Himachal Pradesh Government

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s three day visit to Rohru-Rampur

·Government reaches remote villages, new hope through development and dialogue

·New horizons added to development in rural areas

The true picture of development in the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh is reflected not only in major cities and important towns, but also in remote villages where basic facilities such as roads, education, healthcare, transportation and employment continue to determine people’s quality of life. With this approach, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to the Rohru and Rampur Assembly constituencies of Shimla district from October 1 to 3 was not merely a routine administrative programme, but also an important opportunity for direct dialogue between the government and rural communities.

The Chief Minister’s special emotional connect with the Rohru and Rampur areas was also evident during the visit. Understanding the geographical challenges of remote mountain regions, he emphasized giving priority to the development of areas where reaching the administrative machinery and development schemes is often difficult. During the visit, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also stayed overnight at Bhatwari in the remote Rohru area and Kasha-Pat in Rampur. He is the first Chief Minister of the state to have stayed overnight in both these areas. He interacted with local residents, understood their problems and directed officials to ensure their prompt resolution on the spot.

The Chief Minister dedicated 61 development projects worth Rs. 182.87 crore to the Rohru Assembly constituency and 28 development projects worth Rs. 232.93 crore to the people of the Rampur Assembly constituency.

Development in a democracy is meaningful only when it is people-centric in a democracy, development does not happen through plans and budgets alone. Development becomes meaningful when schemes are formulated and implemented in accordance with the actual needs of the people. The Chief Minister’s direct interaction with people during his Rohru and Rampur visit reflected this approach.

People raised issues related to roads, education, transportation, drinking water, community facilities and local development before the Chief Minister. He issued necessary directions to the officials and made several announcements on the spot.

This strengthened the feeling among local residents that their concerns are not confined merely to government offices, but are also being heard at the highest level of the government.

During his visit to Rohru and Rampur, the Chief Minister participated in Anti-Chitta rallies in both Assembly constituencies and reiterated the state government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a Chitta-free state.

During the three-day visit, the Chief Minister made several announcements while keeping public aspirations at the forefront.

During his interaction with students of PM Shri Government Model Senior Secondary School, Rohru, a girl student requested a new school building. The Chief Minister immediately announced Rs. 2 crore for the construction of the new building.

At a large public gathering in Chirgaon, he announced an increase in the support price of milk from December 1 for the welfare of farmers and livestock owners. He also announced an increase of Rs. 1 per kilogram in the procurement price of apples under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Apples will now be procured under the MIS at Rs. 13 per kilogram instead of Rs. 12 per kilogram.

The Chief Minister also announced the upgradation of Community Health Centre, Sandasu, into a Civil Hospital, opening of a Sub-Tehsil at Samarkot, conducting a survey for opening an SDM office at Chirgaon and bringing Jangla and Chirgaon schools under the CBSE system.

During the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ programme at Bhatwari in Rohru, the Chief Minister directly interacted with local residents and listened to their grievances and development needs. The initiative to ensure the government’s presence in remote areas sent a clear message that the benefits of development should not remain confined to well-connected and developed areas, but should reach villages located in the remotest corners of the mountains as well.

He also announced grants of Rs. 5 lakh each for Mahila Mandals. The Chief Minister assured that the Barshil Bridge would be made motorable and announced Rs. 20 lakh for the Chingwari road. In addition, he announced Rs. 5 lakh for the construction of the Pekha-Diudi Mahila Mandal building and announced that Dhamwari School would be brought under the CBSE system.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has sanctioned Rs. 36 crore for the construction of the Tikker-Jarol-Gahan road for the convenience of the people of the area. Once completed, the road will facilitate apple growers in transporting their produce to the markets.

An important aspect of the Chief Minister’s visit was his interaction with children and students. During an interaction with students in Rampur, children raised questions and concerns related to education, availability of teachers, engagement of teachers in non-academic duties and other issues. The Chief Minister listened to them and assured them of necessary action.

The Chief Minister also announced that Taklech School in the Rampur Assembly constituency would be brought under the CBSE system.

The Chief Minister visited the remote Kasha-Pat area and gained a first-hand understanding of the lives of the people there. During the visit, he announced Rs. 2 crore for the construction of a new school building at Kasha-Pat. He also announced the development of a playground in the village.

He said that keeping the convenience of children in mind, the government is making efforts to start a bus service from Kasha-Pat via Taklech to Rampur.

During a direct interaction with students at Government Senior Secondary School, Rampur Bushahr, a girl student requested the construction of a building for Government Senior Secondary School, Racholi. The Chief Minister immediately accepted the demand and announced Rs. 2 crore for the construction of the school building.

As part of the state government’s development and welfare initiatives, financial assistance amounting to a total of Rs. 5,78,81,725 was also provided at Nogli to 1,471 registered workers and their dependents in the state under various welfare schemes through the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to Rohru and Rampur reflects his commitment to the all-round development of rural areas of the state and his vision of ensuring that development reaches even the most remote communities.

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CM announces Rs. 2 crore for Rachauli School building at student’s request

• CM holds interactive session with students on education, tourism and drug abuse

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today held an interactive session with students of Government Senior Secondary School, Rampur Bushahr, where students raised issues related to education, tourism, social equality, non-teaching duties assigned to teachers and drug abuse.

During the interaction, a student requested financial assistance for the construction of a new building for Government Senior Secondary School, Rachauli. She apprised the Chief Minister that the school is currently functioning from two locations and that adequate land is available at one site for construction of a permanent school building.

Responding to the request, the Chief Minister announced an amount of Rs. 2 crore for the construction of the school building. He also assured that the state government would provide additional funds, if required, to complete the construction work.

While responding to a student's question about why he chose politics as a means of serving the country, the Chief Minister said that he had been interested in politics since his student days and considered politics a means of public service. He advised students to pursue fields in which they have a genuine interest.

When asked what he would have done had he not entered politics, the Chief Minister said that he would have taken up farming.

On a question concerning the growing economic gap between the rich and the poor, he described it as a matter of concern and said that equality in society was important. He said that the state government was working continuously towards this goal.

Responding to a lighter question about his favourite food, the Chief Minister said that he enjoyed traditional Himachali cuisine, with siddu being his favourite dish.

When a student asked whether he had ever thought of becoming Chief Minister during his school days, he said that the path was ahead shaped by one’s actions and hard work. He encouraged students to work consistently towards their goals.

A student requested the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Rampur. The Chief Minister said that gradual changes were being introduced in the education sector and that the state government was giving special attention to improving the education system and developing quality institutions.

Students also raised concerns about teachers being assigned non-teaching duties for extended periods, which they said affected their studies. The Chief Minister said that the state government was working to reduce such duties so that teachers could devote more time to teaching and students.

A student also highlighted the shortage of Hindi teachers at her school, stating that there was only one Hindi teacher for around 150 students. The Chief Minister assured her that an additional teacher would be provided, as required.

A student who had recently travelled to Ayodhya as part of an exposure visit sponsored by the state government thanked the Chief Minister for the opportunity. She said the visit had also given her the chance to travel by air for the first time. She also referred to the role of tourism in strengthening the economy of Uttar Pradesh and other states and asked about steps being taken to promote tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said that the state Government was promoting spiritual tourism and highlighted Himachal Pradesh's rich Dev culture, religious sites and Shakti Peeths. He said that Lord Shri Ram was revered in the State and that students had been sent to Ayodhya as part of the exposure visit. He said that Himachal Pradesh attracts a large number of tourists every year and that the state government was giving special attention to strengthening tourism-related infrastructure.

The Chief Minister urged students to minimise the use of mobile phones. He said that the state government had restricted the use of mobile phones in schools and appealed to students to follow the guidelines. He also encouraged students to participate actively in sports alongside their studies. He said that childhood was the best period of life and advised students to make the most of it by focusing on studies, sports and other constructive activities.

Following the interaction, the Chief Minister flagged off an Anti-Chitta rally from Government Senior Secondary School, Rampur Bushahr and also joined the rally.

A large number of students participated in the rally, carrying placards with anti-drug messages and raising slogans against drug abuse. The rally passed through Chaudhari Adda and the main market before returning to the school ground.

The Chief Minister administered an anti-drug pledge to the students and called upon them to play an active role in building a drug-free society.

Advocate General Anup Rattan, Chairman HIMCON Vikesh Chauhan, Chairman Milkfed Buddhi Singh Thakur, Chairman HPBOCWWB Nardev Singh Kanwar, Chairman HP State Cooperative Bank Devendra Shyam, Co-Convener Drug-De Addiction Board Sanjay Bhardwaj, former MLA Kishori Lal, Congress Vice-President Paras Ram, Congress leader Brij Lal, Mandal President Lal Chand Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh were present on the occasion.

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CM distributes Rs. 5.78 crore to 1471 beneficiaries

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today distributed financial assistance of Rs. 5.78 crore to 1,471 registered workers and their dependents across Himachal Pradesh through the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (HPBOCWWB) under various welfare schemes at Nogli in Rampur Assembly constituency. The assistance provided financial support to widows, specially abled and needy worker families, as well as to the children of registered workers for higher and technical education, marriage and other essential needs.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach workers and other needy sections of society in a transparent and hassle-free manner. He said that the government is working to strengthen the social security of construction workers and their families and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive assistance on time.

Under the Mukhya Mantri Aawas Yojana, financial assistance of Rs. 45.95 lakh was provided to widows, single, destitute and Divyang women for the construction of houses. Under the Education Assistance Scheme, Rs. 2.74 crore was provided to 968 beneficiaries for the higher and technical education of children of registered workers. Similarly, Rs. 1.83 crore was provided to 359 beneficiaries under the Marriage Assistance Scheme.

In addition, Rs. 54.20 lakh was provided in 21 cases under the Accidental Death and Funeral Assistance Scheme, while Rs. 7.14 lakh was provided to 30 beneficiaries under the Maternity and Paternity Benefit Scheme. An amount of Rs. 7.65 lakh was provided to the families of 15 girl children under the Girl Child Birth Gift Scheme. Financial assistance of Rs. 2.15 lakh was also provided to 10 dependents with mental disabilities, while Rs. 25,000 was provided to one beneficiary under the Disability Pension Scheme.

The Chief Minister said that the financial assistance was transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries across different districts and sub-offices of the state. He said that direct bank transfers ensure transparency and help beneficiaries receive the assistance without unnecessary delays.

District-wise, Rs. 76.74 lakh was provided to 225 beneficiaries in Hamirpur, Rs. 70.54 lakh to 164 beneficiaries in Chamba, Rs. 51.80 lakh to 140 beneficiaries in Sirmaur, Rs. 64.80 lakh to 171 beneficiaries in Mandi and Rs. 48.39 lakh to 126 beneficiaries in Kinnaur. Similarly, Rs. 1 crore was provided to 270 beneficiaries in Kangra, including the head office and sub-offices. Rs. 45.58 lakh was provided to 88 beneficiaries in Shimla area, Rs. 32.98 lakh to 104 beneficiaries in Bilaspur, Rs. 33.93 lakh to 72 beneficiaries in Una, Rs. 30.51 lakh to 63 beneficiaries in Solan area and Rs. 21.43 lakh to 48 beneficiaries in Kullu

Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Nardev Singh Kanwar said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Board is continuously working to ensure timely and transparent delivery of welfare benefits to registered construction workers and their eligible dependents. He said that the assistance provided under various welfare schemes would provide important financial support to workers and their families.

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Over 10,000 teachers recruited in three Years, 4,000 more to be appointed in next six months: CM

• OPS to continue, policy for outsourced employees to be implemented soon

• CM addresses public meeting at Nogli in Rampur

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the state government was working continuously to strengthen education, healthcare and the rural economy, with a particular focus on improving public services and creating greater opportunities for the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing a large public gathering at Nogli in the Rampur Assembly constituency of Shimla district, the Chief Minister said that more than 10,000 teachers had been recruited during the present government's tenure, while another 4,000 teachers would be appointed within next six months.

He said that more than 150 CBSE schools had been opened across the state to promote quality education, with around 2,000 teachers already appointed in these institutions. These schools would enable students, particularly those in rural areas, to access quality education closer to their homes. In addition, 300 schools affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education were being developed as Schools of Excellence.

The Chief Minister said that during the previous BJP government tenure Himachal Pradesh ranked 21st in the field of quality education in 2021, and with the reforms and efforts of present state government state has reached to the fifth position. He reiterated that education and healthcare remained among the government's top priorities and that financial constraints would not be allowed to hamper development in these sectors.

He said that all government medical colleges and AIMSS Chamiyana Hospital were being equipped with modern technology and advanced machinery on the lines of AIIMS. Machines that were more than 19 years old were being replaced in a phased manner. To address the shortage of doctors, the state government had also appointed 500 doctors.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that all government employees in the state had been brought under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and it would continue as long as the Congress government remained in office.

He said that the state government was working on a policy to safeguard the interests of outsourced employees, which would be implemented shortly. He added that around 70 percent of eligible cases seeking employment on compassionate grounds had already been resolved and employment provided to eligible applicants.

The Chief Minister alleged that the present state government had inherited a debt burden of Rs. 76,000 crore from the previous BJP government, along with liabilities of around Rs. 10,000 crore relating to employees. He further said that the previous government had made announcements worth more than Rs. 5,000 crore during the last six months of its tenure without making adequate provision for the required staff and infrastructure just for electoral gain. He said that the public money belongs to the people of the state and the government's responsibility is to use it for their welfare and development. He said that the true meaning of ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ was to listen to the voice of the poor, understand their concerns and formulate policies accordingly.

He said that said that strengthening the rural economy was a key priority of the state government and had been given special emphasis in the budget. He said that the increase in the procurement price of milk had improved the income of livestock farmers and announced that milk procurement rates would be increased further from 1 December.

Referring to the Kishau Multipurpose Project, the Chief Minister said that the state government had successfully secured an agreement in accordance with Himachal Pradesh's interests, potentially saving Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 crore in expenditure on power generation. After the project becomes operational, Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive around Rs 1,500 crore annually. He said that Uttarakhand had also sought a similar agreement on the lines of Himachal Pradesh, but the Central Government had not permitted this.

The Chief Minister said that the state government had achieved significant success in the Wildflower Hall case, which had resulted in Rs. 401 crore accruing to the state exchequer. He added that, following the state's legal victory in the royalty matter, the Karcham Wangtoo project was expected to generate around Rs. 150 crore annually for Himachal Pradesh.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government would launch the ‘Apna Parivar, Sukhi Parivar’ scheme this month. Under the scheme, eligible women would receive financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 per month, while eligible families would be provided up to 300 units of free electricity.

He also announced that Mahila Mandals attending the public meeting would be provided funds for the purchase of essential items.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister provided financial assistance to 15 beneficiaries under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana.

Under the Sukh Ashray Yojana, three beneficiaries received Rs. 3 lakh each for house construction, while another beneficiary was provided an instalment of Rs. 1 lakh. An additional beneficiary received financial assistance of Rs. 16,000 under the scheme.

Chairman Seventh State Finance Commission Nand Lal, HIMCON Chairman Vikesh Chauhan, former MLA Kishori Lal, Milkfed Chairman Buddhi Singh Thakur, Chairman HPBOCWWB Nardev Kanwar, Chairman HP State Cooperative Bank Devendra Shyam, Congress Vice-President Paras Ram, Congress leader Brij Lal, Mandal President Lal Chand Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, were present on the occasion.

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CM brings Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar to remote village Kasha Pat

• Development of remote areas state governments top priority

• Announces Rs. 2 crore for Kasha Pat School, efforts underway to start bus service from Kasha Pat to Rampur via Taklech

After attending the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ programme at Bhatwari in Rohru Assembly constituency of Shimla district, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reached the remote village of Kasha Pat in Rampur Assembly constituency. The Chief Minister stayed overnight in the village at the residence of local resident Supan Das.

The Chief Minister received a warm welcome from the villagers with traditional musical instruments. The villagers also honoured and welcomed him in traditional attire. Cultural programmes were organised by the villagers till late at night. The Chief Minister enjoyed the performances and also joined the villagers in the traditional Nati dance.

The Chief Minister said that he himself comes from a village and believes that the state cannot truly prosper until villages achieve economic prosperity. He said it was a matter of privilege for him to visit a remote area like Kasha Pat as Chief Minister.

He said the state government is giving special priority to the development of remote and far-flung areas so that these regions do not remain behind in the development process.

The Chief Minister announced Rs. 2 crore for the construction of a new school building at Kasha Pat. He also announced the development of a playground in the village and assured the people that their other genuine demands would be considered. He said the state government is ensuring that no child is deprived of education and that students do not face difficulties in travelling to and from school. With this objective, efforts are being made to start a bus service from Kasha Pat to Rampur via Taklech. This will help children reach school on time and return home safely after school.

The Chief Minister said that if a local person purchases a bus costing up to Rs. 30 lakh and starts this service, the state government will provide a 40 percent subsidy. A similar 40 percent subsidy will also be available for the Rohru area. In addition, the bus owner will receive financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 per month for five years.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that road construction in Himachal Pradesh often requires permission from the Forest Department. Nearly 68 percent of the state's geographical area is under forest cover, which creates several challenges in constructing roads in remote areas. Despite these challenges, the state government is continuously working to connect far-flung areas with better roads and other basic facilities.

He announced that Rs. 5 lakh each will be provided for the construction of buildings for Mahila Mandals that do not have their own buildings. Mahila Mandals that already have buildings will be provided Rs. one lakh each to purchase essential equipment and other items.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will soon launch the ‘Apna Parivar, Sukhi Parivar’ scheme, under which eligible women will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 1,500. He said the government is also promoting solar energy projects. A four percent interest subsidy is being provided for setting up solar energy projects, while the subsidy has been kept at five percent for tribal areas.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the cultural programmes presented by the villagers and joined them in the Nati dance. He announced Rs. one lakh to encourage the young girls who performed in the cultural programme.

Awareness programmes on serious social issues such as drug abuse and female feticide were also presented during the event. The programmes highlighted the need for people to remain aware and work together against social evils.

The Chief Minister also presented registration certificates to four people who had registered for homestays in Kasha Pat. He said homestays would help promote tourism in remote areas and create new sources of income and employment for local people.

On the occasion of World Tourism Week, the Chief Minister also presented prize money to the winners of a painting exhibition.

Supan Das said the entire village was excited by the Chief Minister's overnight stay in Kasha Pat. He said this was the first time that a Chief Minister had stayed overnight in the village. The villagers had made special arrangements for the occasion and served traditional dishes to the Chief Minister. Veena Devi, a member of Mahila Mandal Kasha Pat, thanked the Chief Minister for fulfilling the demands of the villagers and Mahila Mandals. She said the financial assistance for Mahila Mandals and the announcement of Rs. 2 crore for the new school building would greatly benefit the people of the area.

Advocate General Anoop Rattan, HIMCON Chairman Vikesh Chauhan, Block Congress President Lal Chand Sharma and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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CM Announces Conversion of Taklech School to CBSE

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu received a warm welcome from the local people upon his arrival in Taklech in the Rampur Assembly constituency. People stood in long queues and welcomed the Chief Minister with traditional musical instruments. On the occasion, various local delegations also felicitated the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister announced that Taklech school would be brought under the CBSE system. He said that earlier, parents in rural areas had to send their children to cities to provide them with CBSE education. This not only increased migration from villages but also placed an additional financial burden on families.

He said the state government had decided to start CBSE schools in the government sector so that children in rural areas could receive quality education close to their homes. This would help curb migration from villages and reduce the financial burden on parents.

The Chief Minister said that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a new bus stand at Taklech. After the survey, the necessary formalities would be completed and the state government would construct the bus stand there.

Responding to the demands of local delegations, the Chief Minister also announced that adequate funds would be provided for various link roads. He said that strengthening roads and other basic infrastructure in rural areas was a priority of the government.

The Chief Minister also inspected the Taklech Community Health Centre and issued necessary directions to improve healthcare facilities in the area.

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