Sh. Surender Maltu called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today

SHIMLA,14.11.25-Newly appointed Project Director of Resilient Action for Development and Disaster Recovery, Himachal Pradesh (READY-HP), Sh. Surender Maltu called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today. It was a courtesy call

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CM inaugurates ‘Children of the State Sports & Cultural Meet-2025’

‘Beti Padhao is not just a slogan, it is my personal mission’: CM

On the occasion of Children’s Day, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the ‘Children of the State Sports & Cultural Meet-2025’ at the Ridge, here today. To continue till 16 November, the event has been organised jointly by the Police and Social Justice & Empowerment Departments. Around 600 children from 29 Bal-Balika Sukh Aashraya ashrams from across the State are participating in the meet.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Children’s Day was dedicated to India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This sports and cultural festival reflects the State Government’s resolve to carry forward Nehru ji’s vision of pure affection, equal opportunities and a brighter future for every child.

Highlighting the features of the Mukhyamantri Sukhashraya Yojana, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was the first state in the country to frame a law for the welfare of orphans, destitute children, and women. Acting as a guardian, the State Government has adopted 6,000 orphans and abandoned children as ‘Children of the State’ ensuring their complete care, education and support until the age of 27 years. He announced that to ensure better opportunities, these children will be admitted to leading schools in every district and the entire cost of their education will be borne by the State Government. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the Government is committed to ensuring complete safety, quality education and unlimited opportunities for every girl child. ‘Beti Padhao’ is not just a slogan, It is my personal mission,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that sports are not merely a medium of entertainment but teach us humility, courage and life skills and praised the resilience shown by the Children of the State. He appreciated the Police Department and the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment for organizing this event and described it as inspirational.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister distributed laptops and school bags to the children.

Social Justice & Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said that the State Government was making sustained efforts to build confidence and leadership among children living in institutional care through sports, art, and cultural activities. He also shared details of various schemes being implemented by the department.

Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari welcomed the Chief Minister and shared details of the programme and informed that the Police Department is continuously undertaking several initiatives for the holistic development of children. IG Vimal Gupta presented the vote of thanks.

A dog show, cultural performances, nukkad-natak, and tug-of-war competitions were among the major attractions of the event.

MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Shyam Bhagat Negi, senior officers, councilors and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Voter lists prepared for 3,548 out of 3,577 Gram Panchayats

A spokesperson of the State Election Commission stated that voter lists have been prepared for 3,548 out of 3,577 Gram Panchayats and for 70 Urban Local Bodies and for the remaining 29 Gram Panchayats, it would be ready on 1^st December 2025. As per the completed voter lists, a total of 55,19,709 voters have been registered in the state, including 27,26,548 women and 27,93,161 men.

The voter lists are available on the Commission’s website https://sechimachal.nic.in for the voters to check their names and they can also see in Voter Saarthi App.

Any person who has completed 18 years of age on or before 1^st October 2025 is eligible to have their name included in the voter list. If the name of any eligible person is missing from the final voter list, they can apply for inclusion by submitting the prescribed form in duplicate, along with a fee of rupees two to the concerned District Election Officer or Deputy Commissioner’s office until the election schedule is announced.

Similarly, if a person’s name is not included in the voter list of a Nagar Panchayat, Nagar Parishad, or Municipal Corporation, they may apply for inclusion in the voter list by submitting the prescribed form in duplicate, along with a fee of Rs. 50, to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer and Sub-Divisional Officer, he said.