'Special leave attendance' for sportsperson participating in National and International sports events

SHIMLA-17^th June, 2025-Promoting holistic development of the players who participate in National, State and International sports competition, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued directions to various sports bodies to consider them as being present during the period they represent India at National and International Sports events. This approach is likely aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals who excel in both academics and sports.

He said that currently, students participating in events organized by various sports associations, federations, or boards are marked absent in schools due to lack of special leave provisions. This not only affects their attendance but also their internal assessments.

For the first time in the state such progressive decision has been taken under which it has now been mandated that participation certificates or letters issued by recognized sports bodies will serve as valid proof for participation in National and Sports events. Schools have been directed to mark such students on ‘special leave’ instead of marking them absent, similar to the provisions followed for School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions. "It should be ensured that the schools should not show such days as absent but should record them as special leave attendance in the attendance register", he remarked.

“This reflects a shift towards an integrated approach where sports and academics complement each other,” the Chief Minister stated.

To mark presence in schools, highlights a move towards a more integrated and balanced approach to student development, where academics and sports are seen as complementary aspects of a student's overall growth, said the Chief Minister.

Besides this, the state government has taken a remarkable step towards promoting sports and honouring the achievements of the athletes of the state. In a historic move Chief Minister stated that 21 International medal winners were awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 14.77 crore with increased prize money which marks a significant shift in how the state recognizes and values the hard work, dedication and International success of its sportspersons.

The highest cash award was presented to Paralympian Nishad Kumar from Una district, who received Rs. 7.80 crore for his outstanding achievements in high jump at various para-games, including the prestigious Tokyo Paralympics. Ajay Kumar a para-athlete from Mandi, was awarded Rs. 2.50 crore for his medal-winning performance in the 400 meter race.

Similarly, Vikas Thakur from Hamirpur was honoured with Rs. 2 crore for clinching a medal in the weightlifting event. In the sport of kabaddi, eight athletes Ritu Negi, Pushpa and Sushma Sharma from Sirmaur, Nidhi Sharma from Bilaspur, Jyoti from Solan and Vishal Bhardwaj from Una, were each awarded Rs. 33.32 lakh for bringing glory to the state at International tournaments. Cricketing star Renuka Singh Thakur from Shimla was also presented Rs. 13.32 lakh for her remarkable contribution to the game.

In addition to these honours, around Rs. 44 lakh were distributed among other outstanding athletes, which presents the state’s inclusive approach to recognize talent across a range of sports disciplines.

The government’s support goes beyond just cash rewards. Significant efforts have been made to improve player welfare. As many as 421 players received Rs. 76.98 lakh as diet money and 235 players were given Rs. 6.01 lakh to support their travel expenses. These measures ensure that athletes are not only celebrated after achieving success but are also supported throughout their sporting journey.

To further strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state, the government is constructing an international-level sports stadium in Nadaun, Hamirpur. This world-class facility is expected to play a key role in nurturing young talent and providing top-level training infrastructure for athletes.

By recognizing and supporting its sportspersons in such an extraordinary manner, the State government is sending a clear message that 'sports is not just a passion but a priority', said Sh. Sukhu. The students selected for National and International events are not just talented athletes but also dedicated students who understand the importance of balancing their academic and sporting pursuits.

With continued support and infrastructure development, Himachal Pradesh is steadily positioning itself as a strong contender in the national and international sporting landscape, he remarked.

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Lambardar Jan Kalyan Mahasangh expresses gratitude to CM for increasing honorarium

SHIMLA-17^th June, 2025-A delegation of the Himachal Pradesh Lambardar Jan Kalyan Mahasangh, led by Vice Chairman lambardar Vishal Chambyal, met with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla and expressed their gratitude for increasing the honorarium of the Lambardars.

They also apprised the Chief Minister of the Mahasangh's demands and concerns and held an in-depth discussion on various issues.

The Chief Minister assured them that all their genuine demands would be examined with due sympathy.

Office bearers and members of Mahasangh were present on the occasion.

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Youth seeking job abroad, not have to pay to agents: CM

Himachal becomes authorized government recruiter for overseas employment.

SHIMLA -17^th June, 2025-The State Government is actively working to provide overseas employment opportunities to the people of Himachal Pradesh.

In a significant development, the Ministry of External Affairs has today granted a Recruitment Agent License (RAL) to Himachal Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (HPSEDC).

The license officially authorizes the corporation to commence recruitment activities. The certificate empowers HPSEDC to recruit Indian workers for foreign employers.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that Himachal Pradesh has now joined the ranks of leading Indian states that facilitate overseas employment at the government level, rather than relying on private license holders. This move will help prevent job seekers from being misled and pay hefty amount to agents to seek overseas employment. This will ensure that they are provided with genuine employment opportunities abroad by the Government, he stated.

The corporation will now be able to fully comply with International employment regulations.

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Himachal’s march toward self-reliance by empowering its villages: CM

SHIMLA, 17.06.25-"The soul of India live in its villages," and drawing inspiration from this vision of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, which underlines the importance of rural strength in nation-building, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has embarked on a mission to empower Himachal Pradesh through its villages placing the rural economy at the heart of the state’s development agenda.

Breaking conventional administrative barriers, the Chief Minister has brought governance directly to the people at Grass root level through the Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar programme. By staying overnight in remote villages like Tikkar (Kupvi) and Sharchi (Kullu), and now at Baga sarahan in Kullu as well, the remote Dodra Kwar, interacting with locals, mingling with their culture and customs, the Chief Minister has not only built trust but also gained real insight into their everyday challenges. His humble, people-first approach has left a deep impression on rural communities, marking a new era of participatory governance. In a historic and symbolic gesture, the state-level Himachal Day celebrations were held in the far-flung Tribal Pangi Valley of district Chamba signaling the government’s inclusive development philosophy and resolve to reach every corner of the state.

At the core of the government’s efforts lies a determined push to revitalize the rural economy. Himachal has emerged as a pioneer in promoting natural farming by becoming the first state in the country to declare Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for naturally grown crops. The MSP for maize has been raised from Rs. 30 to Rs. 40 per kg, and for wheat from Rs. 40 to Rs. 60 per kg. Over 1.98 lakh farmers have already adopted natural farming practices. To support them, the government procured 400 metric tonnes of maize from 1,500 farmers and introduced market brands like Himbhog and Him Makki Atta. Additionally, Pangi has been declared the state’s first natural farming subdivision, underscoring a strong policy commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Dairy farming is also undergoing transformation. Himachal has become the first state in India to fix MSP for milk—raising cow milk prices from Rs.32 to Rs.51 per litre and buffalo milk from Rs.47 to Rs.61 per litre. A transport subsidy of Rs.2 per litre is also being offered to support dairy farmers.To further boost the sector, the government has launched the Rs.500 crore Himganga Yojana. High-capacity milk processing plants have already started benefiting over 20,000 farmers, and new plants with modern technology are being set up in Dhagwar (Kangra), Kullu, Nahan, Nalagarh, Una, and Hamirpur.

Recognizing the potential beyond apples, the state is promoting the cultivation of diverse fruits through the Rs. 1,292 crore HP SHIVA Project. Currently being implemented across 28 blocks in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una, this initiative aims to bring 6,000 hectares under horticulture.

In 2024–25, the government procured 37,600 metric tonnes of fruit at MSP, giving orchardists assured returns. Facilities like the Rs. 29.22 crore CA Store in Rohru are now operational, and drone services are being planned for safe and efficient transport of perishable produce.

Today, the results of these initiatives are becoming visible. Farmers are receiving better prices, local produce is finding markets, and smiles are returning to rural faces. Whether it’s through natural farming, dairy development, or horticulture expansion, the Chief Minister’s vision of a self-reliant Himachal—rooted in rural prosperity—is steadily turning into reality.

As the fields flourish and rural livelihoods gain strength, Himachal Pradesh is proving that empowered villages are indeed the foundation of a strong and self-sustaining state.

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CM announces sops for Anni Sub-division, dedicates projects worth Rs. 81.30 crore

Announces Anni to be Nagar panchayat

SHIMLA, 17.06.25-Reaffirming the State Government’s unwavering commitment to building a green, self-reliant and prosperous Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while addressing a massive public gathering today at Baga Sarahan in Nirmand Sub-Division of Kullu district today. He said that the Government was making all out efforts to establish new milestones in development particularly in rural areas of the State.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister dedicated and laid foundation stones of 21 development projects worth Rs. 81.30 crore for the people of the Anni Assembly Constituency. These included road infrastructure, drinking water schemes, irrigation projects, health, education, tourism, renewable energy, and community infrastructure development etc.

The Chief Minister inaugurated key road projects, including the up-gradation of the Nishani–Paali-Parantla road constructed at a cost of Rs. 13.35 crore, Koyal–Bashla link road constructed at a cost of Rs. 9.51 crore, Katar–Khadvi road completed with an outlay of Rs. 4.24 crore, and Wazir Bawdi–Thachwa road completed with an outlay of Rs. 6.17 crore. He also dedicated Rs. 6.28 crore Nature Interpretation and Service Centre developed at Jalori Jot, a famous tourist destination, Rs. 74 lakh 10 kW solar charging station near Bashleu Jot, and repair work on the bridal path from Baga Sarahan to Bashleu Jot.

Further strengthening water supply infrastructure in the region, the Chief Minister inaugurated various water schemes, including the Rs. 2.31 crore lift drinking water scheme for villages like NishAnni, Kuikod, Daged, Togi, and Grahna, Rs. 2.62 crore Koyal Kuhal irrigation scheme, Rs. 2.03 crore augmentation of water supply to Samoh, Jaged, Gaura, and Gwal panchayat, Rs. 88.77 lakh re-organization of the Tandi-Kafta drinking water scheme, Rs. 1.77 crore augmentation of the Khun Bandal and Kohila Kamand lift water schemes, and the Rs. 1.59 crore scheme for extraction of an additional source for Aweri village.

Community infrastructure also received a boost with the inauguration of Community centres constructed under the Panchayati Raj Department in various panchayats including, Rs. 48.73 lakh for Poshna community centre, Rs. 44.61 lakh for Bakkhan Community centre, Rs. 32.30 lakh for Jagatkhana, Rs. 44.84 lakh for Shishvi, and Rs. 33.31 for Koti community centres totaling rupees two crore in all.

He also laid the foundation stone of two major water supply projects including Rs. 9.09 crore lift drinking water scheme from Kurpan Khad for Ghatu-Gamog and Shilli Gram Panchayats, and Rs. 9.50 crore drinking water project under AMRUT 2.0 for Nirmand Nagar Panchayat.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Primary Health Centre building and staff quarters at Khanag, completed at a cost of Rs. 1.55 crore, and the Rs. 7.18 crore building of the ITI at Dalash.

Making key announcements during his address, the Chief Minister declared the opening of a Day Boarding School in Anni Assembly Constituency and assured that a CBSE-affiliated school would also be established soon. He also announced a 50 percent subsidy on e-carts for local youth and committed to developing a bridal path from Jalori Jot to Raghupur Garh and Sareulsar. He announced rupees one crore for conducting a survey of the Baga Sarahan to Bathad road, announced Anni to be made Nagar Panchayat, and one crore for development of lake in Sarahan. Additionally, the Chief Minister also announced to provide rupees one lakh each to Mahila Mandals present on the occasion and rupees one lakh for setting up Nature Park in Baga Sarahan.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed assistance under the State Government’s flagship welfare schemes. Women beneficiaries received financial assistance under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, while beneficiaries of schemes such as the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana, Mukhyamantri Shagun Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana and Beti Hai Anmol Yojana were also provided incentive amount.

Earlier, MLAs Sunder Singh Thakur, and Lokender Kumar also addressed the gathering and lauded the Chief Minister’s leadership and vision for a progressive Himachal.

Zila Parishad Chairperson Pankaj Parmar and local residents extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister. Panchayat heads, Congress workers, Youth Congress members, and women’s organizations also felicitated him.

Milkfed Chairman Buddhi Singh Thakur expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the development bonanza provided to the region and urged him to consider fulfilling other pending local demands.

On the sidelines of the event, various departments organized exhibitions to raise public awareness, and the Health and AYUSH Departments held medical camps for the local community.

Present on the occasion were MLA Bhuwaneshwar Gaur, Mayor Shimla Surinder Chauhan, APMC Chairman Ram Singh Mian, former MLA Kishori Lal Sagar, Zila Parishad Chairman Pankaj Parmar, local leaders, public representatives, Mahila Mandals, Youth Groups including other dignitaries.

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Sukhu distributed assistance under various welfare schemes.

SHIMLA, 17.06.25-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed assistance under various welfare schemes.