फीचर-मुख्यमंत्री के निर्देशानुसार गांव-गांव में जगाई जा रही है प्राकृतिक खेती की अलख

जिला हमीरपुर में 20 हजार से अधिक किसान अपना चुके हैं प्राकृतिक खेती को

प्राकृतिक खेती से तैयार 96 क्विंटल गेहूं, 53 क्विंटल मक्की और 9 क्विंटल हल्दी की हो चुकी है खरीद
हमीरपुर 03 अगस्त। हिमाचल प्रदेश में प्राकृतिक खेती को बढ़ावा देकर कृषि क्षेत्र में एक नई क्रांति लाने के लिए संकल्पित मुख्यमंत्री ठाकुर सुखविंदर सिंह सुक्खू के प्रयास सराहनीय परिणाम लाने लगे हैं। मुख्यमंत्री के निर्देशानुसार जिला हमीरपुर के गांव-गांव में आतमा परियोजना के माध्यम से प्राकृतिक खेती की अलख जगाई जा रही है और किसानों को इससे जुड़ने के लिए प्रेरित एवं प्रोत्साहित किया जा रहा है। अभी तक जिला में 20 हजार से अधिक किसान प्राकृतिक खेती को अपना चुके हैं।
प्राकृतिक खेती आरंभ करने के लिए प्रदेश सरकार की ओर से दी जा रही सब्सिडी और इस विधि से तैयार फसलों के लिए उच्च दाम निर्धारित किए जाने से किसानों को डबल फायदा हो रहा है। प्राकृतिक खेती से वे जहां स्वयं के लिए सुरक्षित खाद्यान्न पैदा कर रहे हैं, वहीं इन खाद्यान्नों को उच्चतम दाम मिलने से अच्छी आय भी अर्जित कर रहे हैं। उनकी खेती की लागत लगभग शून्य हो गई है और जमीन की उर्वरा शक्ति भी अच्छी होने लगी है।
प्रदेश सरकार ने प्राकृतिक खेती से तैयार मक्की के लिए विशेष रूप से 40 रुपये प्रति किलोग्राम, गेहूं के लिए 60 रुपये और हल्दी के लिए 90 रुपये प्रति किलोग्राम दाम निर्धारित किए हैं। मुख्यमंत्री की इस विशेष पहल की केंद्र सरकार ने भी भरपूर सराहना की है और इस कदम को देश के अन्य राज्यों के लिए एक अनुकरणीय उदाहरण बताया है।
कुछ माह पूर्व समाप्त हुए रबी सीजन में जिला हमीरपुर के किसानों से 96 क्विंटल से अधिक गेहूं खरीदी गई जोकि प्राकृतिक खेती से तैयार की गई थी। इसकी लगभग 6 लाख रुपये की सब्सिडी सीधे किसानों के बैंक खातों में हस्तांतरित की जा रही है। जिला में 9 क्विंटल कच्ची हल्दी भी 90 रुपये प्रति किलोग्राम की दर से खरीदी गई। जबकि, पिछले खरीफ सीजन में 53 क्विंटल मक्की भी खरीदी गई, जिसकी सब्सिडी सीधे किसानों के बैंक खातों में हस्तांतरित कर दी गई।
आतमा परियोजना हमीरपुर के परियोजना निदेशक डॉ. नितिन शर्मा ने बताया कि प्राकृतिक खेती को बढ़ावा देने के लिए किसानों को देसी गाय की खरीद पर 25 हजार रुपये का अनुदान दिया जाता है। इसके अलावा पांच हजार रुपये की परिवहन सब्सिडी तथा पशु मंडी की दो हजार रुपये तक की फीस की अदायगी भी परियोजना के तहत की जाती है। गौशाला के फर्श को पक्का करने तथा गोमूत्र एकत्रित करने की व्यवस्था के लिए आठ हजार रुपये का अनुदान दिया जाता है। प्राकृतिक खेती के लिए जरूरी सामग्री तैयार करने तथा ड्रम इत्यादि के लिए भी 2250 रुपये तक सब्सिडी का प्रावधान किया गया है।
प्रदेश सरकार की ओर से मिलने वाली इन सुविधाओं के परिणामस्वरूप जिला हमीरपुर के किसान अब प्राकृतिक खेती की ओर अग्रसर होने लगे हैं।
नादौन उपमंडल की ग्राम पंचायत अमलैहड़ की शकुंतला देवी और सुषमा देवी, आतमा परियोजना से जुड़े धनेटा क्षेत्र के सुनील दत्त और अन्य किसानों का कहना है कि प्राकृतिक खेती उनके लिए एक नई उम्मीद लेकर आई है। इससे जहां उनकी खेती की लागत कम हुई है, वहीं उनकी फसलों को काफी अच्छे दाम भी मिल रहे हैं तथा उनका खान-पान भी जहरमुक्त हुआ है।

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SHIMLA-03.08.25-

Timely intervention by State Government resolves long-pending pension issues in HPSEBL

In 2024, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) was grappling with multiple issues concerning its pensioners, including the non-clearance of medical bills, gratuity and leave encashment. A critical concern was the non-revision of pension for nearly 16,200 pensioners, despite the State Government’s implementation of the 6^th Pay Commission. Recognizing the gravity of the situation and guided by the proactive leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government directed HPSEBL to ensure time-bound resolution of these legacy issues. Upon review, it was found that the pension branch had revised only 1,800 cases over nine months, a pace that would have required at least five more years to complete the task.

A Spokesperson of HPSEBL said that in alignment with the State Government’s commitment to employees' welfare, HPSEBL management swiftly deputed a dedicated team comprising 12 retired officers/ employees and 14 Data Entry Operators. He said that this focused and results-driven approach led to the successful revision of all 16,200 pending pension cases within just four months, from July to October 2024. This major administrative achievement enabled the Board to release pension arrears as per Government orders, benefiting thousands of retired employees. Without this timely intervention, pensioners would have continued to face delays in receiving their rightful entitlements. Additionally, standing instructions were issued to the finance wing to clear all medical reimbursement claims promptly upon receipt, ensuring zero pendency. As a result of these coordinated efforts, HPSEBL disbursed a record-breaking Rs. 370 crore in terminal benefits and medical reimbursements during the year. This accomplishment reflects not only HPSEBL’s administrative efficiency but also the State Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of its retired employees.

The Spokesperson urged all stakeholders not to be misled by misinformation propagated by certain sections. He said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, HPSEBL remains steadfast in its mission to uphold employees' welfare and will continue to work in close coordination with the State Government to ensure timely delivery of all dues and benefits.

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State Government’s big push for urban development in Himachal

• ·Accelerates growth in 74 ULB's

Himachal Pradesh is undergoing a remarkable transformation in urban development matching the State's increasing pace of urbanization. The Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen urban governance and improve civic infrastructure across semi-urban and emerging urban areas. In a significant move made in December 2024, the Government constituted 14 new Nagar Panchayats, upgraded three Nagar Panchayats to Municipal Councils, and elevated three Municipal Councils which includes Hamirpur, Una and Baddi to Municipal Corporations, thus increasing the strength of Corporations to eight with already existing viz: Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan, Palampur, Mandi.

Thus the number of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) has increased from 60 to 74 which include 29 Municipal Councils and 37 Nagar Panchayats. This expansion is a testament to the Government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive, well-planned and sustainable development.

To support infrastructure in these newly formed and upgraded urban bodies, a development grant of Rs. 10.75 crore has been proposed for the current financial year 2025-26. The grant will be utilized to improve roads, street lighting, sewerage, sanitation, parks and parking facilities. Municipal Corporations such as Hamirpur, Una and Baddi will receive one crore rupees each. Apart from this Nadaun, Baijnath-Paprola and Sunni Municipal Councils get Rs. 25 lakh each and the 14 new Nagar Panchayats will be given Rs. 50 lakh each. To ease the transition of rural areas into the urban fold, the government has also provided a three-year exemption from property tax and continued existing water tariffs for the affected residents.

Recognizing the vital role of small urban entrepreneurs in the State’s economy, the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is set to roll out an expanded version of the “Mukhya Mantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojana.” This welfare scheme will provide a one-time settlement of up to one lakh rupees through banks for distressed vendors and shopkeepers with an annual turnover below Rs. 10 lakh. The interest on such loans will be borne by the state government which would help the fruit and vegetable vendors, tea stall owners, cobblers, barbers and other small traders to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods. This initiative not only uplifts the financial condition of small entrepreneurs but also strengthens the economic fabric of urban Himachal.

A key initiative of the state government's development strategy for urban areas is the digital transformation of governance through the “One State One Portal Citizen Seva,” launched under the National Urban Digital Mission. This platform, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the National Institute of Urban Affairs, is based on the UPYOG (Urban Platform for Delivery of Online Governance) framework. It aims to provide seamless and transparent online services to citizens across all ULBs. As of now, nine municipal services have been rolled out and a total of 45 services are being boarded in phases, ensuring improved accessibility and efficiency.

In an effort to strengthen urban governance further, the state government has also proposed an increase in honorarium for elected representatives of ULBs. The enhanced monthly honorarium for Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Councilors, Presidents, Vice Presidents and Members of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats reflects the government’s recognition of their service and role in strengthening local democracy.

Looking ahead, the government is planning to set up Municipal Common Services Centers at the district level, designed to offer advanced urban planning solutions, improve sanitation, manage solid waste, and strengthen the financial sustainability of ULBs. A comprehensive proposal worth Rs. 49.98 crore has been submitted to the Government of India for this initiative. Additionally, proposals have been sent to the Centre under the Urban Challenge Fund, which will support creative city re-development projects, water and sanitation improvements and development through innovative financing models like municipal bonds, bank loans, and public-private partnerships.

The Urban Development Department is also efficiently implementing all major Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, AMRUT 2.0, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), the National Urban Livelihood Mission, and the Smart City Mission. These schemes, implemented on a 90:10 Centre-State funding basis, are playing a transformative role in enhancing urban infrastructure, sanitation, housing and livelihoods across the State.

Himachal Pradesh is steadily shaping a new urban narrative that is people-centric, technology-driven and inclusive. Through thoughtful planning, financial support and digital innovation, the state government is laying a robust foundation for vibrant, resilient and future-ready towns and cities paving the way for a truly modern and self-reliant urban Himachal.

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CM and Deputy Deputy CM expresses grief over death of Madan Lal Kaundal

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri have expressed grief over the death of Madan Lal Kaundal, the Chief Organizer of Hamirpur District Congress Sevadal. The Chief Minister said that Madan Lal Kaundal's commitment towards the organization and his contribution to social service will always be remembered.

The Chief Minister has prayed to Almighty God to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to God for the peace of the departed soul.

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