SHIMLA -17 March, 2026
State Govt withdraws 'Cabinet Rank' status to streamline administrative protocol
A spokesperson of the State Government today here informed that the Government of Himachal Pradesh has decided to withdraw the status of 'Cabinet Rank' presently accorded to various authorities, including Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Deputy Chairman of Boards, Corporations and Commissions, as well as Principal Advisors and Political Advisors.
The spokesperson said that the decision has been taken as part of efforts to streamline administrative protocol.
He further informed that, in addition 20 percent of the salary and monthly emoluments of the concerned authorities will stay deferred till 30th September, 2026.
The spokesperson added that necessary directions have been issued to all Administrative Secretaries to take prompt action in the matter.
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No budget cut in Education and Health despite challenges: CM
· Pushes for New-Age Courses, Language Programmes
· CM presides over Principal's Conference on reforms in higher education
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a one-day Principal's Conference on reforms in higher education here today, said that despite financial challenges, the budget for the education and health sectors would not be curtailed. He said that education was a top priority for the state government and that focused efforts were being made to provide quality education to students, even in far-flung areas.
Sh. Sukhu said, “To boost self-confidence was of paramount importance so that students can effectively take on future challenges. In this direction the role of teachers and education is vital.” He said that the state government has undertaken numerous initiatives to transform the education sector. He stressed on opening up of new specialized colleges such as Science, Commerce and Fine Arts Colleges. He said a Science College was being set up at Hamirpur spanning in 50 bighas and the state government has released Rs. 20 crore for this college. Additionally, Commerce and other specialized colleges would be set up across the state.
The Chief Minister further said that efforts were being made to bridge existing gaps and introduce meaningful reforms in higher education. Recruitment processes were ongoing to fill 400 posts of Assistant Professors and 400 posts of Junior Assistant Professors. He also directed the introduction of new-age courses and additional language programs in colleges to enhance employability for students. To ensure quality education, a college ranking system has been introduced on the lines of school rankings, he added.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government has restructured the Education Department by establishing the Directorate of School Education and the Directorate of Higher Education. The teachers in the state were efficient and well qualified and these reforms would enable them to perform better and deliver quality education to students. He further said that the impact of the introduction of CBSE schools has been visibly positive, as student enrollment in these institutions has increased significantly. He also said that the state government would provide all required teachers in these CBSE schools within the next two months.
The Chief Minister said that the health sector is also a key priority of the State Government, and reforms are being undertaken in this area as well. He stated that, due to the Government’s efforts, high-end MRI machines have been installed in medical colleges, and the response to robotic surgery has been encouraging. He stated that the Revenue Deficit Grant to the State has been discontinued and financial assistance amounting to Rs. 1,600 crore has been denied, which has been attributed to the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme for government employees. He asserted “OPS was not a politically motivated decision, but state government's commitment towards ensuring social security for employees in their old age.”
The Chief Minister also launched the Internal Ranking of Government Colleges. In the overall rankings, Government College Hamirpur secured the first position, followed by Government College Sanjauli in second place and Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Shimla in third. In the Tier-I category, Government College Hamirpur ranked first, Sanjauli College stood second and Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Shimla secured the third position. In Tier-II, Government College Bhoranj ranked first, followed by Government College Saraswatinagar, Shimla in second place and Government College Sunni in third. In Tier-III, Government College Kaffota secured the top position, while Degree College Darlaghat stood second and Government College Chailkot ranked third. The Chief Minister honoured all the top-ranked colleges and presented cheques of Rs. one lakh each to them.
Sh. Sukhu also launched the Vikrami Samvat Calendar of the Himachal Pradesh Sanskrit Academy. He further virtually inaugurated the digital initiatives of Government Colleges at Bilaspur, Dharamshala and Chaura Maidan.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Director Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet K Sharma, Chairman, State Higher Education Council, Prof. Sarvjot Singh Behl, Vice Chancellor H.P. University Prof. Mahavir Singh and Principals of various colleges were present on the occasion.
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Public Works Minister (PWD) Vikramaditya Singh, while addressing a press conference
Public Works Minister (PWD) Vikramaditya Singh, while addressing a press conference today here said that the state government was continuously striving to accelerate development across the state. He said that with a positive approach and innovative initiatives, special emphasis was being placed on strengthening roads, infrastructure and urban facilities under the Public Works and Urban Development departments. Improving road connectivity in remote, hilly and tribal regions remains a key priority for the government.
Vikramaditya Singh said that he recently met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, where he strongly presented various issues concerning the state. The proposals submitted by the state government received a positive response from the Centre. He said that development works related to Public Works and Urban Development have gained fresh momentum, with proposals worth around Rs. 600 crore sent to the central government. Under the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment to States 2025-26, projects worth Rs. 366 crore have been approved by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, with the Urban Development Department acting as the nodal agency. He said that this is a significant achievement that will boost urban development and provide improved facilities to the public.
The Minister further said that Rs. 140 crore has been sanctioned for the redevelopment of the vegetable market in Shimla, where modern facilities such as a shopping complex, multi-level parking, municipal corporation office, retail outlets, hotel, multiplex, food court and warehouses will be developed. Similarly, Rs. 80 crore has been approved for redeveloping the old HRTC bus stand in Hamirpur into a modern city centre featuring a convention centre, parking, commercial spaces, shopping complex, retail outlets, gaming zone, food court and multiplex. In addition, a Rs. 20 crore project has been approved under the Neighbourhood Improvement Plan for Dharamshala Municipal Corporation. He said these projects will not only strengthen urban infrastructure but also promote economic activity in the state.
Speaking about rural development, he said that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, approximately 1,500 kilometres of roads will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 2,300 crore. The tender process has already been completed and work is set to commence from 15th April. He appealed to the people of the state to cooperate in providing land for road construction, as land availability remains the biggest challenge. He said that there is no shortage of funds, but timely availability of land is crucial. He also assured that strict quality standards will be maintained in all construction work and any contractor compromising on quality will face stringent action, including blacklisting. He said that the state government is committed to carrying out development works with transparency, quality and timeliness.
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Chief Secretary and DGP call on Governor
Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta and Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari paid separate courtesy visits to the Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan, today.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary apprised the Governor of the present administrative scenario in the State, including the progress of key developmental projects and the implementation of various flagship schemes. He also briefed about ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, enhance service delivery and address public grievances effectively.
The DGP briefed the Governor on the prevailing law and order situation, along with measures being undertaken to strengthen policing, enhance public safety and ensure effective crime prevention. He also highlighted initiatives aimed at modernizing the police force and improving coordination among various security agencies.
The Governor emphasized the importance of maintaining efficiency, transparency and accountability in administration. He also stressed the need for proactive policing, vigilance and people-friendly approaches. He underscored that effective governance and a robust security framework were essential to ensure overall welfare, peace and development in the state.