SHIMLA-30 July, 2026

CM releases book 'Jakhu Mandir-Sanjeevani Booti Ka Rahasya'

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released the book 'Jakhu Mandir-Sanjeevani Booti Ka Rahasya' authored by former Assistant Director of the Language, Art and Culture department and Chief Spokesperson of Himachal Pradesh Kisan Congress Trilok Suryavanshi here yesterday evening.

Appreciating the author's efforts, the Chief Minister said that the book would prove to be of immense significance from the tourism perspective. He said that besides providing devotees and tourists with comprehensive information about the historic Jakhu Temple, the book would also help them gain valuable insights into the rich history and vibrant cultural heritage of Shimla.

The Chief Minister said that the book highlights the mythological history of the world-famous Jakhu Temple, explores the mystery surrounding the Sanjeevani Booti and presents several fascinating facts associated with the temple. It also offers detailed accounts of Shimla's heritage buildings, important religious shrines and other historical landmarks, making it a valuable resource for readers and visitors alike.

Among those present on the occasion were the author's wife, Maya Suryavanshi, Jagmohan Sharma, Puran Chand and Ajay Bhardwaj.

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CM expresses grief over demise of former MLA

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the demise of former MLA from Nagrota Bagwan assembly constituency Ramchand Bhatia who passed away at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda district Kangra yesterday. He was 82.

The Chief Minister said that Ramchand Bhatia had contributed immensely for the development of Nagrota Bagwan assembly constituency and ensured the welfare of the people of the area.

He prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

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Block-level Jan Samvad programmes under 'Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana' from 6 to 8 August

• MLAs to interact with identified poorest of poor families

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday evening chaired a review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department here. During the meeting, the state government's flagship initiative 'Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana' was reviewed in detail.

The Chief Minister said that the state government would organise Jan Samvad programmes under the 'Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana' on 6, 7 and 8 August, 2026. These programmes would be held at the block level and chaired by the respective MLAs. Clusters of Gram Panchayats would be formed for the purpose, with each cluster comprising a maximum of ten Gram Panchayats.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that poorest of poor families identified by the Rural Development department from all Gram Panchayats across the state would be invited to participate in these programmes. The discussions would focus on their socio-economic development and welfare through various government schemes and programmes. Based on the feedback received during these interactions, the state government would formulate targeted interventions and ensure their effective implementation at the grassroots level.

The Chief Minister said that nearly 1.78 lakh ultra-poor families had been identified through the Rural Development department following an extensive eight-phase survey. He said that the government's objective was to ensure that every deserving family received the benefits of welfare schemes, particularly those who had remained deprived of their rightful entitlements. He added that around 85,000 poorest of poor families in the state had never been included in the BPL category and had not received the benefits of any state government welfare scheme.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the 'Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana' was announced in the state budget for the current financial year and was now being implemented in line with its objectives. He said that the state government was committed to extending comprehensive support to these identified families. By improving their economic condition, the government aimed to enhance their quality of life while contributing to the overall prosperity and economic growth of the state.

The Chief Minister said that the survey for identifying poorest of poor families had been conducted with complete transparency and integrity. He added that the officers concerned had been made fully accountable to ensure the credibility of the entire process.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj C. Paulrasu, Director Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Raghav Sharma, Director Digital Technologies and Governance Dr. Nipun Jindal and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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Dr. D.K. Verma called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Shimla today. It was a courtesy call.

Newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Atal Medical and Research University Mandi Dr. D.K. Verma called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Shimla today. It was a courtesy call.