SHIMLA-10^th August, 2025

New milk processing plants to be setup at Nahan, Nalagarh, Mohal and Rohru

· Farmers to receive all information on their mobile phones

The Himachal Pradesh Government has approved the establishment of new milk processing plants at Nahan, Nalagarh, Mohal and Rohru, along with a milk chilling centre at Jalari (Hamirpur) and a bulk milk cooler at Jhalera (Una). The move aims to modernize the State’s dairy infrastructure, enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that over 90 percent of the State’s population resides in rural areas and is engaged in farming, making dairy development a key priority. “The establishment of new plants will increase milk collection, ensure fair returns to farmers and improve the quality standards of milk procurement,” he stated.

To enhance operational efficiency and ensure transparency, the Himachal Pradesh Milk Federation (Milkfed) will soon roll out an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This digital platform will allow farmers to access essential information directly on their mobile phones, including real-time updates on milk collection, payment status, quality test results and procurement rates. By recording all transactions digitally, the ERP system will minimize manual errors and prevent manipulation. Farmers will be able to keep account of every litre of milk supplied and each payment received. Streamlined record-keeping will also speed up bill processing, enabling direct transfer of payments to farmers’ bank accounts. “Due to the earnest efforts of the state government, milk procurement by Milkfed has reached new heights and the quality standards of milk collection have also improved,” the Chief Minister said.

A state-of-the-art Milk Processing Plant at Dhagwar in Kangra district is also under construction. Once operational, it will produce curd, lassi, butter, ghee, paneer, flavoured milk, khoya and mozzarella cheese, benefitting the dairy farming community through fair and remunerative prices. The Chief Minister said “The State Government is committed to uplift rural livelihoods through sustained investments in animal husbandry and dairy infrastructure.”

Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to introduce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme for milk procurement. Under the scheme, cow milk is procured at Rs. 51 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs. 61 per litre. Farmers or societies delivering milk to notified collection centres more than 2 km away are also receiving a transport subsidy of Rs. 2 per litre.

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Feature-325 government offices becomes paperless with e-office expansion

• Rs. 2,370.65 crore transferred to accounts of 34 lakh beneficiaries through DBT system

SHIMLA, 10.08.25-In the peaceful Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, a quiet but powerful digital transformation is reshaping governance. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state has taken remarkable strides in adopting digital technology to deliver services efficiently, transparently and directly to the people. Over the past two and a half years this shift has not only improved administrative functioning but also brought tangible benefits to citizens that have made governance more accessible and responsive.

One of the most impactful initiatives has been the Mukhyamantri Seva Sankalp (MMSS) Helpline 1100. Designed as a central grievance redressal platform, it has quickly become a trusted interface between citizens and the government. In the financial year 2024-25 alone, 1,49,490 complaints were registered and the majority of which have already been resolved. This initiative has helped improve the citizen satisfaction rate from 70 to 71 percent. The MMSS platform has also grown into a centralized call centre supporting other helplines such as the PDS Helpline 1967 and the disaster helpline. Adding to its effectiveness, a WhatsApp chatbot has been launched which has enabled the citizens to access information quickly and easily. It is a clear indication of how technology is being used to simplify and humanize government services.

Another major milestone in this digital journey has been the expansion of the e-Office system. With the inclusion of 20 new secretariat branches, five new directorates, all 12 Deputy Commissioners’ offices, 13 SP offices, 71 SDM offices, 88 BDO offices and 127 field offices, the e-Office platform now covers a total of 325 offices. The shift towards a paperless and faster administrative process has significantly improved internal efficiency and ensured greater transparency in decision-making.

Apart from this, the Himachal Online Services (e-District) portal has become a vital platform for citizens seeking government services. With the addition of 100 new services in 2024-25, the portal now offers 315 online services, enabling citizens to access everything from certificates to welfare schemes. A total of 18,94,418 transactions have been completed through the portal in the current financial year. Integration with DigiLocker and the Him Access Single Sign-On system has made access smoother and more secure. It has improved the overall user experience.

A defining moment in the state’s digital governance journey came on Statehood Day, 25 January 2025, when the Chief Minister launched the HimParivar Project. The initiative aims to provide a unique digital identity to every family and individual in the state through the issuance of HimParivar and Him Access Cards. So far, 19,28,270 families and 76,31,682 individuals have been issued these IDs. This platform allows seamless verification and data-sharing across departments, enhancing the efficiency of service delivery. The Urban Development Department has surveyed over 2,10,000 families, while the HPSEB has linked more than 20,49,000 domestic electricity meter connections to the system. In addition, over 13,30,000 land records have been linked with Aadhar and the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board has registered 35,280 workers, ensuring that benefits reach those who need them most.

Welfare delivery has also seen major improvements through the strengthened Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, which now operates across 69 government schemes. In 2024-25, a total of Rs. 2,370.65 crore was directly transferred into the bank accounts of 34 lakh beneficiaries. This has helped in eliminating delays, reducing leakages and ensuring that government support reaches citizens in a timely and transparent manner.

What makes Himachal Pradesh’s digital progress noteworthy is not just the technology itself, but the intention behind it to serve people better, faster and more fairly. From reducing paperwork in government offices to ensuring that an elderly pensioner in a remote village receives timely support these initiatives are bringing the government closer to its people.

As the state moves ahead on this path of inclusive digital governance, it sets an inspiring example for the rest of the country. Himachal’s story proves that good governance, when backed by vision and technology, can reach the doorsteps of citizens, whether in bustling towns or snow-covered hamlets. The hills of Himachal are no longer remote they are now connected, empowered and ready for the future.

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Eco Task Force plants 6.5 million saplings in Himachal Pradesh

• Playing a key role in Disaster Management

The Eco Task Force, constituted by the StateGovernment for environmental conservation, is not only contributing significantly in the field of ecology but is also playing an important role in relief and rehabilitation during disaster management in the State.

Commanding Officer, 133 Eco Task Force, Colonel Deepak Kumar, informed here today that due to heavy rains since around 4 PM on 8^th August 2025, a massive landslide blocked the Manali-Pandoh National Highway on both sides, stranding a large number of travelers. The Bravo Company of the 133 Ecological Task Force, stationed at Jalogi, accommodated the stranded passengers - including women and children -at the Army camp between Hanogi and Thalot, providing them with food and shelter for the night. The passengers were sent to their destinations once the road was cleared.

He said that the Ecological Task Force has planted over 6.5 million saplings across 6,000 hectares in the State. The Task Force carries out plantation drives in areas such as Shimla, Mandi, Karsog, Nachan, Kullu, and Sainj, selecting species suitable for the local environment. It is also contributing significantly towards providing employment to ex-servicemen in Himachal Pradesh.

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*Education Minister lauds swift police action for finding three missing BCS students from Kotkhai*

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said that the police has successfully found the three missing students from Kotkhai in a remarkably short time. He congratulated Shimla Police for their prompt action and lauded SP Sanjiv Gandhi and his team for their tireless efforts in deploying multiple search teams, pursuing every possible lead, and overcoming challenges such as the absence of mobile phones with the children.

He said the swift and well-coordinated operation not only ensured the safe recovery of the children but also brought great relief to their worried families. He further appreciated the cooperation of local residents in providing valuable information and said that the operation reflects the professionalism, efficiency, and deep sense of responsibility of the Himachal Pradesh Police in protecting the lives of citizens, especially children.