The Congress’ failure to open its account in Delhi for the third consecutive time has left the party leaders disappointed in Himachal, which is the only state in north India where it is in power.

For state Congress president Pratibha Singh, the drubbing is not only demoralising but also a wake-up call for the party.

“The election result is really disappointing for the party. It’s also a wake-up call for us. The party will have to analyse and think hard how to fight and win the next election,” she said.

While admitting that the embarrassing loss was a bitter pill to swallow, Pratibha said that the party leaders had worked hard in the Delhi elections.

“We were hoping that people will look at history as well. The Congress government under Sheila Dikshit had done really well in Delhi, but it seems with the passage of time, people have forgotten her good work. The central leadership will look hard into the reasons behind the defeat,” she added.

Another Congress leader said that the biggest reason for the party’s repeated poor showing in Delhi was the absence of a strong organisation on the ground.

Incidentally, the party was without an organisation in the state as well – it’s been more than three months since the entire Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), up to the block level, was dissolved. Only HPCC president Pratibha Singh had been asked to continue.

Some leaders are not only resenting the delay but are also not happy with the central leadership for sending 16 observers from other states to facilitate the reconstitution of the HPCC.

“How credible their feedback can be when they have little knowledge about the ground reality at the district and block levels,” he said.

Meanwhile, there’s no clarity yet whether Pratibha will continue as HPCC president or someone else will step in.

“Coordination between the party and the organisation is a must. The organisation carries the policies and programmes of the government to the people, and the government should hear what the organisation says. Only then workers remain enthused and party wins elections,” the leader said.

Asked about the delay in the reconstitution of the HPCC, Pratibha exuded confidence that it would be reconstituted shortly.

“Our leaders were busy with the Delhi elections. Now, we will discuss with them how to strengthen the organisation in the state,” she said. With the Congress facing electoral debacle, the BJP claims to have made 18 lakh new members.

Two persons were killed after a car they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge in Shimla’s Chopal Tehsil, police said on Saturday.

The deceased Ram Krishan Sharma and Surjeet Singh Kalsaik, both residents of Badlaog village in Chopal, were on their way to home from Chambi village when the incident occurred.

The accident took place on Saturday on Chopal-Jhina link road when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chambi, due to which the vehicle went into a deep gorge.

Acting upon the information, a police team reached the spot and recovered the bodies. The bodies were taken to Civil Hospital, Chopal, for postmortem.

Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said police is conducting an investigation.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off a week-long international exposure trip for students of government schools in Shimla on Friday.

This marks the first-ever foreign exposure trip for government school students in the state, with 50 students being sent to Singapore and Cambodia.

“This is one of several initiatives we have taken to improve our education system. Several decisions have already been taken, and many more are in the pipeline,” said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Twenty students each have been selected from Class XI and XII based on their performance in the Class X board examination.

Ten spots have been allocated to students who have excelled in sports and cultural activities.

“We had never thought that we would ever be sent on a foreign trip by the education department. We are so excited and happy to go on this trip,” said one of the students going on the tour.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said the idea was to reward children who excelled in academics and other co-curricular activities and offer them global exposure.

“We are facing a significant challenge in declining enrollment in government schools. The foreign trip, along with several other measures we have taken, is aimed at bringing students back to government schools,” said Thakur.

As per the directions of the state government, the National flag that has been hoisted at the historic Ridge in the heart of the state’s capital will soon be shifted to another suitable location.

The decision has been taken in view of recent widening and restructuring work of the Ridge, which has been completed. Additionally, the rain shelter at The Ridge will also be shifted.

MLA Shimla (Urban) Harish Janartha said that, on 26th January, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had directed to relocate the national flag to another prominent location and efforts are on to find out a suitable location by the Municipal Corporation as well as the Public Works Department.

“While the PWD will serve as the Nodal department, the Municipal Corporation, Shimla will serve as the monitoring body” he added. The MLA said this after he along with several other dignitaries visited the Ridge for inspection.

Built at the cost of around Rs 14 lakhs, the 100-feet long tricolour was installed at The Ridge in 2015 by then CM Virbhadra Singh.

Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla today expressed concern over the growing drug menace in the state, while emphasising his commitment to ensuring that every household remains free from substance abuse.

He said a drug-free home leads to a safer and healthier state.

While addressing an anti-drug awareness event at Chail today, the Governor highlighted the alarming spread of drug addiction, particularly among the youth and stressed the need for collective efforts to curb it.

He praised the efforts of Solan and Shimla police in tackling the issue and acknowledged their dedication.

He underscored the importance of reducing drug demand and ensuring proper rehabilitation of the addicts.

The Governor also raised concerns regarding the operations of certain private de-addiction centres.

Inspired by the Prime Minister, he launched the anti-drug campaign in Himachal Pradesh and noted positive changes within a year of his tenure.

He urged women to take an active role in this campaign, given their crucial influence in family and society.

Highlighting the severe consequences of drug abuse, including road accidents, he instructed university administrations to mandate an anti-drug pledge from students during admissions, with the provision of expulsion for violators.

Former Convener of the Drug Prevention Board, OP Sharma, stressed the importance of parental involvement and society in addressing drug abuse, advocating for increased social awareness.

Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College’s Principal, Prof Ravi Sharma, highlighted the fatal impact of synthetic drugs and the role of society in early detection and intervention.

Parwanoo Deputy Superintendent of Police Mehar Panwar, acknowledged the rising challenge of synthetic drugs and reported that Solan police had registered 139 cases, arresting 321 individuals and seizing large quantities of narcotics since July 2023.

Chail Gram Panchayat Pradhan Usha Sharma assured full support for the de-addiction initiative, while Chail Hotel Association President Devinder Verma welcomed the Governor and pledged the association’s commitment to the campaign.

Earlier, the Governor flagged off the Jeep Club’s annual Winter Spiti Expedition 2025, themed ‘Anti-Drug Rally’.

He lauded the initiative for not only promoting the beauty of Himachal Pradesh but also supporting tourism and social reform. He congratulated the Jeep Club and Chail Hotel Association for their efforts in driving social awareness through this rally.

The Himachal Pradesh Police have announced that the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for the recruitment of 1,088 police constables, including 708 men and 380 women candidates, will commence on February 6.

The tests will be conducted across various districts in the state, ensuring accessibility for all candidates.

According to the schedule, the tests will kick off in Mandi at the Police Ground, 3rd IRBn, Pandoh, and continue until February 16. In Una, the tests will take place at the Police Lines Ground, Jhalera, from February 11 to 15.

Kangra district will host the tests at the Police Lines Ground, Dharamsala, from February 20 to March 6, while Bilaspur will conduct the tests at Luhnu Ground from February 20 to 24.

Further, Hamirpur will hold the tests at the Synthetic Track, Sports Authority of India, Anu, from February 28 to March 5 and Chamba will host them at the Police Lines Ground from March 13 to 20.

The Kullu district tests will be held at Police Line Bashing from March 7 to 11, with the Lahaul and Spiti candidates scheduled for March 12.

In Sirmaur, the tests will take place at the Chamba Ground near Police Lines, Nahan, from February 11 to 20.

Additionally, Solan will conduct the tests at the Police Lines Ground from February 20 to March 6, Shimla at the Police Lines Ground, Bharari, from March 11 to 22 and Kinnaur at the Mini Stadium, Kalpa, from March 27 to 28.

IGP Armed Police and Training (AP&T)-cum-Liaison Officer Prem Kumar Thakur stated that e-call letters have been uploaded for provisionally admitted candidates on their user IDs by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.

The letters include detailed instructions regarding the PST and PET. Candidates have also been informed via SMS and email on their registered contact details.

At least 31 devotees from Solan, including six seriously injured, were hurt when their private bus overturned after being hit by a hydra machine in the Sirathu area of Kaushambi district in Uttar Pradesh.

The accident occurred on Tuesday morning while the devotees were en route to participate in the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj.

Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma confirmed that 31 persons were injured, including 75-year-old Tulsi Ram Sharma, who is undergoing treatment in ICU.

Fourteen injured persons are being treated at Community Health Centre Sirathu, while 10 others are receiving treatment at District Hospital Kaushambi.

The district administration of Solan is working closely with the Kaushambi administration to ensure proper treatment and care for the injured.

Monetary assistance is also being provided, and the devotees plan to return after the injured recover.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu instructed the Solan administration to coordinate with the Kaushambi administration to provide timely medical assistance to the injured.

Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi expressed grief over the accident and assured that he is working closely with the Kaushambi administration to provide proper assistance to the injured.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government would soon introduce a new policy for national-level players.

He made this statement while addressing the contingent of state players heading to the 38th National Games being held in Uttarakhand here yesterday. The 200-member contingent of the state will participate in the games scheduled from January 28 to February 14, 2025.

Extending best wishes to the players, the Chief Minister stated that the state government has taken several initiatives to promote sports and players and develop basic sports infrastructure at the district level.

The prize money for a podium finish in international sports events have been significantly increased.

The Chief Minister emphasised his commitment to the welfare of players, highlighting that he himself was a sportsperson and could not overlook the needs of athletes.

He said that earlier Under-17 and Under-19 players were receiving Rs 150 as diet money for state-level competitions and Rs 250 for national competitions. This amount has been increased by the present state government to Rs 400 and Rs 500, respectively.

Sukhu said the prize money for gold medallists in the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympics has been raised from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore. Similarly, for silver medallists from Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore and for bronze medallists from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.

Similarly, for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, the prize money for gold medallists has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore, for silver medallists from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 2.5 crore and for bronze medallists from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore.

The prize money for gold medallists of the Commonwealth Games has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 3 crore, for silver medallists from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 2 crore and for bronze medallists from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

“For under-14 players, the diet money for state-level competitions has been raised from Rs 120 to Rs 250 and for national-level competitions from Rs 250 to Rs 400. The diet money for players residing in sports hostels has also been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 400,” he said.

Furthermore, the players participating in competitions outside the state are now entitled to AC three-tier train fare for distances up to 200 km and economy-class airfare for distances beyond 200 km.

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Harish Janartha and Bawa Hardeep Singh, Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan and representatives of various sports organisations were present on the occasion.

Three persons, identified as Bal Mohan (40) from Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, and Amrit Das (40) and Gaurav Ahuja (42) from Gurugram, have been arrested for allegedly duping a doctor of Rs 2.7 crore.

The accused promised the victim, Dr Ajay Goyal, exorbitant returns on trading through a leading financial market advisory service.

According to the complaint filed by Dr Goyal, the scammer contacted him in November 2024, shared a website link, and added him to a WhatsApp group offering investment advice.

The victim transferred Rs 2,70,19,316.50, which was then transferred to various anonymous accounts by the scammers.

Upon suspecting cheating, Dr Goyal approached the police, leading to the registration of a case on December 17, 2024, at the Cyber Crime police station in Southern Range, Shimla.

A CBI court here on Monday sentenced Himachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police Zahur Haider Zaidi and seven other police personnel to life imprisonment in custodial death of an accused in the rape-murder of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Shimla’s Kotkhai in 2017.

The other convicted police officials include then DSP Manoj Joshi, Sub-Inspector Rajinder Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector Deep Chand Sharma, Head Constables Mohan Lal, Surat Singh and Rafee Mohammad and Constable Raneet Sateta.

During the arguments on the quantum of sentence, the counsels of the convicts prayed before the court for leniency on the basis of their age, family commitments and good service records.

CBI Public Prosecutor Amit Jindal argued for exemplary punishment due to the seriousness of the crime.

After hearing arguments, CBI Special Judge Alka Malik sentenced the eight police personnel to life imprisonment.

The court also recommended for awarding the compensation to family members of the victim Suraj Singh under victim compensation scheme.

On January 18, the accused were convicted under Sections 302, 330, 348, 218, 195, 196, 201 and 120B of the IPC for the death of a suspect, Suraj Singh. The court, however, acquitted former Shimla SP DW Negi.

The minor girl had gone missing in a Kotkhai village on July 4, 2017, while on way home from school. Her naked body was recovered two days later from a forest area and the post-mortem confirmed rape.

After massive public outrage, the Himachal government constituted a special investigation team (SIT) under IGP Zaidi on July 10. Negi was entrusted with the responsibility of “timely and sustained investigation” as the case fell within his jurisdiction.

The SIT, the CBI claimed, arrested six persons on July 13 “without any evidence” and Suraj was “tortured to extract confessional statement, which led to his death” on the night of July 18 at the Kotkhai police station.

After Suraj’s death, the Himachal Pradesh High Court handed over the investigation into both rape-murder and custodial death cases to the CBI. The central agency registered a case on July 22 and arrested Zaidi and other police personnel for the custodial death.

The CBI, which subsequently arrested one Nilu, said he was the lone accused in the rape-murder while those arrested by the Himachal police were innocent. In 2019, the Supreme Court transferred the custodial death case from Shimla to the CBI’s Chandigarh court to ensure speedy trial.

In its chargesheet, the CBI said the eight accused destroyed evidence relating to Suraj’s death. They were also accused of submitting fabricated reports to the DGP to prove Suraj was killed by another accused in police lockup following a scuffle.

The post-mortem showed over 20 injuries on Suraj’s body which, the CBI claimed, couldn’t have been sustained in a scuffle. Another report by a board of AIIMS doctors too confirmed torture.

Zaidi was reinstated in November 2019 after he was released on bail on April 5, 2019, by the Supreme Court.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla unfurled the national flag at the Ridge, Shimla, on the 76th Republic Day during state-level celebrations, and took salute from an impressive march past led by Parade Commander Lt Gagandeep Chauhan from 22, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was also present on the occasion.

The contingents of the Army, Indo-Tibet Border Police, Himachal Pradesh Armed Police, Punjab Police, State Police, Home Guards, Fire Services, Himachal Pradesh Postal Services, Disaster Management, ex-servicemen, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme Cadets and Bharat Scouts and Guides, performed the march past. Tableau showcasing various development activities of different departments were the main attraction on the occasion.

The culture troupes from Kinnaur, Hamirpur, Shimla and Mandi gave cultural performances. The troupes of North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala – Rajasthan and Uttarakhand also performed on the occasion.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Decks have been cleared for the controlled legal cultivation of cannabis for non-narcotic use in Himachal with the Cabinet yesterday giving nod to the proposal of the Revenue Department.

The Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Dharamsala, has given approval to the plans of the Revenue Department to undertake controlled cannabis cultivation in the state.

At present, some of the states like Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh are undertaking cannabis cultivation, primary for use in the pharma sector for preparing medicines.

Sources said the Cabinet has made the Agriculture Department the nodal agency which will work out the modalities for starting cannabis cultivation.

The Cabinet approved a pilot study on cannabis cultivation to be jointly undertaken by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Kangra district and Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture, Nauni, Solan district.

The Agriculture Department has been given six months time to prepare all the modalities and standard operating procedures (SOP), including the selection of cannabis species which is more suited for use in pharmaceutical sector.

It was on September 22, 2023 that the committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi had submitted its report to the state government.

The committee had prepared the report after visiting Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand to obtain first hand experience from experts who were engaged in its cultivation for non-narcotic use.

The committee had recommended cannabis cultivation for industrial and medicinal use under Section 10 and 14 of the NDPA Act.

The state government is hoping to generate an additional revenue of about Rs 500 crore annually.

Cannabis grows naturally in many parts of the states like Kullu-Manali, Mandi, Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur due to suitable agro-climatic conditions.

However, before the state allows cannabis cultivation there are few other changes that will have to be made, including amendments in the NDPS Act, 1985.

The Agriculture Department will have to create seed banks to provide to the farmers who will be issued licences with seeds having less narcotic content.

Another very important task that the government will have to be very stringent about is having specialised excise staff for regulation and monitoring.

Another major challenge will be to procure hemp seeds with less than 0.3 per cent THC content so that it cannot be used for narcotic use.

Also specialised labs will have to be set up to produce quality seeds, suited for use in medicinal and industrial sector.

Agriculture Dept the nodal agency

The Agriculture Department, the nodal agency, will work out the modalities for starting cannabis cultivation

The department has been given six months to prepare all modalities and standard operating procedures (SOP), including the selection of cannabis species, which are more suited for use in pharmaceutical sector

On September 22, 2023, the committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi had submitted its report to the state government. The committee had prepared the report after visiting MP and Uttarakhand

On the occasion of Balika Diwas, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dharamsala yesterday.

He addressed the girl students and announced a grant of Rs 1000 each for all 351 girls enrolled at the institute.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the students and expressed his determination to improve the education system in the state. He shared his personal experience of studying in a government school and acknowledged the lack of confidence among students of these schools.

He assured that the state government was taking decisive steps to instil confidence among these children. It would help them in becoming responsible and capable citizens.

He emphasised that no student would be deprived of education and that the government was focused on enhancing the quality of education.

During his visit, the CM interacted with the students in order to understand their needs and concerns in better way. He also visited the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Dharamsala and reviewed the facilities being provided to the students.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said that the present state government was committed to provide best quality education to all the children of the state, which remains a top priority for the Chief Minister also.

The state government has filled hundreds of vacant teaching posts and promoted Deputy Directors, which was a long-pending issue since 2020.

The students and teachers were also been sent on exposure visits and to encourage and motivate children 50 meritorious students would also be sent to abroad soon, he said.