• Uninterrupted power supply to be ensured for industries
• New industrial policy to be introduced soon

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today interacted with CEOs and entrepreneurs from leading industries in India and abroad at Peterhoff, Shimla, as part of the three-day Him MSME Fest-2026 organized by the Industries Department. Extensive discussions were held during the conference on the expansion and promotion of industries in the state.

On this occasion, the state government and entrepreneurs signed 37 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for setting up enterprises worth Rs. 10,000 crore.

The Chief Minister said that a new industrial policy will be introduced in the state soon. He said that the state government was continuously undertaking new initiatives to develop an investment-friendly ecosystem so that Himachal Pradesh can become a reliable and attractive investment destination for investors. He said that the Himachal Pradesh government envisions making the state a strong economic hub with progress in green industrialization, renewable energy, digital and artificial intelligence, along with rural industrialization.

The Chief Minister said that all 22,000 taxi vehicles running on petrol and diesel in the state will be replaced with electric vehicles in a phased manner. In this regard, the state government is bringing a new scheme under which a 40 percent subsidy will be provided. A tender will soon be issued for the operation of buses using green hydrogen fuel in the state. The problems of entrepreneurs related to Section 118 will be resolved. The state government will also promote the textile industry in the state. He said that the state government will empower the industries established in the state. Logistic costs in industrial areas will be reduced and infrastructure will be strengthened. He said that the state government has already paid its entire share to the central government for the Baddi-Chandigarh railway line. The Chief Minister said that the investment in the state will be increased. The tourism industry is our special priority, said he. In view of this, connectivity in the state is being improved. Land acquisition for the Kangra airport will be completed by March 31 this year. He said that to encourage the hospitality sector in the state, permission will be granted for the opening of 200 five-star hotels.

Chief Minister said that a world-class city named Him Chandigarh will be developed near Chandigarh in Himachal Pradesh. He assured the entrepreneurs that uninterrupted 24-hour power supply will be ensured for industries in the state and electricity will be provided at the lowest rates. The Chief Minister urged the industrialists to sign the implementation agreements soon.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the industrial infrastructure in the state was being continuously strengthened. Under this, facilities like MSE Pharma Lab, MSME Technology Center, gas connectivity in major industrial areas, skill development centers in Baddi and Una and CIPET are being developed. Looking towards the future, our vision is to build a strong and competitive state, the foundation of which is based on a robust MSME base, sustainable industrial parks, a vibrant start-up culture and future-oriented skill development for our youth. The Chief Minister said that a significant achievement for the state is the Bulk Drug Park in Una, which has received final environmental clearance for an area of ​​568.75 hectares. He said that this park, with a capital cost of Rs. 2071 crore, has the potential to attract investments ranging from Rs. 8000 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore and create approximately 15,000 to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.

He said that listening to the views of the participants and learning from their experiences has been a very enriching and inspiring experience. He added that the state is moving in the right direction and have initiated dialogue with leading industry stakeholders who share their vision and will play a crucial role in realizing it.

The Chief Minister assured the entrepreneurs that the state government was fully committed to the progress of the state and will provide all possible support in the establishment and development of their industrial ventures.

Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan said that liberal policies are being formulated for the development of industries in the state so that industrial development, along with job creation and economic growth, can be promoted. He said that all possible assistance is being provided to entrepreneurs in the state and various rules and procedures have been simplified. He gave detailed information about the various incentives being offered to industries.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, R.D. Nazim gave detailed information about the development and promotion of industries in the state and the various innovative initiatives of the state government.

Commissioner of Industries Dr. Yunus welcomed the Chief Minister and all the guests.

Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Secretary of NITI Aayog Arvind Kumar, senior officers and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

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Special instructors to be recruited soon for English and Mathematics

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government was going to bring about major changes in the education policy and special instructors will be appointed for English and Mathematics in government schools being brought under the CBSE curriculum. The recruitment process for these instructors will begin soon. 

Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the Gugga Dham and park, built at a cost of approximately Rs. 60 lakh, in his ancestral village Bhawran in Amlehar Gram Panchayat during his one-day visit to the Nadaun assembly constituency of district Hamirpur today, the Chief Minister said that Amlehar school has also been granted CBSE status. The work on the Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School is being carried out rapidly and classes will begin there from next year. He said that multiple subjects will be introduced in four selected schools of the state, including Amlehar, so that children can choose subjects of their interest.

Appealing to farmers to adopt natural farming, the Chief Minister said that the state government is providing high prices for crops grown using this method. The government is buying turmeric grown through natural farming at the rate of Rs. 90 per kg. Farmers can earn up to Rs. 3 lakh by cultivating turmeric on five kanals of land.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is also providing subsidies for setting up solar plants on barren land. Young people can earn a net profit of up to Rs. 3 lakh annually by setting up a solar plant on four kanals of land.

The Chief Minister informed that approximately Rs. 100 crore is being spent on various drinking water schemes in the Nadaun assembly constituency. To provide pure drinking water to the residents of the area, water is being purified using state-of-the-art UV technology and ozonation process instead of using bleaching powder.

On this occasion, local Panchayat Pradhan Sonia Thakur welcomed the Chief Minister and presented details of the ongoing development works in the area.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Shri Vaikunth Dham and park, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs. 25 lakh, in Pakhrol village of Gram Panchayat Gauna and listened to the grievances of the local residents. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the statue and memorial of freedom fighter Inderpal at Inderpal Chowk in Nadaun town. The renovation and beautification work of this statue and memorial was recently completed through the Municipal Council.

On this occasion, MLA Sujanpur Captain Ranjit Singh, former MLA Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chairman of Kangra Co-Operative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chandra Pathania, Vice Chairman of OBC Finance and Development Corporation Dr. Mohan Lal, Deputy Commissioner Amarjeet Singh, Superintendent of Police Balbir Singh, Chairman of APMC Ajay Sharma, Block Congress President Captain Prithi Chand, Chairman of Nadaun Municipal Council Shammi Soni, representatives of various Gram Panchayats and other dignitaries were also present.

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Renowned Punjabi singer and youth icon Garry Sandhu paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence, ‘Oak Over’, today. During the meeting, both held a brief discussion regarding the promotion of cultural exchange and the integration of music with the state’s growing economy. Garry Sandhu, who is in the state capital as a headline performer for the ongoing HIM MSME Fest 2026, expressed his appreciation for the state government’s efforts in providing a platform where art and entrepreneurship converge.

Chief Minister Sukhu lauded the singer's contribution to the music industry and noted that such interactions help foster a vibrant cultural atmosphere in Himachal Pradesh, encouraging local youth to pursue excellence in the creative arts.

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CM inaugurates HIM MSME Fest-2026

Himachal Pradesh secures over Rs. 5,000 crore investment commitments

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu after inaugurating Him MSME Fest 2026 at the Ridge today stated that the Fest Him MSME Fest is not merely an exhibition, but a strong platform of opportunities for thousands of small entrepreneurs, artisans and start-ups of the State promoting HIM Brand products globally.  The event will assist promote the ‘Made in Himachal’ brand and help rural, traditional and local MSME products gain National and international recognition and to realize the aspirations of thousands of small entrepreneurs specially women entrepreneurs, artisans and start-ups across the State.

This will further strengthen the vision of 'Atmanirbhar' Himachal by fostering innovation, enterprise and inclusive growth.

The HIM fest, being organised by the Industries department, will conclude on 5th January.

The Chief Minister stated that representatives of reputed national and international companies would visit the State during the fest, providing artisans, weavers and small entrepreneurs an opportunity to directly showcase and market their products to global buyers. He added that a hand-made shawl crafted by artisans of Himachal Pradesh, in display in MSME Fest today, has been included in the 'Guinness Book of World Records', giving global recognition to Himachali products thus making the State proud.

Besides, the fest lays emphasis on women entrepreneurship and the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative that will help rural entrepreneurs to gain access to new opportunities, thereby strengthening the rural economy and empowering women. Special emphasis would be laid on the greening of MSMEs and this initiative will play a significant role in making Himachal Pradesh towards becoming a green energy State.

He said that over the past three years, the State Government has held meetings with investors in major industrial hubs such as Dubai, Japan and Mumbai. As a result of these efforts, Memorandums of Understanding involving investment commitments exceeding Rs. 5,000 crore have been signed. In addition, 683 industrial projects worth Rs. 14,000 crore have been approved, which are expected to generate employment opportunities for around 32,000 people.

The Chief Minister stated that with the objective of strengthening MSMEs in rural areas, proposals amounting to Rs. 1,642 crore have been submitted to the Central Government, out of which Rs. 109.34 crore has been approved so far. During the last three years, 107 start-ups have been launched in the State, while 407 start-ups are currently in various stages of establishment.

He said that the Him Fest would prove to be a milestone in connecting Himachal Pradesh’s MSME sector with markets, investments and modern technologies globally as reflects from its theme 'The Craft of the Hills on the Global Stage'.

The Chief Minister further said that this fest serves as a unique convergence point for emerging and established start-ups, where ideas, innovation and investment would come together. Entrepreneurs will be able to exhibit their products and services, engage directly with investors and buyers, and explore new opportunities for start up business expansion.

On the occasion, he also released the ‘Him Innovation Coffee Book’ and honoured various entrepreneurs. Sh. Sukhu extended his best wishes to all participants taking part in Him MSME Fest-2026.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated and visited the exhibitions set up by various entrepreneurs and showed keen interest in the displays.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, earlier welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed about the itinerary of three day fest which also involves interact active sessions as well.

He said that sectors such as green mobility, defence, pharmaceuticals, dairy, food processing, artificial intelligence, electronic chips and data centres are being accorded priority to accelerate industrialization vis-à-vis giving push to green industries. Strategic dialogues are being held with leading industry players in these emerging sectors.

Dr. Rajneesh, Development Commissioner for MSME, Ministry of Government of India, lauded the efforts of the state government to promote MSMEs in the state.

Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Nazim gave a detailed presentation on start-ups, industrial development, and various schemes of the department in the state.

Commissioner Industries Dr. Yunus welcomed the Chief Minister and gave a detailed presentation on the MSME Fest. He also apprised him of the industrial development and related activities in the State.

A cultural programme was also organised on the occasion.

Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Malender Rajan and Vivek Sharma, Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation Surender Chauhan, Chairman of the State Food Commission Dr. S.P. Katyal, councillors of Shimla Municipal Corporation and senior officers were present on the occasion.

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People should get benefit of State's existing resources

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a meeting with developers of various hydropower projects in the state followed by detailed discussions on the assessment of land revenue.

The Chief Minister told them that Himachal Pradesh is blessed with abundant natural resources further emphasizing that it was the responsibility of hydropower project developers, operating in the state to pay land revenue, which is a legitimate right of the state. He underlined that all operational hydropower projects must adhere to regulations and ensure timely payment of land revenue. The Chief Minister added that discussions could be held to rationalize the rates for land revenue payment.

It was informed that a meeting regarding hydropower projects of 25 MW capacity would be held on 12^th January  in Shimla under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government was committed to ensuring optimal utilization of Himachal Pradesh’s resources for the welfare and development of its people. He assured that the government would also provide effective solutions to the challenges faced by hydropower developers.

Chief Minister noted that the state government has taken several decisions aimed at making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and most prosperous highlighting that the state has firmly asserted its rights with the Centre and neighbouring states as well. The government has demanded permanent membership for the state in BBMB projects and the early release of approximately Rs. 6500 crore as arrears due for the period from 1966 to 2011.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi shared his valuable insights during the meeting and various stakeholders also presented their perspectives before the Chief Minister.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Sunder Singh Thakur and Vinod Sultanpuri, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar besides other senior officers.

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A delegation from the Kutlehar Assembly Constituency of Una district, led by MLA Vivek Sharma called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today.

The Chief Minister assured them of his visit to Kutlehar Assembly Constituency soon. He also listened to the demands of the delegation and assured of fulfilling them sympathetically.

The delegation also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for various developmental works undertaken in the area by the present government.

MLA Vinod Sultanpuri was also present on the occasion.

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