SHIMLA, 23.01.26-
CM message to be broadcast on Eve of Statehood day
The message of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on the occasion of the Statehood Day to the people of the State will be broadcast on the eve of the Statehood Day on 24th January, 2026 by All India Radio Shimla at 8:00 PM on its state hook-up. FM Shimla,FM Dharamshala, FM Hamirpur and all relay centers of All India Radio Shimla, will relay it simultaneously.
Similarly, this message of Chief Minister will be telecast by the Doordarshan Kendra, Shimla on 24th January, 2026 at 7:30 PM.
============================
CM exempts Himachal Police from Mandatory ‘HIMBUS’ Cards for HRTC travel*
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced today that the HIMBUS Card will no longer be mandatory for Himachal Pradesh Police personnel. The decision aims to streamline official travel and remove unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on the state’s police force.
Addressing the matter here today, the Chief Minister clarified that police personnel, ranging from the rank of Constable to Inspector were already contributing a fixed monthly amount deducted from their salary to the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for concessional travel. Consequently, requiring an additional payment for a digital HIMBUS Card was deemed redundant.
"Our police personnel are required to travel extensively across the state for official duties and investigations," said Chief Minister Sukhu. "Given that they already possess official departmental identity cards and valid manual passes, we have decided to exempt them from the mandatory requirement of the HIMBUS Card to avoid any extra financial or procedural hurdles."
He said that Departmental ID cards and existing manual passes will continue to serve as valid proof for travel concessions.
The Chief Minister stated that the exemption recognizes the high mobility required for police work, ensuring that personnel are not hindered by digital verification delays during urgent duties.
While the HIMBUS Card was originally introduced as a state-wide initiative to digitize subsidies and curb the misuse of travel concessions, the Chief Minister emphasized that the police department's existing contribution model and identification system are sufficient for oversight.
This move is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of police personnel across Himachal Pradesh, ensuring they can perform their duties with greater ease and without additional out-of-pocket expenses.
===================================
CM directs officials to swiftly restore essential services in snowbound areas
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today issued comprehensive directives to the officers and officials of the State Government to ensure normalcy across various regions of Himachal Pradesh affected by heavy snowfall. Emphasizing the need for immediate action, the Chief Minister instructed fficials to work on a war footing to restore essential services that have been disrupted due to snowfall. He specifically mandated that roads leading to hospitals and other emergency service institutions be cleared on a priority basis to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare. To minimize public inconvenience, he directed the deployment of adequate manpower and heavy machinery to expedite the reopening of blocked road networks.
Furthering his instructions, Sh. Sukhu called for the swift restoration of power and water supply schemes in the affected areas. He asked all district administrations to remain vigilant and provide immediate assistance to those in need. The Department of Food and Civil Supplies, along with the State Civil Supplies Corporation, has been directed to take proactive measures to ensure a steady and uninterrupted supply of foodgrains and essential commodities in snow-bound sectors. The Chief Minister also emphasized that all departments must strictly and actively adhere to the safety guidelines issued by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority.
In a positive note regarding the weather, the Chief Minister observed that the rain and snowfall have brought much-needed relief to the State’s farmers and orchardists, providing a significant boost to the rural economy. He also extended a warm welcome to tourists, noting that the fresh snowfall is expected to invigorate tourism-related activities across the State. Addressing long-term concerns, he remarked on the continuous impact of climate change on the environment and stated that the State Government has directed officials to conduct in-depth studies on climate change. This initiative aims to integrate necessary environmental conservation provisions into future policies and development programs to ensure a sustainable future for Himachal Pradesh.
===================================
*Himachal Pradesh Partners with IWAI to Transform Water Transport*: Deputy CM
• MoU signed at 3rd IWDC Meeting in Kochi
• Advocates for development of Inland Waterways in Himachal
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today participated in the 3rd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) Meeting held in Kochi, Kerala. The high-level session was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. In a move symbolizing India’s growing emphasis on inland water transport, the meeting was conducted onboard the cruise vessel “Imperial Classic,” bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of the nation's maritime connectivity.
During the proceedings, Union Minister Sonowal apprised the Council of several strategic initiatives being undertaken to develop inland waterways in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. He placed a special focus on the creation of river cruise tourism and religious tourism circuits, highlighting the River Ravi (National Waterway–84) as a primary project. This waterway is currently being developed for river cruise tourism from Ranjit Sagar Dam to Chamera Dam at Gandhian, with the first jetty scheduled for completion by January 2026.
The Union Minister further informed the Council that River Sutlej (National Waterway–98) is also being explored for a significant religious and tourism circuit. This proposed route would connect Tatapani and the Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh with the historic sites of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab. A feasibility study for this project is currently in progress to ensure the integration of these spiritual hubs into the national waterway network.
A significant milestone was reached during the event with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. This agreement marks a major step toward the collaborative development of inland waterways within the State, ensuring that Himachal Pradesh has the formal backing to modernize its water-based infrastructure.
Addressing the Council, Mukesh Agnihotri strongly advocated for the accelerated development of inland waterways in Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized that since most of the rivers fueling the nation's inland waterway projects originate in the State, Himachal Pradesh remains a key stakeholder in the National Inland Waterways Framework. He urged the Government of India to extend enhanced technical and financial support, specifically requesting the provision of hydro-electric catamaran vessels. These vessels, he noted, are environmentally sustainable and ideally suited to the unique hill ecology of the region.
The Deputy Chief Minister concluded by reiterating the State Government’s firm commitment to working closely with the Government of India and the IWAI. He underscored that the ultimate goal is to promote eco-friendly inland water transport and tourism development, which will in turn drive employment generation and sustainable regional growth for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
=========================================
*State Organizes ‘Niti Se Pariniti’ Workshop to Advance Gender Responsive Budgeting`*
The HP State Transformation Cell of the Planning Department, in collaboration with GIZ India and NITI Aayog, organized a one-day workshop titled ‘Niti Se Pariniti’ in Shimla on Thursday. The initiative aimed to strengthen the capacity of Nodal Officers to translate gender-related policy commitments into measurable budgetary actions, ensuring inclusive development and social equity across Himachal Pradesh.
During the session, Advisor to the Planning Department Dr. Basu Sood emphasized that Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting is a vital tool for efficient resource utilization, noting that success requires a fundamental shift in mindset rather than just administrative compliance. Expert speakers from the Planning Department and GIZ India provided practical training on gender analysis, data-driven decision-making, and monitoring frameworks to help departments integrate gender perspectives into their existing schemes.
The workshop, attended by various Heads of Departments and Nodal Officers, concluded with a focus on overcoming practical implementation challenges. To ensure tangible progress, each department was tasked with identifying one actionable follow-up to improve gender outcome reporting. This collaborative effort is expected to significantly enhance inter-departmental coordination and lead to more accountable, outcome-oriented public expenditure in the State.
========================================
*Education Minister presides over review meeting of Education Department
Directs to focus on strengthening sports hostels, recruitment and academic reforms*
Education Minister Rohit Thakur today presided over a comprehensive review meeting of the Education Department and issued clear directions on strengthening sports hostels, expediting recruitment processes and accelerating key academic reforms. He underlined that quality education, along with encouragement for sports, is essential for the holistic development of students.
The Education Minister said that sports hostels play an important role in nurturing talent and sought a brief report on the issues being faced by them, with particular reference to Majra Sports Hostel. He directed that these hostels be strengthened with better infrastructure, boarding and lodging facilities, nutritious diet, medical support and transport arrangements. He also stressed the need to address issues related to coaches to ensure proper guidance and continuity in training. He appreciated the performance of Himachal’s sportspersons who are bringing recognition to the State at national and international levels.
He further directed that talent in schools and colleges should be identified at an early stage and provided academic support so that students are able to pursue education along with sports without difficulty. Better coordination between educational institutions and sports hostels was emphasised.
Reviewing administrative and recruitment matters, the Education Minister examined the status of SMC/Computer Teacher LDR and PGTs/DPEs LDR cases and directed that the LDR be conducted on 22 February after completing all necessary preparations. Recruitment proposals for Assistant Professors were reviewed and instructions were issued to expedite the process and forward the cases to the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission at the earliest.
Proposals regarding merger and consolidation of schools and colleges, including the merger of boys’ and girls’ institutions, were discussed in detail. Rohit Thakur directed that all such decisions must be taken strictly in the interest of students, keeping accessibility, safety, academic continuity and learning outcomes in focus. He also instructed the Department to ensure timely transport facilities for students affected due to mergers or rationalisation.
On academic initiatives, the Education Minister directed that the introduction of Horticulture and Forestry as optional subjects in schools be fast-tracked from the upcoming academic session. He reviewed the status of tablet distribution and instructed that the remaining tablets be distributed at the earliest to support digital learning.
The introduction of four-year B.Ed., BP.Ed. and other professional courses in colleges after notification was also reviewed. The Education Minister directed the Department to expedite the process so that these courses become operational from the forthcoming academic session.
Regarding the recruitment of NTT teachers, he directed that appointment letters be issued immediately to all eligible selected candidates, while the remaining vacancies should be filled through alternative and accelerated recruitment mechanisms.
Other directions issued during the meeting included fixing timelines for college rankings, reviewing the status of previous announcements, finalising the date for the meeting of Deputy Directors and ensuring effective implementation of departmental schemes. The Education Minister also directed the Department to submit detailed proposals for the upcoming Budget Session, focusing on academic infrastructure, sports facilities, student welfare and talent development.
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director Higher Education Amarjit, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.