Himachal Pradesh Government

Need for promoting handicrafts, handloom products: Industries Minister

Presiding over the 194th meeting of Board of Directors of Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Ltd. here today, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan directed the officers to prepare a promotional video of the handicrafts and handloom products of the state. The videos, aimed at promoting and reviving the handicrafts and handloom products of the state, would be uploaded on social media and other networks.

Industries Minister appreciated the steps taken by the Corporation for the benefit of artisans and weavers of the State and directed that the schemes and programmes of Corporation must reach to maximum number of people. He said that training of this art, which is on the verge of extinction, should be conducted periodically throughout the state to preserve the heritage of the State Handloom and Handicrafts. He directed to explore the possibility of opening show-window-cum-sale counter in Chandigarh for sale of handicrafts and handloom products of Himachal.

The Corporation is implementing Central Central-sponsored project, Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), of Rs. 23.38 Crore, the duration of which is three years. During the year 2023-24 the Corporation benefitted 420 artisans and distributed the improved tool kits to 340 artisans. During the year 2024-25, the Corporation benefitted 840 artisans and weavers and distributed the improved toolkits to them. The renovation work of three emporia at Delhi, Dharamshala and Manali has been completed and the renovation work of three other emporia, two at Chamba and one at Shimla, is in progress. During the year 2025-26, 120 Design and Technical Development workshops and 20 Entrepreneur Development Programmes were organized for the benefit of approximately 2500 artisans of the State. Similarly, five thematic exhibitions will be organized within the State for sale of products of artisans for which two new emporia will be opened.

The Board of Directors authorized the Managing Director of the Corporation for diversification and market expansion of handloom products across Indian and foreign markets, with particular emphasis on Himalayan tweed, an artisanal wool fabric, developed by skilled weavers of Himachal Pradesh.

Managing Director of the Corporation Dr. Richa Verma explained in detail about the activities and achievements of the corporation. She told the board that the Corporation has conducted sale of handicrafts, handloom and allied products of Rs. 29.98 crore during the financial year 2024-25.

Additional Chief Secretary Industries R D Nazeem, Director Industries Dr. Yunus, Special Secretary Finance Vijay Wardhan and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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Will advocate opening of Shipki-La route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Central Government: Chief Minister

Launches border tourism activities at Shipki-La in Kinnaur district

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched border tourism activities at Shipki-La, a high-altitude 3,930 meters motorable mountain pass bordering India and China in tribal district of Kinnaur.

Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that at the border we have eased restrictions for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of Shipki-La and the tourism activities here would strengthen the economy of the local people along with boosting tourism in the region. He said that the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval for the same, the border tourism initiative has been launched.

The Chief Minister said that the State government would raise the issue of starting Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Shipki-La with the central government as well. He added: "I would meet the Prime Minister and present this matter before him. Shipki-La will be the easiest route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra."

The centuries old Trade route between India and Tibet, Shipki-La, was closed for trade in the year 2020. There are immense possibilities of trade and cultural exchange through this pass and the matter of restarting it would also be raised before the Central Government, said the Chief Minister.

Sh. Sukhu stated that the state government has also urged the Center to establish Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state.

The matter of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued before the Union Government. The state government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates permit related obstacles for tourists.

Special attention was being given to promoting seamless travel and improving the experience of tourists, under which cooperation with the Indian Army and Paramilitary Forces would be emphasized.

He said that the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road connecting Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur has been approved by the National Wildlife Board, thus paving the way for its construction which would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 km.

The Chief Minister said that border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote border regions.

He said that he has also recently discussed about the action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). There has also been a discussion on using various helipads of the ITBP to promote tourism in remote areas. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the people through the health institutions of the ITBP.

The Chief Minister said that we were proud of the valour of the Army and the Paramilitary Forces. He also inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited Indira Gandhi Point.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for inaugurating border tourism activities. He said that more basic facilities would be increased at Shipki-La in near future. He also urged to start on-demand bus route in the area.

Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Namgya Baldev Negi also welcomed the Chief Minister. Besides, the local Mahila Mandals presented attractive cultural programs.

Chairman Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Devendra Shyam, Chairman KINFED Chandra Gopal Negi, Commanding Officer 19, Bihar Regiment Col. Nitin Shankar, Commanding Officer 11, Mahar Colonel G.K. Gunde, Commandant 43 Btln, ITBP Surendra Panwar, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar, Superintendent of Police Abhishek and senior officers of the Army, the ITBP and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Vikramaditya Singh calls on Union Defence Minister

PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at New Delhi on Monday evening.

He urged for declaration of Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubujot- Kullu road as a National Highway keeping in view its strategic significance. He said that there was an urgent need for an alternative connectivity to Pathankot-Manali-Leh National Highway and this road would not only serve the purpose but also shorten the distance by about 55 km. Moreover, it would also provide a stable highway besides boosting tourism and strengthening rural economy.

He urged the Union Minister to accord sanction to the project.

Rajnath Singh assured to provide all possible support to the state.

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Land Ownership Rights Distributed to 25 persons of kalpa Block under the Forest Rights Act

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed Land Ownership Certificates to 25 beneficiaries of Kalpa block under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which were pending since from last many years. Chief Minister said that under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, land leases have already been allotted to 460 individuals across the state.

Addressing a gathering at Kalpa, he stated that, for the first time in 75 years, Shipki-la was being opened to tourists who can now visit Shipki-la simply by carrying an AADHAR card and token. This will give added boost to the local economy and promote tourism in border areas, thus creating employment opportunities for the youth.

He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various development projects worth Rs. 48 crore in the Kinnaur Assembly Constituency. He foundation stone of the auditorium at DIET at Reckong-Peo to cost rupees eight crore, Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex at Kalpa to cost Rs. 29.88 crore, and the inauguration of youth hostel at Kalpa constructed at a cost of Rs. 10.60 crore.

Criticizing the previous government, he alleged that public funds were misused, which should have instead been spent on the welfare of the farmers, horticulturists, and the last man in the row. He added that large plots of land were handed over to big industrialists at throwaway prices and huge subsidies were given in electricity. The Una Bulk Drug Park project, for which Rs. 50 crore was allocated by the Centre, was returned, as the state government will now take up its work on its own to safeguard state interests, he stated.

He said that the BJP government received liberal grants of about ₹68,000 crore from the Centre in form of GST compensation and revenue deficit grants but “instead of repaying the debts and clearing the liabilities, it utilised the funds on freebies”. Additionally, about Rs 9,000 crore under the NPS were yet to be released.

However, his government has saved Rs. 3000 crore by plugging corruption loopholes.

He said that despite losses worth Rs. 10,000 crore due to natural disasters, the Centre has not provided any financial aid. Still, the state government managed to release a special relief package of Rs. 4,500 crore from its own resources to assist those affected. The Chief Minister emphasized that his government is working with determination to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2027.

He also addressed the issue of the Vimal Negi case, accusing the opposition of playing politics over it. He assured that the government stands with the family of Vimal Negi and the guilty will be brought to justice.

He announced that under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi, women across all blocks of Kinnaur district will be given the benefit in a phased manner.

The Chief Minister stated that the government plans to create 25,000 jobs in this financial year and has committed to creating five lakh employment opportunities over five years. Under the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Yojana, orphaned children have been given the status of ‘Children of the State’, and the government is covering their education expenses. Similarly, the education expenses of children of widows are also being borne by the state under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana.

He announced a new scheme to ensure medical check-ups for senior citizens above 70 years of age at their doorstep. Additionally, Rs. 100 crore is being spent to provide modern medical equipment in government medical colleges.

The Chief Minister also announced the opening of CBSE-affiliated schools in four blocks of Kinnaur. Further announcements included Rs. 10 crore for the sports complex, Rs. 10 crore for an indoor stadium, and plans to develop four schools as day-boarding institutions.

Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Shri Jagat Singh Negi expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for launching several developmental works in the Kinnaur constituency. He said the overall development of the state was progressing under the Chief Minister’s leadership.

The Chief Minister announced Rs. 10,000 to the local women's team to promote sports among youth and encourage them to stay away from substance abuse. Chief Minister visited the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), where he gave Rs. 100,000 to five women's groups to assist them in purchasing essentials. He also released the annual magazine “Narkasang”, brought out by the DIET.

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PWD Minister demands four laning of Dhalli-Rampur road on priority

Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh called on Union Minister Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi today.

He urged the Union Minister to declare Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubujot- Kullu road including Bhubujot tunnel as National highway keeping in view its strategic importance. He added that this route would provide stable connectivity for movement of defence logistics and shorten the route by 55 km.

The PWD Minister also requested for taking up the construction of four laning of NH-05 from Dhalli to Rampur on priority and speedy completion of ongoing construction workings on existing highways. He also informed that request to include five national highways in Prime Minister Gati Shakti has been submitted by the state government and urged for approval of the same.

He also urged for speedy release of funds worth Rs 130 crore under CRTF and enhancing the annual limit of CRTF works to Rs 250 crore in Himachal Pradesh.

Nitin Gadkari assured of all possible assistance to the state. He also approved in principle for four-laning process of Dhalli-Rampur road.

Secretary, PWD Abhishek Jain, Engineer-in-Chief (P) PWD Surendra Pal Jagota accompanied the Minister.

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Dy CM urges Nitin Gadkari to grant All India taxi permit for 15 years

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari at his residence in New Delhi today and thanked him for extending a generous hand towards Himachal Pradesh.

He stated that in view of its diverse topographical conditions, the development of hilly states like Himachal Pradesh solely depends upon expanding the road and bridge infrastructure.

While raising certain prominent issues pertaining to transport department, he informed the Union Minister that the state government has requested the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highway regarding increasing the validity of All India taxi permits from existing 12 years to 15 years, keeping in view the demand of the operators and All India taxi permit should also be granted for 15 years, keeping in view the vehicle scraping policy period of 15 years.

Sh. Gadkari assured that he would look into the matter sympathetically and also directed the authorities concerned to process the case accordingly.

Sh. Agnihotri also urged the Union Minister to release the remaining funds to the tune of Rs.7.63 crores under the scheme for special assistance to the State for capital investment (incentives for scrapping of old vehicles).

He also demanded to declare Nangal to Jaijon road as National highway as it would also cater to the proposed bulk drug park. Shri Agnihotri stated that a DPR to the tune of Rs.429 crores has already been prepared and it would be submitted to Government of India under Gati Shakti scheme.

He also urged that the proposed four-laning of NH 503 A from Amritsar to Hoshiarpur may be extended from Bankhandi (HP boundary) to Jhaleda. This is a stretch of approximately 15 kms and would connect Shree Anandpur Sahib and Mata Chintpurni, which would also benefit the pilgrim visiting these two shrines. Sh. Agnihotri also raised the issue of connectivity between Chandigarh to Baddi industrial area. Sh. Gadkri stated that this issue is in active consideration of Government of India.

The Deputy Chief Minister also raised the issue for approval for up-gradation of link road Jaijon Modh to Tahliwal Chowk via Bhai-Ka-Modh and three bridges for which Rs. 48.69 crore be provided under CR|IF. The Union Minister assured that he would approve it on priority. The Union Minister directed that DPR under the Gati Shakti scheme may be prepared and submitted to the Ministry accordingly.

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