Asks departments to clear dues of Class-IV pensioners

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while chairing a meeting with Administrative Secretaries here on Friday late evening directed all the departments to ensure early payments of pending gratuity and leave encashment dues of Class-IV pensioners as per his budget announcement. He also asked to provide complete details of applicants seeking employment on compassionate grounds so that the state government could take an appropriate decision on these cases.

The Chief Minister sought details of the action taken against government employees found involved in trafficking of chitta (heroin). He said that the state government had launched a mass movement against chitta and was taking stringent action against the drug mafia. He added that protecting the youth from the menace of the drugs abuse remains a top priority of the government. He directed all departments to issue necessary instructions to make dope testing mandatory for the individuals prior to joining government service.

Sh. Sukhu also sought information from all departments regarding vacant posts so that these positions could be filled at the earliest. He said that the state government had decided to fill 500 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT).

The Chief Minister directed the officials to compile information on trees uprooted or felled on forest land due to recent storms, so that they could be removed in a time-bound manner. A special campaign for this purpose would commence from 1^st June. He added that delays in removing fallen trees result in loss to the State’s resources and directed Forest department officers to ensure their prompt removal and timely disposal on a priority basis.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Additional Chief Secretaries K.K. Pant and Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretaries to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar and Ashish Singmar, along with other Administrative Secretaries attended the meeting.

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Emphasize dire need to promote research, innovation & start-up culture among youth

Governor Confers Degrees at Convocation Ceremony of Shri Sai Group of Institutes

 Governor Kavinder Gupta emphasized that true education has not confined to acquiring degrees or securing employment but lies in shaping responsible citizens and dedicated nation builders capable of contributing positively towards society and the country. He asserted that educational institutions play a vital role in nurturing character, discipline, leadership qualities and a spirit of service among the youth, which were essential for realizing the vision of a strong, self-reliant and developed India.

The Governor was addressing the convocation ceremony of Shri Sai Group of Institutes at Pathankot, Punjab as the Chief Guest, on Friday. He was accompanied by the First Lady Bindu Gupta.

He conferred degrees upon graduating students and also honoured individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the institution during its remarkable 30-year journey.

Addressing the students, Kavinder Gupta described the convocation ceremony as an important milestone in the life of every student, marking the completion of one chapter of learning and the beginning of a new journey filled with real-life challenges and opportunities.

“You are not leaving this institution merely with degrees but with knowledge, values, confidence and a sense of responsibility towards society,” the Governor remarked while exhorting the students to uphold integrity, discipline and dedication in every sphere of life.

He said that education was not merely a means to secure employment but also the foundation of character building, social awareness and national development. The true purpose of education was fulfilled only when knowledge was utilized for the betterment of society and the upliftment of humanity.

Expressing happiness over the growth of Shri Sai Group of Institutes, Shri Gupta said that what began as a small educational initiative had expanded into multiple colleges and a university, making significant contributions towards nation-building through quality education.

The Governor observed that in the present era, Artificial Intelligence, digital technology, innovation and global competition had transformed the nature of work and professional opportunities. He said that merely obtaining a degree was no longer sufficient and emphasized the need for continuous learning, ethical values, leadership qualities and social sensitivity to remain relevant and successful in a rapidly changing world.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, the Governor said that promoting research, innovation and start-up culture while developing youth into a skilled workforce was of utmost importance. The Government of India had launched several transformative initiatives and schemes aimed at empowering youth, strengthening skill development and creating employment opportunities.

The Governor urged students to utilize their knowledge and skills not only for personal success but also for the welfare of society and the nation. He said that India was progressing steadily with the vision of “Viksit Bharat” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, and the youth were the most important stakeholders in this transformational journey.

“Youth power is the greatest strength of any nation. Dream big, work hard, uphold honesty and discipline in life, and always move forward with positivity and determination,” he said.

Kavinder Gupta also expressed concern over various social challenges confronting society, including environmental degradation, drug abuse, unemployment and declining moral values. He said that educated youth had a major responsibility in addressing these issues and guiding society in the right direction through awareness, innovation and community participation.

 Chairman of Sai Institutions and Chancellor of Shri Sai University, Palampur S.K. Punj also shared his views on the occasion and highlighted the institution’s journey and achievements in the field of education.

Earlier, Chief Managing Director of Sai Institutions Group, Kanwar Tushar Punj welcomed the Governor. Principal of the Engineering College, Dr. Navdeep Senwal presented the annual report of the institution, while Vice-President of the institution Riya Punj proposed the vote of thanks.

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Bronze medalist of Asian Kurash Cup for seniors, Saurav Suman called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today. The championship was held in Nukus, Uzbekistan from 22 to 25 May, 2026. Saurav Suman, who is serving as Junior Engineer in Jal Shakti Vibhag is currently posted at Matiana in Shimla district. He succeeded in securing the bronze medal at the prestigious international event, bringing laurels to the State and the Nation.  

The Chief Minister congratulated Saurav Suman for his dedication and hard work. He expressed confidence that his success would inspire the youth of the State to excel in sports and other fields. He also conveyed his best wishes to the athlete for his future endeavours.

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As many as 21 students of scheduled tribal areas of the state, who are beneficiary of post matric scholarship scheme called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today and shared their academic experiences with him.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was offering loan upto Rs. 20 lakh at the interest of one percent to the students under Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rhin Yojna for pursuing higher education and professional courses.  He urged the students to avail this facility and achieve their goals in life. He said that the State Government had undertaken various reforms in the education sector to provide quality education to the students nearer to their homes.

Sh. Sukhu stated that the state government had brought over 156 schools of the State under CBSE pattern in which Arts, Science and Commerce streams were being taught to the students. He said that due to pragmatic efforts of the state government, sea change had been witnessed in the education sector and Himachal Pradesh had improved its position to 6 from 13 in providing quality education to the students in a recently conducted nationwide survey.

He said that the state government has also increased the marriageable age of girls from 18 to 21 years at par with boys. The Scheduled Tribes Garmia Utsav was being celebrated from 10 May to 9 June, 2026 in the State to acquaint the role of ST community in the field of education.

Secretary, Education Rakesh Kanwar, Director, Higher Education Harish Kumar and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

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Chief Minister interacts with students of CBSE School Nerwa

CM says, MLAs have to face an exam every five years

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today interacted with students of Government Senior Secondary School Nerwa, in Shimla district which has recently been brought under the CBSE curriculum. Addressing the students, the Chief Minister said that he had come to speak directly with them. He said that the State Government has converted more than 150 schools into CBSE curriculum-based institutions and added that interacting with students provides an opportunity to him to understand their problems and learn from them in order to bring improvements.

The Chief Minister said that after the school was affiliated to CBSE, student enrolment has increased significantly. Therefore, the state government has permitted the school to operate in two shifts. He further said that a new school building would be constructed at Nerwa at a cost of Rs. 5 crore and would be completed within two years. He said that the state government was continuously working to strengthen the education sector and visible improvements would be visible in the coming years.

During the interaction, students asked questions on school-related issues as well as several other subjects. Sara Negi, a Class XI student, asked the Chief Minister why people call him a "warrior". Responding to the question, he said that he too comes from an ordinary family background and has struggled throughout life. He said that challenges were a part of life, and failures were inevitable at times. However, when one continues striving hard despite repeated setbacks and eventually achieves the goal, that person emerges victorious. He advised students never to feel discouraged by failures.

Jessica, a Class XII student, asked about his biggest goal for the State. The Chief Minister replied that making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant was his foremost priority. He said that the State was fighting for its rights and that CBSE schools were being introduced even in rural areas so that children studying in villages also receive quality education.

Student Anushka requested on-job training opportunities for IT students on the lines of vocational courses. The Chief Minister said that the suggestion would be considered.

Class X student Viheen Chauhan asked why there is no examination for becoming an MLA. The Chief Minister replied that while teachers prepare students for examinations, no one prepares a person for the "examination" of becoming an MLA. He said that this examination takes place every five years and the people decide the fate of contesting candidates. When citizens use their vote wisely, the right leadership emerges. Responding to this, student Vaibhav said that he would definitely contest elections one day.

Class XII student Neha asked how children studying in villages could receive education at par with cities. The Chief Minister said that opening CBSE schools was the first step in this direction. He added that the state government was appointing teachers and strengthening educational infrastructure in the rural areas.

The Chief Minister also asked students whether any of them brought mobile phones to school. All the students responded in the negative, drawing laughter across the pandal.

Class XI student Vaibhav Chauhan raised the issue of traffic congestion in towns, saying students face difficulties because of jams. The Chief Minister assured that a bypass road would be constructed.

Aditi Sood suggested that schools should also teach foreign languages. The Chief Minister said that the state government was making efforts to provide opportunities for learning foreign languages after Class XII. He added that the government was also helping youth to  secure employment abroad, and many young people face difficulties in getting jobs due to lack of knowledge of foreign languages. Therefore, efforts were being made to introduce foreign language education.

Some students also raised the issue of cleanliness in schools. The Chief Minister said that good toilet facilities were being developed in schools and if there were any complaints, students could approach the Principal.

The Chief Minister also had lunch with the school children.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the school and interacted with students personally. After being brought under the CBSE system, enrolment at Nerwa School has increased considerably. While the school had 959 students last year, the number of students has increased by 341 in the current academic session, reaching 1300 students.

Congress leaders Rajneesh Kimta and Vinod Zinta, HPMC Vice Chairman Surender Sharma, State Food Commission Chairman S.P. Katyal, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Members of the school staff and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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CM releases Tikender Panwar's book

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday evening released a book 'City Limits - The Crisis of Urbanisation' edited by former Deputy Mayor of Municipal Corporation Shimla Tikender Panwar at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the nature has blessed Himachal Pradesh with clean air and water, and preserving these resources is the collective responsibility of every citizen. He said that Shimla, being the Capital and largest city of the State, has witnessed rapid transformation over the years. "I have seen Shimla changing since my childhood. Areas that once had forests are now covered with buildings. There is a need for vertical construction here," he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is constructing an underground duct system in Shimla at a cost of Rs. 145 crore to remove overhead wiring and improve the city's aesthetics. He added that a new modern complex is being developed at the present Sabzi Mandi area with an investment of Rs. 600 crore. An underpass near the Lift area has also been proposed. He further said that Rs. 800 crore water supply scheme is being implemented to ensure 24-hour water availability in Shimla town. In addition, land acquisition work is underway for widening the Circular Road, while efforts are also being made to increase notified green areas in order to preserve the beauty of the city.

Highlighting the State Government's focus on sustainable development, the Chief Minister said several projects are being undertaken for the beautification of the capital city while maintaining environmental balance. He also stated that new townships such as Him-Chandigarh, Him-Panchkula and an Aero City in Kangra are being planned. Infrastructure related to tourism is also being strengthened, he added.

Emphasising on sustainable development, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh has faced two major natural disasters in the last three years, causing extensive damage in the State. He said that cloudburst incidents are now being scientifically studied, as such events are no longer confined to higher reaches but are also occurring in lower areas. He cited incidents in parts of the Seraj Assembly constituency as evidence of this trend.

 The Chief Minister said: "During a meeting with the Union Home Minister, I mentioned that cloudburst incidents will not remain limited to Himachal Pradesh in the future. Such incidents are likely to increase in Uttarakhand and the Northeastern States as well." He reiterated that the state government was committed to taking Himachal Pradesh forward on the path of development while safeguarding the State's natural environment, culture and social balance.

Former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, while addressing the gathering, said that people need to improve their own conduct before blaming others. Referring to tourism-related concerns, he said that restrictions should not only be imposed on tourists, but citizens must also act responsibly. He stated that many people are purchasing multiple vehicles despite having no parking facilities. He further remarked that during school hours, the majority of traffic congestion is caused not by tourists' vehicles, but mainly by Himachal-registered vehicles. "We need to introspect," he said.

Justice Chauhan said: "The main issue I want to discuss is that the State requires complete institutional accountability. Urbanization is not merely a demographic change, it is the reorganization of society itself. Millions of people are entering public life, sharing common resources and depending on urban local bodies and planning frameworks. However, our institutions are not keeping pace with this transformation. The people who ultimately pay the price for this institutional failure are invariably those who are the least powerful."

Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Director General Home Guards Satwant Atwal, former Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar Municipal Corporation Shimla and Bureau Chief of the Tribune Pratibha Chauhan, along with other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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