SHIMLA -6 August, 2025
CM expresses grief over three deaths in car accident
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the death of three persons in a car accident in Chirgaon area of Shimla district early morning today. One person has sustained injuries in the accident.
The Chief Minister directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance to the next of kin of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to the injured.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.
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Chamiyana hospital to provide healthcare facilities at par with AIIMS Delhi
Launch of robotic surgery to mark significant advancement in surgical care
- Advanced equipment worth Rs 42 crore being installed
The Atal Institute of Super Specialities (AIMSS), Chamiyana, Shimla, is poised to become the first government healthcare institution in the State to offer specialized medical services at par with AIIMS, New Delhi. The hospital is commencing robotic-assisted surgeries, marking a significant advancement in surgical care. A state-of-the-art robotic surgery machine, costing Rs. 29 crore, has already been installed, and all preparations for its clinical launch have been completed.
The introduction of robotic surgery is expected to significantly reduce recovery time for patients, while enabling surgeons to perform procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility and control. This cutting-edge technology will streamline surgical processes and help in reducing the current backlog and waiting period for critical operations of the patients.
A spokesperson of Health Department informed that medical equipment worth Rs 42 crore is being installed at the AIMSS Chamiyana, as part of a modernisation initiative. This includes the procurement of high-end equipment for departments such as urology, renal transplant, cardiac anesthesia, gastrointestinal, plastic surgery, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS), cardiology, pediatric surgery and neurosurgery. These departments are also undergoing major upgrades to ensure world-class healthcare services to the people.
He said: "This initiative reflects the state government’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to transform healthcare infrastructure across the State. The focus remains on equipping all medical colleges and government health institutions of the State with advanced technologies ensuring that high-quality healthcare is accessible to every citizen, right at their doorstep."
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Govt. approves amendments to Compassionate Employment Policy with humanitarian approach
Income ceiling enhanced to Rs. 3 Lakh, Allows one time quota relaxation in 5 percent quota
To address long-pending demands and providing timely relief to bereaved families of government employees, the State Government, led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved key amendments in the existing Compassionate Employment Policy. These changes reflect a more humanitarian and inclusive approach to support dependents of deceased government servants.
A government spokesperson said “As per the revised policy, the annual income eligibility criterion per family has been increased from Rs. 2.50 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh. This enhancement is expected to broaden the coverage of the policy and bring more families under its ambit.” Further, in a move to prioritize the most vulnerable, widows and parentless applicants below 45 years of age, as well as dependents of government employees who died while performing their official duties, will be given preference for appointments under the compassionate grounds. To ensure that deserving candidates are not deprived of opportunities due to limitations in the existing quota, the State Cabinet has also approved a one-time relaxation in the 5 percent ceiling on compassionate appointments, wherever required.
The spokesperson stated that widows, especially those below 45 years of age, often bear the sudden and sole responsibility of managing their families after the untimely demise of their spouses. In such distressing circumstances, they are in urgent need of both moral and financial support to provide for their children’s education and to care for elderly family members. This policy revision seeks to offer them timely assistance and stability, he added.
The Compassionate Employment Policy was originally framed on 18th January 1990, with the aim of providing employment to one dependent of a government servant who dies in service, including in cases of suicide, leaving the family in indigent circumstances. As per the policy, compassionate appointments are extended to the widow, son, or unmarried daughter of the deceased employee. In the case of an unmarried deceased employee, the benefit is extended to the father, mother, brother or unmarried sister, he added
To comprehensively review and recommend changes to the policy, a Cabinet Sub-Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Education Minister Shri Rohit Thakur, with Technical Education Minister Shri Rajesh Dharmani and Ayush Minister Shri Yadvinder Goma as its members. The committee held four meetings and submitted its detailed recommendations, which have now been accepted by the government. These amendments are expected to make the Compassionate Appointment Policy more responsive to the needs of bereaved families and enhance the state’s commitment to social and employee welfare.
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Government to strengthen HRTC with more buses and better services: Mukesh Agnihotri
· HRTC fleet to get 1,000 new buses
The State Government was taking concrete steps to modernize and strengthen public transport infrastructure in the state. In a major initiative, 1,000 new buses would be added to the fleet of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) in a phased manner to enhance services and improve connectivity across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed that 24 new Volvo buses have already been inducted into the HRTC fleet. Additionally, the procurement process was underway for 327 electric buses (including 297 Type-1 and 30 Type-3), 250 diesel buses and 100 mini-buses. Supply orders for 297 electric buses have already been issued. Plans were afoot to procure 500 more electric buses which would further boost the green mobility initiative in the state.
Sh. Agnihotri said that keeping in view the challenging terrain of the state, priority was being given to acquiring smaller and more accessible buses with seating capacities ranging from 37 to 42 seats. These buses would enable the Corporation to extend its services more effectively to far-flung and remote areas.
Presently, HRTC operates a fleet of approximately 3,200 buses. For the first time in the history of the state, government was replacing as many as 1,000 buses, a milestone unmatched by any previous administration, said Sh. Agnihotri. The large-scale addition of high-quality buses would not only enhance the operational capacity of HRTC but also bring greater convenience and comfort to passengers.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that in a hill state like Himachal Pradesh, roads were considered the lifelines of the people and HRTC serves as a vital link across these lifelines. Every day, lakhs of passengers rely on its services and the Corporation was ensuring connectivity even in the most remote and difficult regions.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that HRTC continues to operate on loss-making routes, upholding its commitment to public service. He said the State Government was extending all possible support to the Corporation and was working towards developing it as an independent, efficient and self-reliant entity.
He said that the government was committed to environmental protection, and around Rs. 110 crore has been approved for establishing electric charging stations across the state. While the procurement of electric buses was being undertaken directly by the government, HRTC was financing the purchase of diesel buses through its own resources.
To ensure last-mile connectivity in difficult terrain, 100 mini-buses were also being procured, said Sh. Agnihotri. These would play a critical role in reaching underserved areas and strengthening rural transport infrastructure and serve as benchmark for other states across the country.
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Skill development of youth a key priority of government : Rajesh Dharmani
The State Government was according top priority to skill enhancement and employment generation for the youth. This was stated by the Technical Education Minister, Rajesh Dharmani, while presiding over a review meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Corporation here today.
He said that innovative initiatives were being undertaken to enhance the skills of the youth and promote self-reliance in Himachal Pradesh. By encouraging innovation and aligning training programmes with market demand, the State is paving the way for new employment and self-employment opportunities.
The Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan and ensure effective implementation of training programmes, aimed at preparing the youth to meet future challenges in an increasingly competitive world. He said that the schemes being implemented by the State Government were designed to enhance the capabilities of young people and improve their employability.
Sh. Dharmani said that several innovative measures were being introduced for certified training programmes run by the Corporation. During the year 2024-25, as many as 4,100 trainees have been awarded certificates in trades such as automotive, construction, apparel and electronics. Apart from this, over 650 youth have received certifications in sectors including agriculture, handicrafts and healthcare.
A presentation was also made during the meeting by Knowledge Corporation Limited.
Secretary (Technical Education) Sandeep Kadam, along with other senior officers of the Corporation were present on the occasion.
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Protecting Himalayas a global responsibility: Kewal Singh Pathania
- Addresses National Conference of State Legislatures Summit in Boston
While delivering the guest speech in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Summit in Boston, USA, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania highlighted the measures being adopted to transform Himachal's Future through tourism which has always remained the focal point of the State Government.
Giving the credit to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the same, he stated that our government was re-imaging the State's future around Green development, advanced health care and inclusive growth.
Starting his address with 'Namaste', Kewal Pathania said that our government believes that tourism must serve both the people and the planet.
Highlighting the eco-tourism policy of the State, he said that a small Dharamshala assembly constituency was heading towards becoming the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh. The region has enough prospects for water tourism viz: water sports potential in Ramsar Wetland popularly known as Pong Dam. Besides, there was enough scope for development of trekking in Dhauladhar ranges.
Briefing more, he said that besides the development of the Kareri lake in Dharamshala, the Government was keen to develop water sports at Taleru in waters of Chamera reservoir on river Ravi.
Citing examples of water sports and introduction of Shikaras in Gobind Sagar dam, he apprised that Gobind Sagar Lake has become hub of water-sport activities which includes Kayaking, boating and other similar activities.
To promote eco tourism, the government mulls to develop ropeways and discourage cutting of mountains for developing four-lanes. The government was focusing on tunnels and ropeways to minimize unfavorable impact on the nature due to ever-growing development activity.
"Climate Justice for Himalayas is a climate justice for all," he stated, adding that "the Himalayas are under severe stress due to climate change, as glaciers in the region are retreating 15-20 meters annually, threatening water security in times to come. The number of cloudbursts and flash floods have increased tremendously and forest fires are posing threat to bio-diversity. The only solution to all this is promoting eco-tourism, as it is not just a revenue generation model but a much-needed climate action put in practice".
He also detailed about the measures being undertaken to realise the dream of 'Green Himachal-Clean Himachal' soon. Kewal Singh Pathania stated that e-vehicles were being promoted on large scale and the entire fleet of our Public transport was being replaced by e-vehicles in a phased manner. He also detailed about the digital transformation in the State and said that the Himachal Pradesh Legislative assembly was the first in the country to become paperless.
"My State of Himachal Pradesh stands here today to share its experience and learn from the best Global practices for environmental conservation as we believe that eco-tourism, Green energy and digital governance were the pillars of future-ready democracy," he said.
He added that protecting mountains was a global responsibility as anything happening in Himalayas due to climate change affects our river systems causing floods, heavy monsoons etc. This could directly affect 1.9 billion population of Asia and there it becomes the core issue in the conference, as how to go for changing the climate pattern for welfare of the global community.
Sh. Pathania also pointed the advanced healthcare of the State which is transforming itself in digital health with precision care, bridging gaps in rural and urban health infra for saving precious lives.
He invited the International partners, researchers and investors to join and provide latest technology to make Himachal a model where development and conservation of the nature's wealth could be utilized for the welfare of the people.
MLA's Sanjay Awasthi, Vinod Sultanpuri and Deep Raj also participated in the discussions.