SHIMLA-4 January, 2026

CM talks to bereaved family, extends deep condolences

• Pledges swift justice in Dharamshala College case

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief and heartfelt sorrow over the unfortunate demise of a young girl student from Government Degree College, Dharamshala. Demonstrating his personal commitment to the grieving family, the Chief Minister had telephonic conversation with the parents late Saturday evening to offer his deepest sympathies and support during this period of immense personal loss.

During the conversation, which was facilitated by the Minister for Youth Services and Sports Yadvinder Goma, the Chief Minister expressed immense grief and underscored the state’s unwavering stance against harassment and injustice. He assured the grieved family members of all possible help from the Government.

A FIR has already been lodged against an Associate Professor and three fellow students, he said.

As a preliminary measure to ensure a fair investigation, the Associate Professor has been placed under suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry and formal disciplinary proceedings as per the established service conduct rules.

Chief Minister Sukhu assured the family that the state government was committed to a transparent, rigorous, and time-bound investigation.

He re-affirmed that the government stands in complete solidarity with the family and will ensure that all those responsible are held accountable under the law.

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Punjabi Singer Garry Sandhu calls on Chief Minister

Renowned Punjabi singer and youth icon Garry Sandhu paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence, ‘Oak Over’, today. During the meeting, both held a brief discussion regarding the promotion of cultural exchange and the integration of music with the state’s growing economy. Garry Sandhu, who is in the state capital as a headline performer for the ongoing HIM MSME Fest 2026, expressed his appreciation for the state government’s efforts in providing a platform where art and entrepreneurship converge.

Chief Minister Sukhu lauded the singer's contribution to the music industry and noted that such interactions help foster a vibrant cultural atmosphere in Himachal Pradesh, encouraging local youth to pursue excellence in the creative arts.

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As many as 419 compassionate appointments made in Jal Shakti Vibhag: Agnihotri

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri stated here today that 419 appointments were given on compassionate grounds in the Jal Shakti Vibhag.

The Deputy Chief Minister detailed that 100 Class III Junior Office Assistant (IT) posts and 319 Multi-Task Worker positions have been filled and letters have been issued to Engineer-in-Chief's by the Secretary Jal Shakti in this regard.

He expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the decision as the move, he said, provides immediate relief and long-term security to the families of deceased employees who faced unforeseen hardships after losing their breadwinners.

He emphasized that these appointments reflect the state government’s 'humanity-first' approach, ensuring that the dependents of those who served the state are provided with dignified livelihood opportunities.

Sh. Agnihotri noted that this initiative was part of a broader efforts by the Chief Minister Sh. Sukhu and his vision to clear the substantial backlog of compassionate cases left unresolved by the previous BJP regime, which never bothered of providing relief to such families. He stated that the current government was committed to deliver justice to families who had been waiting for years for such support.

As a New Year gift to the people, the state government on 1^st January filled several posts across various departments, including 127 in Education, 74 in Home and one in the Prosecution Department.

Sh. Agnihotri reiterated that the government’s vision extends beyond mere employment, it is a duty to honor the former employees by safeguarding the future of their loved ones.