Presides over State-level function of 'Pensioner Joint Front'

While speaking during the State-level function of HP Pensioner Joint front at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district on Wednesday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that Pensioner's Day was not merely a formal occasion but an opportunity to honour the services, sacrifices and dedication of those, who strengthened the administrative foundations of Himachal Pradesh through honesty, commitment and a strong sense of duty during their service. The strength of today’s institutions and the efficiency of administrative system reflect the tireless efforts and rich experience of retired employees, he added.

He said pensioners not only strengthen the government machinery but also set an inspiring example of discipline, responsibility and public service for future generations. The State Government, he asserted, would always remain grateful for their immense contribution.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to the welfare of employees and pensioners, the Chief Minister said that immediately after assuming office, the government fulfilled its promise by restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in its very first Cabinet meeting despite  financial challenges and a debt burden of 75000 crore received  from the BJP government.

He said the restoration of OPS has provided dignity, security and confidence to 1.36 lakh employees. The Chief Minister added that the huge backlog of salary and pension arrears left by the previous government was being cleared in a phased and systematic manner.

Detailing, he said that full payment of pension and family pension arrears has been made to the pensioners and family pensioners aged 75 years and above on priority. While the previous government had paid only 20 per cent arrears, the present government has paid 80 per cent of the same.

Similarly, pensioners aged above 70 years have received 70 per cent of their total arrears, with 50 percent by the present government as against 20 per cent given by the previous BJP government. The remaining 30 per cent arrears of this category will be paid within 40 days,  stated the Chief Minister.

Further he informed that the pensioners between  65 to 70 age group have been paid 38 per cent arrears. Despite a severe financial crunch, the present government paid an additional 18 per cent over the 20 percent paid earlier in previous regime, involving an expenditure of Rs.75 crore. Pensioners below 65 years of age have been paid 35 percent arrears, with the government paying an additional 15 per cent over the earlier 20 percent, at a cost of Rs.110 crore.

He further informed that 20 percent gratuity arrears have been paid to employees who retired between 1^st  January 2016 and 31^st  December 2021. Regarding salary arrears, the Chief Minister said Rs. 50,000 has been paid as an installment to Class-I to Class-III employees and Rs. 60,000 to Class-IV employees, involving an expenditure of Rs.800 crore. An additional Rs. 20,000 was paid to all Class-IV employees on 19 October 2024, costing Rs.100 crore.

So far, the State Government has spent Rs. 2,155 crore on arrears of employees and pensioners.

The Chief Minister said that to extend pension benefits to Class-IV employees, the government has granted the benefit of one year of qualifying service for pension calculation in lieu of five years of daily-wage service.

As revenue improves, pending arrears and liabilities of employees and pensioners will be cleared on priority, he assured.

The Chief Minister appealed to pensioners to support the government’s efforts to improve the State’s financial condition, keeping in view the serious fiscal challenges. He assured that by 2027, all pension arrears would be cleared and that the upcoming budget would include effective decisions in the interest of pensioners.

On the occasion, the Mandi unit of the Pensioners Joint Front presented a cheque of rupees one lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

The Chief Minister also elaborated on various initiatives undertaken under the government’s agenda of systemic reform. He said a policy was being considered to support families displaced due to the Bhakra Dam project in Bilaspur.

Criticizing the Centre, he said that BJP leaders, including Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, were not presenting correct figures regarding financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh and that the State’s interests were being neglected.

Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for dedicating development projects worth Rs.69 crore to the Ghumarwin area. He said that despite economic challenges, the Chief Minister ensured fiscal discipline and created new revenue resources, while implementing several welfare schemes.

State President of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Joint Front, Atma Ram Sharma, welcomed the Chief Minister He appreciated the financial benefits extended by the present government and highlighted pending demands of pensioners.

Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma ‘Bittu’, Member of the State Women Commission, Reena Pundir, Chairman APMC Satpal Vardhan, former MLA's Tilak Raj and Bumber Thakur, Congress leader Vivek Kumar, office-bearers of the Pensioners Joint Front and other dignitaries were also present.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his one-day visit to the Ghumarwin Assembly Constituency in Bilaspur district today, dedicated development projects worth approximately Rs. 69 crore to the people. These included the inauguration of two projects and the laying of foundation stones of five new works.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Ghumarwin Police Station constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.82 crore and the check dam and dyke built over the Seer Khad at a cost of Rs. 3.67 crore.

He also laid the foundation stones of several important projects, including a multi-purpose sports complex to be constructed near Tikkari Helipad, Ghumarwin, at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.08 crore; family quarters to be built within the premises of Ghumarwin Police Station at a cost of Rs. 6 crore. Apart from this he also lays foundation stone of upgradation of the seven kilometer long Amarpur-Hadsar-Dahad-Jaman-Ghumarwin road at a cost of Rs. 6.13 crore; upgradation of the 31-kilometre-long Ghumarwin-Barthin-Shah Talai road at an estimated cost of Rs. 34.95 crore; and construction of a 68-metre jeepable span bridge over the Seer Khad on the Badi Majhedwan-Dahad-Panol road at Badi Majhedwan, to be built at a cost of Rs. 6.80 crore.

Earlier, on his arrival in Ghumarwin, the Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome by the local people. He also interacted with residents at various places and also listened to their grievances.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma Bittu, former MLAs Tilak Raj and Bumber Thakur, DIG Rahul Nath, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar, Superintendent of Police Sandeep Dhawal, senior Congress leaders, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Says, HP first State to introduce 'National Common Mobility Card' for travel

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off the Nadaun-Hamirpur-Ghumarwin-Delhi Volvo bus service of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) after participating in the Anti-Chitta Mega Walkathon organised at Hamirpur. The newly launched Volvo bus will depart daily from Nadaun at 7:00 in morning and will reach Hamirpur at 8:00 & Ghumarwin at 9:00 am. It will leave Chandigarh at 11:40 and will reach Delhi at 4:40 in evening. On the return journey, the bus will leave Delhi at 8:30 in morning and will reach Nadaun at 6:30 in evening.

Addressing on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has taken several significant steps to modernize the public transport system and make it more commuter-centric and environmentally friendly. To enhance passenger convenience, fare can now be paid through UPI, debit cards and credit cards, as well.

He said that HRTC has become the first State Transport undertaking in the country to introduce the 'National Common Mobility Card' facility. With this card, passengers can travel across the country, including in the Delhi Metro, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, in Haryana Roadways and buses in western Mumbai. Facilities such as Him Bus Card, Him Bus Plus Card and Green Card are also being provided to offer concessional and free travel to eligible passengers.

The Chief Minister further informed that 297 new electric buses were being added to the HRTC fleet. With the induction of 25 state-of-the-art Volvo buses the total number of Volvo buses in the Corporation has increased to 98. In addition, 50 tempo travelers and 24 super luxury buses have also been purchased. The procurement process for 250 diesel buses, 100 mini buses and four cranes is currently underway.

Sh. Sukhu said that 234 new bus routes were being notified in the State, while the process for allotment of 350 new permits for operating tempo traveler vehicles with seating capacity up to 18 is in progress.

Emphasizing the State Government’s commitment to promote green transport, the Chief Minister said that EV charging stations were being set up at 88 petrol pumps and 41 locations along six green corridors. Apart from this, 310 charging stations were being installed at various locations, including rest houses and government offices across the State. He added that charging stations are also being set up at 41 other locations under the public-private partnership mode.

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Says suspects under police radar

Chitta Termite' to be wiped out, Govt in action mode                       

                        Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today led an Anti-Chitta Awareness Walkathon in Hamirpur, energizing a statewide public movement against the deadly synthetic drug that is devastating the youth.

                        Commencing from Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) Hamirpur, the walkathon  concluded at the Police Lines Dosadka Ground. The event drew an overwhelming response from all sections of the society, including students, public representatives, government officials and distinguished guests. Before the start of the walkathon, the Chief Minister administered a solemn oath at the school ground, where participants pledged their collective resolve to eliminate chitta and other narcotic substances from Himachal Pradesh.

                        Addressing the enthusiastic gathering at the concluding point, the Chief Minister declared that Himachal Pradesh was engaged in a decisive battle against chitta. He emphasized that the state government has launched a comprehensive and uncompromising offensive against this lethal drug, which poses a grave threat to the future of our youth.“Strict and decisive action is underway to uproot the ‘chitta termite’ from its very roots through the unyielding force of the law,” the Chief Minister stated.                He added that drug traffickers, suppliers, and those providing protection to these illicit networks were being systematically targeted, using advanced technology besides a strengthened intelligence framework and stringent legal provisions to dismantle organized narcotics cartels.

                        Reiterating his government’s firm resolve, the Chief Minister said that the administration was committed to completely wipe out the  networks of chitta traffickers. He underscored that this campaign was not merely a law enforcement initiative but a people’s mass movement to protect the core identity and social fabric of Himachal Pradesh.

                        Highlighting key achievements since the launch of the campaign, the Chief Minister noted that on 22^nd  November the police carried out historic, simultaneous raids at 121 locations across the state, delivering a major blow to the networks of top traffickers. Three days later intensive checking drives were conducted in 51 educational institutions and around 598 shops, markets and areas surrounding colleges, resulting in the registration of 12 NDPS cases and issuance of 385 challans. Further breakthroughs include the simultaneous arrest of 16 notorious traffickers on 7^th December  under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs (PIT) and NDPS Acts, a total of 63 traffickers have been arrested so far. In addition, 1,214 traffickers and suspects have been identified and 950 illegal properties have been earmarked for stringent action. Assets worth over Rs. 50 crore have been seized under the NDPS Act, a sharp jump compared to Rs. 13 crore seized over the previous government’s three-year tenure.

                        The Chief Minister also outlined a holistic strategy to combat the chitta mafia with a special focus on rehabilitation and support for victims of drug abuse. New de-addiction centres were being established across the state, complemented by the formation of a dedicated Drug De-addiction, Prevention and Rehabilitation Board to coordinate efforts in treatment, prevention and community outreach.

                        “Reform yourself or face the consequences. Serving the nation is the duty of every citizen,” he stated. He gave a clarion call to the people of the State to join hands with the government in eradicating chitta and building a healthy drug-free society.
                        The Chief Minister emphasized that youths trapped in drug addiction are being rehabilitated and brought back into the mainstream of society. He firmly announced that informers providing information about chitta suppliers would receive rewards ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 10 lakh. He assured that the identity of informers would be kept confidential with complete protection guaranteed by the government.

                        The Chief Minister stated that to achieve the goal of a drug-free Himachal at the grassroots level, meetings of Drug De-addiction Committees were held in December in 234 of the most drug-affected panchayats and urban local bodies. These meetings focused on strengthening public participation and marking detailed discussions.

                        During the walkathon, the Chief Minister interacted with children and explained how chitta poses a serious threat to the health and the society. He encouraged students to spread awareness among people around them about the fatal effects of drugs and narcotic substances.

                        Awareness about the ill-effects of drugs was spread through slogans and other creative means with students and citizens carrying placards warning against the use of Chitta.

                        The Police Department also presented cultural programmes to sensitize the public about the dangers of drug abuse. The Chief Minister appreciated the Police Department and all participants for successfully organizing the walkathon.

                        Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma Bittu, MLA's Suresh Kumar and Captain Ranjit Singh, Chairman APMC Ajay Sharma, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, senior officers of the State Government, Convener and Advisor of the De-addiction, Prevention and Rehabilitation Board Naresh Thakur, Co-Convener Sanjay Bhardwaj, Congress leaders Pushpender Verma and Subhash Datwalia, representatives of various organizations and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Directs to complete work in six months

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Himachal Niketan at Dwarka, New Delhi today to take stock of the progress of the ongoing construction work. Being constructed at an approx cost of 145 crore, the Niketan will have 107 rooms, restaurant, banquet hall, multipurpose hall, meeting hall, dormitories, parkings, garden, EV charging stations, besides other facilities. He said that Himachal Niketan, with  almost five star facilities, would facilitate Himachali's visiting the national capital for treatment, education etc.

Sh Sukhu directed the officers to ensure its completion within six months. He said that state government was always responsive to the needs of the people of the state therefore additional building has been constructed for people visiting New Delhi. 

Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Speaker HP Vidhan Sabha  appreciated the endeavour of state government as students and patients come in large numbers to Delhi and this would offer comfortable accommodation to them.

Principal Secretary PWD Devesh Kumar briefed the Chief Minister about the details of the project.

State Congress President Vinay Kumar,  Principal Resident Commissioner Ajay Yadav, OSD to Chief Minister Col (Retd) K S Banshtu, senior officers of PWD department accompanied the Chief Minister.

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Governor lauds film “Crossings” for spreading climate change awareness among children

After watching the children’s film “Crossings” at Lok Bhavan today, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla lauded the film for effectively spreading awareness on climate change and environmental protection among children. He appreciated National Film Award-winning filmmaker Vivek Mohan for presenting a sensitive and impactful message through the film, which highlights how human actions can lead to natural disasters and underlines the importance of conserving nature for future generations.

Vivek Mohan, who belongs to Shimla, shared that “Crossings” is a short film inspired by two real-life incidents. The film highlights the issues of global warming and climate change. He said that the film carries forward the message earlier shown in his film “For Whom the Jingle Bells Toll.” The main message of the film is that the Earth is not inherited from our ancestors, but borrowed from our children.

Appreciating the film, the Governor said that such creative efforts are very important to spread awareness about protecting the environment, especially among children. He said that Himachal Pradesh is rich in natural beauty and it is the duty of everyone to protect and preserve nature. He added that films like “Crossings” play a meaningful role in promoting environmental awareness and deserve appreciation.

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