SHIMLA-7^th August, 2025

One seat per course reserved for orphans in technical institutions

Taking a progressive step towards social inclusion, the Himachal Pradesh Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has decided the reservation of one seat per course for orphaned students across all government, government-aided and private technical education institutions in the State. This applies to Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, engineering colleges, and pharmacy institutes of the State.

The initiative aims to provide equitable access to quality technical education for orphaned children, who are among the most vulnerable sections of society. By eliminating structural and financial barriers, the government seeks to offer these students a fair and dignified opportunity to pursue their career aspirations.

A government spokesperson stated that admissions under this new category would be based strictly on merit, with eligibility determined through verification by competent authorities. Importantly, this move does not involve increasing the total number of sanctioned seats or imposing any additional infrastructural or financial burden on institutions. Instead, it focuses on better utilization of existing resources to promote inclusivity without compromising quality.

This initiative aligns with the broader vision of the present State Government to empower underprivileged communities. It complements other welfare efforts, notably the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashrya Yojna, a flagship scheme under which orphaned children have been granted the status of “Children of the State.” This designation entrusts the Government with the responsibility for their comprehensive care, education, and well-being up to the age of 27 years. Himachal Pradesh is the first state nationwide to grant legal rights to the orphans by enacting a law in this regard, so that they are empowered to lead a life of dignity and purpose.

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CM expresses grief over death of CRPF personnel

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri have expressed grief over the death of three CRPF personnel, who died in an accident near Udhampur in Jammu on Thursday morning.

Expressing their sorrow with the bereaved family members, they said that their exemplary service to the nation would always be remembered. " Our thoughts are with the bereaved family members", they stated and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

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Education Minister holds review meeting with Education Department and HPBOSE

• Horticulture to be introduced as vocational subject in Schools

Education Minister Rohit Thakur today chaired a review meeting with senior officers of the Education Department and the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) to assess the progress of various educational schemes and discuss key matters concerning the department.

The Minister reviewed the implementation of several important initiatives, including the Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools and Atal AdarshVidyalayas. He directed officials to expedite the recruitment process to ensure timely filling of vacancies in schools and colleges. He stated that the state government was committed to providing quality education and strengthening the educational framework at all levels.

A key decision taken during the meeting was the inclusion of Horticulture as a vocational subject in schools. He instructed HPBOSE to prepare a suitable curriculum for the subject and submit the proposal within two weeks. He also emphasized the need to revive important academic subjects, such as Public Administration, in colleges to offer students a broader choice of disciplines.

Addressing recruitment-related issues, the Minister said that all genuine demands of SMC teachers would be sympathetically considered and taken to the cabinet for appropriate action. He mentioned that the department has completed all formalities related to pending promotions and the matter of promotion of Principals has been forwarded to the HPPS Commission for necessary steps.

Sh. Rohit Thakur said that it was important to recognize the dedication and hard work of teachers, especially those posted in remote and tribal areas. He instructed officials to ensure early completion of NAAC assessments for colleges and to work towards setting up well-equipped libraries to promote academic excellence and learning resources for students.

He also expressed serious concern over the widespread damage to educational institutions caused by recent natural calamities. He said that around 510 institutions have been affected, with estimated losses amounting to Rs. 30 crore. He directed the concerned officials to utilize funds received under the PDNA (Post Disaster Needs Assessment) in a judicious manner, giving top priority to schools that have sustained more than 75 percent damage. He stressed that physical monitoring of reconstruction works should be carried out regularly to ensure timely and quality completion of repair and restoration efforts.

The Minister stressed the importance of engaging young minds in educational and creative activities. He proposed organizing a plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative near disaster-affected areas. He also directed officials to hold Bal Melas and science exhibitions for children under 12 years of age to provide them with new experiences and inspire curiosity at an early age.

The Education Minister during his recent visit to Delhi, he held discussions with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He apprised him of the damages caused to educational institutions in the State and urged the Centre to release the pending Rs. 180 crore under the RUSA scheme. He also requested additional financial support for the development of the education sector in the state. He said that the Union Minister has assured all possible help and appreciated the efforts of the Education Department, particularly the reforms that have led to Himachal Pradesh securing fifth position in PARAKH and NAS and setting an example for others to follow.

During the meeting, the Chairman of HPBOSE, Dr Rajesh, shared valuable inputs and highlighted the reforms introduced by the Board to improve transparency in the evaluation process and ensure better delivery of education.

Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Director Higher Education Dr Amarjeet K Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, members of HPBOSE and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.

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बाली के त्वरित एक्शन मोड में आते ही खड्ड में फंसे दंपत्ति को सुरक्षित निकाला
दिल्ली में उपचारारत होने के वाबजूद विडियो काॅल के माध्यम लेते रहे जानकारी
जरूरत पड़ने पर एयरलिफ्टिंग तक की भी कर ली गई थी तैयारी: आरएस बाली
नगरोटा, 07 अगस्त। पर्यटन निगम के अध्यक्ष कैबिनेट रैंक आरएस बाली के त्वरित एक्शन से सेराथाना की धरूण खड्ड में फंसे दंपत्ति और मवेशियों को सुरक्षित बाहर निकाला गया।
स्वास्थ्य कारणों से दिल्ली में उपचाररत होने के बावजूद आर एस बाली जी को जैसे ही घटना की जानकारी मिली, उन्होंने तत्काल एसडीएम को मौके पर भेजा, एसडीआरएफ, आर्मी जनरल, और डीसी के साथ संपर्क साधा, और पूरे रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन को वीडियो कॉल के जरिए खुद लीड किया।
उल्लेखनीय है कि भारी बारिश के चलते बुधवार शाम को चटवार निवासी बलराज एवं उनकी धर्मपत्नी बिंता देवी और उनके मवेशी धरूण खड्ड में फंस गए थे इसकी सूचना जैसे ही दिल्ली में पर्यटन निगम के अध्यक्ष आरएस बाली तक पहुंची तो उन्होंने त्वरित प्रभाव से रेस्क्यू आपरेशन आरंभ करने के निर्देश दिए गए। पर्यटन निगम के अध्यक्ष आरएस बाली ने कहा कि एसडीआरएफ तथा योल सैन्य छावनी के जवानों सहित अग्निशमन विभाग को भी सूचित किया गया तथा एसडीएम को भी घटनास्थल पर पहुंचने के लिए कहा गया।
उन्होंने कहा कि भले ही स्थानीय अग्निशमन विभाग ने रेस्क्यू सफलतापूर्वक पूरा कर लिया, लेकिन प्रशासन की ओर से भी सभी तैयारियां पूर्ण की गई थीं यहां तक की संबंधित एथारिटी के साथ एयरलिफ्टिंग की बात भी हो गई थी। इस दौरान आर एस बाली सैन्य अधिकारी को भी वीडियो कॉल पर जोड़ा और आभार प्रकट किया।
आरएस बाली ने कहा कि भारी बारिश के चलते नगरोटा विस क्षेत्रों में राहत तथा पुनर्वास के लिए प्रशासन को त्वरित कार्रवाई करने के निर्देश भी दिए गए हैं इसके साथ ही प्रभावित लोगों को हरसंभव मदद भी मुहैया करवाई जा रही है। उन्होंने कहा कि मानसून सीजन में लोक निर्माण विभाग तथा आईपीएच तथा विद्युत विभाग के अधिकारियों को मुस्तैदी से कार्य करने के लिए कहा गया है ताकि किसी भी स्तर पर लोगों को परेशानी नहीं झेलनी पड़े।

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Chief Secretary reviews preparations for state-level Independence Day function

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena today here chaired a review meeting to assess the preparations for the State-level Independence Day celebrations to be held in Sarkaghat, District Mandi. He directed all concerned departments to ensure timely and effective arrangements for the successful organization of the event.

He said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will preside over the State-level function. He stressed that the arrangements related to security, sanitation, and traffic control should be put in place efficiently, with active public participation.

The Chief Secretary said that heavy rains have caused significant damage to roads in the region and instructed the concerned authorities to take prompt and necessary measures to ensure smooth movement in the area.

He said that cultural programmes during the celebrations should include awareness campaigns on disaster management and drug abuse prevention.

Various aspects of the event were discussed in detail during the meeting.

The Chief Secretary issued necessary instructions to the officers present.

Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Secretaries Rajesh Sharma and Ashish Singhamar, ADGP Abhishek Trivedi and other senior officers attended the meeting, where as Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan joined the meeting virtually and apprised the Chief Secretary of the preparations being made in the district.