under the Him Evergreen project.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood signed the MOU on behalf of the state government while Chief Executive Officer Kavin Kumar Kandsamy on behalf of the Company.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this afforestation and carbon credit project would play a vital role in strengthening climate resilience, improving farmer livelihoods and supporting India’s long-term net-zero goals. It would benefit more than 50,000 farmers across the state by integrating tree plantation on farmlands and field bunds.

He directed the Forest department to provide financial assistance and hand holdings to the farmers encouraging them to plant saplings on their lands. He said that they would receive benefits of the carbon credit after five years and 30 percent profit of the company would go to the farmers.  This project would be implemented in three phases and would go a long way in increasing the green cover in the State besides providing large scale employment opportunities and livelihoods to the farming community.

The Chief Minister said that this project was expected to generate significant long-term climate benefits through carbon sequestration, while also delivering multiple co-benefits, including improved soil health and reduced erosion, enhanced on-farm biodiversity and additional income opportunities for participating farming communities.

Secretary, Environment, Science Technology and Climate Change, Sushil Singhla, Technical Director of Proclime Company Samrat Sengupta and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

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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 enhance the compensation for loss of household articles for disaster-affected families from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1 lakh.

The Cabinet decided to provide assistance of Rs. 7 lakh as a special package in case of complete house damage in fire incidents.

It also approved Rs. 4.32 crore to the Air Force for providing helicopter services during disasters in the State.

The cabinet decided to reorganize the Panchayats in the State.

It was also decided to provide 150 days of employment under MNREGA and approval was given for the construction of retaining walls upto Rs 2 lakh for individual works.

It decided to engage 1000 Rogi Mitras in the Health Department to ensure better patient care in the health institutions across the State.  

The Cabinet approved the creation and filling up of 800 posts of constable in the Police Department.

It gave its approval to open Sub Fire Centres at Kandaghat in Solan district and Rajgarh in Sirmaur district, along with the creation and filling of 46 posts of various categories and the purchase of four fire tenders for these centres.

It was also decided to fill 150 posts of Junior Engineer (Civil) as Job Trainees in the Jal Shakti Vibhag and the Public Works Department.

It approved the creation of 9 super-specialty departments in Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur along with creation and filling up of 73 posts of Professor, Assistant Professor and Senior Residents. 

The Cabinet decided to create and fill up 27 posts of Senior Residents in the Super Specialty Department at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda in Kangra district.

It also decided to open a new Police Post at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Ner Chowk in Mandi district, along with the creation and filling of requisite posts of various categories. 

It decided to create and fill five posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) in the Police Department. 

It also approved the creation and filling of five posts of various categories for the Digital Forensic Facility at the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, North Range, Dharamsala.

The Cabinet has decided to extend social security pensions to all persons with 40 percent and above disability by removing the existing eligibility condition that barred beneficiaries whose guardians were employees or pensioners of government or semi-government, boards and corporations.

The Cabinet decided to provide a 40 percent subsidy for conversion of 1000 petrol and diesel taxis into electric taxis under Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-Up Yojna- 2023. 

It decided to merge the Anti-Narcotics Task Force with the Special Task Force to create a unified Special Task Force under the Home Department, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and establishing a single agency to comprehensively combat narcotics-related challenges. It also approved the panchayat wise Anti Chitta campaign across the state. 

The Cabinet approved the purchase of ten electric bikes for highway patrolling to further strengthen road safety measures.

It decided to create a new Kanungo circle at Bankhandi by bifurcating Haripur and Bilaspur Kanungo circles under Haripur tehsil in Kangra district. 

The Cabinet authorised the Forest Department to issue letters of intent for the grant of mineral concessions in the forest land. 

It decided to expand the ‘Mukhya Mantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna’ to benefit small vendors and retail shopkeepers in urban areas of the State with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 10 lakh. Under the expanded scheme, a one-time settlement assistance of up to Rs. 1 lakh will be provided through banks to distressed small shopkeepers who have availed business loans and have been classified as non-performing assets. This financial support will be fully borne by the State Government.

The Cabinet gave its approval to re-organize Bamson and Hamirpur Development Blocks in Hamirpur district. 

It also decided to convert Government College Hamirpur into a dedicated Science College along with the approval to start one unit of integrated B.Ed (B.Sc.) programme. It also gave its approval to merge Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) and Girls as Co-educational Government Senior Secondary School Hamirpur from next academic session. 

It gave its nod to start 4 years integrated B.Ed. programme at Government College of Teachers Education, Dharamshala, Government College, Nadaun, Government College, Chail Koti and Government College, Tikkar, district Shimla. It also gave its approval to start 2 years B.P.Ed. Programme at Government College Saraswati Nagar, district Shimla. It also decided to introduce new Fine Arts subjects at College of Fine Arts at Loharab, district Shimla and open a new Fine Arts College by converting the existing Government Degree College, Haripur Guler in district Kangra. 

The Cabinet gave its approval for convening of DPC for promotion to the post of Principal at the government level. The new DPC will be chaired by the Secretary Education and expedite the promotion of 805 Principals. 

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CM attends event in Sri Anandpur Sahib on the 350th Shahidi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended the religious ceremony that commenced today in Sri Anandpur Sahib to mark the 350th martyrdom day (Shahidi Diwas) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. On this occasion, he paid obeisance at the Gurudwara.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed everything to uphold faith, humanity and truth. He laid down his life not only for Sikhism but also for the protection of the rights of every religion and every sect. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s courage to stand firmly against tyranny continues to guide us even today.

He added that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s teachings inspire us to follow the path of mutual respect, brotherhood and tolerance. The Chief Minister said that the Guru’s life serves as a beacon for strengthening unity in diversity and democratic ideals. “At a time when society needs peace, harmony and social justice more than ever, the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji becomes even more significant,” he said.

MLAs Hardeep Singh Bawa, Vivek Sharma and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said the credibility of governance rests significantly on the diligence and impartiality of accounting and audit professionals. He emphasized that their vigilance transforms policies into results, ultimately benefiting the citizens who place trust in the State through their tax contributions.

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of "Audit Week 2025" organized here today by the offices of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India on the theme "A Collaborative Commitment Towards Good Governance and Financial Prudence."

While congratulating officers and staff of the Indian Audit & Accounts department, the Governor described the institution of the C&AG as an indispensable pillar of democracy, upholding principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance. He said the institution ensures that public resources are not merely spent lawfully, but also directed toward public welfare. This, he noted, reinforces the foundation of trust between the State and its citizens.

Shri Shukla stressed that Audit Week serves not merely as a formal event, but as a moment of introspection on constitutional responsibilities. He said that the C&AG acts as a watchdog of financial accountability, ensuring honesty, transparency and public interest in every expenditure of public funds. The technical sessions, deliberations, and formal events under Audit Week, he said, provide both a review of past efforts and a pathway to strengthen audit methodologies for the future.

Appreciating the department’s contribution towards financial transparency in Himachal Pradesh, the Governor said that careful documentation, fact-based reports, and informed recommendations support better decision-making and facilitate good governance. He added that in a mountainous state like Himachal, where infrastructure, remote service delivery, environmental risks, and natural disasters pose complex challenges, audit interventions become even more crucial to ensure tangible delivery of public schemes and projects at the grassroots level.

He expressed satisfaction that the audit offices in Himachal have adopted digital workflows, hybrid audit models, and data analytics to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and transparency. He said that audit excellence depends on the competency of its officers, and it is a matter of pride that such a premier national training academy is located in Shimla.

He commended the sincerity and neutrality of the audit personnel, asserting that their integrity and dedication strengthen democracy and urged them to continue serving the State and the nation with the same commitment.

Director General of the National Academy of Audit & Accounts S. Alok, detailed the activities planned during Audit Week. He said that interactive sessions are designed to ensure that audit findings and recommendations are practical, actionable, and well-understood. He highlighted that the institution is building a modern digital audit system that balances tradition with innovation, with a focus on risk-based, citizen-centric, and outcome-oriented auditing.The department aims to strengthen State development efforts while addressing emerging areas such as climate change, sustainable development goals, and social inclusion.

Director of the National Academy of Audit & Accounts Pushpalata proposed the vote of thanks.

Later, the Governor visited the heritage building of Gorton Castle and viewed a documentary highlighting its historical significance.

Principal Accountant General (Audit) Purushottam Tiwari, Secretary to Governor Chandra Prakash Verma, senior officers of the state government and officers and staff of the Audit & Accounts department were also present on the occasion.
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Youth power will make India a developed nation by 2047: Governor

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today chaired the closing ceremony of the ‘Viksit Bharat Youth Leadership Dialogue and Drug-Free India Campaign’ held at Sardar Patel University, Mandi. He said that the energy, curiosity and creativity of the youth would make India a developed nation by year-2047.

The Governor said that the role of youth was the most important in fulfilling the resolve of a developed India. Youth play a crucial role in driving the Nation’s dreams forward. He urged the students not to see education only as a path to a career, but as a means for social change, innovation and service towards the  Nation. He encouraged them to develop leadership qualities along with discipline in one's life. Governor stated that  India was currently the world’s fourth-largest economy and was on track to overtake Germany by next year to become the third-largest. The rapid growth of start-ups, the digital revolution, advancements in space research and the expansion of infrastructure were all the outcomes and efforts of the youth.

Shri Shukla while emphasizing the drug de-addiction said that drugs harm not only individuals but also their families, society and the progress of the nation. He said there is a deliberate attempt to trap youth in synthetic drugs, and society must come together to stop this. A developed, strong and drug-free India is possible only when youth are aware, disciplined and dedicated. He urged youth to believe in their abilities, use their energy positively, stay away from drugs and help others stay away from them as well.

The Governor said that we must adopt a policy of zero tolerance against drugs. Awareness, open dialogue, family support and the role of educational institutions were extremely important to protect youth from harmful habits. He appealed to students to stay away from drugs and instead engage in sports, yoga, music, art and other positive activities. He said that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he launched the Drug-Free Himachal campaign, which started from higher educational institutions and has now reached the panchayat level. He also appreciated the strong and meaningful efforts of the State Government in the fight against drugs. He requested the Vice-Chancellor to give priority to yoga and sports activities in the university.

The Governor said that Sardar Patel University has emerged as an important centre of knowledge, research and national awareness and congratulated the university for their dedicated efforts in taking university to new heights.

The Governor also inaugurated a blood donation camp in the university campus and visited a painting exhibition. He also released a book showcasing Sardar Patel’s inspirational journey through photographs.

He also  honoured the winners of story writing, speech, painting and poetry competitions organized under the Viksit Bharat and Drug-Free India campaign. Congratulating all the winners, the Governor said that the talent and determination of the youth will certainly shape the direction of a developed India.

Sardar Patel University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi shared the university’s achievements and future plans, and explained the objectives of the Viksit Bharat Youth Leadership Dialogue and Drug-Free India Campaign.

Dean of Student Welfare Rajesh Kumar delivered the welcome address, while Registrar Shashipal Negi proposed the vote of thanks.

MLA and former minister Anil Sharma, Mayor, Virender Bhatt Sharma and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.

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Accuses BJP of giving away 5,000 Bighas of land for just Rs. 1.12 crore

Says BJP’s social media cell targeting him for curbing corruption
 

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced opening of a PWD Division in the Doon Assembly constituency of Solan district. He also announced the up-gradation of Baddi Civil Hospital to 100-bedded and Rs. 25 crore for construction of the SDM office and Rs. 10 crore for construction of a sports stadium.

He said that facilities in Baddi must match the growing population adding that a modern bus stand would be constructed at Baddi for which adequate funds would be provided. He announced that the Baddi, Barotiwala and Chandi schools would have CBSE curriculum from the next academic session.

The Chief Minister while addressing a huge gathering at Baddi made a scathing attack on the previous BJP government for turning a blind eye on corruption. He alleged that the BJP government gave away 5,000 bighas of land worth hundreds of crores to big industrial houses for just Rs. 1.12 crore, under the guise of customized packages. The stamp duty was waived and provisions were made to supply electricity at Rs. 3 per unit for five years and even free water. “As long as I am the Chief Minister, I will not allow the State’s assets to be plundered. We are custodians of Himachal Pradesh’s resources,” he asserted.

He added that the State Government was safeguarding the interests of Himachal and that's why we returned Rs. 30 crore received from the Centre for the bulk drug park and decided to develop it on our own. “The BJP’s social media cell is targeting me because I took stringent measures to curb corruption and ensured that the widows, orphans, women, labourers and farmers get their rights,” he added.  The previous BJP government left behind a debt of Rs. 75,000 crore and liabilities of Rs 10,000 crore pertaining to employees. For electoral gains, the previous government  opened various institutions in the last six months of their tenure without proper budgetary provisions and staff, he added.

The Chief Minister said local MLA Chaudhary Ram Kumar was always concerned about the development of the Doon constituency and works tirelessly to address concerns of the people irrespective political affiliations.

Highlighting the reforms undertaken by the present state government, he said that by bringing reforms in the education sector, the State stands 5^th from 21^st rank. We have started English-medium from 1^st class and merged the school directorates and from the next academic session, 100 CBSE schools would be opened in the State.

Sh. Sukhu said the health had also been strengthened and we have ensures to equip the health institutions with advanced technology and modern equipments and have allocated Rs. 3,000 crore for the sector.

Despite several challenges, Himachal Pradesh is steadily moving towards self-reliance. He said that the government was going to make large-scale recruitments in government departments. During the previous BJP tenure, recruitment papers were leaked. We disbanded the Commission, because we believe in transparency and merit-based recruitments.

The Chief Minister said the State Government was extending helping hand to the disaster-affected families. I have personally visited every disaster-hit area and issued special relief packages to the affected families. The Government changed the relief manual to ensure adequate financial support to the affected families and enhanced the relief amount from Rs. 1.30 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh to rebuild their homes.

He reiterated that he has repeatedly offered to accompany all the seven BJP MPs to seek financial assistance from the Centre for the disaster affected families. The Prime Minister himself had announced a package of Rs. 1,500 crore but we have not received the funds yet and we were helping the families with our own resources.

The Chief Minister distributed relief of Rs. 17,62,000 to 18 disaster-affected families as per Himachal Pradesh Relief Manual and cheques of Rs. 17,03,000 to 15 beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna-Grameen as final installment of Doon Constituency. He also presented nutrition kits to three TB patients under Tuberculosis Eradication Programme on the occasion.

Chaudhary Ram Kumar thanked the people saying that with their blessings, his father Chaudhary Lajja Ram served four terms as MLA. He said development works worth Rs. 475 crore were already underway in the constituency and today the CM has dedicated projects worth nearly Rs. 400 crore. He added that the newly dedicated 50-bed Baddi Hospital was  a major milestone. In the last three years, major offices have been opened in the Doon constituency.

Health Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, MLAs Vinod Sultanpuri and Bawa Hardeep, Chairman Jogindra Cooperative Bank Mukesh Sharma, Congress leaders Shiv Kumar, Surender Sethi were present on the occasion.

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