CM Sukhu directs senior officers to actively implement ‘Apna Vidyalaya’ school adoption programme across Himachal
- Asks for updated list of schools adopted by 5th Jan, 2026
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed senior officers of all districts to actively implement the ‘Apna Vidyalaya–Himachal School Adoption Programme’ in a virtual meeting with deputy commissioner late Friday evening. Under this initiative, officers at the district and sub-divisional levels are required to adopt government schools with the objective of improving the quality of education and overall school activities. He instructed that a complete list of schools adopted under the programme across the state be submitted to the government by 5th January, 2026.
The Chief Minister said that under the programme, Deputy Commissioners along with other high-ranking officials like Superintendents of Police and Sub-Divisional Magistrates are mandated to adopt at least four schools to serve as 'mentors' and 'patrons'. These officers will interact with students every month and Deputy Commissioners will also conduct surprise inspections of the adopted schools. "The Government expects these officers to visit their adopted schools at least once a month to interact with the youth, offering career counseling and preparing them for competitive examinations", said Sh. Sukhu.
These officers, referred to as school patrons, will work in coordination with teachers and School Management Committees to enhance academic standards and overall school quality. So far, 4,231 schools have been adopted under the programme, including 1,950 primary schools, 59 middle schools, 664 high schools and 1,558 senior secondary schools.
Sh. Sukhu stated that the primary objective of these adoptions was to provide consistent guidance and high-level mentorship to students who may otherwise lack access to such resources. From an operational standpoint, the Deputy Commissioners will act as a bridge between the local school management and the state government and can ensure that the state's budget for educational upgrades is utilized effectively.
Beyond academics, the Chief Minister has placed a heavy emphasis on using these visits to tackle pressing social issues, specifically instructing officers to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse and to instill a strong sense of national values and legal awareness.
The Chief Minister also directed officers to submit detailed reports on illegal properties linked to drug traffickers in all districts. He emphasized strict action against those involved in drug trafficking, directing that illegal properties be seized and unauthorized constructions demolished. He further instructed that government employees found involved in drug-related activities should face strict and time-bound action.
He also directed all departmental secretaries to ensure the early completion of development works that are nearly 80 percent complete, assuring that adequate funds would be provided for this purpose. The Chief Minister also instructed that approvals related to forest land be given priority to accelerate development works. In addition, he reviewed details related to the selection of Below Poverty Line families and directed Deputy Commissioners to submit comprehensive information in this regard.
Senior Officers of the State Government were also present on the occasion.
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Kutlehar delegation calls on CM
A delegation from the Kutlehar Assembly Constituency of Una district, led by MLA Vivek Sharma called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today.
The Chief Minister assured them of his visit to Kutlehar Assembly Constituency soon. He also listened to the demands of the delegation and assured of fulfilling them sympathetically.
The delegation also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for various developmental works undertaken in the area by the present government.
MLA Vinod Sultanpuri was also present on the occasion.
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Land revenue collection from hydropower developers, a legitimate right of the State: CM
People should get benefit of State's existing resources
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a meeting with developers of various hydropower projects in the state followed by detailed discussions on the assessment of land revenue.
The Chief Minister told them that Himachal Pradesh is blessed with abundant natural resources further emphasizing that it was the responsibility of hydropower project developers, operating in the state to pay land revenue, which is a legitimate right of the state. He underlined that all operational hydropower projects must adhere to regulations and ensure timely payment of land revenue. The Chief Minister added that discussions could be held to rationalize the rates for land revenue payment.
It was informed that a meeting regarding hydropower projects of 25 MW capacity would be held on 12th January in Shimla under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government was committed to ensuring optimal utilization of Himachal Pradesh’s resources for the welfare and development of its people. He assured that the government would also provide effective solutions to the challenges faced by hydropower developers.
Chief Minister noted that the state government has taken several decisions aimed at making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and most prosperous highlighting that the state has firmly asserted its rights with the Centre and neighbouring states as well. The government has demanded permanent membership for the state in BBMB projects and the early release of approximately Rs. 6500 crore as arrears due for the period from 1966 to 2011.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi shared his valuable insights during the meeting and various stakeholders also presented their perspectives before the Chief Minister.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Sunder Singh Thakur and Vinod Sultanpuri, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar besides other senior officers.
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CM mourns demise of Puran Chand
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has mourned the demise of the Puran Chand (80), father of IAS Officer Sandeep Kumar and journalist Sanjeev Bobby. He passed away at Nadaun in district Hamirpur today.
The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family members and expressed solidarity with them in this difficult time.
He also prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
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Govt orders immediate suspension of Dharamshala college Asstt professor
A spokesperson of the State Government has today conveyed the issuance of an office order pertaining to suspension of Ashok Kumar, Assistant professor Geography of Government college Dharamshala with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the departmental inquiry.
An FIR was registered against him under section 75, 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009 and against the three girl students in connection with the unfortunate death of a girl student of the same college.
The orders stated that during the period of suspension, the headquarters of Ashok Kumar, shall be at the Directorate of Higher Education Shimla and he shall not leave the headquarters without obtaining prior permission of the higher authorities.