SHIMLA -24 Feb, 2026

Government to establish skill-based, vocational and industry-oriented University in Chamba: CM

Transforming education through digital excellence as part of 'Vyavastha Parivartan'

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, today here said that the State government has recently approved to establish 'Global Skills & Digital University' in District Chamba. He said that the establishment of this university would be a major step towards strengthening quality higher education, digital and skill development in the State.

The Chief Minister said that the University would be set up at Mohal Chalera, Tehsil Sihunta, District Chamba, with a clear focus on skill-based, vocational and industry-oriented education. He said that this decision aims to enhance employability, promote entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and implement “learn while earn” models to benefit the youth of the state.

He said that the institution would offer certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes under a credit-based and National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)-aligned framework, incorporating online, blended and experiential learning modes in line with modern educational practices.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to provide accessible and quality higher education, especially in rural and underserved areas. The University’s jurisdiction shall extend across Himachal Pradesh, subject to fulfillment of all statutory and regulatory requirements.

The academic structure would comprise Schools of Healthcare & Allied Sciences, Management & Commerce, Information & Communication Technology Sciences, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, Engineering & Technology, Apparel & Textiles, Food Processing, Plastics & Petrochemicals, Fitness & Physical Education, Carpeting & Furniture, Drone Development & Applications, Environment & Disaster Management, Agriculture and Languages.

He said that this initiative reflects the state government’s vision of building a future-ready education ecosystem aligned with industry needs and global standards. The establishment of the University was expected to create new opportunities for education, skill development and employment, contributing significantly to the socio-economic growth of District Chamba and the State.

The Chief Minister further emphasized that special thrust would be laid on digital skills to prepare students for emerging technologies and the evolving global job market. The University would introduce programmes in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cyber-security, cloud computing, digital marketing, fintech and e-commerce, along with hands-on training through virtual labs and industry collaborations. This digital focus would ensure that students from even remote and rural areas of the State gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and become globally competitive professionals.

He said that strong industry linkages, apprenticeship programmes, incubation centres and placement support cells would be established to enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship among youth. Sector Skill Councils and leading industries would be engaged to design curriculum and provide on-the-job training opportunities, ensuring that students graduate with job-ready skills. The “learn while earn” model would further empower students financially while enabling them to gain practical experience alongside academic learning.

Highlighting the broader “Vyavastha parivartan” in the education sector, the Chief Minister said that the State government was working towards reforming governance, curriculum design and institutional accountability to make education more transparent, outcome-driven and student-centric.

He said that the Global Skills & Digital University would serve as a model institution in bringing transformative change, bridging the gap between education and employment while promoting innovation, inclusivity and sustainable development.

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Unprecedented cloudbursts, shrinking glaciers signal climate change: CM

Chief Minister releases report on Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO₂ Emissions

MoAs inked to promote cultivation of medicinal plants in the State

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today released the report titled ‘Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non- CO₂ Emissions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh’. On the occasion, two Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) were signed in his presence with M/s Dabur India Limited and M/s Karan Singh Vaidh, Solan, to promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants in the state.

Under the MoA, Dabur India Limited will provide 12 lakh quality saplings annually (one lakh per species) and a total of 1.20 crore saplings over ten years (10 lakh per species) to farmers across the State, in accordance with its ecological suitability. For low and mid-hill regions, species such as Amla, Harad, Bahera, Kakadshingi and Lodhra will be distributed in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Sirmaur districts and lower Shimla. For mid to high-hill areas, species including Jatamansi, Kutaki, Sugandhbala (herbs), Padam Kasht (tree) and Pushkarmool (herb) will be distributed in Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, upper Shimla and Kinnaur districts. Alpine species such as Atich and Vish (herbs) will be made available to farmers in the higher reaches of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts.

The second MoA, signed with M/s Karan Singh Vaidh, Solan, for a period of five years, envisages promoting cultivation, conservation and value-chain development of selected medicinal plants in Solan district. Under this agreement, six priority species, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Chirayita (Swertia chirayita) and Himalayan Gentian (Gentiana kurroo), will be cultivated, targeting nearby panchayats. In the initial phase, at least 225 women farmers will be covered over more than 108 bighas of land.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the present State Government was committed to making Himachal Pradesh the first Green Energy State in the country and has initiated various steps in this direction. He said environmental conservation has been accorded top priority and several initiatives have been undertaken to preserve the state’s pristine environment. He stated, “Three years ago, the government set a target to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State and sustained efforts were being made to conserve natural resources. The government has set a target of harnessing 200 MW of solar power during the current year, with subsidies being provided to encourage youth to set up solar projects.”

A one-megawatt Green Hydrogen plant is also being established at Nalagarh in collaboration with Oil India Limited. In the coming years, Himachal Pradesh aims to emerge as a pioneer in green hydrogen production in the country, he added.

Sh. Sukhu said that the State Government was also promoting electric mobility. Around 300 new e-buses would be inducted into the fleet of HRTC by April this year. Electric vehicles are being deployed across government departments and a 40 percent subsidy is being provided to convert 38,000 taxis into e-taxis, he added.

The Chief Minister said climate change has posed serious challenges, resulting in unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and shrinking glaciers in the state. He termed these developments as warning signals that demand urgent remedial measures. Referring to the 2023 disaster, he noted that more than 23,000 houses were destroyed in the state.

He said that Himachal Pradesh was not merely a geographical entity but the soul of the Himalayas. Its glaciers, rivers, forests and mountains define its identity and sustain millions beyond its borders. Any disturbance to the Himalayas would have worst consequences not only for the State but for the entire nation, he added. He further said that today the state is fighting for its rightful dues. He asserted that the State Government will not proceed with upcoming projects such as the Kishau and Renuka dams unless the neighbouring states provide concrete assurances to settle the long-pending arrears of the Bhakra Beas Management Board. “There have been some positive signs on this issue,” he added.

MLAs Suresh Kumar and Harish Janartha, Secretary Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change S.K. Singla, Dr. Durwood Zaelke, Ms. Martina Otto, Head of Secretariat, UNEP Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Ms. Zerin Osho, Director India Program, IGSD, DC Rana, Director and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Chief Secretary reviews preparations for HPV vaccination campaign

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta today reviewed the preparations for the statewide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign at a meeting held here today. The campaign will be launched across the state from 28 February 2026 under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

He directed all the concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure the success of the campaign. Emphasis was laid on spreading awareness through Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, schools, and various media platforms so that parents and beneficiaries are informed about the benefits, safety and free availability of the vaccine.

He said that the HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in India. Scientific studies have confirmed that the vaccine is safe and effective and it is being widely used in many countries worldwide.

Chief secretary said that under the campaign, around 67,000 eligible girls in the 14 to 15 years age group would receive a single-dose vaccine free of cost. Vaccination sessions would be held on 29^th March, 5^th April, and 12^th April 2026, with special sessions on 19^th April, 10^th May, 24^th May, and 21^st June 2026 for those who miss the initial rounds.

He said that the vaccination would be conducted at 378 identified government health institutions by trained healthcare workers, with proper cold chain management. Registration and monitoring will be carried out digitally through the U-WIN portal and parental consent would be ensured.