Himachal Pradesh Government

Job trainee medical officers to be allowed to pursue PG: CM

• Geriatric medicine departments to be introduced at IGMC and Tanda: CM

• Job trainee medical officers to get GDO benefits from date of appointment: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while interacting with newly appointed Medical Officers and Medical Officers (Super Specialists) here today, directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to review the provisions of the PG/SS Policy to facilitate Job Trainee Medical Officers in pursuing postgraduate courses and to streamline the recruitment of Senior Residents/Tutor Specialists in medical colleges across Himachal Pradesh. He said that the state government had taken several initiatives to strengthen the medical education system, bring greater clarity to service matters and ensure the availability of qualified medical professionals in healthcare institutions across the state.

The Chief Minister directed the department to make necessary amendments to the PG/SS Policy to allow Job Trainee Medical Officers to pursue postgraduate courses, including PG (MD/MS) and PG (MDS), under the 66.6 percent quota reserved for in-service General Duty Officers (GDOs). He said that after completing their respective postgraduate courses, they would be required to serve the remaining period of their appointment as Job Trainees. He also directed that appropriate provisions be made for their salary and emoluments during the course period within the state.

Sh. Sukhu also directed the department to make provisions for appointing postgraduate doctors who have completed their qualifications from PGI, Chandigarh and AIIMS, New Delhi, against vacancies of Senior Residents/Tutor Specialists in the state’s medical colleges. Such appointments would be made on the basis of merit obtained in MBBS and postgraduate examinations, without a written test or interview, under the 33.33 percent quota reserved for direct candidates.

The Chief Minister said that the state government would introduce Geriatric Medicine Departments at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda in Kangra district. He further stated that Job Trainee Medical Officers would be entitled to all benefits available to GDOs from the date of their appointment. He assured them that the state government would sympathetically consider exempting Job Trainee Medical Officers from appearing again in tests for regularisation.

He said that strengthening medical education and improving healthcare services remained a top priority of the state government. He emphasised that transparent recruitment procedures, clear service conditions and adequate opportunities for qualified doctors were essential for building a robust healthcare system. He said that the government would continue to take necessary steps to strengthen medical colleges, improve the availability of specialist doctors and ensure access to quality medical care for people across the state.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government was committed to provide world-class healthcare services to the common people. Several reforms had been undertaken during the last four years to achieve this objective. Robotic surgery had been introduced in four medical colleges of the state, enabling people to access advanced medical facilities within government institutions in Himachal Pradesh. He said that the state government was also sending doctors on overseas exposure visits to help them learn international best practices and adopt them in the state’s healthcare system.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government was continuously working to improve healthcare services. He said that during the previous BJP government’s tenure, health institutions in the state were functioning with only 35 percent of their sanctioned staff strength, which had now increased to approximately 80 percent. He said that despite the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and financial constraints, the state government was using its own resources to bring improvements in the healthcare sector.

MLA Sanjay Awasthy, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar, Managing Director, National Health Mission, Pradeep Thakur, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Berry and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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State government to consider increasing internship stipend: CM

• Interacts with Students of Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College Hamirpur

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today interacted with students of Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur and answered their questions on various issues. During the interaction, students discussed several topics with the Chief Minister, including medical education, financial assistance, college infrastructure, overseas exposure visits and increasing the number of postgraduate (PG) seats.

Second-year student Babita asked the Chief Minister about the steps being taken by the state government to ensure that students do not have to discontinue their studies due to financial constraints. In response, the Chief Minister said that under the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojna, the state government is providing loans of up to Rs. 20 lakh at an interest rate of one percent to students belonging to families with an annual income of up to Rs. 12 lakh. He said the government aims to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to a lack of financial resources.

MBBS student Ayaan Chopra asked about the initiatives being undertaken to develop Government Medical College, Hamirpur, into a leading medical institution.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is continuously working to improve the quality of medical education. Special emphasis is being laid on modern technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with efforts to ensure quality education. He said that the state government has issued directions under a new system to make recruitment to government jobs more transparent and merit-based. Under this system, merit lists will be prepared by combining marks obtained in written examinations and interviews, ensuring that eligible candidates receive opportunities based on their merit.

MBBS student Pratibha asked about the measures being taken to enhance the safety of the medical college and develop its infrastructure. The Chief Minister informed her that a modern amphitheatre, an auditorium and a library are being constructed at the college. In addition, construction work has commenced on separate hostels for boys and girls, each with a capacity of 300 students.

He said that the layout plan for Government Medical College, Hamirpur has been prepared with the assistance of a Japanese company. Plans are also underway to establish a super-specialty block, a cancer hospital, a dental college and a nursing college at the institution in the future. Research activities will also be encouraged at the college.

Student Nishant asked about sending medical students abroad on exposure visits. The Chief Minister said that the selection of 10 postgraduate and 10 MBBS students from each of the state's medical colleges has almost been completed. The selected students will be sent abroad shortly, where they will have the opportunity to study best practices in the medical field.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that making Himachal a self-reliant state is his dream project. He said that the number of postgraduate seats at Government Medical College, Hamirpur had increased from eight to 57. He further said that the state previously had a total of 277 postgraduate seats across all government medical colleges. Through the state government's efforts, an additional 320 seats have been made available this year, taking the total number of postgraduate seats in Himachal Pradesh to 597.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government is considering increasing the internship stipend paid to MBBS students. Efforts will be made to make the necessary budgetary provisions for the proposed increase. Reiterating the government's commitment, the Chief Minister said that the state government is dedicated to strengthening medical education, providing better opportunities to students and improving the state's healthcare infrastructure.

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CM inaugurates Rs. 200 crore Academic Block at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur

• Allied and Healthcare College launched with four courses offering 210 seats

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated Rs. 200 crore Academic Block of Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, marking a significant step towards strengthening medical education infrastructure and healthcare services in the region.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Allied and Healthcare College, Hamirpur by introducing four courses with a total intake of 210 seats. These include 60 seats in Bachelor of Medical Lab Science, 60 seats in Bachelor of Radiology, 60 seats in Bachelor of Anaesthesia and 30 seats in Dialysis.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that strengthening allied and healthcare education was essential for supporting doctors and other medical professionals and ensuring the efficient delivery of modern healthcare services. The introduction of these courses would help develop a skilled workforce to meet the growing requirements of the healthcare sector.

He said that the Allied and Healthcare College will further expand educational opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals in the state while contributing to the availability of trained personnel in various specialized fields of healthcare.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the newly inaugurated academic block will significantly strengthen the institutional infrastructure of Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur and enhance its capacity to provide quality medical education and specialized healthcare services. It will facilitate better access to advanced medical facilities for people in the region, reducing the need to travel to distant locations for specialized treatment.

Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the residence complex of H.P. Rajya Chayan Aayog constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.30 crore.

He also laid foundation stones of Rs. 1.50 crore Street Food Park and Rs.10 crore Child Care Institution, Hamirpur.

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Healthcare sector of state witnesses major improvement under present government in last 40 years: CM

• Inaugurates new Academic Block at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College Hamirpur, stresses expansion of modern healthcare facilities

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the new Academic Block of Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College. On the occasion, he said that the state government is making significant improvements in the healthcare sector and that the most progress in healthcare facilities in the last 40 years has been made during the tenure of the present government. He said that, instead of following traditional methods, the state government was focusing on modern technology and the expansion of better healthcare services.

The Chief Minister said that the government was working to position Himachal Pradesh among the leading state in healthcare, so that people from other parts of the country would also come to the state for treatment over the next ten years. With this objective, advanced medical equipment, including MRI and 3-Tesla MRI machines, were being installed at all medical colleges in the state. This would help people access better treatment closer to their homes.

He said that robotic surgery facilities had been introduced at four medical colleges in the state. He added that such facilities were not available in any other hospital in North India. In addition, automated laboratories were being set up at every medical college at a cost of around Rs. 30 crore each. He said that the state government was making continuous efforts to provide hospitals with modern medical technology using its own resources.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the recruitment of doctors was being carried out on an ongoing basis to improve healthcare services. The state government was also considering relaxing the bond requirements for doctors pursuing postgraduate medical education. He added that the number of seats in BSc Nursing and radiographer training programmes had been increased to ensure the availability of trained personnel in the healthcare sector.

The Chief Minister urged doctors to improve their behaviour towards patients. He said that better healthcare required not only modern equipment and medical facilities but also a sensitive and patient-centred approach.

The Chief Minister said that, after IGMC Shimla and RPGMC Tanda, special attention was now being given to improving healthcare facilities at Hamirpur and Nerchowk Medical Colleges. To improve the quality of medical education, instructions had been issued to teach MBBS students in batches of 60 to provide them with a better learning environment.

He said that the country's first Allied and Healthcare College had been established in Hamirpur. Four courses had been introduced this year and another four were planned for the next year. This would create new opportunities for students to pursue education and training in the allied healthcare sector.

MLA Suresh Kumar, Chief Minister's Political Adviser Sunil Sharma Bittu, Himachal Pradesh OBC Finance and Development Corporation Vice-Chairman Dr. Mohan Lal, Chairman Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chandra Pathania, Chairman Himachal Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board Kuldeep Pathania, Chairman APMC Ajay Sharma, Coordinator Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Board Naresh Thakur and Deputy Coordinator Sanjay Bhardwaj, President District Congress Committee Hamirpur Suman Bharti, Congress leader Pushpender Verma, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Beri and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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CM announces 5 percent increase in honorarium for Deities and 10 percent for Bajantris

• Announces an electricity sub-division for Bhuntar

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today presided over the closing ceremony of the International Kullu Dussehra 2026. On the occasion, he announced a 5 percent increase in the honorarium paid to the deities and a 10 percent increase in the honorarium for Bajantris. He also announced an honorarium of Rs.1,100 for the chief Gur of each deity.

The Chief Minister announced Rs. 5 crore for connecting the Left Bank area of Kullu district. He also announced an additional Rs. 5 crore for the construction of the Manikaran Road, Rs. 22 crore for the construction of a sewerage system in Bhuntar, and the opening of an electricity sub-division in Bhuntar. An amount of Rs. 50 lakh was also announced for the Vidyut Command–Bara road. He further announced an honorarium of Rs. 35,000 for each participating Mahila Mandal (women's group) at the Dussehra festival. He also approved Rs. one crore for the construction of a science block at Bajoura School.

The Chief Minister said that the state government would strengthen Kullu District Hospital to ensure better healthcare services for the people of the district. He assured that specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff would be appointed at the hospital. He said that the hospital would be equipped with world-class medical technology and that the state government would provide sufficient funds for this purpose.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the present government was committed to strengthening the rural economy. As part of these efforts, the minimum support price for ginger would soon be increased to Rs. 40 per kilogram to improve the income of rural residents.

The Chief Minister said that the previous BJP government had weakened the education and healthcare sectors whereas the present state government was working to strengthen infrastructure in both sectors.

He said that Himachal was the land of deities and the Kullu Dussehra was now being organized truly at international level. The government would continue to work towards making the festival better every year. He said that the state government's commitment to administrative reforms, under the slogan of ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’, was also reflected in the organisation of Kullu Dussehra.

Recalling the 2023 disaster, the Chief Minister said that Kullu district had suffered the worst damage. He said that he and his Cabinet colleagues had worked on the ground day and night to provide relief to affected people. He praised the people of Kullu for organising community kitchens at various places and said that people from across India and abroad would always remember their spirit of service. He added that the government had amended rules and regulations to protect the interests of disaster-affected families. The financial assistance for house construction had been increased from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh to ensure better rehabilitation of affected families.

Sh. Sukhu said that the BJP was spreading misleading information about Himachal Pradesh's economy, while the state government was working to make the state self-reliant. He said that the government was taking steps to strengthen the rural economy and that several schemes would soon be implemented. He said that the support and cooperation of all sections of society were necessary to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.

The Chief Minister also flagged off the Kullu Carnival, which saw the participation of more than 600 women and artists.

MLA Sunder Singh Thakur thanked the Chief Minister for the announcements. He also expressed his gratitude to government officers, employees, public representatives and people from all sections of society for their valuable contribution towards the successful organization of the Kullu Dussehra Festival.

He said that the festival had been a success because of everyone's collective efforts. He said that the Chief Minister had instructed officials to ensure that no arrangements were lacking and everyone had extended full cooperation.

He said that the participation of international cultural groups had enhances the festival’s stature and helped it gain wider recognition through out of the world. The state government was also making efforts to send Himachal’s cultural groups overseas so that people in other countries could learn about the state's rich cultural heritage.

He said that religious traditions held the highest place in state and that Kullu Dussehra was celebrated with the blessings of the deities. A record number of deities and people had participated in this year's festival.

MLA Bhuwneshwar Gaur welcomed the Chief Minister to Kullu district. He said that the Chief Minister was working with innovative approach and taking all sections of society along with him. He said that the state government was working for the welfare of all sections of society, with special attention being given to women and orphaned children.

In the cultural programme, Bhutti Vivraj Cultural Group received first prize, Sutradhar Kala Sangam secured second place and Yuva Kala Manch won third prize.

MLA Suresh Kumar, Chairperson State Commission for Women Vidya Negi, Chairman Milk Federation Buddhi Singh, Chairman APMC Ram Singh Mian, former MLA Kishori Lal, District President Ses Ram Azad, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar, Divisional Commissioner R.K. Purthi, Deputy Commissioner Amit Sharma, Superintendent of Police Abhishek S. and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Chief Minister presides over sixth cultural evening of International Kullu Dussehra Festival-2026

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the sixth cultural evening of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival-2026 as the chief guest at Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra on Monday evening. He extended greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion.

Earlier, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the traditional Lalri dance, a folk tradition of Kullu, at the Rath Ground and also participated in the performance.

The laser and drone show, along with the global dance performances, emerged as major attractions at the Rath Ground. Artists from Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Nepal enthralled the audience with their performances during the global dance. A student troupe of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations also participated in the event.

Indian cultural troupes representing Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan showcased their rich cultural heritage. Performances of Kerala’s traditional Kathakali and artists from Manipur further added to the diversity of the programme. A cultural fusion presentation also entertained the audience and added vibrancy to the evening.

On the concluding day of the cultural evenings, renowned Sufi singer Dr. Satinder Sartaaj captivated the audience with his soulful performance, leaving the gathering spellbound.

AICC Secretary Vidit Chaudhary, MLA and Chairman of the International Dussehra Celebration Committee Sunder Singh Thakur, MLA Suresh Kumar, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Vidya Negi, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amit Sharma, Superintendent of Police Abhishek Sekar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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