SHIMLA -03 March, 2026

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu being presented a cheque of Rs. 2, 01,111 by the Graduate Junior Engineers Association of Jal Shakti Vibhag towards Disaster Relief Fund at Shimla on 3rd March, 2026.

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Himachal Govt disburses Rs. 17 crore for ex-servicemen welfare, CM reaffirms commitment to martyrs’ families

• · Ex-Servicemen and Martyrs’ families are the pride of the State
• · Rs. 10.26 crore has been earmarked for expansion of Major Somnath Training Academy

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity and socio-economic empowerment of ex-servicemen, gallantry award winners and the families of martyrs in Himachal Pradesh. "The ex-servicemen of the state and their families are invaluable assets whose unparalleled contribution and supreme sacrifices in safeguarding the nation will always be remembered with gratitude and pride", remarked the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister informed that during the current financial year, financial assistance exceeding Rs. 17 crore has been disbursed to 2,263 beneficiaries under various welfare schemes. As many as 968 elderly pensioners have received Rs. 6.12 crore to ensure financial security and dignified living. Additionally, 1084 gallantry award winners have been granted honorariums amounting to rupees three crore in recognition of their exemplary courage and service to the Nation.

He further stated that Rs. 7.62 crore has been extended to 57 dependents of defence personnel who were martyred or disabled in action, thereby providing substantial financial support to their families. An amount of Rs. 20.83 lakh has also been disbursed to 154 war Jagir beneficiaries as part of the government’s continued welfare initiatives.

Highlighting the government’s proactive efforts to inspire the youth, the Chief Minister said that a budget of Rs. 2.28 crore has been sanctioned for organizing Army recruitment rallies in Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Shimla districts. This initiative aims to strengthen patriotic spirit among young people and encourage them to pursue careers in the armed forces.

Expressing pride in the state’s distinguished legacy, he remarked "it is a matter of honour for a small state like Himachal Pradesh to have four Param Vir Chakra awardees adding that the valour and sacrifices of Himachali soldiers stand as a testament to their deep sense of duty and patriotism".

The Chief Minister also stated that Rs. 10.26 crore has been earmarked for the financial year 2025-26 to strengthen and expand the Major Somnath Training Academy at Barchhwar in Mandi district. The academy plays a pivotal role in providing quality and competitive training to youth, enabling them to prepare effectively for recruitment into the armed forces.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve, the Chief Minister stated that sustained efforts would continue to enhance and expand welfare measures for ex-servicemen and their families, ensuring that their sacrifices are honoured not merely in words but through meaningful and lasting support.

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Himachal scaling towards green energy state goal: Rajesh Dharmani

Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani today here said that the state government was committed to become a green energy state and to realize this decisive legislative updates has been integrated for sustainable infrastructure into urban development.

He said that under the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (17th Amendment) Rules, 2026, the government has mandated the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in all commercial, public, semi-public buildings and real estate projects. He said that this move have been aligned with Model Building Bye-Laws, which ensures state’s physical infrastructure evolves in tandem with the rising adoption of electric mobility.

Rajesh Dharmani said that to further incentivize energy efficiency, the state government has strictly implemented the HP Energy Conservation Building Code (HPECBC) and Rules 2018. Under these regulations, specialized buildings including hospitality, healthcare, educational and shopping complexes covering an area of 750 square meters or more would be granted an additional 0.25 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) over the base FAR of 1.75, provided they comply with ECBC standards. To ensure compliance, developers must now engage Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) authorized Energy Auditors to vet project designs and oversee construction phases before municipal authorities issue occupancy certificates.

Addressing the economic framework of urban expansion, Sh Dharmani detailed the 18^th Amendment Rules, 2026, which establish a structured fee for Premium FAR in real estate projects. The newly defined rates range from Rs. 3000 per square meter for up to 0.25 premium FAR, scaling to Rs. 7000 for ratios exceeding 0.50. While these charges do not apply to previously completed projects with existing certificates, they would be mandatory for new blocks in ongoing developments and all upcoming real estate ventures, offering developers the flexibility to purchase additional FAR during the initial planning stages.