SHIMLA -30 September, 2025

Satsang organization and UBI contribute towards Disaster Relief Fund

Extending support to the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Relief Fund, the Satsang organization and Union Bank of India have together contributed Rs. three crore to aid disaster affected families of the state.

A delegation from the Satsang organization called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence, Oak Over, on Monday evening and presented a cheque of Rs. two crore towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

On Tuesday, Zonal Head of Union Bank of India, Manoj Kumar, handed over a cheque of Rs. one crore to the Chief Minister for the same cause. He was accompanied by Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board, Nardev Singh Kanwar, Regional Head (Shimla) Rajneesh Rohilla, Deputy Regional Head Sumit Garg and officials Rohit Chabbra, Sachin Kumar and Nancy.

Expressing gratitude for their generosity, the Chief Minister said such gestures of solidarity and empathy would go a long way in providing timely relief and rehabilitation to those affected by the disaster.

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Delegation from Seraj and Drang Assembly Constituencies calls on CM

A delegation from the Seraj and Drang Assembly constituencies, led by Vijay Pal Singh, Member of the H.P Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence, Oak Over, on Monday late evening and apprised him of their various demands.

The delegation expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for opening the office of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board at Balichowki in the Seraj constituency, noting that this would benefit people of both Seraj and Drang.

They urged the Chief Minister to reconsider the decision to shift the Public Works Department’s Division office from Thalout to Pandoh, pointing out that the office serves people from both constituencies and should therefore remain at Thalout.

The Chief Minister assured the delegation of appropriate action.

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Himachal looking to partner with New-Zealand in apple and pears cultivation

High commissioner Patrick John Rata call on Chief Minister

A delegation from New Zealand, led by High Commissioner Patrick John Rata, called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, here today. The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh and New Zealand share many similarities and collaboration in the horticulture sector, particularly apples and pears could significantly enhance the income of the fruit growers in the state.

He said that Himachal could benefit from New Zealand’s advanced horticultural practices, technology transfer and farmer capacity building. Such cooperation would help improve productivity, strengthen post-harvest management and meet international quality standards, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of Himachal’s produce.

The Chief Minister said that New Zealand’s experts could extend technical guidance in areas such as high-density plantation, orchard management, pest and disease control, storage and marketing strategies. This initiative would not only improve yield and quality but also boost the horticulture-driven economy of Himachal Pradesh.

“The Government of Himachal Pradesh is committed to enhancing the income of apple growers and has taken several steps in this direction in the last two and half years. The introduction of the universal carton has ensured better prices for horticulturists. With the support of New Zealand’s expertise, the state aims to adopt modern, sustainable and climate-resilient practices, paving the way for a new era in apple and pear cultivation,” the Chief Minister stated.

Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi also shared his valuable suggestions during the meeting.

Secretary Horticulture C. Paularasu, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Director Horticulture Vinay Singh, CEO, NZAPI Karen Morrish, Managing Director Applied Research and Technologies Dr. David Manktelow, Gary Jones and Daniella Adsett were also present on the occasion.

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