Highlighting the spiritual ethos of public service, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu participated in the annual religious congregation hosted by the Shree Radhakrishna Temple Committee in Kotla Kalan, in district Una today.

Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister performed traditional prayers and sought the blessings of the revered National Saint Baba Bal Ji Maharaj, reaffirming his government’s commitment to the welfare of the people of Himachal Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sukhu invoked the profound teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, stating that the state government was functioning with the spirit of "Karmayoga", performing one's duty selflessly without the pursuit of personal gain. He emphasized that his administration has adopted a deeply sensitive, inclusive and humanitarian approach toward the upliftment of women, the marginalized and the common citizens. He asserted that the struggle for the rights and interests of Himachal Pradesh would continue unabated, powered by the collective strength of the people and divine grace.

A significant portion of the Chief Minister’s address focused on the state’s pioneering social safety nets. He highlighted the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, noting that Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to grant legal "Children of the State" status to 6,000 orphans. Under this landmark initiative, the state has assumed the role of a guardian for these children up to the age of 27, covering all costs related to their education, health and general upbringing, besides providing a monthly pocket money of Rs.4000. To ensure that financial constraints do not hinder higher education, the Chief Minister also detailed the Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, which offers education loans of up to Rs .20 lakh at a nominal interest rate of just one percent. He noted that this visit to the Shree Radha-Krishna Temple has once again provided him with the spiritual energy required to lead the state with integrity.

In a warm gesture of appreciation, Baba Bal Ji Maharaj lauded the Chief Minister's dedication, remarking that the CM’s family values are deeply rooted in religious traditions. He observed that the Chief Minister is working with total devotion for the betterment of Himachal’s citizens. He  recalled the temple committee's contribution of Ram 5 lakh to the CM Relief Fund during the recent natural disaster.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including MLAs Rakesh Kalia, Vivek Sharma and Sudarshan Singh Babloo, Chairman  State SC Commission Kuldeep Kumar, Advocate General Anup Rattan and senior district officials.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday dedicated two key development projects completed at a cost of Rs. 16.26 crore to the people in the Amb sub-division of Una district. These initiatives strengthen road and bridge infrastructure in the region thus improving connectivity and ensuring direct benefits to the local residents.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the upgraded Takarla to Baduhi via Nei-Abadi road, developed at a cost of Rs. 6.57 crore. The up-gradation of this nearly 5 kilometre long stretch will benefit a population of more than 11,000 of the area.

In addition, the Chief Minister also dedicated 6.50 kms Amb-Gagret-Harijan Basti road and a Bridge connecting same, completed with an outlay of Rs. 9.50 crore. The bridge will significantly enhance road connectivity for the Shree Chintpurni and Gagret Assembly constituencies.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Samarthya Gyandeep Library and Gymnasium at Maidi Khas, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs. 20 lakh, by unveiling the plaque from Takarla. This centre will prove helpful in the educational, intellectual, and physical development of youth.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the state government was continuously working with commitment for the overall development of villages and for strengthening the basic infrastructure. He stated that roads and bridges are not merely physical structures, but are bridges of development, opportunities, and self-reliance in villages. The government’s priority is to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person, and that balanced and sustainable development is ensured in rural areas.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu further emphasized that the Government’s priority is to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person in rural areas and that balanced and sustainable development is achieved across the State.

He also listened to the public grievances on the occasion.

Local MLA Sudarshan Singh Bablu expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for dedicating these development works to the people. He said that these projects will provide direct benefits to residents and give fresh momentum to development in the region.

Among those present on the occasion were MLAs Rakesh Kalia and Vivek Sharma, Chairman State Scheduled Castes Commission Kuldeep Kumar, District Congress President Desh Raj Gautam, Member SC Commission Advocate Vijay Dogra, former District Congress President Rajesh Parashar and others on the occasion.

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Says, 800 more Police recruitments within next two months

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today distributed appointment letters to 1253 newly recruited constables during the 'Rozgar Sankalp Mela' held at the Police College, Daroh in Kangra district. Congratulating the recruits, the Chief Minister said that the newly recruited constables have a vital mission in the fight against drug abuse, in which the Himachal Pradesh Police has emerged as a strong and dependable force for the people of the state.

He said that the police recruitment process was conducted with complete transparency. Recalling the recruitment drives during the previous BJP regime, he noted that examination papers were leaked, which led to the cancellation of the process amid strong resentment among the youth. He added that to ensure fairness and transparency, the present government conducted the recruitment examination through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission instead of the Police Department.

He announced that the state government will recruit 800 more police constables within the next two months adding that this step would further strengthen the Himachal Pradesh Police and improve public service delivery.

He added that the government remains committed to ensuring a capable and responsive police force across the state. The Chief Minister said that the newly appointed constables were not just joining a job, but also taking on an important responsibility. He added that the Himachal Pradesh Police is among the most modern, fastest and most trusted police forces in the country.

Highlighting performance indicators, Sh. Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh Police ranks first in the country in terms of average response time under Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112). He further said that under Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), Himachal Pradesh has consistently held the top position among hill states. Under Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO), Himachal Pradesh Police has continuously secured the fifth position nationwide.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to improve the quality of police uniforms. The Director General of Police has been directed to procure high-quality fabric from reputed companies and said that serious consideration was being given to increase the uniform grant for police constables.

He announced that from this year onwards, all ex-servicemen in the police force will be granted the rank of Honorary Head Constable after 10 years of service and Honorary Assistant Sub-Inspector after 15 years of service. He said that a decision had been taken to introduce the B-1 examination for promotion from constable to head constable. While an interim stay has been granted by the  High Court in this matter, he asserted that the government would strongly present its case.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a determined campaign against the “Chitta” and prevailing drug mafia. He informed that in 2025, 2,149 cases were registered under the NDPS Act, which is nearly 25 percent higher than the previous year. He added that the government has initiated a mass movement to make youth aware of the harmful effects of Chitta and that the Anti-Chitta awareness Walkathons organised by Police in different parts of the State, were proving to be key pillars of this campaign.

He said that 12 police personnel involved in Chitta-related activities have been dismissed and strict action would also be taken against employees of other departments found involved in the drug racket. On the occasion, the Chief Minister administered an oath against drug abuse. The Police Department also held demonstrations of various rescue techniques.

Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari welcomed the Chief Minister and gave a detailed briefing on departmental activities.

Agriculture Minister Chaudhary Chander Kumar, MLAs Kishori Lal and Malender Rajan, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Chairman Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chander Pathania, Vice Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, Chairman Wool Federation Manoj Thakur, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion amongst others.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the newly established branch of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (HPSCB) at Kaithu, marking another significant step towards strengthening the cooperative banking network in the State. The inauguration reflects the State Government’s continued commitment to ensure greater financial inclusion and accessible banking services for all sections of society.

He said that cooperative banks play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in supporting farmers, small traders, self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs. He reiterated that the State Government is fully committed to the growth and strengthening of cooperative institutions and emphasized that the deposits of the State Government should be placed with the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank. This would further enhance the financial strength and sustainability of the cooperative banking system in the State , he said.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appreciated the performance of HPSCB and lauded its efforts in extending modern, technology-driven banking services while maintaining its core objective of serving the common people. He expressed hope that the newly inaugurated Kaithu branch would cater effectively to the financial needs of the local population and contribute to regional economic development.

He said that HPSCB has been playing a key role in implementing various State Government schemes like e-taxi scheme, thereby ensuring timely delivery of financial benefits to the people.

On the occasion, the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank presented a cheque of Rs. 2 crore towards the Chief Minister Relief Fund. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the bank for its generous contribution and stated that such support would go a long way in providing assistance to people in distress and in responding effectively to natural calamities and other emergencies in the State.

Managing Director of HPSCB Shravan Manta highlighted the achievements of the bank and briefed about its recent accomplishments. He informed that HPSCB has consistently strengthened its financial position, expanded its branch network and adopted digital banking solutions to enhance customer convenience.

MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan and  Registrar Cooperative Societies Rajender Singh Negi and Chairman of the bank Devender Shyam along with other dignitaries were also present.

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 Directs timely payment to outsourced employees

A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (HPSEDC) was held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Chief Minister directed the Corporation to ensure that remuneration of outsourced employees is paid by the 7th of every month so that they do not face any hardship in meeting their day-to-day financial needs.

He informed that HPSEDC recorded a turnover of Rs. 275 crore during the year 2023-24 with a net profit of Rs. 15 crore, and a turnover of Rs. 300 crore during the year 2024-25 with a net profit of Rs. 18 crore. He further stated that the Corporation has registered business worth Rs. 199.25 crore during the current financial year up to 31st December, 2025.

The Chief Minister asked the Corporation to revise the technical charges at the rate of five percent for tenders amounting up to rupees five crore, at the rate of three percent for tenders amounting above rupees five crore upto rupees ten crore and at the rate of two percent for tenders above rupees ten crore.

The Board of Directors also approved the change in nomenclature of the Himachal Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (HPSEDC) to Himachal Pradesh Electronics Manpower and Overseas Employment Corporation, as the Corporation has also been facilitating the youth of the State in securing overseas employment.

Members of the Board of Directors of HPSEDC, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Secretary (DDTG) Ashish Singhmar, Commissioner Industries Yunus, Director (DDTG) Dr. Nipun Jindal, Managing Director HPSEDC Harbans Brascon were also present in the meeting amongst others.

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Training and leave reserve quota of 300 doctors to be created in DHS

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a review meeting of the Health Department here today, said that the State Government was making continuous efforts to strengthen healthcare services and improve facilities in government health institutions. The Chief Minister said that from April onwards, the process of procuring world-class, technology-enabled medical equipment would be initiated in health institutions across the state, involving an expenditure of about Rs. 3,000 crore. He added that the government was strengthening diagnostic services and addressing the shortage of paramedical staff and doctors to facilitate the patients. The recruitment process to fill vacant posts in health institutions was underway and additional posts would be created as per requirement.

Sh. Sukhu said that PET scan and robotic surgery facilities would soon be started at IGMC Shimla as well. He said that robotic surgery services have already been made available for patients at Super Specialty Hospital Chamiyana and Dr. RPGMC Tanda. He further added that the State Government was strengthening 'Aadarsh Swasthya Sansthan' to ensure better healthcare services to the patients at their doorsteps.

The Chief Minister directed that a training and leave reserve quota of 300 doctors would be created in the Department of Health Services to ensure that healthcare services were not hampered due to vacancies arising from doctors proceeding on PG courses and that such vacancies can be promptly filled. He also directed that smaller batches be formed for medical students and no class should have more than 60 students. The State Government would assist in constructing new lecture theatres to ensure quality education in medical colleges. He also emphasized up-gradation of facilities in all medical colleges.

He reiterated that strengthening healthcare infrastructure was a priority of the State Government and that modern equipment would significantly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. He said that the focus was to provide quality health services in all regions of the state, especially in remote and rural areas, so that patients, do not have to travel far for advanced medical care. The Government was working with a clear roadmap to ensure that every health institution is equipped with better facilities, adequate manpower and improved diagnostic services.

He said that the measures being taken would not only enhance patient care but also improve the working environment for doctors and healthcare staff. He stressed that the Health Department should ensure timely implementation of all initiatives so that the benefits reach the public at the earliest. Improving medical education and ensuring sufficient infrastructure in colleges was equally important for producing skilled doctors and strengthening the healthcare system in the long term, he remarked.

Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Ashwani Kumar, Director AYUSH Nipun Jindal, Director Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Berry and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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