Diet money for Sainik School Students to be increased from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Sainik School in Sujanpur Tihra of District Hamirpur today and inspected the undergoing repair works in the school premises. He directed the officers of the Public Works Department to pace up the repair works.

He announced Rs.3 crore for the construction of a new school hostel and stated that the budget of the school would be increased. He added that the school ground would be equipped with synthetic track.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the diet money of students of Sainik School would be increased from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 and an ambulance would be provided for the school with support of local MLA.

He said that the foundation of Sujanpur Sainik School was laid by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and said that the successive Congress governments have also played important role in the development of Sujanpur.

Principal Group Captain Rachna Josh and other officers welcomed the Chief Minister and appraised him about the various demands of the school.

Vice Chairman of the State Finance Commission Bhawani Singh Pathania, local MLA Captain Ranjeet Singh Rana, MLA Bhoranj Suresh Kumar, Chief Minister's Political Advisor Sunil Sharma Bittu, DC Amarjeet Singh and other officers were present at the occasion.

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 Declares Sujanpur Holi Mela as an International Event

While presiding over the first cultural evening of the National-level Sujanpur Holi Fair in Hamirpur district late evening on Wednesday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the State Government will give international status to this fair keeping in view its historic and cultural importance. He also announced the establishment of a Jal Shakti Department division in Sujanpur, an ECHS hospital, dialysis facilities at Sujanpur Hospital and the construction of a synthetic track.  

Extending his Holi greetings, the Chief Minister stated, “I had visited Sujanpur Holi Mela earlier and I am happy to see that the announcements made then are being fulfilled at a rapid pace. The notification for a 100-bed hospital in Sujanpur has been issued. Within two years, a Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School will be constructed in Karot, equipped with world-class facilities.”

He criticized the BJP for attempting to weaken democracy, stating that the people had elected a representative from Sujanpur assembly constituency on the Congress party’s symbol in 2022 assembly elections, but same failed to meet public expectations. However, he added that the people taught him a lesson by electing Captain Ranjeet Singh as their MLA. The CM emphasized that the State Government is working with a spirit of public service and expects cooperation from all in its efforts.

Shri Sukhu further stated that the government has set a goal to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2027 and the most prosperous State in the country by 2032.

Sujanpur MLA Captain Ranjeet Singh Rana highlighted Holi as a festival of colours and urged everyone to come together for Sujanpur’s development. He credited Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the transformation in the region, saying that all demands of the local people have been fulfilled under his leadership. He said that Sujanpur’s development has gained momentum over the past six months and no efforts will be spared in ensuring its progress rapidly.

Singers Shabab Sabri, Nitin Sharma and Comedian Ahsaan Qureshi enthralled the audiences by their performances during the first cultural night. Laser Show was also the main attraction of the night during the event.

MLA Suresh Kumar, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Sunil Sharma, Chairman of Kangra Central Cooperative Bank Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chairman of Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chander Pathania, APMC Chairman Ajay Sharma, Congress leaders Dr. Pushpinder Verma, Suman Bharti, Rajeev Rana, Rajinder Verma, Subhash Dadhwalia, Deputy Commissioner Amarjeet Singh, SP Bhagat Thakur and other distinguished guests were also present amongst others. 

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The three-day long National-level Sujanpur Holi Fair of Hamirpur district commenced today with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu performing the traditional Puja ceremony at the historic Murali-Manohar Temple in Sujanpur Tira. Thousands of people participated in the vibrant festivities, marking the beginning of the grand celebration.

The Chief Minister after paying obeisance at the temple, prayed for the prosperity and happiness of the people of the State. Earlier, he also took part in the Pagri ceremony and led the Shobha Yatra (procession), accompanied by hundreds of enthusiastic participants dancing from the historic Chaugan Maidan to the Murali-Manohar Temple.

Sh. Sukhu also inaugurated various exhibitions showcasing the achievements of different government departments and HimIra products. He was accorded a warm welcome by the people on his arrival at Sujanpur.

The Chief Minister extended his greetings on the occasion of Holi and said that this festival symbolizes unity, harmony and cultural heritage. He said that the Sujanpur Holi Fair stands as a testament to the State’s rich traditions and historical legacy.

MLAs Captain Ranjit Singh Rana and Suresh Kumar, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Sunil Sharma, Chairman of Kangra Central Cooperative Bank Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chairman of Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chander Pathania, APMC Chairman Ajay Sharma, Congress leaders Dr. Pushpinder Verma, Suman Bharti, Rajeev Rana, Ranjeet Verma, Subhash Dadhwalia. Deputy Commissioner Amarjeet Singh, SP Bhagat Thakur, and other distinguished guests were also present amongst others. 

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated and laid foundation stones of 10 development projects worth Rs. 43.64 crore at Sujanpur for Sujanpur Assembly constituency of Hamirpur district.

He performed the foundation laying ceremony of Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding School at Karot to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 20.18 crore. He inaugurated the lift water supply scheme Salghuoon Ghatta in Gram Panchayat Karot constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.42 crore, additional accommodation and library hall in government senior secondary school Kuthera built at a cost of Rs. 86 lakh, Rs. 1.78 crore residences for doctors in CHC at Sujanpur Tihra, Rs. 1.42 crore government quarters for para-medical staff in CHC at Sujanpur and Rs. 1.25 crore science lab in government senior secondary school Pounch.

The Chief Minister laid foundation stones of Rs. 5.45 crore Sujanpur bus stand at Ward No. 4 Doli, Rs. 8.37 crore link road Bakkar khud to village Thalamber in G.P. Bherda, Rs. 24 lakh lift water supply scheme for multi-villages at Chabutra in tehsil Sujanpur and Rs. 2.67 crore link road Puyad to Tikkari via Dharli.

He said that these developmental projects would be a milestone in providing improved basic amenities to the people of the Sujanpur area.

MLA Captain Ranjeet Singh Rana thanked the Chief Minister for performing inaugurations and foundation stones of various developmental projects in the area.

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 Notification for unified Directorate of Education from Nursery to Class XII soon

 Govt. adopting zero-tolerance policy against Drugs: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today while presiding over the annual function of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial College, Hamirpur today announced the introduction of MBA and MCA courses at the institution along-with postgraduate courses in History and Political Science from next academic session. He also announced repair of the synthetic track of the college and construction of a hostel for 100 girl students of the college.

The Chief Minister said that a co-educational government senior secondary school would be established in Hamirpur which would be developed as a Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School. The Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools in Nadaun and Bhoranj would commence operations from the next year and such high-end schools were being opened in every Assembly constituency in a phased manner.

Shri Sukhu said that smart classrooms were being developed to benefit the students. The monitoring of the Education department, along with other departments was being carried out through the CM Dashboard. He said the state government was working with commitment to eradicating drug abuse and a statewide anti-drug campaign had been launched since past two months. The government had also adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and ensuring stringent punishment for drug mafias and steps had also been taken to prevent youth from falling into the trap of substance abuse.

The Chief Minister remarked, “I come from a humble background and have reached the position of Chief Minister. Therefore, I am committed to working for those who cannot voice their concerns. After taking the oath of office my first visit was to the Tutikandi orphanage, where I directed that children who have lost their parents must regain their confidence. To safeguard their interests, the government has enacted the country’s first legislation ensuring the state takes responsibility for their proper care. Apart from this, we have introduced free education for children of widows under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana.”

The Chief Minister said that the previous BJP government distributed Rs. 5,000 crore worth of freebees for political gains. He said that state resources were not meant to serve a single section of society. He accused the previous government for deteriorating the quality of education by opening new institutions without financial provisions and transferring teachers from existing schools which resulted in degradation of the educational standard and learning experience of the students. He said that the learning levels declined to such an extent that a fifth-grade student struggles to read a second-grade textbook. The present government has initiated various reforms, including the rationalization of educational institutions. A notification for establishing a unified Directorate of Education from pre-nursery to class XII would soon be issued soon.

Reflecting on his personal connection with education, he stated, “I studied at Shimla College and the Deputy Commissioner of Hamirpur was my batch mate. Many prominent individuals have studied at Hamirpur College, but I sensed a lack of confidence among students during my visit today. Hence, the government has decided to rank colleges not only based on academic merit but also on extracurricular achievements. Every decision we are taking is aimed at securing a bright future for students. With strong determination, success follows naturally.”

Shri Sukhu said that the present state government was also making efforts to improve healthcare services. Presently hospitals in the state were still using 20-year-old equipments affecting quality of health services. The present government was making efforts to introduce high-end technology in public health institutions. Rs. 85 crore have been allocated for establishment of a cancer hospital in Hamirpur. He further said that Himachal Pradesh was undergoing a transformation, with societal attitudes towards girls changing significantly which was clearly evident in the improved gender ratio in Hamirpur district.

During the event the Chief Minister felicitated students who excelled in various fields and paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the college premises.

Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma said that the government schemes were reaching the grassroots level and benefitting eligible individuals. The government was making relentless efforts to improve education, healthcare and sports infrastructure. He said that the due to the efforts of the visionary Chief Minister  the state government sanctioned a Rs. 4,500 crore special relief package for disaster affected families from its own resources. He said that due to the initiatives of Chief Minister the construction of a new bus terminal in Hamirpur is underway along with the integration of a nursing college and a cancer hospital with the medical college.

A vibrant cultural performance was presented by the college students on the occasion and the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 5 lakh to promote cultural activities in the institution.

MLAs Suresh Kumar and Captain Ranjeet Singh Rana, Chairman of Kangra Central Cooperative Bank Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chairman of Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chandra Pathania, APMC Chairman Ajay Sharma, Congress leaders Dr. Pushpinder Verma, Suman Bharti, Rajiv Rana, Subhash Dhatwal and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Announces closure of educational institutions with low-enrollment, seats to be increased and students will get commuting expenses

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over the annual function of Rajiv Gandhi Government College, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, today said that despite challenging circumstances, the present state government was laying a strong foundation for a self-reliant Himachal. He said that every section of the society must get its rightful share in the state's resources instead of squandering them in an unjustifiable manner on few selected people merely for political benefits. The state government was implementing several reforms for the welfare of the people of all sections of the society and would continue to take decisive steps in this direction in the coming times.

The Chief Minister said that from the next academic session, the state government will introduce co-education in the government senior secondary schools at district headquarter level to being qualitative changes in the education system. The government was also establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools in a phased manner in each Assembly constituency and ten such schools were set to become operational in the next session. These institutions would be equipped with the modern facilities like swimming pools, indoor stadiums, and enhanced sports infrastructure. He said that the previous BJP government opened 900 institutions in the last six months of its tenure solely for electoral gains without making any budgetary provision, whereas the present government was prioritizing quality education to ensure students were well-prepared for future challenges.

 “Students from the government educational institutions are second to none. I, myself, studied from the government school and have risen to the position of the Chief Minister. If I can achieve this, then any students from government schools can accomplish any goal in life. This is why the state government is enhancing facilities in government institutions and making every possible effort to provide quality education”, said the Chief Minister.

Shri Sukhu said that the objective of the state government was not only to provide degrees but to ensure quality education that instills confidence in students to face future challenges. He said that institutions with low student enrollment or inadequate educational standards would be closed from the next academic session. To accommodate affected students, the seats in nearby well-functioning institutions would be increased and the government would also bear their commuting expenses. He assured that within the next five years, education system of the state would be elevated to global standards and there were no financial constraints in achieving this goal. He said that the government was taking effective steps to set up a single Directorate for nursery to higher secondary levels with a view to reform the school education.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the installation of central heating system in Rajiv Gandhi Government College, Chaura Maidan. He also announced to start the post graduate courses in Economics, Political Science and English in the college from next academic session. He felicitated the meritorious students of the college on the occasion.

MLAs Harish Janartha and Sanjay Awasthy, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, HP Youth Congress President Chhatar Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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