SHIMLA -03 March, 2026

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu being presented a cheque of Rs. 2, 01,111 by the Graduate Junior Engineers Association of Jal Shakti Vibhag towards Disaster Relief Fund at Shimla on 3rd March, 2026.

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Himachal Govt disburses Rs. 17 crore for ex-servicemen welfare, CM reaffirms commitment to martyrs’ families

• · Ex-Servicemen and Martyrs’ families are the pride of the State
• · Rs. 10.26 crore has been earmarked for expansion of Major Somnath Training Academy

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity and socio-economic empowerment of ex-servicemen, gallantry award winners and the families of martyrs in Himachal Pradesh. "The ex-servicemen of the state and their families are invaluable assets whose unparalleled contribution and supreme sacrifices in safeguarding the nation will always be remembered with gratitude and pride", remarked the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister informed that during the current financial year, financial assistance exceeding Rs. 17 crore has been disbursed to 2,263 beneficiaries under various welfare schemes. As many as 968 elderly pensioners have received Rs. 6.12 crore to ensure financial security and dignified living. Additionally, 1084 gallantry award winners have been granted honorariums amounting to rupees three crore in recognition of their exemplary courage and service to the Nation.

He further stated that Rs. 7.62 crore has been extended to 57 dependents of defence personnel who were martyred or disabled in action, thereby providing substantial financial support to their families. An amount of Rs. 20.83 lakh has also been disbursed to 154 war Jagir beneficiaries as part of the government’s continued welfare initiatives.

Highlighting the government’s proactive efforts to inspire the youth, the Chief Minister said that a budget of Rs. 2.28 crore has been sanctioned for organizing Army recruitment rallies in Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Shimla districts. This initiative aims to strengthen patriotic spirit among young people and encourage them to pursue careers in the armed forces.

Expressing pride in the state’s distinguished legacy, he remarked "it is a matter of honour for a small state like Himachal Pradesh to have four Param Vir Chakra awardees adding that the valour and sacrifices of Himachali soldiers stand as a testament to their deep sense of duty and patriotism".

The Chief Minister also stated that Rs. 10.26 crore has been earmarked for the financial year 2025-26 to strengthen and expand the Major Somnath Training Academy at Barchhwar in Mandi district. The academy plays a pivotal role in providing quality and competitive training to youth, enabling them to prepare effectively for recruitment into the armed forces.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve, the Chief Minister stated that sustained efforts would continue to enhance and expand welfare measures for ex-servicemen and their families, ensuring that their sacrifices are honoured not merely in words but through meaningful and lasting support.

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Himachal scaling towards green energy state goal: Rajesh Dharmani

Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani today here said that the state government was committed to become a green energy state and to realize this decisive legislative updates has been integrated for sustainable infrastructure into urban development.

He said that under the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (17th Amendment) Rules, 2026, the government has mandated the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in all commercial, public, semi-public buildings and real estate projects. He said that this move have been aligned with Model Building Bye-Laws, which ensures state’s physical infrastructure evolves in tandem with the rising adoption of electric mobility.

Rajesh Dharmani said that to further incentivize energy efficiency, the state government has strictly implemented the HP Energy Conservation Building Code (HPECBC) and Rules 2018. Under these regulations, specialized buildings including hospitality, healthcare, educational and shopping complexes covering an area of 750 square meters or more would be granted an additional 0.25 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) over the base FAR of 1.75, provided they comply with ECBC standards. To ensure compliance, developers must now engage Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) authorized Energy Auditors to vet project designs and oversee construction phases before municipal authorities issue occupancy certificates.

Addressing the economic framework of urban expansion, Sh Dharmani detailed the 18^th Amendment Rules, 2026, which establish a structured fee for Premium FAR in real estate projects. The newly defined rates range from Rs. 3000 per square meter for up to 0.25 premium FAR, scaling to Rs. 7000 for ratios exceeding 0.50. While these charges do not apply to previously completed projects with existing certificates, they would be mandatory for new blocks in ongoing developments and all upcoming real estate ventures, offering developers the flexibility to purchase additional FAR during the initial planning stages.

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PrinciPrincipalpal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, addressed a press conference

Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, , while addressing a press conference on Tuesday stated that the state was presently confronting a fiscal gap of nearly 15 percent following the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). He emphasized that this development directly affects approximately every section of the State, having a population of around 7.5 million. He noted that for a small and predominantly hilly state like Himachal Pradesh, such financial assistance has been indispensable in sustaining developmental initiatives and public welfare programmes. He further clarified that Article 275(1) of the Constitution provides for financial assistance to special category states to enable them to attain self-reliance and fiscal stability.

Referring to the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, Sh. Chauhan observed that the omission of this crucial provision could result in an annual loss of nearly Rs. 10000 crore to the state, amounting to approximately Rs. 50000 crore over a five-year period. He underlined that it would be practically unfeasible for the State to bridge a 15 percent budgetary shortfall solely through its internal resources. Stressing that the matter transcends political considerations, he described it as an issue concerning the state’s legitimate rights and long-term future.

He further informed that Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has held detailed discussions with the Union Finance Minister, presenting comprehensive facts, constitutional provisions and reasoned arguments to safeguard the State’s interests. Sh. Chauhan appealed to the opposition parties to rise above partisan politics and unite in the larger interest of Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing concerns regarding the protest during the AI Summit, Sh. Chauhan clarified that the youth were not opposing the summit per-se, rather, they were expressing apprehensions about the potential implications of the proposed US-India trade agreement, particularly for the agriculture and horticulture sectors. He asserted that peaceful protest was a fundamental democratic right and should neither be branded as anti-National nor construed as detrimental to the state’s image.

Commenting on the action undertaken by the Delhi Police in Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Chauhan stated that conducting operations without a warrant and without prior intimation to the local police authorities was inconsistent with established protocol. He explained that as per procedural norms, prior permission from the local magistrate and formal communication with the concerned police station are mandatory before initiating action in another state. He affirmed that both the state government and the Himachal Pradesh Police acted strictly within the framework of the Constitution and the federal structure to protect their jurisdictional rights. Subsequently, after due legal formalities were completed, the concerned youths were taken on transit remand. He described it as unfortunate that certain opposition leaders appeared to support the actions of the Delhi Police, reiterating that issues affecting the state’s interests warrant collective unity.

Expressing concern over the safety of Indians residing in Gulf countries-particularly the estimated 40,000 to 42,000 individuals from Himachal Pradesh amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, Sh. Chauhan stated that the state government remains in constant touch with the Union Government and was closely monitoring the evolving situation. He informed that a dedicated helpline number and a social media communication channel are being established to facilitate contact between those abroad and their families. He assured that as soon as International flight operations normalize, priority assistance will be extended to residents of Himachal Pradesh. He urged citizens to remain calm and rely exclusively on official communication channels for verified information.

On the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Sh. Chauhan stated that the current numerical strength in the state Assembly favours the Congress Party and that the party’s candidate would be decided by the Party High command. Reflecting on previous developments, he remarked that the events that transpired earlier were neither consistent with democratic traditions nor conducive to the state’s interests. Such occurrences, he observed, foster political instability and mistrust without benefiting any political formation. He called upon all parties to uphold democratic values and established conventions in the larger interest of the state.