SHIMLA-27.02.26-

CM interacts with doctors at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur

While interacting with the doctors of Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the purpose of the dialogue was to listen to the concerns and suggestions of the medical fraternity to further strengthen healthcare services in the state. He noted that similar interactive sessions had earlier been held with doctors at IGMC Shimla and Tanda Medical College to incorporate their valuable inputs into policy decisions and enhance patient care.

The Chief Minister observed that medical colleges in the state have largely become referral institutions and emphasized the need for systemic improvements to ensure that quality healthcare services are available within Himachal Pradesh itself. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to upgrading medical infrastructure by introducing high-end medical technology in government institutions.

He informed that an automated laboratory costing Rs. 25 crore has been approved for Hamirpur Medical College as part of efforts to strengthen diagnostic services. In the coming years, a Super Specialty Block and a Dental College will also be established at the institution. Additionally, the facility will soon introduce robotic surgery services, marking a significant step towards advanced medical care in the region.

The Chief Minister assured that all modern medical equipment would be installed and made operational before shifting to the new building.

Several public representatives, senior doctors and other district officers and officials were present on the occasion.

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Rupees one thousand crore to be spent for strengthening Hamirpur Medical College: CM

Specialized departments to offer comprehensive cancer care in Hamirpur

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inspected the ongoing construction works of the Hamirpur Medical College and also reviewed the proposed site for a state-of-the-art Cancer Care centre. He announced that a modern cancer hospital, along with nursing and dental colleges will be developed at the Hamirpur Medical College complex. The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs. 1000 crore. He stated that the establishment of the medical college would ensure that quality healthcare services were made available to people closer to their homes.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government was strengthening the healthcare system across all medical colleges and major hospitals in Himachal Pradesh. Drawing inspiration from AIIMS Delhi, he said outdated machinery and equipment in health institutions across the state was being replaced with world-class technology and advanced medical facilities to provide better treatment services to the people in a phased manner.

He further noted that after the north-eastern states, Himachal Pradesh reports one of the highest numbers of cancer cases in the country. The establishment of a dedicated cancer hospital in Hamirpur will ensure accessible and quality cancer care for patients within the state. He informed that 11 new specialist departments have recently been approved by the State Government for the Hamirpur Cancer Hospital.

These departments will cover different types of cancer treatment and support services, such as cancer medicines (Medical Oncology), cancer surgeries (Surgical Oncology), pain relief and supportive care, nuclear medicine, anaesthesia and critical care, laboratory testing (Pathology), treatment for children with cancer, radiology and imaging, treatment for women’s cancers, stem cell and bone marrow transplants and radiation therapy. With all these services available in one place within the state, cancer patients will not have to travel outside Himachal Pradesh for advanced treatment. This will help them save both time and money while receiving specialized care closer to home, he remarked.

Highlighting the increasing incidence of cancer cases, the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for systematic screening, prevention, monitoring, recording and timely diagnosis. In this regard, he said the State Government has approved the establishment of a State Cancer Centre at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur.

He added that since assuming office, the present State Government has undertaken several significant measures to revamp the healthcare sector in Himachal Pradesh, resulting in improved and better healthcare services.

Among those present on the occasion were MLA Suresh Kumar and Captain Ranjit Singh, former MLA Anita Verma, Chairman Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ramchandra Pathania, Chairman Himachal Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chairman APMC Hamirpur Ajay Sharma, District Congress President Suman Bharti, Congress leaders Dr. Pushpinder Verma, Subhash Dhatwalia and Rubal Thakur, Secretaries M. Sudha Devi and Ashish Singhmar, Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore, SP Balbir Singh, and other dignitaries.

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Education Minister chairs review meeting with Deputy Directors to strengthen school education standards in state

• Vacant buildings of merged school to be repurposed as community learning centers
• CCTV surveillance made mandatory in all board exam centers

Education Minister Rohit Thakur today here chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Deputy Directors of School Education (Secondary, Elementary and Quality Wing) to assess academic standards, administrative efficiency and overall school performance across the State. He said that Deputy Directors carry direct responsibility for effective policy implementation and measurable improvement in learning outcomes at the district level.

He said that all funds released under Samagra Shiksha must be utilized in a strictly time-bound and outcome-oriented manner, with full expenditure by 31 March 2026. He said clear accountability has been fixed at the Deputy Director level to ensure that resources translate into visible classroom improvements. He asked to intensify the field visits and submit the reports frequently.

The Education Minister took a detailed review of school rationalization, particularly in merged schools. He directed that buildings made available after mergers must not remain idle and should be repurposed as digital learning centres, pre-primary sections, Mahila Mandals, skill development labs, sports facilities or community resource centers as per local needs. He further said that administrative barriers between primary and secondary schools must be removed so that laboratories, libraries, playgrounds and teaching staff can be shared efficiently.

The Education Minister also examined the rationalization of Science and Commerce streams in Government Senior Secondary Schools. Out of 1,970 schools, Science is functional in 818 and Commerce in 799. He directed Deputy Directors to ensure optimal deployment of faculty and infrastructure while safeguarding student's access to quality education in all regions.

The Minister also reviewed the examination preparedness under the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education. He said that merged Government schools would function as designated Board examination centres, with Principals appointed as Centre Coordinators and held directly accountable for smooth and fair conduct. He said CCTV cameras with live monitoring have been made mandatory in all examination halls and directed to placed previously identified black-spot centres under special surveillance. He directed the development of a robust digital mechanism enabling one-click access to departmental data for real-time monitoring by the department.

Taking serious note of delays by certain private schools in issuing School Leaving Certificates (SLCs) to students seeking admission in Government Central Board of Secondary Education-affiliated institutions, the Education Minister said that such cases must be resolved within a fixed timeframe so that no student’s academic future suffers and directed Deputy Directors to intervene and take necessary action. He also reviewed matters relating to post-CBSE affiliation, sub-cadre eligibility and pending recruitment issues for early resolution.

Rohit Thakur reviewed inspection performance from April 2025 to January 2026 and directed Deputy Directors to ensure timely submission of complete reports. He said that MIS reporting, student health check-ups, distribution of Iron Folic Acid and deworming tablets and monitoring of Mid-Day Meals under PM Poshan through the Automated Monitoring System must be strengthened to enhance grassroots accountability.

While emphasizing on holistic development, the Minister said that sports and co-curricular activities remain a priority. He said the state secured a historic 48 national medals in 2025-26 with 121 medal winners, including 14 medals in the Under-14 category.

The Education Minister said that Rs. 1,22,85,000 has been sanctioned as diet money for sportspersons and directed phased expansion and operationalisation of sports hostels with structured monitoring. He also said schools must actively promote cultural activities, debates, science exhibitions and other co-curricular programmes.

He said that the Holistic Progress Card framework developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training was being analyzed on a pilot basis to support comprehensive assessment and reduce teacher's workload. He directed for the conduction of induction training for newly promoted Principals to enhance leadership quality and administrative efficiency.

The Education Minister praised Vidya Samiksha Kendras for improving teacher attendance through digital monitoring and directed officials to strengthen data analytics for better academic outcomes. He also urged districts to boost participation in “Abhyaas” practice modules for Board exams and replicate successful preparation initiatives like those implemented in Chamba.

Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar also shared his suggestions.

Presentations on PM SHRI Schools, digital attendance of teachers and students and the free JEE & NEET Coaching Programme was being given during the meeting.

Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director School Education Ashish Kohli and Deputy Directors from all the districts and other senior officers were present in the meeting.