Himachal Pradesh Government

Chief Minister presents cheques worth Rs 17.85 crore to sportspersons, honours them with Him Ratna Awards

• National-level coaches and international referees to receive Rs. 3 lakh each

• Khelo Himachal Campaign to begin in Dharamshala on 20 November: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today honoured sportspersons who have brought laurels to Himachal Pradesh through their outstanding performances at national and international sporting events with the Him Ratna-2026 Awards at a state-level function held here today. He presented cheques amounting to Rs. 17.85 crore to 419 outstanding sportspersons of the state.

Of the awardees, 51 were recognised for their achievements in international competitions, while 368 were honoured for their outstanding performances at the national level. Cheques worth Rs. 13.55 crore were presented to international-level sportspersons and Rs. 4.30 crore to national-level players.

The Chief Minister presented a cheque of Rs. 2.50 crore to athlete Sawan Barwal for winning a silver medal in the men's marathon at the Asian Games-2026 held in Japan. Athlete Seema Kumari received a cheque of Rs. 1.50 crore for winning a bronze medal in the 10,000-metre race. India also won the gold medal in women's kabaddi at the competition. Four players from Himachal Pradesh-Ritu Negi, Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhawna Thakur were part of the Indian team. Each of them was presented with a cheque of Rs. one crore. He also presented a cheque of Rs. one crore to state cricketer Renuka Thakur.

Congratulating all the medal winners, the Chief Minister said their success was the result of years of hard work, guidance from their coaches and the sacrifices made by their parents. He said sports were an important part of education as they helped young people develop discipline, self-confidence and leadership qualities. He said the state government had significantly increased the award money to encourage sportspersons and recognise their achievements.

The award money for gold medal winners at the Olympic Games, Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games has been increased from Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 5 crore. Silver medal winners will now receive Rs. 3 crore instead of Rs. 2 crore, while the award for bronze medal winners has been increased from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 2 crore.

Similarly, the award money for gold medal winners at the Asian Games and Para Asian Games has been increased from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 4 crore. Silver medal winners will now receive Rs. 2.50 crore instead of Rs. 30 lakh, while bronze medal winners will receive Rs 1.50 crore instead of Rs. 20 lakh.

The Chief Minister said that every player winning a medal in a team event would also receive at least 25 percent of the total award money. The State Cabinet has approved this provision. He also announced an incentive of Rs. 3 lakh each for national-level coaches and international referees. He said coaches and referees played an important role in the success of sportspersons and teams.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government had created government posts in the Youth, Service and Sports Department to provide employment opportunities to sportspersons. This would encourage sporting talent and also help secure the future of players. He said that the state government would launch the 'Khelo Himachal Campaign' in Dharamshala from 20 November to make young people aware of the harmful effects of drug abuse, particularly the use of chitta .

Cricket, volleyball and kabaddi competitions will be organised as part of the campaign. Young men and women between 15 and 30 years of age will be eligible to participate. The competitions will be held at sub-divisional, district and state levels. At the state level, the winning team will receive Rs. 21 lakh, the second-placed team Rs. 15 lakh and the third-placed team Rs. 10 lakh. At the district level, the first, second and third-placed teams will receive Rs. 2 lakh, Rs. 1.5 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh, respectively.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the official website of the Khelo Himachal Campaign and unveiled its mascot.

The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working to improve sports facilities and strengthen sports infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh. He said that talent and hard work alone were not enough to achieve excellence in sports, players also needed access to world-class facilities.

With this aim, a modern indoor stadium is being developed at Nadaun in Hamirpur district at an estimated cost of Rs. 170 crore. The stadium is planned to provide international-standard facilities for around 14 sports, including swimming, badminton, volleyball, tennis, table tennis and boxing. He added that sports stadiums were also being constructed at various locations across the state, with adequate funds being provided for their development. These facilities would give sportspersons in both rural and urban areas better opportunities for training and practice.

On the occasion, Youth, Service and Sports Minister Yadvinder Goma said it was a proud day in the sporting history of Himachal Pradesh. He said the state government was honouring sportspersons who had brought recognition to the state through their achievements at national and international levels.

He said that although Himachal Pradesh was a small state, its sportspersons had big dreams. The state government was committed to develop a strong sports system so that talented players could get better opportunities to succeed. The Youth, Service and Sports Department was making special efforts to identify talented players and provide them with the right platform. Despite limited resources, the state government was extending all possible support to sportspersons.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, former Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Pratibha Singh, Vice-Chairman of Sports Council Chhatar Singh Thakur, Chairman Kailash Federation Baldev Singh Thakur, Secretary Priyanka Basu Ingty, Director Youth, Service and Sports Shivam Pratap Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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Indira Gandhi and Sardar Patel made unparalleled contributions to Nation-building: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, on her death anniversary by offering flowers at her statue at The Ridge Shimla. The Day is being observed as Rashtriya Sanklap Diwas.

Blood donation camp was also organized on the occasion.

He also remembered the former Union Home Minister Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. He said that both great leaders had made invaluable contributions towards strengthening the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation. He also administered oath of national integration to the participants present on the occasion.

Interacting with media persons on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Indira Gandhi was an extraordinary leader known for her courage, determination and ability to take bold decisions in challenging circumstances. Her leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war was a defining moment in India's history, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh and brought a significant transformation in the geopolitical landscape of the subcontinent. He said that such a historic decision, taken at a time when India was still facing numerous developmental and security challenges, reflected her exceptional political vision and strong leadership.

The Chief Minister said that she made several historic decisions in the larger interest of the country, including the nationalisation of banks, abolition of privy purses of former rulers and implementation of land ceiling measures in 1971. These decisions were aimed at reducing economic inequalities, strengthening the public sector and ensuring that the benefits of development reached wider sections of society.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said her commitment to national unity and integrity was reflected in her supreme sacrifice for the nation. She laid down her life while serving the country, leaving behind an enduring legacy of courage, patriotism and dedication.

Remembering former Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Chief Minister said that he was rightly known as the Iron Man of India for his decisive role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. Despite facing considerable resistance and complex challenges, Sardar Patel demonstrated extraordinary administrative acumen and political determination in bringing hundreds of princely states together, including Hyderabad and Jammu and Kashmir, thereby laying a strong foundation for a united India.

He said that the Congress party had consistently worked to uphold constitutional values and strengthen democratic institutions. The Constitution and universal adult franchise had empowered every citizen to participate in the democratic process, irrespective of social or economic background. He added that India's democratic system had provided equal opportunities to people from different sections of society to lead the country.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the right to vote was one of the most significant achievements of Independence and must be protected at all costs. Allegations of vote manipulation and electoral irregularities were serious matters that required transparent investigation and accountability. He said that the Congress party was exercising its democratic right to raise these concerns and protest against any alleged attempt to undermine the electoral process.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Constitution was the soul of Indian democracy and its protection was essential for preserving the rights and aspirations of future generations. He said that the legacy of leaders like Indira Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inspired the country to remain united, uphold democratic principles and work towards a strong, inclusive and progressive India.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Former President of Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Pratibha Singh, Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Councillors, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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Central Govt.’s healthcare initiatives transforming India’s healthcare landscape: Kavinder Gupta


·        Attends 38th annual conference of North Zone Ophthalmological Society at Palampur

·        Says Ayushman Bharat, other Central initiatives strengthening healthcare access and affordability to the last mile

·        Calls upon healthcare institutions and specialist societies to strengthen eye-care services in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh

·        Hails Centre’s allocation of Rs 415 crore for 320 additional PG medical seats in Himachal Pradesh

·        Urges participating delegates and medical professionals to visit Himachal Pradesh’s revered Shakti Peeths

India’s healthcare sector has witnessed significant transformation in recent years under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the Central Government introducing several landmark initiatives to make quality healthcare more accessible, affordable and inclusive. The expansion of healthcare infrastructure, wider health insurance coverage, strengthening of primary healthcare services and integration of digital technologies have significantly improved healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

This was stated by Governor Kavinder Gupta while addressing the 38th annual conference of the North Zone Ophthalmological Society (NZOS) and the annual meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Ophthalmological Society at Palampur in Kangra district, today. He said the ongoing transformation in the healthcare sector was not merely about expanding medical facilities, but about ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare and placing the well-being of citizens at the centre of the development process.

The Governor said that initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission were playing a significant role in strengthening the healthcare ecosystem and extending affordable medical services to the last mile. He also highlighted the expansion of Ayushman Bharat coverage to senior citizens aged 70 years and above as an important step towards safeguarding their health, dignity and well-being.

Welcoming the addition of 320 postgraduate medical seats in Himachal Pradesh, supported by an allocation of Rs 415 crore by the Central Government, the Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the initiative would strengthen medical education, enhance the availability of specialist doctors and further improve healthcare services in the State.

Congratulating the North Zone Ophthalmological Society, Himachal Pradesh Ophthalmological Society and The Palampur Rotary Eye Foundation for organising the conference, the Governor said such platforms provided valuable opportunities for exchanging scientific knowledge, professional experience and innovative practices, ultimately contributing to improved patient care.

Emphasising the importance of eye care, Kavinder Gupta said that protecting eyesight and preventing avoidable blindness was not merely a professional responsibility of the medical fraternity but also a noble service to humanity. He observed that advances in diagnostic techniques, innovative surgical procedures, retinal treatments and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, were opening new avenues for the early detection and treatment of eye diseases. However, he stressed that the true success of medical science lay in ensuring that these advancements benefited every section of society.

Highlighting the geographical challenges of Himachal Pradesh, the Governor said that difficult terrain, long distances, limited transportation facilities and inadequate access to specialist doctors often posed challenges in delivering advanced healthcare to remote areas. He called for coordinated efforts among government health institutions, private healthcare organisations, specialist medical societies and service organisations to strengthen ophthalmic services in far-flung areas. He emphasised that no person's economic circumstances or geographical limitations should come in the way of receiving quality eye care.

The Governor called upon ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals attending the conference to develop practical strategies suited to Himachal Pradesh's geographical conditions and work towards making specialised eye-care services accessible to people in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. He also appealed to the delegates and visiting medical professionals to visit and pay obeisance at the revered Shakti Peeths of Himachal Pradesh, describing the State's rich spiritual and cultural heritage as an integral part of its identity.

On the occasion, the Governor installed Dr. Sudhir Salhotra as the 38th President of the North Zone Ophthalmological Society and conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr. Surat Singh in recognition of his contributions. He also released the NZOS journal and unveiled the website of the Himachal Pradesh Ophthalmological Society.

The Governor appreciated the contributions of doctors, healthcare workers, organisers and other stakeholders associated with the conference and extended his best wishes to all participating ophthalmologists, scientists, researchers, young doctors and delegates.

Earlier, Dr. Gaurav Luthra, Chairman, North Zone Ophthalmological Society and Dr. Sudhir Malhotra, Director, Rotary Eye Foundation, Palampur welcomed and honoured the Governor on the occasion.

Dr. Sudhir Salhotra, in his address, threw light on the role and contribution of the North Zone Ophthalmological Society (NZOS) in promoting excellence in ophthalmology, strengthening professional collaboration and providing a common platform for ophthalmologists to exchange knowledge, share experiences and discuss the latest developments in eye care.

Dr. Ram Lal Sharma, President, Himachal Pradesh Ophthalmological Society, K.G. Butail, Chairman, Palampur Rotary Eye Foundation, members of the Society and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

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Govt. striving to enhance staff strength above 70 percent in health institutions by 31st March, 2027: CM


·        Announces to open CBSE School at Sangrah

·        Inaugurates CHC building at Nohradhar virtually

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today virtually inaugurated the Community Health Centre (CHC) building at Nohradhar in Renuka Assembly constituency of Sirmaur district from Shimla. Constructed at a cost of Rs. 6.92 crore, the six-bedded health facility is a significant step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better access to quality medical services in the remote areas of the district.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the CHC would benefit approximately 50,000 people belonging to 20 gram panchayats and 47 villages in the surrounding areas. The facility would provide round-the-clock healthcare services, enabling people to access timely medical service closer to their homes.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government was committed to strengthening the healthcare system, particularly in rural and remote areas, so that people did not have to travel long distances to avail themselves of essential medical facilities. The establishment of this health centre would significantly ease the difficulties faced by residents in accessing timely treatment and would ensure improved healthcare services at the local level.

The Chief Minister informed that two Medical Officers and one Staff Nurse had already been posted at the institution to ensure the delivery of healthcare services. He said that the availability of medical personnel at the CHC would help address the immediate healthcare needs of the local population and provide greater convenience to patients and their families.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the government was taking sustained steps to improve health facilities across the state, with special emphasis on ensuring that people in rural areas receive accessible and reliable healthcare services.

He said that during the previous BJP Government health sector remained neglected and the hospitals were functioning with manpower of just 35 percent whereas the present state government intends to enhance the staff strength above 70 percent before 31^st March, 2027. He said that state government was strengthening medical colleges, zonal hospitals, district hospitals CHCs, PHCs etc. to offer better health care facilities to the people even residing in the rural areas.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government was also focusing on bolstering the rural economy sector to strengthen the economy of the people living in the villages. He said that the state government was also opening CBSE schools in the rural areas so that students receive quality education nearer to their homes. He announced to make government senior secondary school Sangrah as CBSE School. He also assured to consider setting up of a milk chilling plant with the capacity of 5000 litres per day in the area.

On the occasion MLA and President HPCC Vinay Kumar thanked the Chief Minister for the new building and said that the CHC would benefit approximately 50,000 people belonging to 20 gram panchayats and 47 villages in the surrounding areas. The facility would provide round-the-clock healthcare services, enabling people to access timely medical service closer to their homes.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Berry and other senior officers were also present at Shimla while Deputy Commissioner Sirmaur Priyanka Verma, SP Nishchint Negi and local leaders were present at Nohradhar.

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Job trainee medical officers to be allowed to pursue PG: CM

• Geriatric medicine departments to be introduced at IGMC and Tanda: CM

• Job trainee medical officers to get GDO benefits from date of appointment: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while interacting with newly appointed Medical Officers and Medical Officers (Super Specialists) here today, directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to review the provisions of the PG/SS Policy to facilitate Job Trainee Medical Officers in pursuing postgraduate courses and to streamline the recruitment of Senior Residents/Tutor Specialists in medical colleges across Himachal Pradesh. He said that the state government had taken several initiatives to strengthen the medical education system, bring greater clarity to service matters and ensure the availability of qualified medical professionals in healthcare institutions across the state.

The Chief Minister directed the department to make necessary amendments to the PG/SS Policy to allow Job Trainee Medical Officers to pursue postgraduate courses, including PG (MD/MS) and PG (MDS), under the 66.6 percent quota reserved for in-service General Duty Officers (GDOs). He said that after completing their respective postgraduate courses, they would be required to serve the remaining period of their appointment as Job Trainees. He also directed that appropriate provisions be made for their salary and emoluments during the course period within the state.

Sh. Sukhu also directed the department to make provisions for appointing postgraduate doctors who have completed their qualifications from PGI, Chandigarh and AIIMS, New Delhi, against vacancies of Senior Residents/Tutor Specialists in the state’s medical colleges. Such appointments would be made on the basis of merit obtained in MBBS and postgraduate examinations, without a written test or interview, under the 33.33 percent quota reserved for direct candidates.

The Chief Minister said that the state government would introduce Geriatric Medicine Departments at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda in Kangra district. He further stated that Job Trainee Medical Officers would be entitled to all benefits available to GDOs from the date of their appointment. He assured them that the state government would sympathetically consider exempting Job Trainee Medical Officers from appearing again in tests for regularisation.

He said that strengthening medical education and improving healthcare services remained a top priority of the state government. He emphasised that transparent recruitment procedures, clear service conditions and adequate opportunities for qualified doctors were essential for building a robust healthcare system. He said that the government would continue to take necessary steps to strengthen medical colleges, improve the availability of specialist doctors and ensure access to quality medical care for people across the state.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government was committed to provide world-class healthcare services to the common people. Several reforms had been undertaken during the last four years to achieve this objective. Robotic surgery had been introduced in four medical colleges of the state, enabling people to access advanced medical facilities within government institutions in Himachal Pradesh. He said that the state government was also sending doctors on overseas exposure visits to help them learn international best practices and adopt them in the state’s healthcare system.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government was continuously working to improve healthcare services. He said that during the previous BJP government’s tenure, health institutions in the state were functioning with only 35 percent of their sanctioned staff strength, which had now increased to approximately 80 percent. He said that despite the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and financial constraints, the state government was using its own resources to bring improvements in the healthcare sector.

MLA Sanjay Awasthy, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar, Managing Director, National Health Mission, Pradeep Thakur, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Berry and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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State government to consider increasing internship stipend: CM

• Interacts with Students of Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College Hamirpur

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today interacted with students of Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur and answered their questions on various issues. During the interaction, students discussed several topics with the Chief Minister, including medical education, financial assistance, college infrastructure, overseas exposure visits and increasing the number of postgraduate (PG) seats.

Second-year student Babita asked the Chief Minister about the steps being taken by the state government to ensure that students do not have to discontinue their studies due to financial constraints. In response, the Chief Minister said that under the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojna, the state government is providing loans of up to Rs. 20 lakh at an interest rate of one percent to students belonging to families with an annual income of up to Rs. 12 lakh. He said the government aims to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to a lack of financial resources.

MBBS student Ayaan Chopra asked about the initiatives being undertaken to develop Government Medical College, Hamirpur, into a leading medical institution.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is continuously working to improve the quality of medical education. Special emphasis is being laid on modern technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with efforts to ensure quality education. He said that the state government has issued directions under a new system to make recruitment to government jobs more transparent and merit-based. Under this system, merit lists will be prepared by combining marks obtained in written examinations and interviews, ensuring that eligible candidates receive opportunities based on their merit.

MBBS student Pratibha asked about the measures being taken to enhance the safety of the medical college and develop its infrastructure. The Chief Minister informed her that a modern amphitheatre, an auditorium and a library are being constructed at the college. In addition, construction work has commenced on separate hostels for boys and girls, each with a capacity of 300 students.

He said that the layout plan for Government Medical College, Hamirpur has been prepared with the assistance of a Japanese company. Plans are also underway to establish a super-specialty block, a cancer hospital, a dental college and a nursing college at the institution in the future. Research activities will also be encouraged at the college.

Student Nishant asked about sending medical students abroad on exposure visits. The Chief Minister said that the selection of 10 postgraduate and 10 MBBS students from each of the state's medical colleges has almost been completed. The selected students will be sent abroad shortly, where they will have the opportunity to study best practices in the medical field.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that making Himachal a self-reliant state is his dream project. He said that the number of postgraduate seats at Government Medical College, Hamirpur had increased from eight to 57. He further said that the state previously had a total of 277 postgraduate seats across all government medical colleges. Through the state government's efforts, an additional 320 seats have been made available this year, taking the total number of postgraduate seats in Himachal Pradesh to 597.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government is considering increasing the internship stipend paid to MBBS students. Efforts will be made to make the necessary budgetary provisions for the proposed increase. Reiterating the government's commitment, the Chief Minister said that the state government is dedicated to strengthening medical education, providing better opportunities to students and improving the state's healthcare infrastructure.

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