SHIMLA-23 Feb 2026

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State rolls out IGMSSY with Rs. 207 crore outlay to tackle malnutrition

• Scheme aims to benefit 2,99,488 individuals across State

To strengthen maternal and child health and combat malnutrition, the State Government has decided to launch the Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp Yojna (IGMSSY) with an outlay of Rs. 207.11 crore. The scheme seeks to provide high-quality protein, essential calories and vital micronutrients to children below six years of age, as well as to pregnant women and lactating mothers, aiming to benefit 2,99,488 eligible beneficiaries across the State.

The scheme aims to improve the nutritional status of children aged six months to six years, pregnant women and lactating mothers by ensuring enhanced supplementary nutrition with adequate calories, protein and essential micronutrients. The initiative will focus on addressing intergenerational malnutrition, particularly during the critical first 1,000 days of life, through coordinated nutrition, health and care interventions. It also seeks to reduce child mortality and morbidity while improving overall nutritional outcomes.

Under the scheme, early identification, continuous monitoring and effective management of high-risk groups, including Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) and Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) children, as well as low birth weight infants, will be ensured through strengthened referral and follow-up mechanisms.

Capacity-building initiatives will be undertaken for frontline workers to enhance their ability to tackle prevalent health challenges such as anemia, diarrhea and pneumonia. The scheme provides for scientifically designed, nutrient-dense and fortified food premixes aligned with revised Government of India nutrition norms, including the provision of milk and eggs to enhance protein and micronutrient intake.

Special nutrition and follow-up protocols for SAM, MAM and low birth weight children will be implemented by linking Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres with intensified Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) and Home-Based Young Child Care (HBYC) visits. Incentives will also be provided to ASHA and Anganwadi workers for additional HBNC visits. Monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened through the Poshan Tracker, Mother and Child Protection (MCP) cards and joint review systems at the State, district and block levels.

In order to ensure effective delivery of integrated services related to nutrition, health, water and sanitation, and early childhood care and education, institutionalized inter-departmental convergence will be established involving the Departments of Health and Family Welfare, National Health Mission, Jal Shakti, Rural Development and School Education.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in the State and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to eliminating it from society. He said “Ensuring access to nutritious food for vulnerable groups would significantly reduce the social and economic burden of malnutrition and contribute to building a healthier and more prosperous society.”

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E-auction process of liquor units commences in Himachal Pradesh

The first-ever e-auction process for retail liquor vends in Himachal Pradesh has commenced from Monday for the financial year 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. This year, the State Government has approved the allotment of retail liquor units through a transparent online e-auction system. On the first day, the e-auction process was initiated for the districts of Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba. The link to the e-auction portal has been made available on the official website of the department www.hptax.gov.in and on the Excise e-Governance portal https://egovef.hptax.gov.in/. The portal can also be accessed directly at https://eauction.gov.in/ngauction.

The e-auction will be conducted unit-wise, with separate online bids invited for each retail excise liquor unit. Applicants will be able to participate in the bidding process remotely from their homes or offices. For the liquor units of Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba districts, the submission of online applications will be open from 23 February 2026 at 6:55 pm to 26 February 2026 up to 6:15 pm. Scrutiny of documents will be conducted from 25 February at 6:30 pm to 27 February 2026 up to 6:55 pm. The auction of retail liquor units will be held on 28 February 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For the districts of Sirmour, Una and the Baddi, applications can be submitted from 24 February 2026 at 6:55 pm to 26 February 2026 up to 6:15 pm. Scrutiny will take place from 26 February at 6:30 pm to 28 February up to 6:55 pm. The auction will be conducted on 2 March 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For Solan, Kangra and Bilaspur, applications will be accepted from 25 February at 6:55 pm to 27 February 2026 up to 6:30 pm. Scrutiny of applications will be undertaken from 27 February at 6:30 pm to 2 March 2026 up to 6:55 pm. The auction of vends will take place on 3 March 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For the district of Mandi and Nurpur, applications can be submitted from 26 February at 6:55 pm to 28 February 2026 up to 6:15 pm. Scrutiny will be conducted from 28 February at 6:30 pm to 3 March 2026 up to 6:55 pm. The auction will be held on 5 March 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For the districts of Shimla and Kullu, applications can be submitted from 27 February at 6:55 pm to 3 March 2026 up to 6:15 pm. Scrutiny will be carried out between 3 March at 6:30 pm and 6 March 2026 up to 6:55 pm. The auction will take place on 7 March 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Commissioner, State Taxes & Excise, Yunus, stated that all applicants must register on the designated e-auction portal using a valid DSC. He further advised prospective bidders to carefully read and understand the Excise Policy 2026–27, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and user manuals before participating in the bidding process. These documents will be available on the departmental website as well as on the e-auction portal.