State Govt. signs MoU with UNDP to advance climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable development

• CM launches ‘Safai Mitra Scheme’ for empowerment of waste management workers

The State Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable development in the State. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Secretary, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change, Sushil Singla, signed the MoU on behalf of the State Government, while Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, signed on behalf of UNDP.

The partnership envisages collaboration in key areas such as circular economy, waste management, social inclusion of waste management workers, electric mobility for waste collection and other climate-resilient development priorities. The MoU also covers natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, including landscape restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity-linked sustainable livelihoods for local communities, protection of critical habitats and biodiversity corridors and strengthening of regulatory and governance frameworks for ecological resilience in climate-vulnerable regions of the state. In addition, the partnership will promote gender-responsive and socially inclusive development by ensuring the participation of women, marginalized communities and informal workers in planning and implementation processes.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the agreement would enable the state to integrate global best practices with local solutions to protect its fragile Himalayan ecology while creating sustainable green livelihood opportunities for its people. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would accelerate the state’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Chief Minister said that the MoU aligns with the state government’s vision of transforming Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy state and a model for sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

He added that the partnership would focus on knowledge exchange, capacity building, implementation of pilot projects and mobilization of climate finance to support long-term environmental and developmental goals.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Safai Mitra Scheme, aimed to empower informal waste management workers across the state. He said that sanitation and waste workers play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability through their invaluable services to society.

Sh. Sukhu said that the dignity, safety and socio-economic empowerment of Safai Mitras are central to the state government’s circular economy vision. The scheme will ensure greater recognition, support and opportunities for those who contribute significantly to maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

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Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans soon to be equipped with x-ray, ultrasound machines: Health Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said here today that the people of the state would soon get X-ray and ultrasound facilities closer to their homes as the process to equip the Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans with these modern machines has been completed.

Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil while chairing a Special High Power Purchase Committee of the Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation Limited (HPMSCL) meeting here today said that these machines would be installed in the Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans within a short span of time. This would put an end to the existing tiresome, time consuming and costly process under which people have to travel long distances to avail X-ray and ultrasound facilities. He said that the government is establishing 70 Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans with one each in every Assembly constituency and two each in the Lahaul Spiti and Bharmaur Assembly constituencies.

Health Minister said that the state government is strengthening and modernizing the health sector to ensure that every citizen gets advanced and quality healthcare at their doorstep. He said that as per the directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the healthcare machines and equipment, which are over 15 to 20 years old are being replaced with modern and state-of-the-art machines in a phased manner. He said that the government is investing around Rs. 3,000 crore in modern healthcare facilities and the procurement of advanced medical equipment. He said that the government has spent Rs. 1,110 crore on healthcare infrastructure over the last two years.

The Health Minister said that the HPMSCL plays crucial role in ensuring quality procurement of medicines and machines in the health sector. He directed the officers to speed-up the tender and procurement process, while ensuring that the process was transparent and reliable.

A discussion regarding the strengthening of diagnostic services and pacing up the procurement of advanced medicines and drugs, baby care kit, ICTC testing vehicles, CT Scan services, medical consumables and surgical items, blood component separator units and screening of students' eyes in schools and providing free spectacles was also held in the meeting.

Health and Family Welfare Minister directed the officers to ensure timely and seamless purchase of world-class medical equipment, including advanced laparoscopic surgery sets, PET Scan machines, blood component separator units, full room digital radiography, high resolution color doppler ultrasound unit, digital mammography, ECH machines for Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans and furniture.

He also directed to speed up the process to establish an integrated total lab automation system in government medical colleges in Hamirpur and Tanda, and Chamiyan Hospital. He said that these initiatives would improve healthcare infrastructure and services in the state, benefiting the people of Himachal.

Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Mission Director NHM Pradeep Kumar Thakur, Managing Director of the HPMSCL Divyanshu Singal, Director Health Safety and Regulations Jitender Sanjta, Director Medical Education and Research Rakesh Sharma and other senior officials were present .

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Quality data key to better governance and development: Secretary Planning

· Reviews statistical initiatives, calls for public support in national surveys

Secretary Finance, Planning, Economics and Statistics Dr. Abhishek Jain today here reviewed the activities and ongoing initiatives of the Department of Economics and Statistics.

During the review, the Secretary assessed progress in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) estimation, Consumer Price Index activities, National Sample Survey programmes, digital initiatives, the State Statistical Strengthening Project (SSSP) 2.0 and preparations for the 8^th Economic Census. He stressed that accurate, reliable and timely data forms the foundation of effective governance and informed policymaking.

He said that quality statistics help governments understand socio-economic conditions, formulate better policies and ensure efficient utilization of resources. He directed officers to strengthen data validation mechanisms and maintain consistency in data collection and reporting processes.

Dr. Jain said that modern governance increasingly relies on data-driven decision-making and stressed the need for close integration between statistical systems, planning, monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

The Secretary said that public participation is vital for generating credible statistics and supporting the State's development efforts. He appealed the people of the state to cooperate with field investigators and survey enumerators by providing accurate information.

Economic Advisor Dr. Vimal Rana apprised that the department would actively participate in several important national surveys, including the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE), Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey (DTES) and the National Sample Survey (NSS) 81^st Round.

District Statistical Officers from all districts of the State and other senior officers attended the meeting.