ENGAGEMENTS OF CM H.P.ON 23.03.26

*Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presiding over the Cabinet meeting at HP Secretariat, Shimla on 23rd March 2026.

*Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressing the house during the Budget Session of HP Vidhan Sabha in Shimla on 23rd March 2026.

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Kangra MLAs hails CMs initiatives focusing to uplift rural economy in the Budget

Congress MLAs from Kangra district led by Agriculture Minister Chaudhary Chander Kumar today felicitated Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in recognition of the government’s focused efforts to strengthen the rural economy as outlined in the Budget 2026-27.

The MLAs stated that it was for the first time in the state’s history, the government has prioritized its financial resources towards the welfare of villages, the poor and farmers. They highlighted several key initiatives, including an increase in the procurement price of cow milk to Rs. 61 per litre and buffalo milk to Rs. 71 per litre. In addition, financial assistance for transporting milk to collection centres has been enhanced from Rs. 3 to Rs. 6 per litre.

They further noted that, for the first time, sheep rearers in the state will receive a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 100 per kilogram for wool, a move expected to significantly benefit the community. The MSP for naturally grown wheat and barley has been increased to Rs. 80 per kilogram, maize to Rs. 50 per kilogram, and turmeric to Rs. 150 per kilogram. Ginger has also been brought under MSP for the first time at Rs. 30 per kilogram.

The Chief Minister informed that a milk processing plant is being established at Dhagwar in Kangra district with an investment of Rs. 200 crore. Additionally, proposals have been made to set up milk processing plants in Nahan and Nalagarh with an estimated cost of Rs. 100 crore, aimed at enhancing the income of livestock farmers.

He reiterated that the present state government was committed to the welfare of all sections of society and will continue to take progressive steps in this direction.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Kishori Lal, Ashish Butail, Sanjay Rattan, Malender Rajan, Kamlesh Thakur and Sanjay Awasthi were present on the occasion.

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Press Statement of Health and Revenue Minister issued from Shimla on 23^th March, 2026

Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and today jointly hailed the State Budget presented by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, describing it as a visionary document that sets new milestones for Himachal Pradesh. In a joint statement, the Ministers commended the Chief Minister for his steadfast commitment to public welfare and administrative efficiency despite a severe financial crunch. They noted that the discontinuation and drastic reduction of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) by the Central Government has dealt a massive blow to the state’s finances, resulting in a staggering loss of approximately Rs. 10,000 crore, yet the Chief Minister has successfully navigated these challenges to present a budget that ensures growth remains uninterrupted.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil highlighted the historic allocations made to the health sector, noting that the provision of Rs. 3,000 crore for infrastructure modernization is a significant achievement. He stated that the decision to increase the stipends for Senior Residents to Rs. 1 lakh and for those in Super-Specialty departments to Rs. 1.30 lakh would prove instrumental in retaining medical talent within the state. According to Dr. Shandil, the emphasis on digital health services and the strengthening of medical colleges even during fiscal austerity demonstrates the government’s priority toward providing quality healthcare to every citizen, especially in the most remote corners of the state.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi praised the budget for its focus on the Revenue Department, specifically the push toward a complete digital overhaul. He mentioned that the simplification of land records and mutation processes through technology would bring immense relief to the common man by removing bureaucratic hurdles. The Minister also welcomed the decision to increase the honorarium of Revenue Chowkidars to Rs. 6,800, emphasizing that the state government remains sensitive to the needs of grassroots workers despite the financial constraints imposed by the loss of nearly Rs. 10,000 crore in central grants. He remarked that the budget reflects a shift toward transparent and citizen-centric governance.
The Ministers further lauded the Chief Minister’s focus on youth empowerment and job creation, noting that the budget facilitates large-scale recruitment in the police, health, and education sectors.

They stated that by prioritizing 4 lakh man-days in state-funded employment initiatives, the government is providing a vital safety net for the youth. The Ministers said that while the Central Government has created economic hurdles by cutting essential grants, the Chief Minister has led by example through personal austerity and salary deferment. They expressed confidence that this budget would serve as a roadmap for a "Self-Reliant Himachal," ensuring that the state's progress continues despite external financial pressures.

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Renovated Shraddhanjali Sthal reopens at Army Heritage Museum Shimla

Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), today here rededicated the renovated Shraddhanjali Sthal at the Army Heritage Museum, Annandale, through a wreath-laying ceremony.

On the occasion, a 52-foot-high National Flag of India was also unveiled. The towering Tricolour stands as a symbol of the nation’s unity and pride, and pays tribute to the supreme sacrifices made by soldiers in service of the country. It now adds to the prominence of the Army Heritage Museum, one of Shimla’s key tourist attractions with significant visitor footfall throughout the year.

The ceremony was attended by military personnel from Headquarters ARTRAC, station units, ex-servicemen, and NCC cadets, who paid solemn homage to the brave martyrs of the Indian Army. The Shraddhanjali Sthal has been upgraded to enhance its sanctity and aesthetic appeal, reinforcing its role as a place of remembrance, reflection and inspiration.

The rededication of the memorial, along with the installation of the National Flag, reflects the Indian Army’s continued commitment to honouring its fallen heroes and preserving its rich legacy of valour, sacrifice and patriotism.