SHIMLA -13^th September, 2025

CM advocates separate norms for hill states in state-wise allocations by NABARD

Deputy Managing Director of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Goverdhan Singh Rawat, called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence, Oak Over, today. The Chief Minister appreciated the pivotal role played by NABARD’s Regional Office in strengthening coordination between the State Government and NABARD’s Head Office, thereby ensuring speedy resolution of important issues.

Sh. Sukhu asked NABARD to consider ground-mounted solar projects as eligible for funding under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), noting that such projects would help Panchayats achieve energy self-sufficiency and advance the State Government’s vision of Green Himachal. He also requested the inclusion of electric buses under RIDF support.

Highlighting the unique challenges of hill states, the Chief Minister called for separate norms for 11 hill states while deciding annual state-wise allocations. He suggested that parameters such as forest cover, greening initiatives and ecological contributions must be considered in the process. The Chief Minister also asked NABARD to assist the State Planning Department in developing robust and seamless supply and value chains in Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, from the farm gate to the consumer, aimed at enhancing farmers’ income. He further emphasized the need to reform long-established procedures by delegating greater flexibility to state governments to make project-specific changes during the execution phase of NABARD-approved programmes.

NABARD officers highlighted challenges faced by cooperative societies due to Section 118 provisions, which limit their functioning. They also suggested assigning the task of milk procurement to Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS), rather than creating new societies and expediting the computerization of PACS.

The Chief Minister assured that all suggestions from NABARD would be duly examined and, if practical, integrated into the State’s development strategy. He reiterated the State Government’s openness to innovative ideas that contribute to sustainable growth and rural prosperity. NABARD officials, in turn, assured the Chief Minister that his suggestions would be taken up at the highest level and efforts would be made to incorporate them into future guidelines.

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SHIMLA-13^th September, 2025

Will bring significant improvement in medical colleges within one year: CM

• CM chairs review meeting of medical education department

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a review meeting of the Medical Education Department and stated that the State Government will bring significant improvements in all medical colleges of Himachal Pradesh within one year. He said that this will ensure that people get access to advanced healthcare facilities within the State itself, without the need to travel outside for treatment.

The Chief Minister said that the government is streamlining the functioning of medical colleges. Robotic surgery has already been introduced at Chamiyana Super-Specialty Hospital and Tanda Medical College and the facility will be gradually extended to other medical colleges across the State in a phased manner.

Reviewing the availability of staff, equipment, and machinery in all medical colleges, he said the government is installing modern medical machines and assured that there is no shortage of funds for strengthening health services. The government is also making serious efforts to address the shortage of doctors, paramedical staff and technical staff. He directed that proper cleanliness be maintained in all medical colleges and said that accountability will be fixed in case of negligence.

Sh. Sukhu said that automated laboratories would be set up in Chamiyana, Hamirpur and Chamba Medical colleges at a cost of Rs. 25 crore each. He directed that the construction of the Critical Care Block at Chamba Medical College be completed by October this year and informed that the State Government will provide Rs. 100 crore for the construction of the Academic Block there. Hostels for senior resident doctors and staff of medical college Chamba will also be built.

The Chief Minister further said that nursing colleges will start functioning from the next academic session at Nahan, Hamirpur, Kullu and Chamba to address the shortage of nursing staff in the State. He emphasized that all health institutions will ensure doctor-patient and nurse-patient ratios as per international standards, so that people receive the best possible healthcare services. He also sought OPD and IPD data from all medical colleges.

Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Special Secretary Ashwini Sharma, Director Medical Education Rakesh Sharma, Director Health Services Gopal Berry, along with principals of all medical colleges who joined virtually, were present in the meeting.

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SHIMLA-13.09.25-

NIFT graduate Akshita Sharma presents artwork to Chief Minister

NIFT Delhi graduate Akshita Sharma today presented an artwork to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The artwork, inspired by the mud-washed walls of Spiti and Lahaul, blends earth with essence and incorporates agate and jasper stones traditionally used in Himalayan jewellery. These stones, embedded into the surface, serve not only as cultural markers but also as carriers of grounding and protective energies. The Chief Minister lauded Akshita’s efforts, congratulating her for reviving heritage crafts, curating meaningful cultural showcases and creating new product lines that celebrate Himachal’s rich traditions.

A 2016 graduate of NIFT Delhi, Akshita Sharma is a designer and creative consultant working at the intersection of craft, culture and contemporary design. Over the past five years, she has collaborated with artisan clusters and government bodies across Himachal Pradesh. Her practice spans design interventions, artisan empowerment, exhibition curation, and market linkages, with a strong focus on sustainability and storytelling.

From reviving the hemp Pulla craft in Gadagushaini to curating gifts for the Prime Minister, the President of India, and spiritual leader Sadhguru, Akshita has been at the forefront of showcasing Himachal’s heritage in modern contexts. She also represented the state at the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Continuing her mission, Akshita works closely with institutions, startups, and artisan communities to ensure that craft remains a living and evolving part of everyday life in her home state.