CM inspects ongoing works of Hamirpur bus stand
SHIMLA -2 July, 2025Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today made a surprise visit to inspect the ongoing construction works of Hamirpur bus stand today.
Later, while interacting with media persons, the Chief Minister said that efforts were being made to complete the works of the bus stand by next year which has been in limbo for the last 20 years due to paucity of funds. The authorities have been directed to start the construction work of bus stand on war footing with provision of parking facility in the lower floor to facilitate the passengers.
Shri Sukhu said that Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur would be dedicated to the people soon ensuring specialized medical services to the people of the area. He said that order for procurement of furniture for the medical college had been issued.
He said that the present government has made various innovative reforms in the education sector and jumped to 5th from 21st position. We have started english medium from class one in all the government schools and integrated two Directorate of Education into one, as Directorate of School Education. He said that exposure visits of teachers and students were being ensured besides undertaking rationalization of schools.
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New digital platform launched for social security pension beneficiaries
SHIMLA -2 July, 2025All existing beneficiaries of various social security pension schemes have been requested to update their information online on the newly launched digital platform of the Social Justice and Empowerment department.
A spokesperson of the department informed here today that the state government is providing social security pensions to approximately 8.31 lakh beneficiaries under different categories across the state. To streamline service delivery and enhance transparency, the government has digitized the entire pension disbursement system through a newly developed single-window online platform. This digital initiative is aimed at bringing greater convenience and transparency to the delivery of social welfare services in the state.
He said that all beneficiaries have been advised to update their personal, bank and Aadhaar details through the official website www.edistrict.hp.gov.in at the earliest. Those unable to do so themselves may visit their nearest Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK) for assistance. This step was essential to ensure the continued and uninterrupted disbursement of pension benefits. Any discrepancies or outdated information may result in delays or temporary suspension of benefits until proper verification is completed.
In case of any difficulty, beneficiaries may contact their respective District Welfare Officer or Tehsil Welfare Officer for guidance and necessary support
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CM announces CBSE School, better facilities for girls sports hostel in Sarkaghat
SHIMLA -2 July, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his visit to Sarkaghat constituency on Wednesday and took stock of damages caused due to heavy rains recently and also directed the Deputy Commissioner to assess the loss and ensure that relief reaches the affected families promptly.
He also visited the sports hostel of girl's, Sarkaghat and interacted with the athletes besides assuring them of improved facilities. He said a CBSE-affiliated School would soon be established at the Sarkaghat to provide better academic opportunities to the children.
He said that decision has been taken by the Government to mark the students participating in sporting events and competitions at National and International level as being on ‘special leave’ instead of marking them absent, similar to the provisions followed for the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). The instructions regarding the same has been communicated the teaching faculty.
Earlier, the Chief Minister was given a accorded a warm welcome by Congress leader Pawan Thakur and the people of the area.
MLA Chander Shekhar and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion
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Education Minister emphasizes quality education and sports development in departmental review meeting
Lauds for state’s remarkable improvement in NAS survey
SHIMLA-2 July, 2025Education Minister Rohit Thakur presided over a high-level meeting of the Education Department to review various issues and ongoing initiatives in the education sector on Wednesday. During the meeting, the Minister announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the quality of education, infrastructure, and sports facilities across the state.
The Minister praised the efforts of officers, officials, and teachers for the state’s remarkable improvement in the National Achievement Survey (NAS), where Himachal Pradesh has moved up to 5th position from 21st. He said this progress was possible due to the effective implementation of the present government's policies and reforms. He added that teachers who are performing well should be recognized and the government has already started a teachers’ award scheme for school teachers. For the first time, starting this year, an award scheme for college teachers will also be introduced and presented on 5th September.
To further improve the standard of education, the Minister reviewed the progress of Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools. He said that foundation stones of 12 new Day Boarding Schools have been laid, which would be made functional soon. Additionally, 56 existing schools would be upgraded to Day Boarding Schools. He also instructed officials to conduct physical inspection of Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas and submit a comprehensive report at the earliest.
The Minister also reviewed the recruitment process for 187 differently abled JBTs and 194 Shastri's and asked officials to expedite the process. He also directed that the recruitment of Drawing Masters be completed in a time-bound manner. Officials were further instructed to rationalize the posting of teachers based on actual enrolment and requirements of schools. Deputations were to be reviewed and allowed only on a need basis. He stressed strict action against non-performing teachers and schools recording zero results, including charge-sheeting if necessary.
He said the department must also identify and recognize unsung teachers, particularly those serving in remote areas, who are silently contributing to quality education. Meanwhile, meritorious students should be encouraged through timely distribution of tablets.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to speed up the promotion process of Joint Directors, Principals, PGTs, TGTs and Classical and Vernacular (CV) teachers.
Rohit Thakur said that from the next academic session, rationalization of colleges would be undertaken. New skill-based and vocational subjects would be introduced, along with subjects like Psychology and Sociology in colleges where these were currently not being taught.
The Minister stated that the government was equally committed to strengthening sports infrastructure. To promote sports culture among students, Himachal Pradesh will host the Under-19 National Level Kabaddi and Handball tournaments. The government will fully sponsor the events, which will also help boost the state’s image at the national level. He said diet and travel allowances for athletes have already been increased and hostel and travel support, including AC train fare and air travel have been provided to promote sports in the state.
The Minister reviewed unspent departmental funds and directed their proper use, especially the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds, which should be prioritized for schools with over 75 percent damage. He also asked to update supplementary books to include the state's history, culture, and local heroes, and asked SCERT and SRGs to submit proposals for curriculum improvements.
The Minister expressed hope that the Education Department would continue its dedicated efforts to bring excellence to the sector and work towards making Himachal Pradesh one of the top-performing states in education across the country.
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar also gave his valuable suggestions for strengthening the quality education in the state.
Director Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet K Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli and senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.