SHIMLA, 08.07.25-

CM and Deputy CM mourn demise of Journalist Sanjay Thakur

State Govt. enhances paramedical seats after 23 years to strengthen healthcare services

The State Government has decided to enhance the number of seats for technician courses in the medical sector after a gap of nearly 23 years. This decision comes in the light of acute shortage of trained technical staff in various health institutions, which has been impacting the delivery of health care services across the State for a long time as the installation of modern machinery requires trained manpower and this decision would go a long way in providing quality healthcare services to the people of the state.

A Spokesman of the State Government said here today that the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, was giving priority for strengthening the health infrastructure in the State to provide specialized medical services to the people within the State.

The spokesman said that, at present, the seats in paramedical staff in government sector are very few and the present State Government has decided to increase these seats in the Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, district Kangra. He said that the government has enhanced the seat capacity in providing training in courses like B.Sc. medical laboratory technique, B.Sc. radio and imaging, B.Sc. anaesthesia and OT technique from 10 each to 50 seats each per course in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, whereas the seats in B.Sc. medical laboratory technique, B.Sc. radiology and imaging and B.Sc. anaesthesia and OT Technique has been increased from 18 each to 50 seats each per course, to ensure that youth of the state get training within the State.

He said that the increase will ensure more youth from the state can receive quality training locally reducing dependency on institutions outside the state. The government is also actively creating and filling up posts in the healthcare sector and expanding training opportunities for nursing and para medical staff.

He said that this initiative of the government will not only ensure availability of trained manpower within the state but also open new avenues for employment to youth. He said that the present state government is committed to provide specialized and efficient health facilities to the people nearer to their homes. He said that the Chief Minister has envisioned to transforming the State's healthcare system by offering world-class services at par with AIIMS Delhi and this initiative will go a long way in bridging the gap.

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Two irrigation projects worth Rs. 558 crore for Kangra district gets central clearance

Over 160 villages in Jawali, Shahpur, Jwalamukhi and Dehra to get benefitted

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today said that two significant medium irrigation projects worth Rs. 558 crore have been accorded technical approval by the Central Government. These projects would be implemented in the Kangra district and were expected to provide assured irrigation to over 160 villages, directly benefiting thousands of farmers and boosting agricultural productivity in the region.

He said that the Rs. 219 crore Sukhaahar medium irrigation project proposed in Jawali Assembly Constituency has also been approved by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. The project would provide an irrigation facility to 2,186 hectares of land across 45 villages of Jawali and Shahpur constituencies and approximately 24,120 rural residents would benefit from this project. The area has so far relied on rain-fed farming and faced numerous agricultural challenges due to lack of irrigation facilities.

The Deputy Chief Minister further informed that another Rs. 339 crore medium irrigation project covering parts of Jwalamukhi and Dehra Assembly Constituencies has also received technical clearance. Once implemented, the project would provide irrigation to 116 villages and benefit thousands of farmers in traditionally water-scarce areas.

He said that these projects would not only enhance agricultural production but also generate new employment opportunities for local youth. Skilled workers from the area would be given preference the execution of construction works and technical training would also be provided to engage them in technical works.

Shri Agnihotri said that these irrigation schemes would promote groundwater conservation, improve water-use efficiency and support crop diversification, thereby making agriculture more resilient to climate change.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the process for obtaining financial sanction for these projects had already been initiated and would be expedited to ensure that construction begins without delay. He has directed the concerned departments to implement these projects in a time-bound and transparent manner.

He said that state government was commitment to farmers welfare and was working with a mission mode to realize the vision of “Har Khet Ko Pani”. He said that committed efforts were being made in collaboration with the Centre to ensure secure future to the farmers.

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CM inspects vulnerable points along Shoghi-Dhalli four-lane project

Assures safety and relief to affected families

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today conducted an on-site inspection of various vulnerable points along the under-construction 27-km Shoghi-Dhalli four-lane project in Shimla district. He visited Bhattakufar, Sanjauli, Dhalli, Lindidhar, and nearby areas to assess the situation and listened to the grievances of local residents.

Residents expressed serious concerns about the adverse impact of hill cutting activities being carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which, they alleged, have led to increased vulnerability, property damage, and risk to their life and safety.

Chief Minister was apprised by the locals that NHAI officers do not listen to them. They have suffered significant property losses, and now a constant danger looms over our heads. We request the government to take urgent steps, they urged.

Taking serious note of their concerns, the Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to take immediate remedial measures and ensure public safety on priority. He also assured the affected families of all possible support from the State Government.

Speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister said, that people construct their homes through years of savings. When such homes collapse, it is not just a financial loss but an emotional and social setback. I will raise this issue with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, he said. The State Government will provide Rs. 10,000 per month as rental assistance to families residing in unsafe structures to rent accommodation. Additionally, a special relief package will be given to those who have suffered damages during the disaster.

The Chief Minister advocated for awarding such works to local contractors who are more familiar with the regional topography. He also emphasized the need for NHAI to adopt modern technologies and explore tunnel-based alternatives in hilly terrain to prevent such disasters.

The District Administration, Shimla, has constituted a 12-member committee under the chairpersonship of the Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) to identify vulnerable points along the four-lane stretch and suggest corrective measures.

Separately, a five-member committee led by the Additional District Magistrate (Law & Order) has been tasked with investigating the recent building collapse in Bhattakufar.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Principal Advisor (Media) to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and other senior officers also accompanied the Chief Minister.