Himachal Pradesh Government

Government to provide pucca houses to 27,715 poor of poorest Families, No eligible family will be left out of IRDP: Chief Minister
Even after 20 years in IRDP, many families were still without Pucca homes

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Panchayati Raj Department and stated that the State Government would provide pucca houses to all eligible poor families in Himachal Pradesh who are still living in kutcha houses. He emphasized that safe housing is not only a basic necessity but also a social right of every citizen, and the government was taking concrete steps to ensure this right.

The Chief Minister informed that in the first phase of a survey conducted to identify the extremely poor families as many as 27,715 families have been included. These are those families who have been part of the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) for the past 20 years but have not yet received a pucca house. In the first phase, the income limit was fixed at Rs. 50,000 per annum and families already owning a pucca house were excluded.

He further stated that in the second phase of the survey, families who already own a pucca house were also included. As a result, an additional 35,355 families were added to the extremely poor category. With this, the total number of identified extremely poor families has increased to 63,070.

The Chief Minister said that in the third phase, orphaned children, persons with disabilities and widows will also be included, which would further increase the number of beneficiaries. The survey will also be conducted in the fourth and fifth phases to ensure that the maximum number of eligible families are covered. He added that at every stage of the selection process, the criteria was being relaxed to make it more inclusive, reiterating that no eligible family will be left out of the IRDP.

Sh. Sukhu also said that the State Government would strengthen the Panchayati Raj Department by filling vacant posts on a priority basis. Posts of Junior Engineers will also be filled in panchayats to improve implementation and monitoring of development works.

He stated that the present State Government accords the highest priority to social empowerment. Several welfare schemes are being implemented effectively with the objective of bringing the deprived, neglected and weaker sections of society into the mainstream.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the government’s goal was not limited to the construction of houses alone, but to ensure a dignified standard of living for poor families. Special attention is being given to basic amenities, sanitation, drinking water and livelihood opportunities.

He directed the officers to regularly review the progress of various schemes and made it clear that negligence or delays at any level will not be tolerated. Reiterating the government’s commitment to public welfare, he said that ensuring the benefits of development reach the last person standing in the queue is the true spirit of “systemic transformation”.

Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister (Innovation, Digital Technologies and Governance) Gokul Butail, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary Panchayati Raj C. Palrasu, Director Panchayati Raj Raghav Sharma and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

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CM directs replacement of Janani Suraksha 'Drop-Back' ambulances
Govt to launch special doorstep health check-up programme for the elderly

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while chairing a review meeting of the National Health Mission (NHM) here today directed for replacement of 'Janani Suraksha' drop-back ambulances in the state to ensure accessible, high-quality and efficient services for the people. As many as 125 ambulances will be replaced at an estimated cost of approximately Rs.10.68 crore.

The Chief Minister said that around Rs. 20 crore would be spent under the elderly and palliative care programme to provide better healthcare facilities to the senior citizens. Under this programme, bedridden patients would be provided medical examination and treatment facilities at their doorstep with special teams comprising of doctors, paramedical and other support staff to be linked with 70 model health institutions across the state. He described the programme as extremely significant from a healthcare perspective and a reflection of the government’s strong commitment towards public welfare.

Sh. Sukhu further stated that several initiatives were being implemented to provide world-class healthcare facilities to children and expectant mothers. Children suffering from Type-1 diabetes and expectant mothers will be provided insulin pumps free of cost. An amount of approximately Rs. 2.25 crore will be spent on this initiative, he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for effective rehabilitation of youth trapped in substance abuse. He said that strengthening rehabilitation centres was essential and directed the officers to prepare a comprehensive plan and take concrete steps in this direction.

Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister (Innovation, Digital Technologies and Governance) Gokul Butail, Secretary Health Priyanka Basu Ingty, Director DDTG Dr. Nipun Jindal, Mission Director NHM Pradeep Kumar Thakur, Director Health Services Gopal Beri and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

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Success demands dedication, honesty, transparency and modesty: CM
Interacts with student delegates of 'Chhatra Sansad' from reputed educational Institutes

Says, Himachal is the country’s ‘Happiest state'

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today engaged in a vibrant interactive session with the Student's Parliament (Chhatra Sansad), welcoming students from nearly 22 states across the country. During the exchange, the Chief Minister shared personal anecdotes from his political journey, which began at the tender age of 17. He reflected on his evolution from his college days to serving as the President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee and representing the Nadaun constituency as an MLA. Highlighting his unique path, he noted that his focus as Chief Minister always remained steadfast on his goals, eventually leading him to the state’s highest office, where he has since gained profound insights into financial management and the complexities of administration.

The Chief Minister underscored that the primary objective of his administration is "Vyavastha Parivartan", a systemic transformation aimed at making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant rather than merely exercising authority. He pointed out the state’s developmental indicators and said that Himachal Pradesh was the country’s ‘happiest state'.

He detailed an ambitious roadmap to transform Himachal towards a "Green State" by 2026, leveraging its natural bounty and river systems. With 14 thousand MW of hydel energy already being generated and a significant shift towards Solar power, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of these resources reach every one of the state's around 75 lakh population. He proudly described Himachal as the "Water Bowl" and the "Lungs of Northern India," noting that Himachal Pradesh has reaffirmed its role as one of India’s greenest and environmentally progressive states, registering a major increase in both forest and tree cover over the past two decades. The vast snowbound landscapes exceed those of Switzerland, the state is uniquely positioned to lead in environmental preservation and in natural farming through robust Minimum Support Price (MSP) initiatives in the country.

He informed the students that the state government was continuously working to end VIP culture in the state and rationalization was being done at various levels.

A cornerstone of the Chief Minister’s address was the 'Sukh Aashraya Yojna,' under which the state has legally adopted orphaned children as "Children of the State." This pioneering scheme covers all their needs, from pocket money and seasonal clothing to a provision of Rs.75 lakh for those who want to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions like the IITs or IIMs. Besides highlighting Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna, the Chief Minister further highlighted the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.

In the realm of education, he noted that Himachal boasts a literacy rate of 99.30 percent and is further modernizing its education sector by establishing Rajiv Gandhi day-boarding schools in every constituency and a vital measure to have introduced English from the first grade in all the government schools.

Closing his address, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu imparted words of wisdom to the future leaders, stating that success demands dedication, honesty, transparency and modesty.

Students also asked the Chief Minister questions on various issues.

Earlier, Vice President of Students Parliament India Aditya Vegda welcomed the Chief Minister and proposed vote of thanks. .

The session was attended by several dignitaries, including Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, Advisor to the CM (Innovation, Digital Technology and Governance) Gokul Butail, and MLA Suresh Kumar, Director Maharashtra State operations Manas Tiwari and Member Shashank Shekhar Pandey alongside a distinguished assembly of students from premier educational institutions.

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Donation towards Sukh Aasharya Kosh and CM relief Fund
Himachal Pradesh Dental Council and HP Dental Officers Association presented cheque's amounting to rupees five lakh and rupees three lakh to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu towards Sukh Aasharya Kosh and CM Relief Fund respectively.

Director Dental Health cum President Dr. Satish Chaudhary, Registrar Dr. Shaily Parmar, President Himachal Dental Officer's Association Dr. Kamaljeet Singh, Treasurer Dr. Sonak Sharma and other officers bearers of both the Dental council and the Officers Association were present on the occasion.

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Campaign against ‘Chitta’ to be intensified: CM
State secures first position under CCTNS and ICJS

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 18 modern anti-chitta and patrol vehicles of the Police Department from the State Secretariat in Shimla reflecting the State government’s commitment to equip the police force with the latest technology, resources and modern facilities to further strengthen law and order. The fleet includes 12 anti-chitta vehicles, four anti-human trafficking vehicles and two ambulances for rescue operations.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that technology plays a very important role in the fight against drugs. The government was empowering the Police Department with smart equipment, modern vehicles, digital surveillance systems and advanced communication tools to ensure quick control over crime and ensure immediate and effective action.

He said that these new anti-chitta vehicles, fitted with modern technical facilities, would not only help in curbing drug trafficking but also improve patrolling, surveillance and quick response. This will significantly enhance the efficiency and reach of the police.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government was contemplating to establish a technology-enabled, accountable and people-friendly police system. For this purpose, special focus was being laid to modernization of police force, necessary training and expansion of resources in a phased manner.

The government was taking all possible steps to protect the youth from drug abuse and to make society safer and strengthening the police force was an important step in this direction.

The Chief Minister said that the State Police has broken major drug networks, seized illegal properties worth crores of rupees and sent many traffickers behind bars. Under strict laws such as the NDPS Act and PIT-NDPS, the government has not only made several arrests but has also taken strong, direct and decisive action against the entire drug mafia.

He further said that the present state government was also paying special attention to the morale and career growth of police personnel. Over the past year, 274 constables, 98 inspectors, 225 sub-inspectors and 225 assistant sub-inspectors were promoted. In addition, 95 personnel from other cadres and 31 from the driver cadre also received promotions. This has improved morale as well as strengthened the leadership and efficiency within the force.

He said that under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), Himachal Pradesh has secured first place amongst the hill states including north-eastern states. The state has also ranked first in its category under Inter-operable Criminal Justice system (ICJS). Under the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) system, the compliance rate has been over 93 per cent. These achievements show that the Himachal Police was becoming increasingly modern, capable and result-oriented.

Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari and senior officers of the Police Department were present on the occasion.

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Chief Minister launches website of State allied and health care council
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the official website www.sahchp.in, of the State Allied and Health Care Council, Himachal Pradesh.

Lauding the initiative Chief Minister said that this was an important step towards promoting digital governance, transparency and efficiency in the allied and health care sector of the state which would serve as a reliable and user-friendly platform for health professionals, educational institutions, students and the general public, ensuring easy access to various services.

He said that Himachal Pradesh has been among the leading states in the country in implementing the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions, (NCAHP) Act. With its implementation, the concept of “One Nation, One Curriculum, One Registration” would be strengthened. This would help ensure improved quality and uniform standards in allied and health care courses.

Chairman of the Council, Vinod Chauhan briefed the Chief Minister about the features of the website and about various activities being undertaken by the Council.

MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Secretary State Allied and Health Care Council Rajesh Kaushik and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

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