Himachal Pradesh Government

CM directs to constitute new Committee to re-look into IGMC incident
Mis-behaviour with patients not to be tolerated -CM

While presiding over a meeting of the Health Department here today, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed to constitute a new Committee to re-look into the IGMC incident. He said that the Government will ensure adequate security to doctors and other staff but inappropriate behaviour with patients will not be tolerated. He instructed to introduce mandatory human behaviour and man management courses for the doctors to uphold the ethics of the profession.

Shri Sukhu said that the State Government is contemplating to introduce numbers in the ACR of doctors for their good behaviour with the patients. He said that if any patients or attendants misbehave with the doctors he should report to the seniors. He said that the State Government is filling up the vacant posts of doctors and para medical staff so that they can discharge their duties without any hassle. The State Government has filled up hundreds of posts in the health department and more posts will be filled up in the coming time.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government is also mulling to offer incentives to the highly qualified doctors so that more specialists were attracted to the public medical sector.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Secretary Health Sandeep Kadam, Director Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Berry, Special Secretaries Dr. Ashwani Sharma and Jitender Sanjta and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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Mayor invites governor to closing ceremony of shimla winter carnival
Mayor, Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan along with Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, today called on Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Lok Bhavan and formally invited him to grace the closing ceremony of the Shimla Winter Carnival as Chief Guest on 1^st January 2026.

The Mayor briefed the Governor about the daily events of the carnival, stating that Himachal Pradesh’s rich culture, traditions, cuisine and heritage were being showcased through the festival. He informed that the carnival is being organised with the theme “Chitta-free Himachal” and aims to promote tourism while highlighting the state’s vibrant cultural legacy.

Appreciating the initiative, the Governor said that such events not only strengthen the state’s economy but also provide youth an opportunity to connect with their culture and stay away from substance abuse through positive and creative engagement.

Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla Bhupender Atri was also present on the occasion.

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Delegation calls on Chief Minister
A delegation of Pangi area of Chamba district called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and apprised him of various demands of the people of the area.

The Chief Minister assured them that the State Government will consider their demands sympathetically.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Member of Tribal Advisory Council Chuni Lal, Chairperson Panchayat Samiti Pangi Kiran, former President of Block Congress Committee Subhash were also present on the occasion.

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Scrapping of MNREGA is anti-rural: CM
- Statewide protests to be launched against the decision
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday, along with members of his Cabinet, staged a protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Ridge, Shimla, opposing the Central Government’s decision to discontinue the MNREGA scheme.

Addressing those present, the Chief Minister termed the move deeply anti-rural and detrimental to the livelihood security of millions of rural families. He said MNREGA, conceived and implemented by the Congress-led UPA government under the leadership of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, had been a cornerstone of rural employment and inclusive growth.

He pointed out that under the earlier framework, works under MNREGA were planned and executed based on the resolutions of Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas, reflecting local priorities and ensuring grassroots participation. However, the new mechanism sidelines Panchayats, as planning authority has been centralized and funds will now be allocated directly by the Centre, with projects notified for selected areas. He said the Congress Party would intensify its opposition by organizing protests at district and block levels across the State to expose the anti-people nature of the decision.

The Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh would be among the worst affected. Earlier, the Central Government met the entire wage liability under MNREGA, while the State Government provided an additional incentive of Rs. 80 per day to workers. Under the revised arrangement, the Centre will bear only 90 percent of the wages, leaving the State to shoulder the remaining burden. He asserted that MNREGA must continue in its original spirit, driven by Panchayat demands and local development needs.

He further stated that salaries of officers and employees posted in Zila Parishads under MNREGA have also been discontinued, which would adversely impact the effective implementation of the scheme.

Responding to another query, the Chief Minister said the State Government was firmly opposed to the Central Government’s decision to reduce import duty on apples. He cautioned that the move would severely impact apple growers in Himachal Pradesh and assured that the matter would be strongly taken up with the Centre to protect the interests of orchardists.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, HPCC President Vinay Kumar, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, Congress co-in-charge Chetan Chauhan, MLAs Chander Shekhar and Anuradha Rana, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma, Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, councilors, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various boards and corporations and senior Congress leaders were present on the occasion. (eom)
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Governor unveils Lok Bhavan calendar for 2026
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the 2026 calendar published by the Lok Bhavan Secretariat here today.

The calendar offers a visual journey through some of the most impactful moments of the Governor’s public engagements in the year 2025, with a special focus on two major themes. Nashamukt Himachal, a statewide campaign led and actively supported by the Governor to combat the rising threat of substance abuse among youth. Disaster Relief and Ground Visits, highlighting the Governor's visits to disaster-affected areas across the State, underscoring his commitment to people’s welfare and on-ground responsiveness during times of need.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor appreciated the efforts of the Lok Bhavan Secretariat in documenting these initiatives through compelling visuals. “This calendar is not just a record of dates and events, but a reflection of our collective resolve towards building a healthier, safer and more resilient Himachal Pradesh,” said Shri Shukla.

C.P. Verma, Secretary to the Governor, along with senior officials of the Lok Bhavan were also present during the release event.

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Public awareness key to combating drug abuse: Governor
'YES' organizes cultural and social awareness programme

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today emphasized that public participation and sustained awareness are crucial in the fight against drug abuse, stating that informed and vigilant citizens can significantly strengthen the efforts of both the government and law enforcement agencies.

He was addressing a cultural and social awareness programme organised by the Youth Enlightenment Society (YES) at the historic Gaiety Theatre, Shimla.

The Governor said that culture and social consciousness connect society to its roots and provide the right direction for collective progress. He expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly among youth, calling it one of the most serious challenges facing society today. Stressing that a drug-free Himachal is possible only with proactive youth leadership, he urged youth to come forward with determination and awareness to combat this social evil.

Appreciating the efforts of the YES, he said that engaging youth in positive activities and steering them away from substance abuse is a strong step towards nation-building. “A strong youth is defined by discipline, service and a conscious distance from drugs,” he said, appealing to citizens to collectively pledge for a healthy, drug-free and empowered Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier, State President of the Youth Enlightenment Society, Mohit Thakur welcomed the Governor and briefed about the organisation’s activities.

On the occasion, a skit highlighting the ill-effects of drug abuse was presented, along with cultural performances by students of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Degree College, Sunni.

Officers of the district administration, representatives of the organisation and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

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