Himachal Pradesh Government

SSWC & MA approves 42 industrial proposals with investment of Rs.5877 crore
- Expected to generate employment opportunities 13355 persons
The 32^ndMeeting of the State Single Window Clearance & Monitoring Authority (SSWC&MA) was held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu approved 42 industrial investment proposals with a proposed investment of Rs. 5877.01 crore having potential to generate 13355 employment opportunities in the state. The meeting is part of the state government’s sustained efforts to promote industrial growth, attract investments, generate large-scale employment and ensure balanced regional development through streamlined approval mechanisms and investor facilitation.

The approvals granted during the meeting reaffirm the state government’s strong commitment to foster a progressive and inclusive industrial ecosystem. The state government is committed towards enhancing the ease of doing business through adoption of streamlined digital single-window mechanisms.

The sectoral spread of proposals reflects increasing diversification of Himachal Pradesh’s industrial base, with proposals from Pharma, Automobile, Textiles, Chemicals, Electrical & Electronics, Plastic & Packaging based, Food Processing, Cosmetics, Steel etc.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized state government’s focus to promote labor-intensive industries that can generate maximum employment opportunities for the youth of Himachal Pradesh, and commitment to creating a progressive industrial ecosystem that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability. He directed the department to notify the New Himachal Pradesh Industrial Policy within next two months, thereby enabling Himachal Pradesh to compete with other neighboring states.

During the meeting Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan highlighted the state’s investor-friendly environment and said 'Himachal Pradesh is rapidly emerging as an attractive investment destination across multiple sectors especially the defense and Pharma. Through proactive policies, robust infrastructure and efficient single-window clearances, the government was ensuring ease of doing business for investors.' From the present data of last 3 years the industrial investment conversion rate is 57 percent, which is much above the national average rate of 32-35 percent.

Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Secretary Finance Dr. Abhishek Jain, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary Labour and Employment Priyanka Basu Ingty, Secretary, Environment, Science & Technology and Climate Change Sushil Kumar Singla, Director Industries Yunus and other senior officers also attended the meeting.

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Governor chairs senate meeting of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
The Governor and Chancellor of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Kavinder Gupta today chaired the University's 17th senate meeting.

Reviewing the University's academic, research and extension activities, the Governor commended its achievements in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and lauded its growing reputation in horticulture, forestry and mountain agriculture research. He emphasized the need to align academic programmes with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and information technology into the curriculum.

The Governor called for timely completion of the Board of Management's reconstitution and encouraged stronger partnerships with financial institutions and industry to enhance employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the students.

He virtually inaugurated the Nakshatra Vatika, Swa-Rozgar Dham and laid foundation stone of the Digital Knowledge Centre and launched several University-developed products on this occasion. He also reviewed a presentation on the concept and objectives of Swa-Rozgar Dham.

Developed through a blend of Indian knowledge traditions, Ayurveda, biodiversity conservation and modern landscape design, the Nakshatra Vatika features 27 tree species associated with the Nakshatras, along-with medicinal gardens, meditation spaces, yoga facilities and sustainable infrastructure.

The Governor also inaugurated the Digital Knowledge Centre at the Satyanand Stokes Library. Equipped with advanced digital resources and smart technologies, the facility will provide students and researchers access to over 1.3 million books and more than 500,000 journals, magazines and newspapers.

During his visit, he inspected various University facilities, including laboratories, the bakery unit, floral craft laboratory, terrarium site and Swa-Rozgar Dham, appreciating the University's efforts to promote practical learning, innovation and self-employment.

The Governor also commended the University's contribution towards supporting farmers through the supply of quality planting material, seeds and modern agricultural technologies. He stressed the importance of research excellence, climate-resilient agriculture, entrepreneurship and stronger collaboration between farmers, academia and industry.

Expressing confidence in the institution's future, he said the University was well positioned to achieve new milestones of excellence at both national and international levels.

MLA's Sanjay Awasthy and Vinod Sultanpuri, Chancellor Dr. Harminder Singh Baweja, Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, Director Horticulture Satish Sharma, Director Agriculture Ravinder Singh Jasrotia, SP T.Sai Dattatreya Verma, members of the Senate and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Himachal to collaborate with Norway on advanced waste management technologies and sustainable development: CM
- CM invites Norwegian companies to invest in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is set to benefit from Norwegian expertise, best practices and advanced technologies in the processing and recycling of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. Beyond C&D waste management, the State Government is keen to collaborate with Norway and learn from its experience in key areas such as circular economy and resource recovery, sustainable tourism and waste-free destinations, climate-resilient urban development, renewable energy and green transition and digital governance and smart cities.

Detailed discussions in this regard were held between Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Ambassador of Norway to India, May-Elin Stener, in Shimla today. The duo deliberated on various issues, including solid waste management and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste management in Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister also invited Norwegian companies to invest in the State, particularly in the tourism, green energy and geothermal sectors.

The Chief Minister said, “Himachal Pradesh and Norway share a common commitment to protecting nature while pursuing sustainable development. I am confident that this cooperation will lead to innovative solutions that benefit not only Himachal Pradesh but also other hilly regions across the world.”

Sh. Sukhu further stated that Himachal Pradesh was committed to emerge as a leading Himalayan State in the sustainable and environmentally responsible urban development. “We invite Norwegian institutions, experts, and technology providers to work closely with the state government and help to develop innovative, scalable solutions that can be replicated across mountain regions,” he added.

The Chief Minister further highlighted that the state government was vigorously promoting the adoption of electric vehicles as part of its environmental conservation efforts. Himachal Pradesh has set a target of increasing its green cover from 29.5 percent to 32 percent, with active participation from youth and other sections of society. He also stated that the government was encouraging chemical-free natural farming in the State and had been providing Minimum Support Price (MSP) to the farmers for maize, wheat, milk, and raw turmeric to strengthen the rural economy and promote sustainable agriculture.

Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Director, Urban Development Neeraj Chadha and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Governor inaugurates Shimla International Summer Festival
Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the five-day-long Shimla International Summer Festival at the historic Ridge on Monday evening.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that the events like International Summer Festival help in preserving and promoting the rich culture and tradition of the state, besides attracting the tourists to experience the vibrant evenings of beautiful Shimla City.

Deputy Commissioner and the Chairman of the Summer Festival Organizing Committee Anupam Kashyap welcomed and honoured the Governor.

MLA Harish Janartha and Mayor Surinder Chauhan were also present on the occasion.

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Independent Councillor calls on CM
Independent Councillor from Ward No. 1 Alaknanda Handa, (Khaliar) of the MC Mandi called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla today.

During the meeting, she expressed confidence in the policies and welfare-oriented initiatives of the state government. She said that the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has undertaken numerous initiatives for the welfare of the common people. She said that the Chief Minister is a visionary leader committed to the development and progress of the state.

MLA Dharampur Chander Shekhar was also present on the occasion.

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CM inaugurates Himachal’s first women’s de-addiction and rehabilitation centre in Mashobra
- Second government-run centre to be established at Tanda
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday inaugurated the 'Nav Jeevan' Women’s De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre in Mashobra near Shimla. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the growing problem of drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh, particularly the use of chitta (heroin), was not merely a law-and-order issue but a serious social, family and humanitarian challenge. He said that the state government was addressing the problem at an early stage by creating public awareness and taking strict action against drug traffickers.

The Chief Minister said that this was the first specialized government facility of its kind in the state for women. The centre would not only provide treatment but also help women rebuild their lives with dignity. It would offer safe accommodation, medical care, psychological counselling, rehabilitation services, social reintegration support and family-based assistance.

He further said that a second government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centre would be established at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda in Kangra district.

Sh. Sukhu emphasized that young people and women who fall victim to addiction should not be viewed as criminals. In contrast, those who sell and traffic drugs were enemies of society and the government would show no leniency towards them. He said that the government's approach was based on compassion for victims and firmness against drug traffickers.

The Chief Minister said that when a woman or daughter gets trapped in addiction, the consequences extend far beyond the individual, affecting her family, children and future generations. Keeping this in view, the government was strengthening treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and social reintegration services, while simultaneously intensifying action against drug traffickers.

He said that the state government launched the Anti-Chitta Public Movement from Shimla on 15 November last year which now had evolved into a broad social campaign involving young people, panchayat representatives, teachers, voluntary organizations and ordinary citizens. He urged the public to participate actively in the fight against drug abuse so that this social evil could be eradicated.

Sh. Sukhu said that the government had launched a decisive campaign against drug trafficking. Preventive action was being taken under stringent legal provisions, including the PIT-NDPS Act and major drug networks were being dismantled. He said that the authorities were identifying properties linked to drug traffickers and warned that no individual involved in the illegal drug trade would be spared, regardless of their influence or status.

Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Board Co-Convenor Sanjay Bhardwaj, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, ESOMSA Director Sumit Kimta, DC Anupam Kashyap, SP Gaurav Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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