SHIMLA-6 September, 2026

CM flags off 44 engineering students for Japan exposure visit

• Process initiated to send medical college students abroad for exposure visits: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today virtually flagged off 44 meritorious B.Tech. students from engineering colleges of Himachal Pradesh for the Japan International Exposure Tour-2026 and extended his best wishes to the students. The international exposure tour is being organised from 6 to 12 September, 2026, by the Department of Technical Education. It is the second international exposure tour being organised by the department. Earlier, an international exposure tour to Kazakhstan was organised for ITI students, providing them an opportunity to familiarise themselves with international skill-development practices and global vocational education systems.

Sh. Sukhu said that taking this initiative forward, meritorious B.Tech. students are now being provided international exposure, thereby establishing a continuous pathway of global exposure from skill education to higher technical education.

He said that a total of 44 meritorious B.Tech. students from different engineering disciplines, including 24 boys and 20 girls are participating in the Japan tour. During the visit, the students will tour leading academic, research and industrial institutions, including Tokyo Metropolitan University, JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, Cyberdyne Robotics Studio, JAL Aerospace Factory, Kyocera Factory and various industries in Osaka. The visit will provide students with first-hand exposure to space technology, robotics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, innovation and modern transportation systems.

The Chief Minister said that the programme will also enable students to understand Japanese discipline, heritage, work culture and technological ecosystem, besides promoting cultural exchange. The initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to providing meritorious youth with global exposure, enhancing their employability and fostering innovation and technological excellence.

Addressing the students, the Chief Minister said that after the Congress government assumed office, special emphasis had been laid on providing students with exposure to new ideas, technologies and global practices. He said that meritorious students from government schools had earlier been sent to Cambodia for an exposure visit, while ITI students were sent to Kazakhstan. He said that the state government had also initiated the process of sending students of medical colleges abroad for exposure visits, and the selection process had already commenced.

Sh. Sukhu said that the students would return from Japan with new experiences and greater confidence. Sharing a personal experience, he said, When I was a university student, I travelled to Delhi for the first time, whereas you are going to Japan today. There is a lot to learn from Japan. It has excellent educational institutions and is also located in an earthquake-prone region. Despite being prone to earthquakes, Japan has made remarkable progress.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was taking several decisions aimed at making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant. Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state and the government’s initiatives were steadily moving the state towards greater self-reliance.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, who was virtually present with the students, said that the Japan exposure visit would be a lifetime experience for the participating students and provide them with an opportunity to learn new things. He said the students had been selected strictly on merit and around 650 applications had been received from five engineering colleges across the state. He said Japan was a global leader in technology and expressed confidence that the students would learn not only about advanced technologies but also about discipline and social values from the people of Japan.

Principal Secretary, Technical Education, Dr. Abhishek Jain was also present on the occasion.

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SHIMLA - 6 September, 2026

Allied and Healthcare College to be established at Hamirpur with 330 seats

• Radiation Therapy Technology course to be introduced in IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC Tanda

With a view to ensure the availability of trained allied and healthcare professionals and strengthening the delivery of specialized medical services within the State, the State Government has decided to establish an Allied and Healthcare College at Hamirpur with a total intake of 330 seats across various professional courses. The college will offer B.Sc. Laboratory Sciences with 60 seats, B.Sc. Radiology with 60 seats, B.Sc. Anesthesia with 60 seats, B.Sc. Optometry with 60 seats, B.Sc. Physiotherapy with 60 seats and Dialysis Technician with 30 seats.

To facilitate the smooth functioning of the new institution, the State Government has also decided to release Rs. 6.87 crore for the procurement of necessary machinery and equipment. The college will provide specialized training opportunities to students within the State and help to create a pool of skilled allied and healthcare professionals to meet the growing requirements of health institutions.

In another significant decision aimed at expanding specialized healthcare education, the Government has decided to introduce the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy Technology course with an annual intake of 30 seats each at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, from the academic session 2026-27.

The initiatives are aimed at further strengthening allied and healthcare education in Himachal Pradesh, with a focus on creating skilled technical manpower, improving healthcare delivery and generating new employment opportunities for the youth. The introduction and expansion of these courses will help ensure the availability of trained professionals in specialized healthcare disciplines and reduce the need for students to seek professional training outside the State.

At present, allied and healthcare courses in disciplines such as Radiology, Anesthesia, Laboratory Technology and Dialysis Technology are being offered at IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC, Tanda. The expansion of educational infrastructure and introduction of new courses will further augment the State's capacity to train healthcare professionals in emerging and specialized fields.

It is pertinent to mention that, in the year 2025, the State Government had also substantially increased the intake capacity of various allied healthcare courses at IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC Tanda. At IGMC Shimla, the seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technique, B.Sc. Radio and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anaesthesia and OT Technique were enhanced from 10 to 50 seats each. Similarly, at Dr. RPGMC, Tanda, the intake in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technique, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anaesthesia and OT Technique was increased from 18 to 50 seats each.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State Government is committed to provide quality and specialized healthcare services to the people of Himachal Pradesh while creating new avenues of professional education and employment for the youth. He said that strengthening allied and healthcare education is essential for supporting doctors and other medical professionals and ensuring efficient delivery of modern healthcare services.

He said that Allied and Healthcare College at Hamirpur and the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy Technology course at IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC Tanda would significantly expand opportunities for specialized training within the State. He said that the Government would continue to strengthen medical education infrastructure and develop skilled human resources in emerging healthcare disciplines so that people of Himachal Pradesh can avail specialized medical services nearer to their homes.

=====================================================State Government strengthens welfare support for ex-servicemen and their families

In Himachal Pradesh, the spirit of serving the nation is deeply rooted in the state’s culture and identity. For generations, families across the hills have chosen a life of service and duty. They have carried forward the values of courage, discipline and dedication. In every part of the state, joining the armed forces is not just a career choice. It is a proud part of Himachal’s heritage.

This proud tradition is reflected not only in the number of people from Himachal who serve in the armed forces, but also in their courage and sacrifice. The state has received 1,252 gallantry awards. These include the Param Vir Chakra awarded to Major Somnath Sharma of Kangra, India’s first recipient of the country’s highest military honour.

Himachal’s proud list of gallantry awards includes four Param Vir Chakras, two Ashoka Chakras, ten Maha Vir Chakras, 25 Kirti Chakras, 58 Vir Chakras, 102 Shaurya Chakras and 1,051 other Army Medals.

Such a proud record of bravery also brings a responsibility to support those who have served the nation. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the present state government is working to strengthen this bond. The focus is on supporting ex-servicemen, their families and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

One of the key areas of support is employment. The state provides 15 percent reservation for ex-servicemen in Class-I, Class-II, Class-III and Class-IV government posts. A Special Employment Cell has also been set up under the Sainik Welfare Department. It helps ex-servicemen find suitable employment and use their military experience, discipline and leadership skills in a second career.

For families who have made the greatest sacrifice, the government provides additional support. War widows and their families receive financial assistance for important needs. This includes Rs. 50,000 for the marriage of a war widow’s daughter.

The state also supports members of the older military community. Non-pensioner ex-servicemen of the First and Second World Wars receive an old-age pension of Rs. 10,000 per month, while their widows receive Rs. 5,000 per month. Parents whose sons served during the Emergency receive Rs. 7,000 every year.

Support is also provided for healthcare and rehabilitation. Eligible disabled soldiers from Himachal who are living at the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres at SAS Nagar, Mohali and Kirkee, Pune receive Rs. 1 lakh per person every year.

Families who suddenly lose a serving soldier also receive financial assistance. The State Flag Day Fund provides Rs. 15,000 to the next of kin. The State Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Funds also provide financial assistance of up to Rs. 50,000 under different schemes.

Education is another important part of the government’s support for military families. Eligible students pursuing postgraduate studies, polytechnic courses, agriculture, MBBS, engineering and other academic and professional courses receive scholarships ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per month.

By supporting education, the government is helping the children and younger members of military families build a better future. It is helping turn their families’ proud tradition of service into new opportunities.

The government also continues to recognise and honour exceptional service. Gallantry award winners are entitled to a one-time financial grant of up to Rs. 30 lakh. Recipients of distinguished service awards receive financial benefits ranging from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 17,000.

Gallantry award recipients, their widows and eligible widows are also provided free bus-pass facilities on Himachal Road Transport Corporation services within the state.

Together, these initiatives show the state government’s commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. The aim is not only to provide financial assistance, but also to ensure dignity, security, employment, education and opportunities for those who have served the nation.

Himachal Pradesh has 1,33,557 ex-servicemen, 40,004 military widows and 991 war widows. Nearly 3,000 personnel return to the state every year after completing their service. This shows how closely the armed forces are connected with the people and families of Himachal. Behind these numbers are families who have shared both the pride and challenges of military service. Himachal has always been proud to give its soldiers to the nation.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the present state government is committed to ensuring that those who serve the country receive more than just gratitude and recognition. They should also receive opportunities, security and dignity when they return home.