Himachal Pradesh Government

HP govt notifies homestay rules, extends special aid to disaster-hit areas

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday approved the recommendations of a sub-committee led by Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan on the operation of homestays in the state, and decided to notify the Himachal Pradesh Homestays Rules, 2024. According to the new provisions, preference will be given to bonafide Himachalis, while the requirement to obtain no objection certificates (NOCs) from the HP Pollution Control Board, local bodies or any other department has been waived, an official statement said. The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also decided to extend the special relief package given to the disaster-hit areas in 2023 to people affected by natural disasters at Samej and Rampur in Shimla district, Jaun-Bagipul and Nirmand in Kullu district, and Tikkam Thalu-Kot in Mandi district during this year's monsoon, in which more than 30 people lost their lives with several still missing. Under the special package, the affected families will receive enhanc

Himachal CM Sukhu launches 6 new schemes to mark two years of Congress govt

Aiming to promote natural farming, the Chief Minister introduced Him Bhog Atta, prepared from maize grown using natural farming practices

Cong govt spent Rs 11,200 cr on loan interest, says Himachal CM Sukhu

The present Congress government has taken Rs 28,000 crore loan in the past two years out of which over Rs 11,200 crore was spent to pay interest on loan taken by the previous governments since 1971, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Wednesday. He also said that Rs 7,800 was spent on repaying the principal amount of loan while Rs 9,000 crore on development. Speaking at a programme to mark completion of two years of Congress government in office in Bilaspur, Sukhu said that this is not a celebration "It is just a programme and we would celebrate when Himachal Pradesh becomes self-reliant in 2027," he said. The chief minister reiterated the challenges of financial crunch, worst monsoon disaster in 2023 and "political conspiracy" leading to bypolls on nine assembly seats faced by the Congress government in the past two years. Sukhu said that 75,000 tourists were rescued during the monsoon disaster last year. "I am aware of the Union government's step-moth

Corrupt Congress govt brought Himachal on brink of bankruptcy: BJP

In a blistering attack against the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, senior BJP leader and former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur Tuesday alleged that the "corrupt" Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dispensation has brought the state on the "brink of bankruptcy". Addressing the BJP's "Akrosh Rally" here, a day ahead of an event to mark two years of the Congress dispensation in the state, Thakur said, "What is the Congress celebrating on completion of two years in power when it has no achievements to show?" He said the BJP is opposing the event which he termed "celebrations of getting ruined". Alleging the state government employees and pensioners were not getting their monthly emoluments, Thakur claimed outsourced workers were also awaiting their salaries for the past four months. "The people of the state have been burdened but crores of rupees are being spent on celebrations," he said. "The Congress government has lost the confidence of the people and failed to fulfil the poll guarante

Himachal govt to set up regulated markets for fair prices: CM Sukhu

The Himachal Pradesh government will set up regulated markets to ensure farmers get fair prices for their produce, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Monday. These markets will strengthen the economic condition of the people and save them time, he said. Inaugurating a regulated market at Totu in the suburbs of Shimla, constructed at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore, Sukhu explained that farmers were previously forced to travel to Shimla, often causing financial losses. He said that this market would greatly benefit farmers from various panchayats, including Dhami, Ghanahati, Majthai, Bagi, Dhamoon, Baichadi, Dhanda, Chail, Nehra, Devnagar, Glot, Jubbarhatti, Rampuri, Shakrah and Kalihatti by ensuring better prices for cash crops and vegetables near their homes The new facility includes eight shops, an auction platform, a 20-bed dormitory for farmers, a spacious hall for public events and other essential amenities. Sukhu noted that the establishment of this market addressed a

Himachal govt mulls including health education in school curricula

The Himachal Pradesh government is contemplating the inclusion of health education in school curricula to create awareness from an early age, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday. "The health sector remains a top priority for the state government and several reforms are being implemented to improve the system," Sukhu said. The chief minister underwent tuberculosis (TB) screening via a portable X-ray machine at a function organised as part of the launch of the 100-day TB elimination campaign (Ni-Kshay Abhiyan). The campaign is a significant step towards making Himachal Pradesh TB-free. It aims to ensure timely identification of TB cases, effective treatment and increased awareness within communities, a statement cited Sukhu as saying. The campaign will be conducted in all districts, with a special focus on vulnerable and marginalised groups, Sukhu said and appealed for active participation in the Ni-Kshay camps. The 100-day TB elimination campaign, inaugurated on

BJP slams Himachal govt's winter session, claims avoiding accountability

The BJP leader suggested that these remarks are politically motivated, particularly in the context of the membership issue of the six MLAs appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS)

Bara Bhangal in Kangra to get road connectivity in two years: Himachal CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government is prioritising to provide road connectivity in remote and hard areas

Himachal govt expands 'CM Sukh-Ashray Yojana' to support abandoned children

Under the expanded Mukhyamantri Sukhashrya Yojana, certificates for eligible children would be issued by district child welfare committees, a government release said

Cong govt stable, BJP's attempts to destabilise will fail: HP ministers

PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh said the High Court's decision declared CPS appointments unconstitutional, but the law was valid at the time of the appointments

Himachal CM dedicates development projects worth Rs 30.70 crore to state

Chief Minister highlighted the commitment of the state government for the welfare and upliftment of people of the state as well as residents of Kinnaur

Govt making changes in education system for student's development: CM Sukhu

Chief Minister further said that in the financial year 2024-25, the education budget in the state has been increased by 17 per cent

Himachal govt sent proposal to Centre to build 5 new NHs in state: Minister

The Himachal Pradesh government has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking approval for five new national highways in the state, Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Friday. Addressing a press conference here after holding a review meeting of his department, Singh said the construction of these proposed national highways will accelerate development in the hill state. "Efforts will be made to expedite the process by meeting Union Highways and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari," Singh said, as he expressed hope that the Centre will give its nod to the proposals soon. During the tenure of the previous BJP government in Himachal, 69 national highways were announced but none of those announcements saw the light of the day, Singh claimed. The Congress leader also said that a provision should be made to keep aside 25-30 per cent budget amount for all new projects so that development work can proceed uninterrupted. Claiming that foundation stones for m

Govt to pay full salary to doctors purusing PG course, says CM Sukhu

Earlier, a Cabinet decision had reduced the salary to 40 per cent for those on study leave

Himachal govt committed to promote science among youth, says CM Sukkhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government is organising the 32nd Himachal Pradesh Children's Science Congress (HPCSC)-2024 and is committed to promoting science among youth.He said that the Children's Science Congress reflects the government's strong commitment to the popularisation and promotion of science among the youth. The theme for this year's Children's Science Congress is 'Traditional Knowledge Systems and Modern Science.'He said that this mega event has commenced on October 18. Approximately 22,000 students and 8,000 teachers are participating in this mega event and program, which is being held in all 73 sub-divisions on 18th, 19th, 21st and 22nd October and across all 12 districts on 6th and 8th November, 2024, a release said.A grand state-level celebration will be held on November 13 & 14.While extending best wishes to all participating teachers and students, the Chief Minister said that their enthusiasm and dedication would undoubtedly shape ...

Have addressed Cong high command's concerns on ideology: Vikramaditya Singh

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Saturday said he has assuaged the Congress high command's concerns about ideology following his recent remarks on the street vendors issue and termed as "misconception" the perception that Uttar Pradesh model was being followed in his state. He said the multi-party committee formed by the Speaker in Himachal Pradesh would discuss all issues about street vending on October 3. Singh's remarks came a day after the Congress top brass chided him over his remarks on mandatory display of names by the street vendors and told him that no one was allowed to go against the party's policies and ideologies. Amid a row over the comments, Congress general secretary in-charge organisation KC Venugopal had a meeting here with Singh on Friday during which the minister was told that the party believed in Rahul Gandhi's mantra of fighting hatred with love. In an interview with PTI Videos, Singh said that there was no controversy on the ground and it was

Street vendors row: Congress tells Vikramaditya to adhere to party ideology

Amid a row over Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh's remarks on mandatory display of names by street vendors, the Congress brass on Friday chided and told him that no one was allowed to go against the party's policies and ideologies, sources said. Congress general secretary, in-charge organisation, KC Venugopal had a meeting with Singh here during which the minister was told that the party believed in Rahul Gandhi's mantra of fighting hatred with love, they said. While Singh was told that he must adhere to the party's ideology and policies, he in turn informed the party brass that he was misquoted by the media. Facing flak over Singh's announcement on mandatory display of names by street vendors, the Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday said no such decision had been taken. Singh, the public works and urban development minister, on Wednesday told reporters that it would be mandatory for street vendors, especially those selling food items, to display their identity card

Cong challenges Kangana to prove charge against Himachal govt, Sonia Gandhi

The Himachal Pradesh Congress on Monday challenged Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut to prove her allegation that the state government took loans and diverted the money to Sonia Gandhi, failing which it said it would file a defamation case against her. Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh told reporters that her comments showed the BJP MP's "intellectual bankruptcy". "There cannot be a bigger foolish statement than saying that funds coming from the Centre or the state's funds for development are being given to Sonia Gandhi," he said. "I openly challenge BJP MP Kangana Ranaut to show proof of even Rs 1 being diverted or apologise to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for making such baseless and unwarranted allegations against her. Otherwise, the Congress will file a defamation case against her," the minister added. Actor-politician Ranaut on Sunday claimed everyone was aware that Congress-ruled state governments had hollowed out their coffers. Attacking the Himachal Pradesh government, sh

Himachal govt to issue SOP soon as loan scheme expanded to education abroad

Days after the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved to extend benefits of the Dr YS Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojna to overseas education, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday said a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) will be issued in this regard soon. The state cabinet on Friday decided to expand the scope of the scheme, under which educational loan of up to Rs 20 lakh is provided at one per cent to eligible students aspiring to pursue professional and vocational courses, to include overseas educational institutions. On Sunday, Sukhu said that this initiative will benefit students aspiring to pursue higher studies in foreign institutions, ensuring that financial limitations do not stand in the way of their educational aspirations. A detailed SOP will be issued in this regard by the education department soon, he added. The state government launched the loan scheme last year to support the eligible meritorious students of economically weaker sections. Students from ...

Freebies, declining central grants: Himachal's uphill task to fix finances

State has announced it will impose electricity consumption cess and defer salaries of ministers for two months