SHIMLA-14 October, 2025
Rs 1.55 Crore contributed towards Aapda Rahat Kosh
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was presented a cheque of Rs.1.55 crore towards the Aapda Rahat Kosh by Krishan Sharma, Chief General Manager of the SBI Chandigarh Circle, here today.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for this noble gesture and appealed to the people to contribute generously to support those affected by disasters.
Chairman of the HP Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Nardev Singh Kanwar, DGM SBI Himachal, Prabhat Kumar, and other distinguished dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
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CM directs to develop app for online payments of medical tests
A government spokesperson today stated that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Health Department to develop an App for online payments of medical tests in the state’s hospitals, promoting digital governance.
The Chief Minister instructed that the Health Department, in coordination with the Digital Technologies and Governance Department, should develop an App within one month for convenient and cashless services. Once launched, the people will no longer have to stand in long queues at hospitals to pay for tests and will receive quality and seamless healthcare services, he said. Additionally, interested individuals will also be able to book online appointments with doctors at various hospitals through this app.
The spokesperson added that the current government was undertaking several reforms in the health sector and equipping medical colleges and hospitals with state-of-the-art machinery so that citizens do not need to travel outside the state for treatment. The government has decided to invest over Rs. 3000 crore to enhance modern healthcare services and develop and expand health infrastructure.
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Centre approves Ropeway Project in Shimla: Mukesh Agnihotri
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today here informed that the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Project in Shimla has received Stage-I approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The project would be an important step towards improving urban transport system in Shimla by developing a 13.79 kilometer long ropeway being constructed with an amount of Rs. 1734.70 crore connecting major points across the city. The initiative would help in easing traffic congestion and cutting carbon emissions and promoting clean and sustainable urban mobility both for locals and the tourists.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that in-principle approval has been granted for the use of 6.1909 hectares of forest land, with full compliance to all environmental and legal norms. He said that the project would generate employment opportunities for local people and provide tourists with a new and pleasant travel experience.
Agnihotri said that this project was a major gift for the people of Shimla and would play a pivotal role in achieving the State Government’s vision of a 'Green Himachal'. He expressed gratitude to the Central Government and the Ministry of Environment for granting approval to this important project.
He further said that environmental protection would remain a top priority of the present state government and all construction activities would follow the guidelines of the forest department.
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Youth to drive Himachal's self-reliance through entrepreneurship: Rajesh Dharmani
Minister of Technical Education Rajesh Dharmani emphasized the role of youth in making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant through entrepreneurship, while chairing a review meeting on technical education at Shimla today.
The Minister said the youth of the State were full of innovative ideas and energy. To encourage entrepreneurship, various programs in collaboration with the Industries Department and HIMUDA will be conducted in technical institutes, he stated. These initiatives will develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for young innovators to turn their ideas into viable ventures, with guidance from industry experts.
Highlighting the growing sectors of beauty, wellness, fashion etc, Sh. Dharmani said that collaboration with national brands was helping train youth and attract them towards these industries. Curricula are being updated to match modern industry requirements.
Stressing upon the importance of disaster management in the state, the Minister stated that the students in Industrial Training Institutes, multi-technical, and engineering colleges would be given practical training to effectively handle emergency like situations.
In line with the digital era, a Skill Academy and Digital University will be established to strengthen technical and digital skills among youth, he remarked.
Secretary Technical Education Sandeep Kadam, Director, Akshay Sood, and other senior officers attended the meeting.
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Gifted lands for road construction must be mutated in the name of the Department within next 10 days: Abhishek Jain
Secretary PWD Dr. Abhishek Jain today presided over a detailed review meeting to evaluate the progress of various infrastructure works under Shimla Zone, Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD). He appreciated the department’s swift and effective restoration of roads damaged during recent disasters, highlighting that timely repair work has ensured smooth connectivity and public convenience in affected areas. The Secretary emphasized that with favourable weather conditions now in place, ongoing projects under PMGSY, NABARD, and Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) should be expedited, with particular focus on timely completion and quality of road construction and tarring works.
Dr. Jain directed that gifted lands for road construction must be mutated in the name of the Department within the next 10 days and stressed that all entries for existing roads should be accurately recorded in the Revenue records to maintain transparency and legal compliance. He also instructed senior officers to conduct regular inspections of works, offices, and rest houses, and submit detailed reports to higher authorities to ensure proper supervision and accountability.
The Secretary further underlined the importance of close monitoring of PMGSY projects to improve project delivery timelines, maintain financial discipline, streamline record-keeping, and address any bottlenecks promptly. He also encouraged officers to adopt best practices in project execution, ensure quality control, and maximize the use of available resources to meet the Government’s vision of improving road infrastructure and connectivity across Shimla Zone.
S.P. Jagota, Engineer-in-Chief (Project), Suresh Kapoor, Chief Engineer (Shimla Zone), Sh. Ajay Kapoor, Chief Engineer (NH), along with all Superintending Engineers under Shimla Zone attended the meeting and assured the Secretary of full compliance with the directions and timely implementation of all projects.