Himachal Pradesh Government

CM Sukhu launches Shimla 'Winter Carnival'
Highlights tourism initiatives and ensures safety for visitors

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated the Shimla Winter Carnival organised by the Shimla Municipal Corporation at the historic Ridge in Shimla. He also flagged off a vibrant cultural parade featuring folk troupes from all districts of the State.

The Chief Minister also visited the painting exhibition at the Gaiety Theatre and witnessed the Maha Nati performance, as well as the Home Guards Inter-Battalion Band Competition held near the Town Hall. He congratulated the organizers and extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the carnival, which is being organised on the theme of a 'Drug-Free Himachal'.

Welcoming tourists to Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Sukhu said that the State’s serene and pollution-free environment not only offers peace and recreation but also promotes good health. He interacted with tourists, enquired about their experiences and assured them that visitors to the State would not face any inconvenience during their stay.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh has been richly endowed by nature with exceptional scenic beauty, and its picturesque valleys attract crores of tourists every year. He added that while the State Government was strengthening basic infrastructure to boost tourism, special efforts are also being made to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. The Winter Carnival, he said, was providing a range of attractions in the ‘Queen of Hills’, Shimla, and a similar carnival was also being organised in Dharamshala.

He further stated that such events play an important role in strengthening the local economy and that tourist arrivals in the State was increasing steadily. Keeping in view the vast potential of eco-tourism, the State Government has notified a revised Eco-Tourism Policy. Under this policy, 11 eco-tourism sites have already been allotted by the Forest Department, while the allotment process for 27 additional sites is at its final stage. From 2023 to November 2025, nearly rupees six crore has been generated through various eco-tourism activities.

To promote home-stays, the Chief Minister said that an interest subsidy scheme has been launched and an online portal has been introduced for home-stay registration. He added that the Tourism Investment Promotion Council has also been constituted to attract investment in the tourism sector.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary AICC Vidit Chaudhary, MLAs Harish Janartha and Vivek Sharma, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Vice-Chairman of the State Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, ADGP Satwant Atwal Trivedi and Abhishek Trivedi, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, SP Sanjeev Gandhi, Commissioner MC Bhupendra Atri, councillors and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. (eom)

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Pangi Delegation calls on Chief Minister
A delegation from the Pangi region led by Chairman, APMC Chamba, Lalit Thakur today called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today and apprised him of various demands related to the region.

The Chief Minister lauded the people of Pangi and the Self Help Groups for their commendable work in the field of natural farming. He said that the state government was making continuous efforts to promote natural farming practices across the state. He said that farmers and horticulturists of the Pangi region were doing excellent work in this sector.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that to support the efforts of farmers the state government has fixed a support price for naturally grown barley in the Pangi region. It would encourage farmers to adopt natural farming and would help in increase farmer's income besides giving a new identity to their produce.

The Chief Minister assured the delegation that all their genuine demands would be considered sympathetically.

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Governor highlights ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision at IEA Conference
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla addressed the valedictory session of the 108th Annual International Conference of the Indian Economic Association in IILM University at New Delhi today. He said that the conference serves as an important platform for discussion on policies and contributes to nation-building. He said that the conference serves as an important platform for discussion on policies and contributes to nation-building.

Referring to the theme “India’s Perspective: Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said that the vision of a developed India is not limited to economic growth alone. It also focuses on inclusive development, social justice, protection of the environment, self-reliance in technology and strong human values.

Highlighting India’s strong economic progress, the Governor said that the country is one of the fastest-growing major economies. He said this growth is supported by digital public systems, innovation, startups and expansion of infrastructure. He said that Viksit Bharat 2047 is not only about economic figures, but about ensuring dignity, equal opportunities and balanced development for every citizen. He also urged economists to play an important role in connecting ideas with government policies and the needs of society.
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CM directs completion of inquiry into IGMC incident by 24 December
Induction training to be started for senior residency: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today held a meeting with senior officers of the Health Department, Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla and the Directorate of Medical Education. Various issues related to medical education in the State were discussed in detail, along with the incident that took place at IGMC Shimla on 22nd December.

The Chief Minister sought detailed information from officials of the Health Department, IGMC and the Directorate of Medical Education regarding all facts connected with the incident.

Shri Sukhu directed that the inquiry into the incident be completed by 24^th December 2025 and that necessary action be taken at the earliest. He said that professional behaviour in every institution should be polite and calm, as it reflects not only an individual’s character but also the image of the institution.

He said that doctors who have studied at IGMC have brought recognition to the State both in India and abroad. He said that the incident at IGMC was completely unacceptable and that indiscipline would not be tolerated in any institution.

The Chief Minister also directed the Directorate of Medical Education to provide induction training to doctors joining medical colleges for senior residency. He reviewed the senior residency process in detail and issued necessary guidelines.

He said that over the past three years, the State Government has taken several ambitious initiatives in the field of medical education. World-class standards were being adopted to provide a better working environment for doctors and paramedical staff in institutions and hospitals.

Shri Sukhu said that the State Government was not only strengthening the health sector but was also working towards making Himachal Pradesh a model state in this field. He said that the government has decided to spend more than Rs. 3,000 crore on improving the availability of modern health services and on the development and expansion of health infrastructure. He further said that old medical equipment that has been in use for over two decades in health institutions was being replaced with new and advanced equipment.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil shared several valuable suggestions related to medical education in the meeting.

Chief Minister’s Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary Health Sandeep Kadam, Director Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Director Health Dr. Gopal Beri, Medical Superintendent IGMC Dr. Rahul Rao, Additional Director Neeraj Kumar Gupta and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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Himachal Pradesh Recognized for Visionary “Him Parivar” Project at Deloitte’s Flagship Government Su
Himachal Pradesh Recognized for Visionary “Him Parivar” Project at Deloitte’s Flagship Government Summit Arohana 2025

Himachal Pradesh received special recognition at Arohana 2025, Deloitte’s flagship government summit, for its pathbreaking digital governance initiative — the Him Parivar Project.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, participated in the summit and delivered the Plenary Leadership Lecture. In his address, he highlighted how the State has strategically leveraged digital technology to build a future-ready, transparent, and citizen-centric governance ecosystem.

Emphasizing the transformative impact of the Him Parivar Project, the Chief Minister described it as a game changer in governance. The initiative integrates data across departments to enable targeted delivery of welfare schemes, eliminate duplication, remove ineligible beneficiaries, and enhance policy planning. He noted that Him Parivar has significantly improved efficiency, transparency, and financial prudence in administering social welfare programmes.

The Chief Minister also showcased other key digital initiatives, including:

• HimAccess – the State’s single sign-on digital identity platform, and

• HimSeva – the unified service delivery portal offering hundreds of citizen services online.

These efforts, he said, aim to make governance simpler, faster, and more inclusive, particularly benefitting citizens in remote and hilly areas.

Sh. Sukhu, who also holds the Information Technology portfolio, lauded the Department of Digital Technology and Governance (DTG) for spearheading the State’s digital transformation. He particularly commended the visionary leadership of Sh. Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor (DTG & Innovation) to the Chief Minister, and appreciated the contribution of Dr. Nipun Jindal, Director, DDTG, along with his dedicated team, for their relentless work in translating the State’s ambitious digital governance vision into operational success.

The recognition at Arohana 2025 underscores Himachal Pradesh’s national leadership in leveraging technology for inclusive governance and reflects its commitment to building a secure, transparent, and future-ready digital ecosystem.
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Chief Minister launches Pulse Polio Campaign
• Advanced Pediatric Centre to be set up at AIMSS Chamiyana

• Special OPD consultation slots to be started for senior citizens in hospitals

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the state-level Intensified Pulse Polio Campaign at Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla, on the occasion of National Immunization Day. He also administered polio drops to young children.

The Chief Minister appreciated doctors, anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, ANMs, Panchayati Raj institutions, school teachers and the district administration for the successful organization of the campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the state government was strengthening health services from primary health centres to medical colleges. He announced that an Advanced Pediatric Centre would be established at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities, Chamiyana. The centre would provide world-class treatment facilities for children with modern infrastructure.

He further said that special OPD consultation slots would be introduced in hospitals for senior citizens above 70 years of age so that they do not have to wait and can receive timely and convenient treatment.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government was giving top priority to the education and health sectors. World-class technology and modern infrastructure were also being developed to further strengthen health services. All vacant posts in the health department were being filled in a phased manner to improve medical services.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the objective of the Intensified Pulse Polio Campaign was to maintain the State’s polio-free status. Under the campaign, nearly six lakh children in the age group of zero to five years would be given polio drops at 5,793 polio booths across the state. A total of 11,706 vaccination teams have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the campaign.

He said that mop-up days would be observed on 22 and 23 December, during which door-to-door visits will be carried out to cover missed children, migrant families and high-risk areas. All required vaccines, cold-chain equipment and other logistics have already been supplied to all districts.

He said that the State Government has given highest priority to modern technology in the health sector. In a historic initiative, robotic surgery has been introduced at AIMSS Chamiyana Hospital in Shimla and Tanda Medical College in Kangra district. He said that old machines were being replaced from medical colleges to civil hospitals. The government was spending nearly Rs. 3,000 crore on installing MRI, CT scan and X-ray machines.

He said that health services in the state were being upgraded on the lines of AIIMS Delhi and modern trauma centres equipped with advanced facilities have been established to provide better care to patients.

On the occasion the Chief Minister also interacted with patients and their attendants at Kamla Nehru Hospital and issued necessary directions to the concerned officers.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, MLA Harish Janartha, Secretary Sandeep Kadam, Managing Director NHM Pradeep Thakur, Director Health Dr. Gopal Beri, Director Health Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

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