SHIMLA-11 November, 2025

Axis Bank extends support to disaster-hit Mandi district, to build 57 weather-resistant shelters

Axis Bank North Zone head Abhishek Parashar and State Head Varun Sharma called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence, Oak Over, today. They extended support to the disaster-affected Mandi district, particularly the Seraj Assembly segment by committing to construct 57 weather-resistant shelters under corporate social responsibility (CSR). These shelters will be equipped with heat insulation, PCC flooring, kitchen slabs and basic electrical fittings, providing safe and dignified housing for displaced families.

In addition, the bank will install 15 community toilet units, each catering to 3 to 6 families, complete with water tanks, stainless steel sinks and CPVC pipe fittings to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene. Axis Bank will also assist with logistics and administrative support for effective implementation, including beneficiary identification, vendor on boarding, supervision and impact assessment.

Special emphasis will be given to vulnerable groups including the elderly, children and the persons with disabilities. The shelters are designed to be durable and reusable in future emergencies for long-term resilience and disaster preparedness.

The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Axis Bank for this noble initiative stating that such efforts would go a long way in supporting the affected families during this difficult time.

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HPU signs MoU with Indian Army to foster collaborative research and development initiatives

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and the Indian Army to foster collaborative research and development initiatives in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Brigadier Anurag Pandey, signed the MoU on behalf of the Indian Army while Professor Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor represented HPU.

The chief minister said “The agreement marks the beginning of a synergistic partnership between the Indian Army and HPU aimed at promoting collaborative research and development in diverse fields.”

The key focus areas include joint historical research on Indo-Tibet linkages, economic and developmental studies on the border areas of Himachal Pradesh to encourage investment and sustainable growth, exploration and deployment of drone technology and counter-drone measures, development and implementation of cyber security best practices and initiatives to promote green energy and environmentally responsible practices.

It also emphasizes strategic and mass communication initiatives for effective information dissemination, exchange of faculty and staff for research and academic cooperation and the organization of joint seminars, workshops and training programmes. The MoU further provides an opportunity for Indian Army personnel to pursue academic courses at HPU, Shimla.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, Lieutenant General DG Misra and Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar were also present amongst others on the occasion.

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Army to set up wind turbine project at 20 locations in the border areas

CM reviews army projects, discusses border tourism initiatives

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today held a meeting with senior officers of the Indian Army’s Central Command and reviewed various projects being implemented by the Army in Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister assured the Army of the state government’s full cooperation in the execution of its projects. It was informed during the meeting that the Army is considering setting up wind turbine project at 20 locations in the border areas for which the detailed project report has been prepared. The project is expected to generate between 68,000 and 80,000 kWh of energy annually, sufficient to electrify 120 to 160 households.

Sh. Sukhu noted with satisfaction that the border tourism initiative, launched jointly by the state government and the Indian Army is showing encouraging results. Tourist inflow in the border regions has seen a remarkable rise- from around 21,000 visitors in 2024 to over 70,000 in 2025, a three-and-a-half-fold increase.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure hassle-free facilities for tourists visiting the border areas to enhance their overall experience. He also informed that the state government has written to the Union Government regarding the resumption of trade activities through Shipki La and that positive indications have been received. Due to the consistent efforts of the state government, both India and China have agreed to re-open border trade through the Lipulekh Pass, Shipki-La Pass, and Nathu-La Pass.

He also reviewed the progress of the proposed airport at Rangrik and urged the Army officials to expedite work on the project, stating that it would provide a major boost to tourism and connectivity in the region.

The meeting was attended by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, and other senior officers.

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CM directs 100 percent salary for AYUSH doctors pursuing post-graduation

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed that doctors pursuing post-graduation under the AYUSH Department be granted 100 percent salary, cancelling the previous notification which provided only 40 percent. The decision was taken during a review meeting of the AYUSH Department , chaired by the Chief Minister here today.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government is actively promoting wellness tourism in Himachal Pradesh, and the AYUSH Department has a crucial role to play in this initiative. He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh’s climate and natural surroundings offer great potential for wellness tourism. He directed the department to conduct a study of AYUSH health institutions with higher OPD turnout so that these facilities can be further strengthened. Institutions with higher patient inflow will be provided with adequate staff and enhanced amenities to serve people more effectively, he added.

Sh. Sukhu also instructed the department to integrate patient data with HIM Parivar numbers to ensure better tracking and service delivery. He said that the State Government is considering the establishment of a new AYUSH College in Nahan, and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the Ayurvedic College at Paprola, assuring all possible support, including filling up vacant posts at the earliest.

The Chief Minister further directed the department to develop herbal gardens in high-altitude regions such as Spiti Valley, leveraging the region’s unique biodiversity. He also instructed that yoga classes be introduced in Balika Ashrams (Girls’ Homes) and Old Age Homes across the State so that residents can benefit from holistic wellness practices.

AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, Secretary A. Shainamol, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Director Rohit Jamwal and other senior officials of the department were present in the meeting.

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Accurate and integrated data backbone of policymaking: Dr. Abhishek Jain

The department of Economics and Statistics organised a workshop at Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti under the statistical strengthening support scheme to strengthen coordination, transparency and efficiency in the state's statistical activities. This workshop was sponsored by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

While chairing the workshop, Secretary (Finance, Economics, Statistics and Planning) Dr. Abhishek Jain while chairing the workshop said that accurate and integrated data form the backbone of policymaking. The success of the government schemes and programmes depend on the reliability, timeliness and transparency of data. Statistical indicators reflect where Lahaul-Spiti stands on various development parameters and also provide insights into the district’s socio-economic profile and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) status.

He urged all departments to carry out detailed analyses of data related to their respective sectors to identify development trends and strengthen planning and implementation. Stressing the importance of accuracy and reliability, he noted that data plays a crucial role in shaping policies and programmes. He further emphasized the scientific use of data in administrative reforms and policymaking to achieve the states development goals.

He congratulated the district for maintaining transparency, accountability and an environment and crime-free status, encouraging continued efforts in these areas. He directed the district to further improve e-office functioning and Aadhaar renewal process.

Dr. Jain highlighted the importance of training and capacity building in every department, urging concrete efforts to ensure accuracy in key development figures. He also underscored the need to analyze and enhance trends in local products, agriculture, horticulture and handicraft sectors.

He suggested forming small research groups to undertake studies on topics such as migration, horticulture, agricultural production, and handicrafts, along with promoting the marketing and branding of local products. Commending the participant's valuable suggestions, he said such initiatives would elevate the state’s statistical system to new heights.

Economic Advisor Dr. Vinod Rana stated that data transparency and reliability were fundamental to good governance.

Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul-Spiti Kiran Bhadana stated that data-driven decision-making ensures better outcomes by enhancing administrative accountability and such workshops play a vital role in strengthening data culture at the local level.

During the technical session, presentations were given on the district profile, the District Good Governance Index and the data requirements for estimating the State Gross Domestic Product.

Senior officials from various departments, statistical experts, and key stakeholders participated in the workshop.

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Dr. Jain stresses on equipping library at Keylong with modern technology

Secretary (Finance, Economics, Statistics, and Planning) Dr. Abhishek Jain visited the regional museum and library at Keylong today and showed keen interest in the culture, art and literature of the tribal region.

He inspected the museum and library's operational systems and suggested the need to expand the computer facilities and reading area. He said that equipping the library with modern technology would accelerate research and study activities and provide better facilities to students and researchers. He also suggested organizing new exhibitions and educational programmes in the museum to promote cultural preservation and disseminate the artistic heritage of the tribal region.

Dr. Jain emphasized the need for recording and digitization to preserve the rare objects and literary works housed in the museum. He stated that special plans would be developed to make the cultural heritage of tribal communities accessible to local youth and researchers.

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State Level Coordination Committee held

The 20^th meeting of the State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) for Himachal Pradesh was held here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta.

The Chief Secretary reviewed issues related to unauthorized acceptance of deposits by fraudulent entities, the status of cyber frauds and the financial health of cooperative banks in the state. The forum also discussed recent developments and initiatives undertaken by the participating institutions.

Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Himachal Pradesh Anupam Kishore convened the meeting and it was attended by Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, senior officials from the Reserve Bank of India and representatives from SEBI, NABARD, Registrar of Companies (RoC), ICAI, TRAI, NHB, and PFRDA.