Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi last evening and held discussions on various budgetary and financial issues concerning the state that required the attention of the Central Government.

The Chief Minister also discussed with her the issue of the import of apple from Turkey and requested her for a universal hike in the import duty on the fruit to protect the interests of the apple growers of the country.

Sukhu requested the Union Finance Minister to raise the borrowing limit of Himachal and other special category states by at least 2 per cent.

He also briefed Sitharaman about various initiatives taken by the state government to improve its fiscal management and the steps taken to augment financial resources despite several constraints.

The Chief Minister also met Dr Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the Finance Commission, and pleaded for an increase in the allocation of funds to the state.

The officers of the state government made a presentation to the commission and submitted an additional memorandum. The state asked for green bonus for the ecological and environmental services it was rendering to the nation by preserving its ecosystem.

Sukhu said that the state had suffered losses due to the reduction in the Goods and Services Tax and urged Panagariya for compensation.

He added that the revenue deficit grant for the state should be increased. Panagariya assured the Chief Minister that the commission would consider the submissions of the state.

He said that he had a meeting with Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar and urged him for the release of arrears by the Bhakra Beas Management Board, besides the appointment of a permanent member from Himachal to the board.

The slow pace of construction on the Do-Sarka-Khabli-Piasa road in Dehra Gopipur tehsil has become a serious cause of concern for local residents, as the construction company continues to ignore the norms set by the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD).

Several stretches remain half-completed, making daily travel a struggle and affecting the health and livelihood of the villagers.

Residents expressed their frustration, pointing out that the constant dust from the unfinished road is causing respiratory and eye ailments. “The contractor never sprays water on the road,” they said. “The dust settles inside homes and shops along the stretch, making life unbearable.”

At several under-construction culverts, large potholes have been left open, posing danger to vehicles and pedestrians alike. Locals claim these are seldom filled, despite repeated complaints.

Rajinder Kumar, who runs a small shop near Khabli, said the villagers have repeatedly urged both the contractor and the PWD to control the dust by spraying water on the road. “No action has been taken.

Now that summer is here, the problem has worsened,” he added. “People are facing breathing issues due to the dust-laden air.”

According to residents, the road widening was completed nearly two months ago, but bitumen is yet to be laid. As a result, a thick layer of dust continues to hang over the area, severely impacting the quality of life.

Villagers are now demanding immediate intervention by the authorities to ensure the contractor follows construction norms and completes the project without further delay.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court today ordered that the case of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi’s death be handed over to the CBI.

Posted as Chief engineer in Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL), Negi had gone missing on March 10 and later his body was found in Gobindsagar dam in Bilaspur on March 18. His family had moved court seeking the handing over of the case to the CBI for an “impartial” probe into the circumstances leading to his death.

They alleged that he was being harassed at work place. They had levelled allegations against HPPCL Managing Director Harikesh Meena, Director Personnel Shivam Pratap and Director Desh Raj.

The court has directed the CBI to hold an independent inquiry into the case. The detailed order is still awaited.

Sharing details of the court directives, RK Bawa, lawyer of the Negi family, said the possibility of foul play could not be ruled out.

“The ACS report has mentioned that the matter is not being probed in a fair manner and the officers against whom the family had levelled allegations of harassment in office have been indicted, “ said Bawa.

Bawa said the court concurred with the plea of the family that fair investigation was not being done by the state police.

Additonal Chief Secretray (Home and Revenue) Onkar Sharma had submitted a 66-page fact-finding inquiry report to the government on April 8, 2025, as he had been entrusted the inquiry.

He even declined to review this report on the request of Secretary (Power) to include the rebuttal of the three officers, who faced allegations.

The conflicting affidavits submitted by the Director General of Police Atul Verma and the SP, Shimla, had also put a question mark on a fair inquiry by the SIT constituted in this regard.

Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, on Thursday inaugurated the Post Basic BSc Nursing course at the Swami Shri Rajeshwaranand Bharti (SSRB) Nursing Training Institute, Kakira, under the Swami Shri Harigiri Charitable Trust in Bhattiyat Assembly segment.

Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, Pathania commended the efforts of the Swami Shri Harigiri Multi-Specialty Hospital in delivering quality healthcare services to the region.

He highlighted that the commencement of the Post Basic BSc Nursing course would benefit students who have completed their General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) diploma, by enabling them to pursue a two-year BSc Nursing degree at the institute.

He said the institute has been offering the regular BSc Nursing course since 2023. Responding to a request from the institute’s management, Pathania assured that an MSc Nursing programme would also be launched in the near future. He expressed hope that the institution would soon establish itself as a premier medical college in the region.

The Speaker also committed to upgrading the Kakira Primary Health & Wellness Centre into a Community Health Centre (CHC). He also said a Skill University will be set up in the Bhattiyat area to enhance educational opportunities for local youth.

Applauding the institute’s achievements, Pathania said its focus on high-quality nursing education and strong social values has led to the recruitment of its trainees by medical institutions across the country.

He emphasised that this success has not only brought prestige to the institute but has also ensured 100% placement for its students.

Kanta Ajay Kumar, Principal of SSRB Nursing Training Institute besides SDM Paras Agrawal, DSP Yograj Chandel and DFO Rajneesh Mahajan were among others present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Speaker participated in the concluding ceremony of the five-day-long Shri Maharudra Yagya Mahotsav organized at the Swami Shri Harigiri Sanyas Ashram in Kakira.

Pathania said the Sanyas Ashram in Kakira was founded by Swami Shri Harigiri Maharaj, who prioritised public welfare with deep spiritual devotion.

He added that this legacy has been carried forward by Swami Rajeshwaranand Bharti, and today, the Swami Shri Harigiri Charitable Trust remains dedicated to the service of society.

he Speaker shared that the Shri Maharudra Yagya Mahotsav has been organized annually under the aegis of the Sanyas Ashram for the past 57 years.

He emphasised that such spiritual events play a crucial role in fostering harmony, peace, and positive energy in society, while also contributing to environmental conservation.

Offering his best wishes to the organizers of the Yagya Mahotsav, Pathania acknowledged the vital role played by saints and ashrams in preserving the traditions of Sanatan Dharma.

He praised the charitable and welfare activities carried out by the Swami Shri Harigiri Charitable Trust and urged the local community to actively participate in such events.

Two people were swept away in the Parvati river near Kasol in Himachal’s Kullu district on Thursday, officials said.

According to the information, the incident took place in Manikaran Valley when the flow of the river suddenly increased in the afternoon.

The locals who saw two people being swept away in the river informed the administration and the police.

The rescue and search teams have recovered the body of one person, who was described to be in his early thirties and reportedly from Uttar Pradesh. However, officials said he was yet to be identified.

“Search operations are on to find the other body,” said Kullu Additional District Magistrate Ashwani Kumar.

The incident reportedly happened after the Parbati-II hydroelectric project began releasing water from its reservoir in the morning.

However, whether the two incidents are linked can only be ascertained after the inquiry’s conclusion.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to find out if the protocol of warning and alert was followed, and the Kullu SDM would submit the report within a week, Kumar said.

The department of orthopedics at AIIMS, Bilaspur, has successfully conducted a robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery, making it the first government health institution in the state.

Dr Tarun Sharma, information officer of the AIIMS, Bilaspur, said the surgery had performed on an elderly patient, who was suffering from advanced arthritis and severe knee deformities.

He added that with the aid of robotic precision, the surgical team corrected the deformity and restored joint alignment with remarkable accuracy.

Dr Sharma said the operation was conducted by a team of surgeons, including Dr Ranjeet Choudhary, Dr Gaurav Kumar Sharma, Dr Amit Salaria and Dr Devender with anesthesia support provided by Dr Vijayalakshmi Sivapurapu. And the nursing team was led by Bhajan Lal.

Dr Choudhary said, “With the introduction of robotic knee replacement services, the AIIMS, Bilaspur, is now equipped to offer state-of-the-art orthopaedic care.

Our department has already performed complex trauma, spine and arthroscopic sports injury surgeries. The addition of robotics completes the spectrum of orthopaedic surgical care.”

Dr Chaudhary said robotic system allows for real-time intra-operative balancing and alignment of the joint with sub-millimetre precision, which results in better functional outcomes and faster recovery compared to conventional techniques.

Dr Sharma said this development would benefit thousands of patients across the region, thus making advanced care more accessible than ever before.

The Union Ministry of Defence has acceded to the request of the Himachal Government and given the go-ahead for tourism activities in the villages of Lepcha, Shipki La, Giu and Rani Kanda, which share border with China.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu would inaugurate border tourism activities from Shipki La in Kinnaur district on June 10, 2025, and flag off a Sadbhawana Cycle Rally.

Sukhu presided over a high-level meeting with officers of the Army and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) here. He also reviewed various border development projects and directed the officials concerned to expedite them so that people residing in border areas and armed forces get the maximum benefits.

He directed Public Works Department (PWD) and BRO officers to coordinate for the early execution of the ongoing projects.

The state government had requested the Union Ministry of Defence to allow tourism activities in the border areas of the state and a meeting in this regard was held with senior Army officers on April 19 this year.

Now, tourists visiting these border areas would have to show their Aadhaar cards to the authorities to be able to explore the beauty of these areas.

Sukhu said that he would raise the issue of the establishment of a Himachal Scouts battalion with the Union Government during his upcoming visit to New Delhi.

He added that a special force comprising predominately local youth, who are well versed in the terrain and local conditions, would significantly enhance the operational readiness of forces along the border areas of the state.

He said that he would also take up the matter of the setting up of an airport at Rangreek in the Spiti valley to promote tourism in the area.

He also discussed various ongoing road projects in the region and assured full support of the government to the BRO in the execution of these works.

He said that the Nithalthach-Harshil road project shall be declared as strategically important and be executed on priority. This would ensure connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to boost tourism and trade.

The Chief Minister instructed the BRO to expedite the work on the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road to provide better connectivity to people residing in these areas.

He added that 35 per cent work on the project had already been completed and the BRO should expedite the remaining work.

General Officer Commanding, Uttar Bharat Area, Lieut Gen GD Mishra told the Chief Minister that the Army would establish an apple processing plant in the area and organise a medical camp for cataract surgery for locals next month.

Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant attended the meeting.

The Union Ministry of Defence has acceded to the request of the Himachal Government and given the go-ahead for tourism activities in the villages of Lepcha, Shipki La, Giu and Rani Kanda, which share border with China.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu would inaugurate border tourism activities from Shipki La in Kinnaur district on June 10, 2025, and flag off a Sadbhawana Cycle Rally.

Sukhu presided over a high-level meeting with officers of the Army and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) here. He also reviewed various border development projects and directed the officials concerned to expedite them so that people residing in border areas and armed forces get the maximum benefits.

He directed Public Works Department (PWD) and BRO officers to coordinate for the early execution of the ongoing projects.

The state government had requested the Union Ministry of Defence to allow tourism activities in the border areas of the state and a meeting in this regard was held with senior Army officers on April 19 this year.

Now, tourists visiting these border areas would have to show their Aadhaar cards to the authorities to be able to explore the beauty of these areas.

Sukhu said that he would raise the issue of the establishment of a Himachal Scouts battalion with the Union Government during his upcoming visit to New Delhi.

He added that a special force comprising predominately local youth, who are well versed in the terrain and local conditions, would significantly enhance the operational readiness of forces along the border areas of the state.

He said that he would also take up the matter of the setting up of an airport at Rangreek in the Spiti valley to promote tourism in the area.

He also discussed various ongoing road projects in the region and assured full support of the government to the BRO in the execution of these works.

He said that the Nithalthach-Harshil road project shall be declared as strategically important and be executed on priority. This would ensure connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to boost tourism and trade.

The Chief Minister instructed the BRO to expedite the work on the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road to provide better connectivity to people residing in these areas.

He added that 35 per cent work on the project had already been completed and the BRO should expedite the remaining work.

General Officer Commanding, Uttar Bharat Area, Lieut Gen GD Mishra told the Chief Minister that the Army would establish an apple processing plant in the area and organise a medical camp for cataract surgery for locals next month.

Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant attended the meeting.

Chaitanya Thakur and Ritika of Him Academy Public School, Vikas Nagar, have cracked the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) organised by National Law Universities Forum for 2025. Both students were honoured by the school management at the school here yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Naina Lakhnapal, principal of the school, said that this achievement of the students had added another feather to the school’s cap.

She said that the success was the result of relentless hard work of the teachers and students of the institution.

She added that regular counselling, expert mentoring and preparedness for competitive examinations are regular features of the school.

She congratulated Chaitanya and Ritika on their success.

Authorities of Pandoh dam in Mandi district on Monday cautioned the general public and tourists not to venture to the banks of the Beas as the spill gates could be opened anytime since the water level is rising.

Thunderstorms caused damages in parts of Mandi district on Monday and dark clouds overcast the sky in Mandi and Shimla. The safety of the dam is being ascertained, officials said.

Flash floods in Udaipur sub-division of Lahaul and Spiti district have blocked the Sansari-Killar-Tindi-Thirot road. The police have urged the public to avoid travelling on this road, as its clearance was obstructed by rains.

The local Met office has issued an orange warning for light to moderate rains accompanied by lightning, hail and gusty winds with a speed of 40-50 kilometres per hour at isolated places in Una and Shimla districts on Monday.

It has also issued a yellow warning for light to moderate rains accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with a speed of 30-40 kilometres per hour at isolated places in Bilapsur, Mandi, Kullu, Hamirpur, Solan and Sirmaur districts.

Light rain was predicted in Shimla and adjoining areas.

In a tragic incident a man identified as Parakash Chand (68) drowned along with his two grandsons in Neugal river near Thural, 40 km from here, on Sunday evening.

Parakash Chand tried to save his grandchildren Arush (8) and Taru (6). However, all three drowned in the river.

As per information, Parakash Chand, along with his two grandsons, had gone to Neugal river for washing clothes on Sunday evening.

His grandsons started playing near river and all of sudden both went into deep water and started drowning.

When Parakash Chand saw his grandsons drowning, he immediately jumped into the river to save them, but as the water current was strong he and all drowned in the river.

A few villagers tried to save Parakash Chand and his grandsons, but failed to do so. A police team from Thural reached the spot and recovered bodies of deceased from the river.

Vipin Singh Parmar, former Speaker and Sulaha MLA, expressed shock over the tragedy and conveyed his sympathies to the family of the deceased. — OC

The Lakshminath Temple Trust in Chamba has issued notices to 45 shopkeepers operating under its jurisdiction, instructing them to sign new rent agreements for revised rent of the temple properties.

The move is part of the committee’s efforts to boost temple revenue and enforce accountability.

The failure to comply with the updated agreement terms will result in eviction proceedings and the shops will be vacated by the committee.

Additionally, the revised policy includes a provision for a 10% annual increase in rent, ensuring a steady enhancement in the temple’s income.

The Trust owns 54 properties, mainly shops, in areas such as Dogra Bazaar, Kasakra, Saho and Mehla. Temple committee had rented out these properties to generate revenue.

Most of the shopkeepers have been paying a meagre rent amount per month fixed several years back while many are not paying even the minimal rent regularly. In some cases, the rent is a nominal Rs 5 to Rs 150.

The Lakshminarayan Temple Trust was established in the year 2015. Prior to this, all properties of the temple were managed by the temple committee.

After the transfer of the ownership of the properties to the trust, it was found that since the shops were initially allotted, neither had the rent ever been increased nor had any assessment of these shops been carried out.

Subsequently, an assessment of the properties was done in 2018-19 on the basis of which the rates were revised with a provision of 10% annual increase in the rent.

However, about nine shopkeepers paid the revised rents while other continued to pay old rent. The trust repeatedly warned the tenants to pay rent as per the revised rates. Following these warnings, a few shopkeepers have started paying a reasonable rent, but others have continued to ignore the directives.

The temple committee’s decisive stance to act tough against the defaults comes amid the reports of unauthorized subletting and continued non-payment of fair rent.

It had come to the notice of the temple committee that several shopkeepers who had leased the shops from the Trust have reportedly sublet them without prior permission, in violation of the committee’s regulations.

Chamba Tehsildar and Temple Officer Dikshit Rana said the temple committee had asked the tenants multiple times to comply with the new rental rates, but most have failed to do so

It was also learnt that to maximise their profits, some shopkeepers have sublet their shops to third parties without notifying or obtaining consent from the committee, prompting concerns over both revenue loss and regulatory violations.

“We are investigating the cases of unauthorised subletting. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty in accordance with the rules,” he said.

It is noteworthy that the Trust also owns properties in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, which includes a school, a commercial complex and a guesthouse. Trust officials are communicating with authorities in Banaras to ensure proper management of these assets.

Baijnath MLA Kishori Lal on Tuesday reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare in remote and tribal regions such as Chhota Bhangal in Kangra district.

Addressing mediapersons in Baijnath, the MLA highlighted the government’s continued efforts under the National Health Mission (NHM) to bridge the healthcare gap in inaccessible areas.

He said Rs 55.91 crore was spent under NHM in Kangra district during the financial year 2023-24, with a significant portion directed towards improving medical facilities for the underserved.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, special emphasis has been laid on the uplift of health services in tribal belts and far-flung regions,” said Kishori Lal.

He added that the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Kothi Khoar in Chhota Bhangal, situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet, has been made functional with the appointment of medical officers, para-medical staff and the installation of essential equipment.

He further stated that, apart from tribal belts, rural health centres across the state will also be upgraded with improved infrastructure and regular functioning of Jan Arogya Samitis (community health committees) to enhance grassroots participation in health planning.

The MLA directed health officials to work in close coordination with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to implement child health programmes, Janani Suraksha Yojana, adolescent health initiatives and schemes aimed at improving the health of malnourished children.

“This integrated approach will help in delivering targeted healthcare solutions to the most vulnerable populations in our society,” he said.

As many as 19 people were injured as an HRTC bus overturned at Sariyang village in this district on Friday morning.

There were 32 people on the bus which was on its way from Sheelghat to Shimla.

Though the exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, the driver said a pressure pipe got burst and in a bid to avert a mishap he rammed the bus into a hill, causing it to overturn, said DSP Sandeep Sharma.

Ambulances were rushed to the spot. The injured were taken to Arki civil hospital.

Saina Thakur, a student of Neugal Model Public Senior Secondary School, Bhawarna (Kangra), has topped this year’s matriculation exam by securing 696 out of 700 marks, an outstanding 99.43%.

Her success has brought immense pride to her family, school and teachers. Principal Nisha Guleria praised her as a “diamond spreading illumination across the state”.

Saina hails from a humble background. Her father works in a hotel in Jalandhar, while her mother, Poonam Thakur, is a homemaker. Her younger brother studies in Class 7. Saina feels proud to see her grandparents overjoyed by her success.

School Chairman Ankush Katoch described her as a complete all-rounder who has excelled in academics, sports and extracurricular activities. A consistent topper since Nursery, Saina plans to continue her 10+2 studies at the same school and aims to top the state again.

Inspired by APJ Abdul Kalam and Swami Vivekananda, Saina aspires to crack the JEE and pursue a career in Information Technology.

She credits her success to her family, teachers, and most importantly, her school, which she says has played a pivotal role in shaping her future.

A passionate reader, Saina often studies late into the night and manages her routine with short naps. She loves reading novels and remains dedicated to her goals. Her message to fellow students is: “Stay focused, study consistently, and avoid distractions.”

Her journey stands as an inspiration for students aiming for excellence with dedication and perseverance.

Ridhima aspires to be IAS officer

Ridhima Sharma, a student of Radha Krishna Public School, Ghandalwin in Bilaspur district, secured the second position in the Class 10 merit list declared by the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education.

She scored an impressive 695 out of 700 marks, achieving 99.29% and missing the top spot by just one mark. The topper, Sania Thakur from Kangra, scored 696 marks.

Speaking to The Tribune, Ridhima credited her success to her parents and teachers, saying their constant support and guidance helped her excel. She expressed her aspiration to become an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer.

Though the school is situated in Bilaspur, Ridhima hails from Tihra village in the Bhoranj subdivision of Hamirpur district.

Principal Sunil Thakur expressed pride in Ridhima’s achievement, stating it brings greater responsibility for the school and staff to continue delivering strong academic results. He called it a proud moment for the institution.

Ridhima’s parents, Naresh Sharma and Anita Sharma, shared their joy and pledged to keep supporting her educational journey. They termed her achievement a major milestone and expressed hope for her future success.

Parnika sets sight on civil services

Parnika Sharma, who secured the third position in the state, didn’t have to look for inspiration beyond her home. Her two elder sisters had also finished in the merit list of the school exams, and are now doing MBBS and BTech.

“They have been a source of huge inspiration for me along with my parents. I worked really hard and an extremely happy with the result,” said Parnika, a student of Minerva Senior Secondary School, Ghumarwin, Bilaspur. She secured 694 marks out of 700 to take the third spot in the merit list.

Apart from studying four to five hours after school throughout the year, Parnika said staying away from social media also helped her score well.

“Social media is a distraction, so I stayed completely away from it,” said Parnika. She expressed gratitude to her teachers as well, who helped her score so well in the exam. With her sister choosing to become doctor and engineer, Parnika has set her sights on becoming a civil servant.

Her father Ajay Sharma, a lecturer at Government Senior Secondary School, is understandably over the moon. “I am really proud of my all three daughters. They have made me proud time and again,” he said.

Dream big & chase your dreams: Navya

A student of Government Senior Secondary School, Shimla, Navya Sharma scored 692 marks to finish joint fifth in the merit list of the Class X exam in the state. Sounding extremely happy with her result, Navya credited her teachers for her performance.

“Our teachers have worked extremely hard throughout the year to help us perform well. Besides, my mother is very supportive and always encourages me to do well.

I am glad that I could live up to the expectations of my teachers and mother,” said Navya. The confident girl did not hesitate in giving herself a pat on the back. “Besides, your own hard work also matter a lot. So, I would give some credit to myself as well,” she said.

Aspiring to become an IAS officer, Navya said she had prepared a schedule, which she followed diligently. “One can’t study all the time. But when it was time to study, I did it with full concentration.

Besides, I spent time with my family,” she said. Sending out a message to students who couldn’t do well in the exam, Navya said they should not feel discouraged or demotivated.

“A progressive mindset is more important than marks. Marks are merely numbers, sometimes you will it, sometimes you won’t. What’s more important is that we grow every day. We all should dream big and chase our dreams,” she said.