The Beas Aarti, held at the Panchvaktar Temple during the International Shivaratri Festival in Mandi, took on a deeper significance this year by blending spiritual devotion with environmental consciousness.

Held on the sacred evening of Mahashivaratri, the grand ceremony aimed to raise awareness about the escalating pollution in the region’s rivers and natural water bodies.

The aarti took place along the banks of the Beas, also known as the Vipasha river, and carried a strong message: urgent action is needed to address illegal dumping, plastic waste accumulation, and untreated sewage seepage that are increasingly threatening Mandi’s water sources.

These rivers are not only central to the region’s ecology but also hold deep cultural and spiritual importance.

The ceremony was led by renowned priests from Kashi, who performed the aarti on five specially created platforms at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers.

The platforms, adorned with thousands of glowing diyas provided by local residents, symbolised the triumph of light over darkness.

The sight of flickering lamps reflected in the river served as a powerful reminder of the community’s collective responsibility to protect and preserve its water bodies.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dharmpur MLA Chander Shekhar, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, HPMC Board of Directors member Joginder Guleria, and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan.

They emphasised the need for urgent and collective action to safeguard the environment, highlighting the importance of integrating ecological awareness into the region’s cultural traditions.

The silver jubilee celebrations of the festival provided an ideal platform to reinforce this environmental commitment.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Beas Aarti marks a broader initiative by local authorities to address environmental challenges.

Efforts are already underway to combat illegal dumping, enhance waste management practices, and launch awareness campaigns on water conservation.

Officials stressed that the success of these initiatives depends on active community participation, as protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

In addition to the Beas Aarti, the International Shivaratri Festival is featuring cultural performances from local and international artistes, further extending its message on a global scale.

Alongside the festivities, various sessions and discussions are being held to educate the public on sustainable practices, pollution reduction, and water preservation. These efforts aim to inspire long-term environmental stewardship while maintaining the rich cultural heritage of Mandi.

Light to moderate snow continued in isolated places in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh while intermittent rains lashed several parts of middle and low hills, the weather office said on Thursday.

The local MeT has issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rains and snow at isolated places in Mandi, Kangra, Kullu and Chamba districts for Thursday and Friday, while it has forecast (yellow alert) heavy snow in Lahaul and Spiti and heavy rain and snow in Shimla district for the same period.

The weather office has also predicted heavy rain in Una and Hamirpur districts.

Meanwhile, Keylong has received 20 cm of snow, Khadrala 12 cm, Kukumseri 9.6 cm, Hansa 8 cm and Kalpa 3.4 cm since Wednesday evening.

Sarahan received 29.1 mm of rain, Seobagh 22.2, Manali 19, Bharmour 17, Jot 16, Gohar 15, Karsog 12.1, Bhuntar 10.8, Palampur 8.4, Chamba 8, Dharamshala 6, while Shimla, Solan, Kalpa, Mandi Kufri and Kasauli received between 2 to 5 mm.

Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest in the night, recording a low of minus 4.5 degrees Celsius.

The state received 70.4 mm of rain during the winter season from January 1 to February 27 against normal rainfall of 181.7 mm, a deficit of 61 per cent.

The patwaris and kanungos of the Revenue Department in Himachal Pradesh will henceforth be state cadre employees.

A notification to this effect was issued by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today. Earlier, these employees were district cadre employees.

The notification declared that the divisional, district or settlement cadre of all naib tehsildars, kanungos and patwaris of the Revenue Department would be “State Cadre” for all purposes with immediate effect.

Consequently, the Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and the Secretary would be the appointing and disciplinary authority in respect of naib tehsildars, while the Director of Land Records would be the appointing and disciplinary authority in respect of patwaris and kanungos.

The seniority of naib tehsildars, kanungos and patwaris would be maintained or disposed of at the level of the Director and till the time the recruitment rules are amended, the undergoing process of filling the vacant posts of naib tehsildar, kanungo and patwari through direct recruitment or promotion would be carried under the prevalent Recruitment and Promotion Rules, the notification added.

The Himachal Pradesh government has amended all caste-based provisions in the HP Prison Manual 2021 to ensure equality and eliminate caste-based work allocation among prisoners, an official said on Saturday.

The state government has inserted a paragraph in the manual prohibiting caste-based discrimination in prisons and correctional institutions.

The newly added provision (para 5.66) ensures that no discrimination, classification, or segregation of prisoners will occur on the basis of caste, a government spokesperson said.

Further, para 5.67 mandates that there will be no discrimination of prisoners in the allotment of any duty or work in prisons on the basis of their caste, he added.

Para 5.68 invokes the provision that prisoners will not be engaged in manual scavenging, sewer system maintenance, and septic tank cleaning.

Earlier, a provision in the Jail Manual allowed the employment of paid sweepers in the absence of female prisoners for cleaning tasks. This clause, previously under paragraph 214, has now been completely deleted.

The spokesperson said that jail records will no longer mention the caste, community, or religious affiliations of inmates of prisons. The state government has introduced these reforms through the Himachal Pradesh Prison Manual Second Amendment, 2025.

Furthermore, the amended Jail Manual also provides a clear definition of habitual offenders. A person will be classified as a habitual offender if they have been convicted or sentenced to imprisonment on more than two occasions for any one or more offences committed on different occasions and not constituting parts of the same transaction within a continuous period of five years, provided the convictions have not been overturned on appeal or review.

The spokesperson said that the government remains committed to upholding dignity, equality, and justice, ensuring fair and non-discriminatory prison operations in the state.

An FIR has been lodged against unknown persons for allegedly leaking Himachal Pradesh CID’s information and documents.

Sources said the Superintendent of Police (SP), State CID, had filed a complaint in the police station at Chotta Shimla in which it was alleged that someone had unlawfully leaked CID’s confidential information that was being used to defame the state CID as well as the state government.

On the basis of the complaint, an FIR has been registered under Sections 59 (Public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent), 60 (concealing plans to commit a crime), 61 (criminal conspiracy), 305 (theft of a government property), 336(4) (forgery with the intent to harm someone’s reputation) and 353(2) (punishing individuals who make, publish, or circulate false information, rumors, or statements) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), 2023.

The action came after a confidential information and documents of CID department were leaked and were widely published in the media at state and national levels a few months ago.

The state government’’s efforts to promote tourism are beginning to bear fruit as Tattapani in Mandi district has transformed into a thriving adventure destination, often referred to as “Mini Goa”.

The state government is making significant strides in positioning the region as a premier tourism destination, with particular emphasis on water-based adventure tourism. With the introduction of still water activities in lakes and reservoirs, the area is rapidly becoming a hotspot for adventure and thrill-seeking tourists.

Tattapani is located 55 km from the state capital, Shimla, and is renowned for its natural beauty, hot springs, and serene lakes.

Situated on the banks of the Sutlej river, this area offers a unique blend of scenic mountains, religious places, and now, exciting recreational water activities. Tourists flock to Tattapani not only for its spiritual heritage, linked to the meditation of sage Jamdagni, but also for the revitalising experience of bathing in its sulphur-rich hot springs.

Thanks to the state government’’s tourism policy, a range of thrilling water activities have been introduced at Tattapani lake.

Visitors can now enjoy jet skiing, speed boating, bumper boating, banana rides, e-foiling, water skiing and ATV bike rides. As of now, the lake is equipped with eight jet skis, 10 speed boats, one bumper boat, one banana ride, two jetovators, four e-foils, two water skis, and two ATV bikes, all operated under the supervision of trained guides and instructors.

These activities have not only added to the region’s appeal but have significantly boosted the local economy.

Around 200 to 250 people have found employment directly or indirectly due to the surge in tourism. Out of these, approximately 35 individuals are employed directly in the water sports activities, while over 200 more have secured indirect employment, including in hospitality and services for the growing number of tourists.

Local business owners have also benefited from the increased footfall, as more visitors are spending on accommodation, food and other services.

Historical significance and growing popularity

Beyond its natural beauty, Tattapani holds historical and cultural significance. It is a revered religious site, with a long-standing belief that sage Jamdagni meditated here.

The area’’s hot spring, rich in sulphur, has been used for centuries for its supposed healing properties. The area’s importance was underscored when Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, inaugurated the hot spring in September 1952.

Additionally, Nobel laureate, world-famous poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore also visited Tattapani in 1938, cementing its place in India’s cultural history.

Tattapani draws visitors from across the country. Previously, tourists visiting Shimla, the ‘Queen of Hills,’ would only travel as far as Kufri, Naldehra, Mashobra, or Narkanda, but now many are extending their trip to include a visit to Tattapani.

The introduction of water sports activities at the Tattapani reservoir has led many visitors to extend their stay by an extra day, which benefits the hospitality sector in Shimla and surrounding areas.

Surge in tourist traffic and economic impact

Local businesses have seen a marked increase in footfall, with approximately 100 vehicles arriving daily during peak tourist season, bringing 400 to 500 visitors to Tattapani each day. As a result, both local hotels and restaurants have experienced a boost in business, and the state has also benefited from additional revenue.

According to Prem Raina, secretary, Tattapani Water Sports Association, the area now attracts over 50,000 to 60,000 tourists annually, further establishing Tattapani as an emerging adventure tourism hub. The growing number of visitors has also led to increased interest from tour operators and service providers in the region.

Tattapani’s transformation began in 2015 when the Kol Dam created a reservoir on the Sutlej, which then led to the formation of the lake.

Following the government’s initiative to promote still water activities, regulations were put in place and Tattapani Travel became the first registered agency in Himachal Pradesh to offer water sports activities.

Trained pilots, certified by the National Skill Training Institute in Goa, ensure that all activities are conducted safely and professionally.

With a combination of adventure sports, natural beauty, historical significance and employment opportunities for the local community, Tattapani is quickly becoming one of Himachal Pradesh’’s most sought-after tourist destinations, marking a new era for the state’s tourism industry.

Hundreds of acres of agricultural land in Himachal Pradesh has been left barren as farmers, plagued by the stray animal menace, have abandoned their fields over the past three years.

Despite persistent pleas, no concrete measures have been taken by successive governments to address the issue.

Stray animals, including cows and monkeys, roam freely across farmlands, streets and highways, causing extensive damage to crops.

According to information gathered by The Tribune, there has been a significant decline in the area under wheat cultivation in the northern districts of Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Chamba and Kangra.

In the past two years, wheat was cultivated on approximately 31,500 hectares in this zone. However, last year, the area under wheat cultivation was reduced by 7,500 hectares due to the unchecked growth of stray animal populations, which have been devastating standing crops.

While Kangra has managed to maintain its cultivation, the remaining four districts have witnessed a sharp decline in wheat production.

Official sources confirm that stray animals and monkeys are responsible for the destruction of crops worth over Rs 1,500 crore annually.

Farmers in Palampur and adjoining areas report that they are forced to guard their crops round-the-clock to prevent destruction.

Many have resorted to continuous protests, submitting memorandums to officials from the Chief Minister down to the Deputy Commissioners, but their concerns have largely been ignored.

Over the past three years, the population of stray animals in the state has quadrupled, further worsening the crisis.

The growing number of abandoned cattle and unregulated stray populations have turned into a nightmare for the farming community.

Cow cess revenue fails

The Himachal Pradesh government has been collecting Rs 10 per bottle of liquor as “cow cess” to generate funds for stray animal rehabilitation. Over the past year alone, the state has amassed over Rs 100 crore through this tax.

The objective of the cow cess was to rehabilitate stray animals and protect farmers’ crops. However, despite the substantial revenue collected, no visible efforts have been made to control the menace, and thousands of stray animals continue to roam unchecked across the state.

Policy paralysis and unutilised infrastructure

A senior state government official admitted that no clear policy has been formulated for the rehabilitation of stray animals. The matter remains under consideration in the Chief Minister’s office.

One of the primary roadblocks has been determining who will operate the proposed cow sanctuaries.

The government aims to involve the private sector but has failed to attract interest due to the meager financial support offered—just Rs 700 per animal per month, which is deemed unviable by potential stakeholders.

In a glaring example of bureaucratic inefficiency, a cow sanctuary near Palampur was constructed in 2022 at a cost of over Rs 3 crore.

However, despite being fully built, it remains non-operational due to red tape and administrative delays.

With no viable solution in sight, farmers continue to suffer, and agricultural productivity is declining at an alarming rate.

If the government fails to take immediate action, the situation is likely to worsen, leading to greater economic and agricultural distress across the state.

The weather department has issued an alert for a wet spell starting from midnight today, warning of slippery roads, traffic congestion, and disruption of essential services in various parts of Himachal Pradesh.

An orange alert has been issued for heavy rain/snowfall in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi for February 20. A forecast for light to moderate snowfall and rainfall has been predicted for other parts of the state

Light snowfall is expected at many places, with a few spells of moderate snowfall, in the districts of Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and the higher reaches of Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur from February 20 midnight till the next morning.

A few spells of light snowfall with one or two moderate spells are likely over most tourist destinations, including Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, Solang Valley, Dalhousie, and Sissu, and adjoining areas.

According to the department, maximum temperatures are likely to fall by 6-7 degrees Celsius over many parts of the state on February 20. Minimum temperatures are expected to rise by 3-4 degrees Celsius over many parts of the state on February 20 and then fall by 3-4 degrees Celsius on February 21-22.

Cold day conditions are also likely to prevail over some parts of the lower hills, plain areas, and mid-hills on February 20.

In a determined effort to combat the growing drug menace, various panchayats, mahila mandals and self-help groups in the district have taken matters into their own hands.

They have launched a campaign to curb heroin addiction and trafficking, vowing to make their villages drug-free.

Today, the Buruwa Gram Panchayat in Manali subdivision passed a resolution completely banning heroin peddling within its jurisdiction.

Panchayat president Churamani Thakur announced that anyone caught selling drugs would face social boycott, while families of addicts would be warned and strict action taken in case of repeated offences.

To encourage informants, a cash reward of Rs 30,000 has been announced for those providing information about heroin peddlers or addicts, with a promise to keep their identities confidential.

“The menace of synthetic drugs is increasing, and it is our responsibility to eradicate it from the root,” Thakur said. “If anyone consumes or sells drugs, they should be reported to the panchayat, which will ensure legal action.”

This initiative, which began in Manali Gram Panchayat, has now transformed into a full-fledged movement.

Villagers of Manali panchayat recently took an oath at the Manu temple to rid their village of drugs. An awareness rally was also organised.

Panchayat president Monica Bharti reaffirmed their commitment, stating that heroin consumption and sale would not be tolerated. The panchayat has announced a reward of Rs 15,000 for those providing information on drug dealers, with complete confidentiality guaranteed.

Similarly, Gram Panchayat Kulang has intensified efforts to root out heroin and other synthetic drugs.

Members of Mahila Mandals visited local shops, stalls, and eateries, urging vendors not to sell tobacco products to minors.

They also requested shopkeepers to shut down their businesses for local youth by 9 pm to prevent nighttime loitering.

The Chachoga Gram Panchayat has also joined the movement. Under the leadership of president Diksha Devi, villagers conducted an awareness rally and launched a campaign against drugs.

They urged homeowners to maintain records of their tenants and ensure proper registration to track suspicious activities.

This wave of anti-drug activism has gained momentum, with many other panchayats and social organisations voicing their commitment to eliminating the drug crisis.

The rapid rise in synthetic drug consumption has become a significant concern. Earlier, drug addiction was primarily confined to towns, but it has now infiltrated villages, trapping the younger generation.

While the police continue their efforts to apprehend addicts and traffickers, community participation is proving to be a crucial factor in curbing this menace.

The unified efforts of villagers, panchayats, and women’s groups highlight the power of grassroots activism in tackling social evils, bringing hope for a drug-free future.

A two-day Tulip Festival & National Symposium on Ornamental Bulbous Flowers begins at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur on Tuesday.

The festival, organised in collaboration with the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture (ISOH), aims to promote the cultivation, research, and commercialisation of ornamental bulbous flowers, attracting stakeholders from across India.

A Kisan Mela would also be organised to engage farmers and showcase innovative agricultural practices. Researchers, horticulturists, policymakers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders from all over will participate in the symposium to discuss advancements in bulbous flower cultivation.

The event will explore how these flowers can enhance rural livelihoods, promote agro-tourism, and contribute to the ornamental horticulture market.

The symposium will feature 109 abstract presentations and expert talks from 26 eminent speakers representing various states across India. Fifteen industries, including Red Mirchi Associates (Haryana), Blumen Florals (Ladakh), Serchen Flowers (Ladakh), RTS flowers (Punjab), Shivalik florist (Uttarakhand), Vatika Floriculture Society (HP), The Tian Flower Surti Cluster (HP), KF Bioplants, Rise N Shine, Precision Agrotech, Florance Flora, Research Aid, NHB, and Subziro Farms, will participate alongside 50 farmers from Bilaspur (HP), Mandi (HP), Shimla (HP), Chail (HP), Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab), Kaladungi (UK), and Leh-Kargil (Ladakh), fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Four technical sessions over two days will cover key topics, including genetic improvement, production enhancements, plant protection, postharvest management, phytosanitary protocols, and value addition of bulbous crops. Each session will feature expert lectures, presentations, and interactive discussions.

A dedicated session will facilitate interaction among professors, scientists, farmers, and industry representatives, encouraging innovative and sustainable practices.

Awards and fellowships will also be presented during the symposium. CSIR-IHBT, established in 1983 under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), focuses on the sustainable utilisation of Himalayan bio-resources.

The institute leads in conservation, genetic enhancement, crop production, protection, postharvest management, and value addition of commercially important crops. Its Agro-technology Division specialises in floriculture and horticulture research, enhancing productivity and profitability through precision agro-technologies.

The ISOH, founded in 1990, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing ornamental horticulture in India through seminars, publications, and sustainable practices. It offers training, consultancy, and honors excellence in the field. The symposium promises a vibrant blend of science, culture, and nature, inspiring stakeholders to explore the economic and ecological potential of ornamental horticulture.

Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, will be the Chief Guest, while Dr. Y C Gupta, Former Dean of the College of Horticulture, Dr. YSP UHF, Thunag, Mandi, HP, will be the guest of honour.

Former CM and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur said drug mafia had become quite active in the past two years and it had to be dealt with an iron hand.

Addressing mediapersons in Dharamsala, the LoP said social media was packed with reports of ‘Raingta Himachal’, thus tarnishing the image of the state.

He added that peddlers had started targeting youngsters in rural and far-flung areas, which were safe from drug menace earlier.

Urging the Congress government to take stern action, Thakur pointed out that earlier the drug trade was confined to border areas, but nowadays this menace had spread manifold in the interior areas of the state.

He said when he was at the helm, his government had started joint operation with neighbouring states to expose drug cartels.

He stated that the previous government had taken several steps in this regard, including formulation of an Act, and keeping surveillance of the ones found making easy money.

In the last two weeks, four boys in the prime of their adulthood died due to drug overdose, said Thakur, claiming that over 100 people had lost their life in the past two years.

He said the skill development funds meant to engage youngsters were being diverted by the government.

The LoP mentioned that several schemes initiated by his government to help the unemployed youth start their own ventures had been put on the backburner by the Congress.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized unexplained cash of Rs 40.62 lakh and jewellery worth Rs 1.61 crore during raids conducted at multiple locations, including the residence and business establishments of BJP leader Niti Sen Bhatia and his son in Panipat and Paonta Sahib (Himachal Pradesh).

The ED raids were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in connection with a case involving Raees Ahmed Bhat and others, who are allegedly involved in the unauthorised sale and diversion of a codeine-based cough syrup (CBCS), Cocrex, and associated illicit monetary gains.

The investigation revealed that Vidit Healthcare, owned by Neeraj Bhatia, manufactured CBCS, which was then procured and diverted by shell companies, including M/s SS Industries, NK Pharmaceuticals, and Kansal Pharmaceuticals.

During the searches, ED seized unexplained cash, jewellery, and various documentary and digital evidence. Two accused persons, Garv Bhambhari and Mamta Kansal, who were absconding in a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) case, were also traced during the search operations.

Niti Sen Bhatia is a close relative of former Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia, who was also present during the ED raid at his residence.

Notably, BJP leader Niti Sen Bhatia’s elder son, Navin Bhatia, had applied for the mayoral ticket in the upcoming Panipat civic body elections but was dropped from the list after the ED raid.

His younger son, Neeraj Bhatia, was arrested by NCB in August last year under the NDPS Act but has since been released on bail by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

The Himachal Government has decided to grant 60-day special maternity leave to its women employees in the event of stillbirth or the death of a newborn.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today.

In another important decision, the Cabinet approved the declaration of the pending results of the exams for 699 posts of six codes, excluding the ones in which police cases were pending.

These posts included those of market supervisor, fireman, drawing master and clerk in the state Secretariat, lineman and steno-typist.

The Cabinet gave consent to allowing allopathic doctors to draw full salary during study leave in India or abroad.

It decided to categorise all 135 existing police stations in the state into six categories based on population, area, major crimes, traffic, inter-state borders and the flow of tourists.

It decided that the staff posting in police stations would be revised on the basis of their categories to strengthen field offices and ensure better services to people.

The Cabinet gave nod to the upgrade of the Sanjauli police chowki to a police station along with 20 posts.

It decided to open a new fire post at Nerwa in Shimla district along with 17 posts and approved the auction-cum-tender process for collecting entry tax for 2025-26, with an expected additional revenue of Rs 11.56 crore.

The Cabinet decided to introduce FASTag at all entry barriers in a phased manner. In the first phase, FASTag would be introduced at the toll barriers at Garamaura (Bilaspur), Parwanoo (Main) and Tiara bypass (Solan), Govindghat (Sirmaur), Kandwal (Nurpur), Mehatpur (Una) and Baddi (Solan).

The Cabinet approved the opening of a primary health centre (PHC) at Basheel in Solan district, new Jal Shakti Department divisions in Kangra and Jagatkhana in the Naina Devi Assembly constituency of Bilaspur and a sub tehsil at Loharghat in Solan district.

It gave approval for the upgrade of 16 sanctioned posts of Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in various departments of HP Government Dental College, Shimla.

It gave nod to starting B.Tech (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) and B.Tech (Computer Science) courses at Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College at Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra.

It also approved the introduction of B.Tech (Civil Engineering) at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pragatinagar in Shimla, and a new diploma course of Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) at Government Polytechnic College at Sundernagar in Mandi district.

The Cabinet gave approval for the establishment of a Department of Nuclear Medicine at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital at Nerchowk in Mandi district.

It also gave nod to the creation and filling of posts of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Senior Resident Doctor, Nuclear Medicine Technologist and Radiation Safety Officer in the hospital.

The Cabinet decided to fill the post of Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion under the Department of Pathology at Dr YS Parmar Government Medical College at Nahan in Sirmaur district.

The Budget Session of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha is likely to be held from March 10 to 28 and the annual Budget would be presented on March 17.

The state Cabinet in its meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday decided to recommend to the Governor to convene the Budget Session from March 10 to 28, Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan told media persons here.

A total of 15 sessions would be held and the Chief Minister would present the annual Budget on March 17, Chauhan said.

The Cabinet also approved the declaration of pending results for 713 posts in seven categories, including junior engineer, market supervisor, fireman, clerks (Himachal Secretariat), lineman and steno-typist, he added.

Results of various examinations were withheld after the vigilance pointed out irregularities in examinations conducted by the HPSSC following alleged paper leak unearthed on December 23, 2022, when the vigilance arrested commission’s senior assistant Uma Azad with solved question papers and Rs 2.5 lakh in cash.

The Cabinet also approved 60-day special maternity leave for government employees in the event of a stillbirth or the death of a child soon after birth, a statement issued here said.

The Cabinet decided to categorise all the 135 existing police stations into six categories based on the criteria of population, area, major crime, traffic, inter-state borders and flow of tourists.

It was also decided that staff posting in police stations will be revised on the basis of their category to strengthen the field offices and ensure better services to people.

It also gave its nod to auction-cum-tender process for collecting entry tax for the financial year 2025-26, with an expected additional revenue of Rs 11.56 crore as compared to 2024-2025.

Additionally, the Cabinet also decided to implement the FASTag facility at all entry toll barriers in a phased manner. In the first phase, FASTag will be introduced at toll barriers in Garamaura (Bilaspur), Parwanoo (Main) and Tiara Bypass (Solan), Govindghat (Sirmaur), Kandwal (Nurpur), Mehatpur (Una), and Baddi (Solan).

Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra Rajni Patil has once again been made the incharge of the Himachal Congress, replacing Rajeev Shukla.

Patil (66) has been entrusted the task of being the party incharge for Himachal for the second time.

She is familiar with Himachal politics and the Congress organisation in the hill state as prior to this, she remained the party incharge from 2018 to 2020 for almost two years.

Being a seasoned leader who has remained a Lok Sabha MP, she faces the challenge of taking along all factions and leaders, especially Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the state Congress president Pratibha Singh, former Mandi MP and wife of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh.

She will have to strike a balance between all senior leaders, ministers and MLAs to forge unity, especially in the backdrop of a revolt by six Congress MLAs in the run-up to the Rajya Sabha elections in February 2024.

There is complete uncertainty whether Pratibha will be allowed to continue or the party will get a new president. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who remained an arch rival of Virbhadra, would like to get his own man installed as the party president but eventually it is the high command which will have the final say.

Patil’s appointment has come at a time when the central high command dissolved the party units and all committees, almost three months back.

As such her appointment has come at a crucial time when the entire party organisation is to be revamped. Also, the panchayat elections are due in November, later this year, necessitating the need for strengthening the party and gearing up the party cadres.

The delay in revamping the party and various organisational outfits is causing major concern among the senior leaders as well as the party cadre.

Some senior leaders, including ministers too, have not hesitated to express their angst in the delay over revamp of the party set-up, especially after the Congress debacle in the Delhi Assembly polls.

Murmurs of resentment over the Congress organisation lying defunct are already being heard as earlier this week, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar stated that the party set-up was almost paralysed.

He said the party would have to be strengthened at the grassroots level as putting up candidates once the polls are announced does not work. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil echoed similar concerns while stating that it was essential to revamp and strengthen the party.

AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal issued the list of the new party incharge for nine states, including Himachal, late last night.

As per the new appointments made by Congress president Mallikaarjun Kharge, Patil has also been made the in-charge for Chandigarh along with Himachal.