Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday inaugurated six indoor patient departments (IPDs) at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties at Chamiyana in Shimla district.

He said that his government would spend at least Rs 200 crore this year on the installation of the latest medical equipment and technology in the health institutions of the state.

He said, “This hospital will have high-end medical technology. We will shortly start robotic surgery at this hospital, which will be the first such facility in the state.

The facility will be started at Tanda medical college as well.” He added that the latest MRI machine had been approved for the hospital.

Sukhu said, “We have approved high-end MRI machines for the medical colleges in Tanda, Hamirpur and Nerchowk.

As the Chamiyana hospital has been under construction for quite some time, my government has decided to complete the work on its own and sanctioned Rs 23 crore for it.” he added, “The hospital has a capacity of 337 beds and is equipped with high-end operating theatres and a cath lab.

While it has just started operations, it will become fully functional within the next six months.”

Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary (Health) M Sudha Devi and AIMSS Principal Dr Brij Sharma were present on the occasion.

The hospital was inaugurated in September 2022 but the super speciality departments of the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital, Shimla, could not be shifted here in the absence of a proper approach road, transport facilities etc.

The OPDs of eight super specialty departments, namely urology, cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, plastic surgery, gastroenterology, neurology and CVTS, were shifted to the Chamiyana hospital last year.

Now, the IPDs of the departments of gastroenterology, neurology, endocrinology, nephrology, urology and plastic surgery had been shifted to the Chamiyana hospital.

In the next two months, cardiology and cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVs) services would also be transferred to this hospital.

The shortage of staff, especially senior residents and nurses, and the lack of residential facilities in and around the hospital were the biggest hurdles in starting the IPDs at the hospital.

“We are looking for rented accommodation near the hospital. Besides, we are also exploring the possibility of adding another floor to one of the blocks on the premises for providing accommodation to doctors and nurses,” said Dr Sudhir Sharma, Medical Superintendant of the hospital.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Tanwar, a local resident, said that the government should ensure proper transport facilities for patients to and fro the hospital.

“At time, taxi drivers charge Rs 500 to ferry patients from Bhattakuffar to the hospital at a distance of 3 km,” he added.

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has registered a turnover of over Rs 100 crore for the first time, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over a meeting of the corporation and the Tourism Department here yesterday.

He added that this milestone was made possible due to the earnest efforts of the state government.

He said that the HPTDC had achieved an annual turnover of Rs 78 crore during the tenure of the previous BJP government and it had risen to Rs 107 crore under the present state government though there were challenges posed by natural disasterse.

He directed the officers concerned to improve services across the HPTDC properties and explore the possibility of leasing its vacant properties on the operation and maintenance basis to private players.

The Chief Minister said that due to the profits earned, the HPTDC had been able to clear Rs 41 crore benefits of the pensioners in the past two and a half years while the previous BJP government had disbursed only Rs 26 crore during its five-year rule.

He appreciated the purchase agreement reached with the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation for the supply of materials, including ration, groceries and other essential items, to HPTDC hotels.

Sukhu also reviewed various development projects of the Tourism Department and directed the officers concerned to expedite the work on these to generate maximum revenue for the state and improve infrastructure for tourists.

“The state government is investing Rs 2,415 crore for the development of better infrastructure, wayside amenities and the promotion of other adventure sports to attract tourists,” he added.

He instructed the Tourism Department to provide food vans to local people and commence hop-on, hop-off luxury bus rides on local tourism routes in the state. He also asked the department to complete the construction of Shivdham in Mandi district at the earliest and the beautification work in the Renuka lake area in Sirmaur.

Sukhu instructed the officers concerned to swiftly operationalise heliports to improve air connectivity to various hill stations of the state. He reviewed the airport expansion projects in Kangra, Shimla and Bhuntar to provide better air connectivity to tourists.

Chairman, HPTDC, Raghuvir Singh Bali, MLA Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar and Director (Tourism) Vivek Bhatia attended the meeting.

A canteen located near the campus of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, caught fire last night, causing a loss of Rs 5 lakh.

The fire spread within no time due to the presence of inflammable material like fuel inside and it gutted the entire canteen comprising ration, utensils, racks, cupboards, etc. No person was injured in the fire.

“The fire staff was informed around 10.20 pm last night. A four-member crew doused the fire by utilising one water tender after several hours of meticulously fighting the flames,” informed Santosh Sharma, Commandant, Home Guards.

The canteen was being run by one Uday Thakur. Though the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, short-circuit was assessed as the preliminary reason.

The transport sector alone emits 16 per cent to 20 per cent of greenhouse gases in the state, thus necessitating the need to device apt policies for environmental conservation.

“Besides posing a serious threat to the environment, the increasing number of petrol and diesel vehicles are becoming a major cause of pollution. Keeping this in mind, our government is promoting the use of electric vehicles.”

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated this while presiding over the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) National Truck and Bus Meet at Gandhi Gram in the Kasauli Assembly Constituency of Solan district today.

He reiterated his government’s resolve of making Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by March 2026.

He elaborated on various green initiatives like the Rs 680-crore Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-up Yojana, which provides 50 per cent subsidy on the purchase of e-vehicles and ensured assured employment by attaching them with government departments for four years.

“Under the e-Taxi Scheme, 50 e-taxis have so far been attached to government departments and 50 more e-taxis will be approved before May 10,” he added.

Sukhu said, “I am myself using an e-vehicle, which is economical and causes no pollution.” He added that the government was converting diesel buses into e-buses in a phased manner.

“The HRTC has issued tenders for the purchase of 297 electric buses at a cost of Rs 412 crore, and charging stations are being set up at bus stations at a cost of Rs 124 crore. Additionally, 500 more e-buses will be purchased in this fiscal year.”

He said that six green corridors have been constructed in the state and soon 41 additional charging stations would be set up in these corridors.

“Measures like 100 per cent exemption from road tax and 50 per cent exemption from the special road tax on the registration of e-commercial vehicles have been introduced to promote their use.

Additionally, all petrol and diesel auto-rickshaws operating in the state are being replaced with e-auto rickshaws,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that to provide self-employment opportunities to the youth, the government would provide new permits for 1,000 bus routes to the private sector.

The government was providing subsidy of up to 40 per cent on the purchase of e-vehicles i.e. buses or tempo travellers, on these routes and efforts were afoot to fully electrify the public transport sector in near future, he added. In the first phase, e-vehicles would be used in all government offices in Hamirpur district.

Sukhu said, “The state government is encouraging green industry. Tourism is being promoted and this is the right time to invest in Himachal Pradesh.”

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, MLAs Vinod Sultanpuri (Kasauli) and Sanjay Awasthi (Arki), national president of the All India Motor Transport Congress Harish Sabharwal, co-president Rakesh Trehan and chairman of the conference Bhim Wadhwa were present on the occasion.

100 e-buses may be provided on pilot basis

Deliberations were also held between the state government, officials of Tata Motors and the All India Motor Transport Congress on providing 100 electric buses to the state government on a pilot basis
Issues like setting up of e-vehicle charging stations in the state were also discussed in the national truck and bus meet

At least 15 passengers sustained injuries when a private bus overturned on the Jahu-Mandi road near Bholughat in Mandi district on Tuesday.

Of the injured, five were shifted to the Civil Hospital in Baldwara for treatment, while others received first aid at the accident site through the 108 ambulance service.

The ill-fated bus was en route from Kullu to Kangra when the accident occurred.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bus suddenly lost control and overturned near a sharp curve at Bholughat, causing panic and chaos among the passengers.

Upon receiving the information, police rushed to the spot and initiated rescue operations. With assistance from local residents, the police managed to safely evacuate the trapped passengers from the bus and arrange for prompt medical aid.

Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, efforts to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow are underway to prevent further disruption.

The prolonged closure of the Koon Ka Tar bridge over the Beas in Mandi district has left thousands of residents in distress, severely impacting daily life, education and access to essential services.

The double-lane bridge, which collapsed during the devastating floods of July 2023, has yet to be restored, cutting off crucial connectivity for over 21 months for the residents of Mandi, Darang and Jogindernagar Assembly constituencies.

Amid mounting frustration, residents have renewed their appeal to the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite the construction of the bridge.

A delegation led by the Himachal Kisan Sabha’s state vice-president and Zila Parishad member, Kushal Bhardwaj, visited the site along with former ward member Roop Lal Thakur and other local representatives to assess the ongoing work.

Bhardwaj expressed strong dissatisfaction with both the state and Central governments, criticising their lack of responsiveness.

“Despite repeated appeals, there has been no serious effort to understand or address the suffering of the people,” he said, adding that the original bridge had been a lifeline for residents across the Kotli, Jogindernagar, Mandi Sadar, Drang and Dharampur constituencies.

The Centre’s rejection of the bridge reconstruction proposal under the Setu Bandhan scheme has sparked outrage.

Bhardwaj accused BJP MLAs and MP Kangana Ranaut of turning a blind eye to the crisis. “Now, even pedestrian movement is restricted. Children are unable to reach schools and villagers are practically isolated,” he lamented.

Although the state government eventually sanctioned Rs 2 crore for a Bailey suspension bridge following persistent demands, the sluggish construction progress continues to worry locals. Bhardwaj also called for immediate repairs to the historical wooden pedestrian bridge as a temporary solution.

“The wooden bridge restoration should be completed within ten days,” he urged, warning of rising river levels as summer progresses.

Prashant Mohan, a resident of Kotli, said the area residents have been desperately waiting for the restoration of this road bridge.

PWD XEN DK Verma said the construction of the bridge had started from the Mandi side, while it was yet to begin from the from the other side. “Tender is being floated soon for the purpose. It is expected that within three months, this bridge would be ready for public use,” Verma added.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, along with BJP office bearers and workers, listened to the 121st episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme at the BJP office in Nahan, Sirmaur. Following the session, Thakur addressed the media, emphasising the transformative role that the programme plays in modern India.

He said ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is a saga of a changing India and serves as a herald of Indian culture and values across the global stage.

Thakur noted that the programme has been instrumental in bringing recognition to projects and individuals working away from the mainstream, offering them a new identity and a broader platform.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s deep affection for Himachal Pradesh, Thakur remarked that innovations from the state often find special mention in ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

This exposure, he said, has enabled many local entrepreneurs and initiatives to gain appreciation and branding opportunities not just nationally but also internationally, inspiring countless others in the process.

Citing examples discussed in the latest episode, Thakur mentioned the innovative practice of growing saffron along with apples in the Sangla Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

He expressed confidence that such initiatives would inspire many more farmers across the state.

He also highlighted the use of aeroponics technology — where plants are grown in air without soil — to cultivate saffron in Wayanad, Kerala and the expansion of litchi production in Rajasthan and South India, saying these efforts could significantly improve the lives of farmers by diversifying their agricultural practices.

Thakur stressed that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ encourages citizens to pursue new ideas and innovations, showing that determination and perseverance can turn the impossible into possible.

He further highlighted the opening of India’s space sector to private enterprises, noting the tremendous growth from just one company a decade ago to over 350 space startups today.

According to him, India’s space missions are now recognised as the most cost-effective and successful globally, promising even greater opportunities in the future.

Jai Ram Thakur extended heartfelt gratitude to the PM for providing a global platform to India’s neglected regions and hidden talents, thereby fostering a more inclusive and aspirational India.

The state government has decided to deal sternly with the protesting primary teachers, who could face severe action, including transfer, suspension and compulsory retirement.

The Primary Teachers Federation held a demonstration at Chaura Maidan here today against the creation of the Directorate of School Education.

The government had issued a notice to the federation yesterday, warning it not to criticise the government decision to create the Directorate of School Education.

As per an order issued by Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar, all those who addressed the gathering, criticised the government policy and used derogatory language should be immediately suspended and strict disciplinary action be taken against them.

Those who took part in the demonstration, which was videographed, would not be paid one-day salary, as they did not avail of leave, as per the service rules.

The order stated that some federation office-bearers, who had spoken about not to do online work, not to mark online attendance and not to take mid-day meal, would also face action.

“If any teacher refuses to undertake these tasks, a case for compulsory retirement should be made for the violation of government directives,” it added.

The order stated that the teachers had been warned against taking part in the protest yet they participated in the demonstration and also made derogatory remarks against the government and some officials.

“All those who took part in the demonstration should be identified and disciplinary action be taken against them by declaring their absence from school as ‘Dies Non’ without break in service,” the order reads.

The order stated, “If any teacher refuses to undertake these tasks, a case for compulsory retirement should be made for the violation of government directives.”

The Deputy Directors have been asked to monitor all such cases of compulsory retirement under 56(j) of the CCS CCA Rules after following the due procedure.

The Primary Teachers Federation staged a protest against the creation of one Directorate of School Education by merging the Directorate of Elementary Education and the Directorate of Higher Education and urged the state government to take back the decision.

The teachers raised slogans against Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar and the state government.

Pramod Chauhan, president of the Primary Teachers’ Association in Shimla, said that while the government was making changes in the education sector, which teachers welcome, the merger of the Directorate of Elementary Education and the Directorate of Higher Education to form one organisation could damage the basic structure of education rather than bringing about qualitative improvement.

“Several discussions have been held with the state government on the issue but the outcomes have been disappointing. Our voices have fallen on deaf ears,” he added.

Chauhan said that the Directorate of Elementary Education was established after 1984 specially to bring about qualitative improvement in education, and since then, Himachal Pradesh had made significant strides in this field.

He said, “Today, we are holding a symbolic demonstration at Chaura Maidan but the state government is trying to suppress it.

We will not back out even if the state government takes disciplinary action against us or even suspend us.”

He added that if the state government continued to intimate teachers, they would stop administrative work from tomorrow evening and would only be available for the teaching job.

“Today we are holding a symbolic demonstration at Chaura Maidan, which the state government is trying to supress. However, we will not back down, even if the state government takes disciplinary action against us or even suspends us,” he said.

He warned that if the state government continues to intimidate teachers, then the they would stop administrative work from tomorrow and would focus only on teaching.

During the protest, the teachers raised slogans against the Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar as well as the state government.

Pramod Chauhan, president, Primary Teachers’ Association in Shimla, stated that while the government is making changes in the education sector — which teachers welcome — the merger of the Directorate of Elementary Education with the Directorate of Higher Education into a single body could damage the basic structure of education rather than bring about qualitative improvement.

“Several discussions have been held with the state government on this issue, but the outcomes have been disappointing and our voices have fallen on deaf years,” he said.

Chauhan said the Directorate of Elementary Education was established after 1984 specifically to bring qualitative improvement in education, and since then, Himachal Pradesh has made significant strides in that sector.

“Today we are holding a symbolic demonstration at Chaura Maidan, which the state government is trying to supress.

However, we will not back down, even if the state government takes disciplinary action against us or even suspends us,” he said.

He warned that if the state government continues to intimidate teachers, then the they would stop administrative work from tomorrow and would focus only on teaching.

Five persons, including an 8-month-old baby, lost their lives in a tragic road accident near Pandoh Dam in Mandi today. The accident occurred on the Bakhli road when a car veered off the road and rolled down in a deep gorge in the area.

All five occupants of the vehicle died on the spot. The victims have been identified as Duni Chand (35), his wife Kanta Devi (30), their 8-month-old daughter Kinjal, of Taraur village; Dahlu Ram of Naun village in Mandi; and Meena Kumari from Nepal.

According to preliminary information from the police, the crash took place as they were on their way back from a wedding.

Upon receiving the alert, a police team from the Pandoh police post rushed to the scene and, with the help of locals, recovered the bodies from the gorge.

Mandi SP Sakshi Verma confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The Pakistani flag on the historic table at Raj Bhawan here, on which the Simla Accord was signed, was conspicuous by its absence on Friday morning, a day after Pakistan suspended the agreement signed in 1972.

The suspension of the Simla Accord by Pakistan was in response to retaliatory actions taken by India in the aftermath of the massacre of 26 tourists in Pahalgam in a brutal terrorist attack on Tuesday.

The pact was signed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on the intervening night of July 2 and 3.

The glossy wooden table on which the agreement was signed is kept in the Kirti Hall of the Himachal Pradesh Raj Bhavan on an elevated red-coloured platform cordoned off with brass railings with a plate which reads — “Simla Agreement was signed here on 3-7-1972”.

A photograph of Bhutto signing the agreement and Indira Gandhi sitting beside him is kept on the table, while several other photographs of the India-Pakistan Summit of 1972 hang on the wall in the background.

While it is not clear when the Pakistan flag was removed, Raj Bhavan officials confirmed that the flag of the neighbouring country “is not on the table”.

A veteran journalist, who covered the signing of the agreement, told the PTI on Friday that the nearly 53-year-old agreement stressed settling all contentious issues bilaterally and maintaining peace at the Line of Control (LoC).

“However, it was frequently violated by Pakistan, and its suspension hardly has any relevance. Even if the flag is removed, there would be no repercussions as the agreement has been flouted by Pakistan several times in the past,” he said.

The pact was signed at a time when India was in full command, and agreeing to release 90,000 prisoners of war and returning 13,000 square km of land captured by India during the war was a major blunder, he said.

Referring to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Pulwama and Uri, he said, “This is the price we are paying for this blunder.”

The HP High Court has directed the state government to revisit and thereafter revise the notification issued on March 12, 2004, whereby, it had introduced pension for non-official members of the State Public Service Commission.

A division bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja further directed the state to revise the above said notification after taking into consideration the Consumer Price Index.

While passing this order, the court observed that “It is not in dispute that the chairman and members of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission are entitled to pension in terms of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service (Members) Regulations, 1974.

This pension was introduced about two decades back for non-official members, vide notification issued on March, 12, 2004. Unfortunately, the same has not been revised till date even though the cost of living has drastically increased.”

The court passed this order on a petition filed by the former chairman of HP State Public Service Commission KS Tomar alleging therein that the government has arbitrarily fixed the pension at reduced rates in effect depriving of the fundamental rights of the petitioner under Article 14, 16 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

It was further contended in the petition that the chairman as well as the members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) are disabled from taking up any employment/office of profit on their retirement from the PSC.

The government chose to fix the pension in the case of petitioner and others similar situated persons at a reduced rate, without having any regard to the office which they held and in a constitutional body or the day to day rise in the cost of living.

The Congress has cancelled its ‘Save the Constitution’ rally to be held in Shimla on April 26 following the dastardly terrorist attack in Pehalgam.

Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Singh said the rally had been cancelled as a mark of respect to the victims of the attack.

All top Congress leaders of the state were scheduled to take part in the rally.

Next month, the Congress will hold rallies at the district and block levels.

In a proud moment for Himachal Pradesh and the nation, Deepika Thakur, a talented athlete from the remote village of Rahu (Rasta) in Sirmaur district, has once again brought laurels to the country.

Deepika has been selected to represent India in the senior women’s team at the upcoming 3rd Pesapallo Asia Cup, to be held in Bhutan in May 2025.

This prestigious international event will witness participation from top Asian nations including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India.

Deepika’s selection comes as no surprise, given her consistent and commendable performances in the past.

She has previously led the Indian team to one gold and two silver medals, and her leadership, skill and sportsmanship have earned her a well-deserved place in the national squad once again.

Speaking on her selection, Deepika expressed her determination and patriotism: “Our only goal this time is to bring home the gold for India. I will give my all, with full dedication and hard work, to make the nation proud on the Asian stage.”

Rising from a rural background, Deepika’s journey to the international sports arena is a shining example of what perseverance, talent and community support can achieve. Her story proves that excellence is not confined by geography or resources, but driven by determination and belief.

Her achievement has not only filled her home district of Sirmaur with pride but has also become a source of inspiration for youth across Himachal Pradesh.

Local leaders, sports enthusiasts, and the district administration have congratulated Deepika and extended their best wishes for her performance in Bhutan.

As she prepares to don the national colors once again, Deepika Thakur embodies the spirit of India’s emerging sporting talent—from the grassroots to the global stage.

In wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, a high alert has been issued and security beefed up along the 240-km boundary that Himachal Pradesh shares with Jammu and Kashmir in Chamba.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday has directed the Himachal Pradesh Police to remain on high alert to avert any untoward incidents in the state. He directed the police to step up vigil along the inter-state border with Jammu and Kashmir.

Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Atul Verma chaired a high-level meeting in Shimla today, where steps to enhance vigil along the border were discussed.

He directed ensuring close coordination with intelligence units to monitor and verify any threat inputs and preparedness by Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and anti-sabotage checks at vulnerable points.

The alert follows concern over past instances of militants seeking safe haven in the uninhabited higher reaches of Chamba, which borders Jammu and Kashmir.

Though Himachal Pradesh has seen very few such instances, the state remembers the killing of 35 road construction labourers by militants at Kalaban, Satrundi area of Chamba, on August 2, 1998.

The 1 HP Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, has initiated a pioneering drone training course in collaboration with premier institutions IIT-Mandi and NIT-Hamirpur.

Launched yesterday, the programme aims to enhance technological capabilities within the NCC framework. Organised under the NCC Directorate, the course features 20 trainees and will run until May 4.

Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer of 1 HP Air Sqn NCC, highlighted the strategic vision behind the initiative.

“The course includes participation from Aero Modelling Instructors, Ship Modelling Instructors, Girl Cadet Instructors, and PI Staff from eight different groups of the Directorate,” he said.

“We’re using a cascading model — training instructors first so they can later train cadets in their respective groups. This ensures standardised and wide-reaching drone training.”

The collaboration brings significant technical value. IIT Mandi’s dedicated drone lab and NIT Hamirpur’s engineering expertise offer participants hands-on experience in drone assembly, operation, maintenance, and application in civil and defence sectors.

The programme has also attracted interest beyond the NCC. Organizations such as ABVIMAS Manali, Himachal Pradesh Police, HPPWD, Fire Services, and DDMA have shown enthusiasm.

“While many of these organizations own drones, they often lack trained personnel. The final three days of the program will address this gap with sessions at the DC conference hall in Kullu and practical flying at Dhalpur ground,” Sharma added.

The Wing Commander emphasised the relevance of drone technology in Himachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain, frequently impacted by flash floods, snow, and roadblocks.

“Drones can be used for geotechnical surveying, enabling rapid 3D mapping of affected regions. They are also effective for traffic monitoring and regulation.”

He further underlined their role in disaster response. “Drones can access cut-off regions post-floods or landslides, making them ideal for search and rescue.

They are especially valuable for locating stranded or injured trekkers,” he said. Apart from this, drones offer significant advantages in aerial photography, videography, and infrastructure monitoring.