SHIMLA-09.01.26-
Campaign against ‘Chitta’ to be intensified: CM
- State secures first position under CCTNS and ICJS
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 18 modern anti-chitta and patrol vehicles of the Police Department from the State Secretariat in Shimla reflecting the State government’s commitment to equip the police force with the latest technology, resources and modern facilities to further strengthen law and order. The fleet includes 12 anti-chitta vehicles, four anti-human trafficking vehicles and two ambulances for rescue operations.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that technology plays a very important role in the fight against drugs. The government was empowering the Police Department with smart equipment, modern vehicles, digital surveillance systems and advanced communication tools to ensure quick control over crime and ensure immediate and effective action.
He said that these new anti-chitta vehicles, fitted with modern technical facilities, would not only help in curbing drug trafficking but also improve patrolling, surveillance and quick response. This will significantly enhance the efficiency and reach of the police.
Sh. Sukhu said that the state government was contemplating to establish a technology-enabled, accountable and people-friendly police system. For this purpose, special focus was being laid to modernization of police force, necessary training and expansion of resources in a phased manner.
The government was taking all possible steps to protect the youth from drug abuse and to make society safer and strengthening the police force was an important step in this direction.
The Chief Minister said that the State Police has broken major drug networks, seized illegal properties worth crores of rupees and sent many traffickers behind bars. Under strict laws such as the NDPS Act and PIT-NDPS, the government has not only made several arrests but has also taken strong, direct and decisive action against the entire drug mafia.
He further said that the present state government was also paying special attention to the morale and career growth of police personnel. Over the past year, 274 constables, 98 inspectors, 225 sub-inspectors and 225 assistant sub-inspectors were promoted. In addition, 95 personnel from other cadres and 31 from the driver cadre also received promotions. This has improved morale as well as strengthened the leadership and efficiency within the force.
He said that under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), Himachal Pradesh has secured first place amongst the hill states including north-eastern states. The state has also ranked first in its category under Inter-operable Criminal Justice system (ICJS). Under the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) system, the compliance rate has been over 93 per cent. These achievements show that the Himachal Police was becoming increasingly modern, capable and result-oriented.
Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari and senior officers of the Police Department were present on the occasion.
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Success demands dedication, honesty, transparency and modesty: CM
Interacts with student delegates of 'Chhatra Sansad' from reputed educational Institutes
Says, Himachal is the country’s ‘Happiest state'
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today engaged in a vibrant interactive session with the Student's Parliament (Chhatra Sansad), welcoming students from nearly 22 states across the country. During the exchange, the Chief Minister shared personal anecdotes from his political journey, which began at the tender age of 17. He reflected on his evolution from his college days to serving as the President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee and representing the Nadaun constituency as an MLA. Highlighting his unique path, he noted that his focus as Chief Minister always remained steadfast on his goals, eventually leading him to the state’s highest office, where he has since gained profound insights into financial management and the complexities of administration.
The Chief Minister underscored that the primary objective of his administration is "Vyavastha Parivartan", a systemic transformation aimed at making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant rather than merely exercising authority. He pointed out the state’s developmental indicators and said that Himachal Pradesh was the country’s ‘happiest state'.
He detailed an ambitious roadmap to transform Himachal towards a "Green State" by 2026, leveraging its natural bounty and river systems. With 14 thousand MW of hydel energy already being generated and a significant shift towards Solar power, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of these resources reach every one of the state's around 75 lakh population. He proudly described Himachal as the "Water Bowl" and the "Lungs of Northern India," noting that Himachal Pradesh has reaffirmed its role as one of India’s greenest and environmentally progressive states, registering a major increase in both forest and tree cover over the past two decades. The vast snowbound landscapes exceed those of Switzerland, the state is uniquely positioned to lead in environmental preservation and in natural farming through robust Minimum Support Price (MSP) initiatives in the country.
He informed the students that the state government was continuously working to end VIP culture in the state and rationalization was being done at various levels.
A cornerstone of the Chief Minister’s address was the 'Sukh Aashraya Yojna,' under which the state has legally adopted orphaned children as "Children of the State." This pioneering scheme covers all their needs, from pocket money and seasonal clothing to a provision of Rs.75 lakh for those who want to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions like the IITs or IIMs. Besides highlighting Sukh Shiksha Yojna, the Chief Minister further highlighted the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.
In the realm of education, he noted that Himachal boasts a literacy rate of 99.30 percent and is further modernizing its education sector by establishing Rajiv Gandhi day-boarding schools in every constituency and a vital measure to have introduced English from the first grade in all the government schools.
Closing his address, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu imparted words of wisdom to the future leaders, stating that success demands dedication, honesty, transparency and modesty.
Students also asked the Chief Minister questions on various issues.
Earlier, Vice President of Students Parliament India Aditya Vegda welcomed the Chief Minister and proposed vote of thanks. .
The session was attended by several dignitaries, including Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, Advisor to the CM (Innovation, Digital Technology and Governance) Gokul Butail, and MLA Suresh Kumar, Director Maharashtra State operations Manas Tiwari and Member Shashank Shekhar Pandey alongside a distinguished assembly of students from premier educational institutions.
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Donation towards Sukh Aasharya Kosh and CM relief Fund
Himachal Pradesh Dental Council and HP Dental Officers Association presented cheque's amounting to rupees five lakh and rupees three lakh to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu towards Sukh Aasharya Kosh and CM Relief Fund respectively.
Director Dental Health cum President Dr. Satish Chaudhary, Registrar Dr. Shaily Parmar, President Himachal Dental Officer's Association Dr. Kamaljeet Singh, Treasurer Dr. Sonak Sharma and other officers bearers of both the Dental council and the Officers Association were present on the occasion.
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State government to replace 1,000 petrol taxis with electric vehicles
40 percent subsidy to be provided for smooth transition
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a review meeting of the Transport and Labour and Employment Departments.
The Chief Minister said that petrol taxis in the state would be replaced with electric vehicles in a phased manner. In the first phase, 1,000 petrol taxis would be replaced with e-taxis under the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme. The state government would provide a 40 percent subsidy to taxi owners for this purpose. He directed the Transport Department to complete the process as soon as possible. The replaced petrol-based taxis would be scrapped at registered centers.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that to strengthen transport facilities in rural areas, the state government would allocate permits for 390 routes for private bus operations. The government would also provide a 30 percent subsidy for this. This would provide better transport facilities to people in rural areas and also create employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to working towards environmental protection and promoting self-employment. In the first phase of the Rs. 680-crore Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme, subsidy is being provided for the purchase of e-taxis. This is an important step towards promoting electric vehicles and making the youth self-reliant. He said that under the Rajiv Gandhi E-Taxi Scheme, eligible youth are given a 50 percent subsidy and a guarantee of deploying their vehicles in government departments.
The meeting was attended by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister (Innovation, Digital Technology and Governance) Gokul Butail, Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Nazeem, Secretary Priyanka Basu Ingty, Chief Minister's Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Labour Commissioner Dr. Virendra Sharma and other senior officers.