In a Cabinet meeting held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Police, Social Justice and Empowerment and Health Departments made detailed presentations on the steps being taken to combat drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh. He stated, “The State Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards the drug menace and is fully committed to protect the youth from falling victim to drug abuse.” He emphasized the urgent need of coordinated actions to dismantle drug networks to protect the youth of the State from addiction.

The Cabinet decided to introduce mandatory dope testing for ‘Chitta’ during police recruitment. In addition, all new government employees will be required to submit an undertaking confirming they do not consume ‘Chitta’. The Chief Minister made it clear that strict action would be taken against any government employees found involved in drug-related activities. 

During the meeting, it was informed that the drug abuse situation in Himachal Pradesh remains under control, with NDPS cases accounting for nine percent of total cases, significantly lower than Punjab’s 20 percent.  It was also highlighted that under the tenure of the present State Government, 45 cases were registered, and properties worth Rs 42.22 crore belonging to individuals involved in drug-related activities were attached. This marks a more than two-fold increase in the number of cases and a three-fold increase in the value of properties seized as compared to previous periods. Additionally, under the provisions of the PIT-NDPS Act, 44 detention orders were issued and successfully executed.

The Health Department was directed to intensify its efforts in capacity building, awareness generation, treatment, counseling, follow-up, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by drug addiction. Integrated Rehabilitation Centres have already been established in Kullu, Hamirpur, Nurpur, and Una to facilitate recovery and re-integration into society. It was also informed during the meeting that a project with an outlay of Rs 14.95 crore will be launched to set up similar centres at all district headquarters, under the State Action Plan of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The Chief Minister further instructed that Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Panchayati Raj Institutions, civil society organizations and the Education Department, to  actively involve themselves in raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach, the Chief Minister exhorted all departments to work jointly in waging a comprehensive war against substance abuse. He also stressed the importance of regular interstate border monitoring to prevent drug trafficking.

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In a meeting held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Cabinet decided to induct 1,386 eligible Jal Rakshaks (Water Guards), who have completed 12 years or more of service as on 31st December 2024, as Pump Attendants in the Jal Shakti Vibhag. 

The State Cabinet has approved the procurement of apple at the rate of Rs. 12 per kg under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for the year 2025. It also decided to procure B and C grade kinnow, malta, and orange at Rs 12 per kg, galgal at Rs 10 per kg and seedling, grafted, and kacha achari mango at Rs 12 per kg under the scheme. 

The Cabinet approved the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Disaster Management and Rehabilitation. The Sub-Committee, headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, was constituted to examine and suggest measures for strengthening the State’s disaster preparedness and rehabilitation mechanisms. The Sub-Committee has recommended conducting structural safety audits of buildings across the State to assess their disaster resilience. Based on these audits, retrofitting measures will be undertaken to minimize the risk of structural damage during disasters. Emphasizing the importance of disaster-resilient infrastructure, the committee has further recommended making earthquake-resistant and hazard-resilient construction mandatory across the State. In order to enhance the efficiency of disaster response, the Sub-Committee has also suggested the integration of Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire Services, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authorities (HPSDMA)’s Disaster Management Cell, aiming to ensure a coordinated and swift response during emergencies.

The Cabinet also approved the translocation of 325 trees under Phase-I of the development of the Durgesh-Aranya Zoological Park at Bankhandi in Dehra, Kangra district. 

It also decided to open a new Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Dehra in Kangra district, along with the creation and filling up of requisite posts to ensure its smooth functioning.

The Cabinet approved the up-gradation and equipping of 18 day care centres for chemotherapy at district hospitals and selected Adarsh Swasthya Sansthan's across the State. This initiative aims to provide accessible follow-up treatment for cancer patients within their districts, reducing the need to travel to medical colleges or out of the State, thereby saving both time and expenses for patients and their families. 

The Cabinet also gave its nod for establishing and equipping 50-bedded Critical Care Block and a District Integrated Public Health Lab at Civil Hospital         Tegu-behar in district Kullu. Additionally, it approved the supply of medical equipment for Critical Care Blocks at Civil Hospital Manali, Regional Hospital Solan, Civil Hospital Paonta, Civil Hospital Dehra, Regional Hospital Reckong Peo, and Dr. Radhakrishanan Government Medical College, Hamirpur. Equipment supply was also approved for District Integrated Public Health Labs at Regional Hospital Solan, Civil Hospital Paonta, Civil Hospital Dehra, and Civil Hospital Nagrota Bagwan.

Further, the Cabinet gave its nod to establish new milk processing plants at Nahan, Nalagarh, Mohal, and Rohru, in addition to setting up a new milk chilling centre at Jalari in Hamirpur district and a bulk milk cooler at Jhalera in Una district. To enhance efficiency and transparency, it was also decided to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system in the Himachal Pradesh Milk Federation, which will digitize its operations and make all necessary information easily accessible to farmers via mobile phones.

Additionally, it approved the rationalization of various teaching and non-teaching posts in Government Polytechnic Colleges across the State.

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and apprised the Prime Minister of the key developmental initiatives of the State, the impact of recent natural disasters and the progress of the ‘Drug-Free Himachal’ campaign.

He briefed the Prime Minister about the extensive damage caused by the cloudbursts and the landslides in Mandi district this monsoon season. Several tragic incidents of cloudbursts have resulted in the loss of lives and widespread destruction of property. Many families have been rendered homeless and have lost their agricultural land due to the disaster.

The Prime Minister assured that all possible assistance would be extended to provide relief and rehabilitate the affected families.

Shri Shukla also briefed the Prime Minister about the state-wide anti-drug campaign, which is being implemented upto the panchayat level. Significant steps have been taken to create awareness against substance abuse and to build community participation in the effort to make Himachal Pradesh a drug-free State, he said.

The Governor shared details of the recently held three-day national conference titled “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in Kashi (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh which would help in making a drug-free society by the year 2047.

The Governor assured that the principles of the Kashi Declaration would be earnestly implemented as part of the broader Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

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In a meeting held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Cabinet decided to grant a special relief package for the disaster affected families across the State. Under the package, the compensation of Rs. 1.30 lakh for a completely damaged house has been increased more than five times to rupees seven lakh. Apart from this, the compensation of Rs. 12,500 for partially damaged house has been enhanced to rupees one lakh.

Furthermore, the compensation of Rs. 10,000 given in case of damaged shop or dhaba has been enhanced ten times to rupees one lakh.  The State Government will also provide increased financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 instead of Rs. 10,000 for the damaged cowsheds. It will also offer an assistance of Rs. 50,000 for damage or loss of belongings of the tenants, whereas the owner will receive Rs. 70,000 for the loss of belongings. Rs. 55,000 per animal will be granted  for the loss of large milch animals instead of Rs. 37,500 while the compensation for the loss of goat, pig, sheep and lamb has been increased from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 9,000 per animal.

In addition to this, the State government will provide Rs. 25,000 as compensation for the fully damaged poly-houses and Rs. 50,000 for de-silting of houses,. The State Government will also give compensation of Rs. 10,000 per bigha for the loss of agriculture and horticulture land, raising it from Rs. 3900 per bigha. For de-silting activities, the State Government has enhanced the compensation from Rs. 1500 per bigha to Rs. 6000 per bigha.  The State Government has also increased the compensation of loss of crops from Rs. 500 per bigha to Rs. 3000 per bigha.

It also expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by the recent disaster across the State. The Cabinet extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed solidarity with all those affected by the disaster. It also expressed its gratitude to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, State Police, Home Guards, NGOs, and other individuals who extended invaluable support in carrying out relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The Cabinet condemned the incident of misbehavior with the Revenue Minister and the act of disrespect shown towards the National Flag by certain anti-social elements during his recent visit to the Seraj area of Mandi district. The Cabinet made a fervent appeal to the general public to contribute generously towards Aapada Rahat Kosh as the money so collected would go a long way in helping the affected families. A detailed presentation on the recent disaster and the response measures undertaken was also given during the meeting.

The Cabinet approved the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, aimed at strengthening forest conservation and development through a community-driven approach. The scheme will be implemented across the State with an outlay of Rs. 100 crore over five years. Under this initiative, community-based organisations such as Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self-Help Groups and other registered community groups will be actively involved in forest conservation and development activities. Each participating organisation will be eligible to receive up to Rs 1.20 lakh per hectare for plantation efforts. If the land parcel for plantation is less than one hectare, the financial assistance will be given proportionately. In addition to this, incentive of Rs 1.20 lakh per hectare based on the survival rate of the planted saplings.

It was decided to amend the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Election Rules, 2015 to address procedural gaps and practical difficulties encountered during municipal elections. Rule 9 has been amended to introduce a standard format for the final publication of wards, ensuring uniformity across the State. Rules 27 and 28 have been revised to include a provision that no changes or additions to the electoral roll will be allowed after the election programme is notified under Rule 35. Further, Rule 35(3) has been amended to transfer the authority of notifying the election programme from the Deputy Commissioner to the State Election Commission, which will now be responsible for issuing the notification at least seven days prior to the filing of nomination papers. Additionally, Rule 88 has been amended to allow nominated members to take the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India along with elected members.

The Cabinet gave its ex-post approval to enhance seats for B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technique, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technique courses. The number of seats will be increased from 10 to 50 at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and from 18 to 50 at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC), Tanda.

The Cabinet decided to allot land in favour of Himachal Pradesh Milkfed for the establishment of a Milk Processing Plant at Mehandali in Rohru tehsil of Shimla district.

It also approved to grant 50 percent concession in motor vehicle tax for owners scrapping vehicles that fall under Pre-BIS, BS-I, and BS-II emission norms through a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility.

To improve patient care, the Cabinet approved the creation and filling of eight posts of various categories in the Pain and Palliative Care Cell under the Department of Radiotherapy at IGMC, Shimla.

It was decided to upgrade the Primary Health Centre at Dhaneta in Hamirpur district to a Community Health Centre, along with the creation and filling of the necessary posts to ensure its effective functioning.

It was gave nod to open a new Police Post at Khaira under Police Station Sunni in Shimla district, along-with the creation and filling of the necessary posts to ensure its smooth functioning.

Additionally, the Cabinet gave its nod to transfer the jurisdiction of Police Post Hatli from Police Station Chowari to Police Station Sihunta in Chamba district, to improve administrative efficiency and policing in the area.

The Cabinet also approved the reconstitution of the Ratti-Nagachala Special Area and Nerchowk Planning Area in Mandi district.

The approval was also accorded for upgradation of Nagar Panchayat Jawali to a Municipal Council in Kangra district. 

It also gave its nod to reclassify the Municipal Council Sunni in Shimla district as a Nagar Panchayat by excluding certain areas from its jurisdiction.

The Cabinet also decided to shift the jurisdiction of the newly opened Sub-Tehsil Lauharaghat from Sub-Division Arki to Sub-Division Nalagarh in Solan district to facilitate the local population.

It also granted approval to pre-mature release of 15 prisoners according to the recommendations of State Sentence Review Board with the condition to ensure their post release conduct. This has been done for the first time. 

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today visited the mystic village Khajjiar (Pukhri) and experienced the natural charm and rich cultural heritage of the village. Lady Governor Janaki Shukla was also present with him.

The Governor said that the natural beauty and clean environment of Pukhri village make it more attractive even when compared to some of Himachal's well-known tourist destinations. He appreciated the efforts of the Chamba district administration and the tourism department in promoting tourism in rural areas of the district.

He said that responsible tourism, with a focus on cleanliness and environmental conservation was the need of the hour. There were well-maintained home-stay facilities in the village for tourists and the fresh and pure atmosphere here was beneficial for health. He said that promoting tourism in such naturally beautiful villages would not only strengthen the rural economy but also help showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state across the country and beyond.

Shri Shukla said that there was need to improve connectivity to mystic village to facilitate more tourists to visit and enjoy its natural splendour thereby contributing to the local economy. He assured that he would take up the issue of connectivity in the region with the Central Government and the Union Ministry of Forests. Apart from this, the key matters related to rural tourism would also be brought to the attention of the state government through various platforms.

He said that a the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between ICRT India Foundation and the Chamba district administration during the first cultural evening of the International Minjar Fair 2025 which would help in promoting tourism in several lesser-known destinations across Chamba district.

A brief cultural programme was also presented by villagers in their traditional attire.

MLA's Neeraj Nayar, Dr. Hans Raj and D.S Thakur and Secretary to the Governor C.P Verma were also present on the occasion.

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