Himachal Pradesh Government

NCST Chairman calls on Governor
Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Antar Singh Arya along with its Members Nirupam Chakma and Dr. Asha Lakra called on Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan, today.

Joint Secretary, NCST Amit Nirmaj, Directors Purendu Kant and P. Kalyan Reddy also accompanied the Chairman.

It was a courtesy call.

The Commission is on a two-day visit to Shimla.

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Governor presides over closing ceremony of All India Artists Association
Governor Kavinder Gupta today presided over the closing ceremony of the 71^st annual function and All India Drama and Dance Competition organised by the All India Artists Association at Kali Bari temple auditorium.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor lauded the efforts of the All India Artists Association for its remarkable contribution to promote Indian art, culture and national integration for more than seven decades. He said that Association had served as an important platform for artists from across the country, and played an important role in connecting diverse regions, languages and cultures through theatre, dance, music and other performing arts.

Kavinder Gupta said that art was not merely a means of entertainment but a powerful medium for fostering social harmony, sensitivity and national unity. He said that artists serve as ambassadors of culture and play an important role in shaping society and strengthening the spirit of nation-building.

The Governor appreciated the Association's efforts in encouraging young talent, promoting amateur theatre and providing aspiring artists with opportunities to showcase their skills at the national level. He said that such programmes not only preserve India's cultural heritage but also inspire younger generations to remain connected with their roots.

Highlighting the Association's long-standing association with Himachal Pradesh, particularly Shimla, he said that it had become an integral part of the state's cultural legacy. He said that generations of artists from across the country had travelled to Shimla not only to perform but also to be part of a vibrant cultural tradition that celebrates creativity, excellence and brotherhood.

Over 800 artists representing 18 states participated in the festival and presented colourful cultural performances on the occasion.

The Governor presented the Balraj Sahni Award to Satish Verma and Dinesh Khanna for their outstanding contribution in the field of art.

Earlier, the Governor paid the obeisance at Kalibari temple.

President of All India Artists Association Rohitash Gour, Vice President Rekha Gour were also present on the occasion.

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Governor presides over closing ceremony of All India Artists Association
Governor presides over closing ceremony of All India Artists Association

Governor Kavinder Gupta today presided over the closing ceremony of the 71^st annual function and All India Drama and Dance Competition organised by the All India Artists Association at Kali Bari temple auditorium.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor lauded the efforts of the All India Artists Association for its remarkable contribution to promote Indian art, culture and national integration for more than seven decades. He said that Association had served as an important platform for artists from across the country, and played an important role in connecting diverse regions, languages and cultures through theatre, dance, music and other performing arts.

Kavinder Gupta said that art was not merely a means of entertainment but a powerful medium for fostering social harmony, sensitivity and national unity. He said that artists serve as ambassadors of culture and play an important role in shaping society and strengthening the spirit of nation-building.

The Governor appreciated the Association's efforts in encouraging young talent, promoting amateur theatre and providing aspiring artists with opportunities to showcase their skills at the national level. He said that such programmes not only preserve India's cultural heritage but also inspire younger generations to remain connected with their roots.

Highlighted the Association's long-standing association with Himachal Pradesh, particularly Shimla, he said that it had become an integral part of the state's cultural legacy. He said that generations of artists from across the country had travelled to Shimla not only to perform but also to be part of a vibrant cultural tradition that celebrates creativity, excellence and brotherhood.

Over 800 artists representing 18 states participated in the festival and presented colourful cultural performances on the occasion.

The Governor presented Balraj Sahni Award to Satish Verma and Dinesh Khanna for their outstanding contribution in the field of art.

Earlier, the Governor paid the obeisance at Kalibari temple.

President of All India Artists Association Rohitash Gour, Vice President Rekha Gour were also present on the occasion.

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NCST appreciates efforts of Himachal Government towards tribal development
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has commended the state government's endeavours regarding the development of tribal areas and the welfare of the people residing there.

The Chairman and Members of the Commission, currently on a two-day visit to Shimla, held a review meeting here today with senior officials from various departments of the state government to discuss the challenges faced by tribal areas and their solutions.

Presiding over the meeting, the Chairman of the Commission Antar Singh Arya stated that despite difficult geographical conditions, Himachal Pradesh was performing well in the sphere of tribal development. He expressed satisfaction over the significant progress made in key sectors such as education, healthcare, road construction, electricity and drinking water supply in tribal areas.

After a detailed review of the work undertaken by various departments, he issued necessary directives aimed at providing even better facilities to the people in tribal areas. The Members of the Commission Nirupam Chakma and Dr. Asha Lakra also offered valuable suggestions and instructions.

The Chairperson directed the state government to expedite the resolution of cases under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in tribal areas so that eligible individuals could promptly receive the benefits entitled to them under the Act.

He expressed happiness that, unlike in many other states of the country, no cases of Sickle Cell Anemia have been reported in the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier, the Commission interacted with the youth from the state's tribal areas where they shared their views on issues related to the development of tribal society, education, employment and social empowerment.

Subsequently, the Commission held meetings with representatives from tribal areas, forest conservation committees, forest rights beneficiaries and various social organizations. Detailed discussions were held regarding issues concerning tribal communities and the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act.

The meeting also featured comprehensive discussions on various matters related to the protection of tribal interests, their welfare and development. During the event, representatives from the Hati community, Gujjars, Gaddis, Kinnauras and other tribal communities presented issues and suggestions concerning their respective regions to the Commission.

Antar Singh Arya assured the representatives that necessary steps would be taken to address the issues and suggestions raised, ensuring maximum benefit for the people of the tribal areas.

On Tuesday, the Commission reviewed ongoing departmental works in tribal areas with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and the Public Works Department. The Commission also held a meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the state.

Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma conducted the proceedings of the meeting.

Joint Secretary, NCST Amit Nirmaj, Directors Purendu Kant and P. Kalyan Reddy, along-with secretaries and heads of various state government departments, attended the meeting.

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Governor calls upon youth to actively participate in public welfare initiatives
- Attends blood donation and free dental health check-up camp
Governor Kavinder Gupta today here attended a Blood Donation Camp and Free Dental Health Check-up Camp organised by the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society as the Chief Guest.

The Governor lauded the efforts of the State Red Cross Society and the blood donors for their invaluable contribution to society. He said that the Red Cross plays a vital role in serving humanity, extending support to the suffering and vulnerable and promoting the spirit of compassion and community welfare. He said that blood donation is a noble act that has the power to save lives and bring hope to those in need. He encouraged young people to actively participate in such humanitarian and public welfare initiatives.

During the programme, the Governor inspected the Mobile Dental Clinic Van and appreciated the efforts being made to provide quality dental healthcare services to people, particularly in remote areas.

The Governor presented certificates of appreciation to several blood donors in recognition of their valuable contribution.

He also honoured Raj Kumar for his consistent support to the Red Cross Society and his regular blood donation over the years.

Members of the Red Cross Society Dr. Sadhna Thakur, Dr. Kimi Sood, Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry IGMC Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj, blood donors and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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State government committed to promote ease of doing business: CM
CM directs to fully digitize process of providing all services

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a review meeting of the Labour and Employment Department here on Tuesday. He reviewed the various schemes being implemented by the department and directed to ensure that the benefits of these welfare programmes reach all eligible beneficiaries in a timely manner. He directed the department to fully digitize the process of providing all services, including certificates and licences, so that people do not face any inconvenience in obtaining these documents.

Sh. Sukhu said that under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-up Yojana-2023, 50 percent subsidy was being provided to youth for the purchase of e-taxis. In the financial year 2026-27, 500 more youth would be provided a 50 percent subsidy for purchasing e-taxis, for which a provision of Rs. 50 crore has being made in the budget. He said that during the financial year 2026-27, 500 youth would also be extended a 50 percent capital subsidy through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for the purchase of e-rickshaws.

The Chief Minister said that, to promote trade and industry in the State and encourage ease of doing business, the state government has amended the Himachal Pradesh Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1969 and the related rules. Under the amended provisions, the Act would be implemented more effectively across the state and shops and commercial establishments have been permitted to operate round the clock. This would provide greater flexibility to businesses and enable consumers to shop at their convenience, he added.

He said that the government was making the compliance system more effective to further improve the ease of doing business while simultaneously strengthening the protection and welfare of workers.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary Priyanka Basu Ingty, Labour Commissioner Virender Sharma and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.

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