SHIMLA-19 Feb 2026

HP CM slams FTAs in Srinagar, warns of crisis for apple growers in Himachal & J&K

Flags threat to Rs. 5000 crore apple economy, vows to protect interests of farmers

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while addressing a press conference in Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir State today, expressed serious concern over the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and their potential impact on farmers and orchardists in Himachal Pradesh along-with Jammu & Kashmir. He cautioned that these agreements would result in a surge of imported apples, walnuts, almonds and other horticultural produce, thereby placing immense pressure on local growers who may struggle to secure remunerative prices for their crops. He warned that the adverse consequences of such policies would become increasingly evident in the years ahead.

The Chief Minister underscored that agriculture and horticulture constitute the backbone of the economies of both Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, sustaining a substantial portion of their populations. He noted that Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry alone has an annual turnover of approximately Rs. 5000 crore and provides direct and indirect employment to nearly 2.5 lakh families. Likewise, in Jammu & Kashmir, a significant segment of the population depends on horticulture for livelihood, with apples, walnuts and almonds forming the mainstay of the region’s agricultural economy.

Sh. Sukhu further stated that the Union Government has entered into FTA with countries such as New Zealand, the United States and the European Union, under which import duties on apples and dry fruits have reportedly been reduced. According to him, these policy decisions would directly undermine the interests of farmers and orchardists in both the states. He asserted that such agreements do not serve the interests of India’s farmers or the common people and called for a reassessment of policies that could jeopardize domestic agricultural sustainability.

The Chief Minister also remarked that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has been consistently raising issues concerning farmers and the general public. He alleged that efforts were being made to silence his voice, but maintained that such attempts would not succeed. Reaffirming his party’s commitment, Sh. Sukhu stated that the Congress Party stands firmly with farmers and orchardists and will continue to advocate for their rights and welfare.

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Education Minister calls for accelerated reforms to strengthen education and student facilities

Reviews ongoing education plans and future strategies
The Education Minister, Rohit Thakur today here presided over a meeting with senior officers of the Education Department to review key issues and accelerate ongoing reforms. He held detailed discussions aimed at improving the quality of education and strengthening institutional facilities across the state.

The Minister said that enhancing educational standards and ensuring access to quality learning opportunities remain the foremost priorities of the present State Government. He said that the government is committed to improve infrastructure, optimize resources and building a strong academic environment in government institutions.

He said that 39 boys’ and girls’ schools have recently been merged and converted into co-educational institutions to promote better utilization of infrastructure and teaching staff. Additionally, 39 schools with zero enrolment would soon be de-notified. He directed that students required to travel more than two kilometres due to these changes must be provided with transit allowance promptly. He also instructed officials to prepare a draft proposal for the merger of non-CBSE schools at the earliest to further streamline the system.

The Minister said that colleges with enrolment below 100 students would also be merged to ensure optimal use of resources and manpower. Teaching and non-teaching staff would be adjusted in other institutions as per requirement. He clarified that these steps would not impact vocational courses, future teacher recruitment, or the service security of existing staff. He said that no employee will lose employment as a result of these reforms.

With regard to sports development, the Minister directed the immediate implementation of Cabinet decisions concerning new and upgraded sports hostels to ensure they become functional without delay and provide improved facilities to aspiring sportspersons. These include a Boys’ Sports Hostel (Volleyball) at Government Senior Secondary School, Chopal (District Shimla), a Girls’ Sports Hostel (Kabaddi) at Government Senior Secondary School, Shillai (District Sirmaur), the introduction of Boxing for Girls at Thakur Ram Lal Girls Sports Hostel, Jubbal (District Shimla), and a Sports Hostel (Handball) at Morsinghi (District Bilaspur). With these additions, the number of sports disciplines supported in hostels has increased to 12, providing significant encouragement to youth excelling in sports.

Rohit Thakur directed that the pending diet funds amounting to Rs. 1.2 crore for sports hostels be released at the earliest, with strict monitoring to ensure transparency and prevent any misuse.

To strengthening academic leadership, the Minister instructed the department to organize induction training programmes for newly promoted principals based on modules prepared by SCERT. He also directed officials to expedite the filling of vacant posts to avoid disruption in academic activities. In addition, he ordered that the lower age limit of 23 years for teacher recruitment be waived and necessary action taken accordingly.

He also reviewed matters related to the joint declaration of Anganwadis and PEP, as well as progress concerning PM SHREE schools in the state.

The Minister expressed satisfaction over the hangar airport facility funded by the Education Department for NCC cadets is now fully operational. Earlier, cadets had to travel to Jalandhar airport, but they can now land directly in Kullu airport which has significantly eased the travel and training logistics.

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.

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Jai Ram Thakur rattled after anti-Himachal stance exposed : Congress

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani launched a sharp counterattack on Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur, stating that the BJP’s real stand on RDG has now been exposed to the people of the state. They said that the same BJP leaders who are opposing RDG today had earlier forcefully argued before the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions that Himachal Pradesh deserved the grant, citing its limited financial resources and challenging geographical conditions.

The ministers questioned why Jai Ram Thakur’s position appears to have changed within a matter of months. They asked him to clarify to the people why he and his party now seem to be acting against the interests of Himachal Pradesh. In their view, the BJP has become so focused on opposing the Congress government that it has lost sight of the state’s welfare.

They further criticized BJP leaders for portraying funds received under central government schemes as financial aid, arguing that such funds are the rightful entitlement of the state’s people and not special favors. The ministers said these explanations are unconvincing and will not be accepted by the public.

The Congress leaders also noted that the BJP has yet to clearly state its position on RDG. They said the people of Himachal Pradesh deserve to know whether the BJP supports discontinuing the grant. According to them, RDG is a constitutional entitlement under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.

They highlighted that during Jai Ram Thakur’s tenure as Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh received Rs. 56,000 crore in RDG, in addition to Rs.14,000 crore in GST compensation, without any objection from the BJP at the time. They questioned why the grant is now being opposed, asking whether the change in stance is simply because a Congress government is currently in power.

Sh. Chauhan and Sh. Dharmani also alleged that during the recent Assembly session, the BJP exposed its true position by opposing a government resolution brought under Rule 102 seeking the restoration of RDG for the state. They added that BJP MLAs had previously failed to support a resolution calling for special financial assistance for those affected by natural disasters.

The Ministers said that the people of Himachal Pradesh can clearly see that the BJP has not stood up for the rights of the state and was busy conspiring against their own people.