Page 10 - Himachal Pradesh Government

Govt mulls constructing all-weather connectivity to upper Shimla: CM Sukhu

The Himachal Pradesh government is mulling to construct tunnels to ensure all-weather connectivity to the upper areas of Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday. Surveys will be conducted for the construction of tunnels under Kharapathar on Kotkhai-Hatkoti road as well as to connect the landlocked Dodra-Kawar area of the district, he said. A proposed tunnel on National Highway 705 under Kharapathar will reduce the distance from Shimla to Rohru by around 10 to 12 kilometres and ensure all-weather connectivity to the whole upper Shimla area, Sukhu said in a statement. Once this tunnel is completed, it will prove a boon not only for providing all-weather connectivity to this beautiful area but also facilitate the farmers to market their produce, he added. The tunnel will also open unexplored areas of the region like Chanshal, Kuppad, Giri Gang, Monal Danda, Samarkot, Khadrala, Sungri, Chunjar and Hatkoti for the tourists during winter months when snow decorates

HP govt asks Centre to fix 40-year contract for hydropower projects

The Himachal Pradesh government on Saturday said it has asked the Centre to fix a 40-year contract for the operation of hydropower plants and increase the state's share in electricity generated from such projects. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union power minister R K Singh who visited Kinnaur district of the hill state recently. Sukhu urged the Union minister to fix a 40-year contract with the state government for various hydropower projects, including those of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), according to a statement issued here. The chief minister also demanded higher share of electricity from these projects as the state is being deprived of its revenue from several projects that have become debt-free, the statement said. At present, there is no agreement between the Centre and state for the operation and management of hydropower projects even as the state gets a fixed share of free electricity as royalty for providing

Survey to be conducted for Dodra-Kwar, Kotkhai-Hatkoti tunnels: Himachal CM

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said surveys would be conducted for the construction of Kotkhai-Hatkoti and Dodra-Kwar tunnels, which would go a long way in facilitating the people of these areas. Heavy snow at Kharapathar and Chanshal Pass blocked roads and these tunnels would provide all-weather connectivity to Rohru and Dodra Kwar areas. The CM said efforts would be made to connect Kwar with Uttarakhand. The CM announced the opening of Adarsh Health Institute in Rohru during his maiden visit to Rohru after assuming the office of the chief minister, a statement issued here said. Sukhu reiterated that the exploitation of apple orchardists by middlemen would not be tolerated. A provision of Rs 100 crore has been made in the current budget for setting up 10 cold atmosphere (CA) stores in the state and tendering process is underway. He said measures are also being taken to ensure remunerative prices for rotten apples to the growers. Chief Parliament

Will meet Sitharaman to claim refund of Rs 9,242 cr deposited in NPS: Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Sunday said he will meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the national capital to claim a refund of Rs 9242.60 crore deposited in the National Pension Scheme by the state government. During the eighth meeting of the governing council of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi on Saturday, Sukhu urged the Centre to issue directions to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority to return the amount. Addressing a 'Purani Pension Aabhar Rally' organised by the state's government employees here, Sukhu asserted that the Congress government will fulfil its pre-poll promise of restoring the old pension scheme in the state. We are determined to reclaim Rs 9242.60 crore deposited in NPS. It is our right to get the money back and we will fight for it. I will visit Delhi to discuss the matter with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Sukhu said at the rally. The CM emphasised that the restoration of the old pension scheme wa

CM Sukhu announces zoological park worth Rs 300 cr in Kangra district

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced a slew of development projects, including the setting up of a zoological park in Bankhandi area in Kangra district. Addressing a gathering at Haripur in Dehra assembly constituency, Sukhu said the park is estimated to cost Rs 300 crore, and will provide employment opportunities to 5,000 local youths. The project will be completed in three years, he said. The Chief Minister also said Rs 70 crore have been earmarked to promote adventure tourism at Pong Lake. The introduction of hot air balloon activities and the construction of a floating hotel have also been planned, he said. In a bid to create employment opportunities, the state government will also provide financial assistance to local youth to help them buy 'shikaras', Sukhu said. The Chief Minister also announced the operation of five new bus routes in the area and the construction of an indoor stadium with a swimming pool in the Dehra assembly ...

Himachal CM announces Rs 250 cr for Dhagwar milk processing plant

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said that Rs 250 crore will be invested to upgrade the facilities of the Dhagwar milk processing plant in Kangra district. The state government aims to collect milk from cattle herders and sell milk products to boost the rural economy, he said during a visit to the milk plant. In line with this objective, the government is launching the 'Him-Ganga' scheme, which focuses on developing a milk-based economy in the state. Under the 'Him-Ganga' scheme, cattle rearers will receive fair prices for their milk and milk products, based on actual costs. Efforts will be made to enhance the quality and efficiency of milk procurement, processing, and marketing systems. The government aims to safeguard milk producers, especially vulnerable sections of society, from regional and seasonal price fluctuations. A provision of Rs. 500 crore has been allocated for the 'Him-Ganga' scheme, starting with a pilot project connecting farmers before .

Himachal Transport Department targets Rs 850 cr revenue in FY24: Dy CM

Himachal Pradesh Transport Department has set a target to generate revenue of Rs 850 crore in the current financial year, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said on Wednesday. He said it is Rs 175 crore more than the revenue generated by the department in the last year (Rs 675 crore). Plugging leakages, cracking whip on outside vehicles entering the state without paying taxes and making registration of all vehicles mandatory would help in achieving the set target, the deputy chief minister said while addressing the media here after a review meeting of the transport department. He underlined the urgency of raising revenue and said that tax defaulters have been given one-time relaxation to pay their dues with 10 per cent interest, waiving the rest of interest and penalty by June 30, 2023, which would accrue an income of Rs 150 crore. Moreover, registration of all vehicles, including the JCB and heavy vehicles, has been made mandatory in the state. Luxury buses coming from outsid

Himachal Governor reviews progress on development of NHAI projects

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Prasad Shukla has reviewed the progress on the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) projects in the state, a statement said on Wednesday. The governor took detailed information about the NHAI projects, especially Kiratpur -Nerchowk, Pandoh - Takoli and Takoli - Kullu projects, which will be completed soon. The work of five tunnels and 22 major bridges between Kiratpur to Nerchowk is completed and a safety audit is going on, NHAI Shimla Regional Officer Abdul Basit said in the statement. He said that opening of five tunnels from Kiratpur to Nerchowk would reduce the distance in hilly terrain by 37 Km and time by 3 hours. Local citizens and tourists going to Kullu, Manali, Keylong and Rohtang will get its benefit and travel will be easier. The governor also took a detailed account of other highways being constructed by NHAI in the state and instructed the Regional Officer that while constructing the highway, attention should be paid to saving natu

Himachal plans to encourage EV, to become Green Energy State by March 2026

Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday discussed plans to encourage the use of electric vehicles and has set a target to transform the state into a 'Green Energy State' by March 2026. During a review meeting in Dharamshala, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stressed the importance of identifying suitable locations for charging stations along the proposed three Green Corridors Highways in Himachal Pradesh, according to a release. These highways include Parwanoo-Nalagarh-Una-Hamirpur-Sansarpur Terrace and Bilaspur-Hamirpur-Kangra, and Mandi-Dharamshala-Kangra. He also emphasised the need to develop charging infrastructure within cities to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs), according to a statement. The state government has set a target to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026, the statement said. To achieve this goal, the Himachal Pradesh cabinet approved the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme 2023. The scheme will provide a uniform 5

NCPCR member lauds HP govt's Sukhashraya scheme protecting orphan's rights

NCPCR member Preeti Bharadwaj on Wednesday lauded a Himachal Pradesh government scheme protecting the rights of orphans and destitute children, saying it can be become a "role model" for other states. Under the state government's 'Sukhashraya' scheme, orphans and destitute children are declared as "Children of the State". Besides providing shelter and care, the scheme also secures their education and provides skill training. "This scheme is a good initiative for protecting rights of orphans and destitute children and can become a role model for other states also if implemented earnestly," the member of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said at a meeting here on Wednesday. She discussed matters related to improvement of Bal Sudhar Grahs, Balika Ashrams and Child Care Centres with officials of the women and child development, labour and employment, education and health departments, State Commission Protection of Child Rights, Juvenile Justice Board and ...

Himachal govt taking prudent measures to boost rural economy: CM Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhu said that the state government had started to fulfil the election promises made by the Congress party during state elections

Himachal's inmates to be covered under health insurance scheme: CM Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced that the inmates lodged in jails and juvenile homes in the state will be provided Rs 5 lakh medical cover under the 'HIMCARE' scheme. He also launched a campaign for screening of inmates for sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV, tuberculosis and Hepatitis. As many as 3,218 prisoners lodged in 14 jails in Himachal Pradesh and 1,278 inmates of juvenile homes, Nari Niketan and drug rehabilitation centres across the state would be screened and treated for these diseases under the Integrated STI, HIV, TB and Hepatitis (ISHTH) campaign by June 14, he said. Sukhu also provided Himcare cards to the prisoners at Model Central Jail Kanda near Shimla. The registration of inmates under this scheme has been initiated and a 100-per cent target would be achieved shortly, the chief minister said. Himcare scheme provides free healthcare services up to Rs 5 lakhs annually to families which are not covered under the ...

Govt aims at bringing Rs 20,000 cr investment, says Himachal CM Sukhu

Creating an industry-friendly environment in Himachal Pradesh is the topmost priority of the state government, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Sunday. The government is aiming to bring an investment of about Rs. 20,000 crore in manufacturing, tourism, energy, construction and housing with the potential of providing direct employment to about 40,000 persons and indirect employment to about 50,000, he said in a statement here. To develop Himachal Pradesh as a favourite investment destination of the country, several new policies have been adopted by the state government, such as providing various incentives like cheaper power, easier credit facilities through the State Finance Corporation and the nationalised banks for establishing new industries, he added. The land is also being made available on a low-rate lease basis, and new industries are exempted from sales or purchase tax. Concessions are being provided on charges for transportation of raw materials from the neares

Himachal govt to prepare drug de-addiction, rehabilitation policy, says CM

The Himachal Pradesh government will formulate a drug de-addiction and rehabilitation policy for the youth addicted to drugs, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said. At a meeting where a draft policy was discussed, the chief minister said the life of the young generation is limited to mobile phones, which has led them towards drug abuse, according to a statement issued here. He said the state government is taking strict action to prevent the youth from falling prey to drug abuse and a state-of-the-art drug de-addiction-cum-rehabilitation centre will be established in the state with the support of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) to achieve this goal. Directing the officers concerned to identify approximately land for the centre, he said this centre will function with the aim of providing professional training to the inmates besides drug de-addiction. It would boost their lost confidence and guide them to progress in life. The emphasis will

Better ecosystem being developed for small entrepreneurs in Himachal: CM

A better ecosystem is being developed for small entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said in Saturday. The chief minister made the remark during a discussion with the Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Government of India, B B Swain here. Discussions were held on the expansion and strengthening of MSMEs in the state during the meeting. He said that the state government is putting its best foot forward in the direction of attracting investment in electric vehicles, tourism, green hydrogen, green technology and other sectors. There is a proposal to set up clusters in the areas of cane and bamboo-based, traditional footwear, tea-based, weaving, food processing under the Central Cluster Development Programme, the chief minister said, adding that clusters have been approved in Tahliwal, Parwanoo, Jitpur Baheri, Khadin and Gondpur. Apart from this, proposals have also been sent for the establishment of two clusters at .

Himachal Pradesh govt to cover 1,800 hectares for orange production

The Himachal Pradesh government has proposed to cover 1,800 hectares of land in the state for orange production, under HP Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition (SHIVA) project, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said. State Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi-led delegation, which is on a six-day tour to Australia as part of the project, observed the micro-grafting technique in orange cultivation, besides discussing citrus pathology programme and national citrus repository programme, a statement issued here on Saturday said. The HP SHIVA project has been funded by the Asian Development Bank. Citrus fruits are grown in plain areas of the state where the maximum temperature is between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius. This is a key initiative of the state government to gain technical knowledge from Australia and utilise it to guide local horticulturists for improving the sector, the chief minister said, adding that this will help in preparing high quality orange plan

3,500 phone connections obtained via fraudulent means disconnected: HP

Nearly 3,500 mobile phones procured for cybercrime and phishing through fraudulent means have been disconnected by the Himachal Pradesh unit of telecommunication department, according to a statement issued on Wednesday. The department used artificial intelligence (AI) and other techniques to identify the mobile connections obtained through fraudulent means and detected 3,491 connections given by telecom service providers in the state, it said. Additional Director General (ADG) at HP telecommunications Ranbir Singh said fake connections have been cancelled.

Himachal govt to rebrand State Handicrafts Corporation as 'Him-Craft': CM

The Himachal government is all set to rebrand the State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Ltd as 'Him-Craft', Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday. Branding is crucial for any product and the new brand name will help in promoting and branding all handicrafts and handloom products made by artisans and weavers of the state. The move is aimed at increasing the income of artisans and expanding their customer base for economic growth and greater financial stability, a statement issued here said. This will ensure authenticity, enhance customer satisfaction and build trust for the state's handicrafts and handloom products, Sukhu said adding that the new trade name will be reflected in all official documents, including business cards, letterheads, email signatures and the official website, consolidating all handloom and handicrafts products under a single umbrella brand. The Handloom and Handicraft products made by the artisans of Himachal are in great demand in the ..

Himachal Cabinet approves monthly incentive of Rs 1,500 for women of Spiti

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, decided to provide Rs 1,500 per month as Indira Gandhi Mahila Samman Nidhi to all eligible women of the Spiti Valley

Himachal government constitutes task force to curb illegal mining

Ramping up efforts to check illegal mining in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has set up a task force that will review actions taken by various departments in this regard. The state government is trying to increase revenue through scientific mining but at the same time it is also serious about curbing illegal mining, a statement issued here said on Monday. 'Flying Squads' have been deployed at different places to curb illegal mining in border areas and the mining staff is conducting raids in industrial belts such as Baddi, Brotiwala and Nalagarh during odd hours to check illegal mining in these, a spokesperson of the state government said. Mining Departmental officials are dismantling illegal roads carved out by the mining mafia at the inter-state borders to check illegal mining. The department has also initiated the process to identify private land being used for the extraction of illegal minerals by the locals in the Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh Development Authority ...