Himachal Pradesh CM Unveils Major Initiatives on Independence Day

Independence Day Celebrations in Sarkaghat

News Media
Sarkaghat: The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, led the state-level Independence Day festivities at the Government Senior Secondary School in Sarkaghat, located in the Mandi district, on Friday.

After raising the national flag, the Chief Minister reviewed the parade as enthusiastic locals gathered to celebrate the occasion.

In his speech, CM Sukhu announced several important measures focused on disaster relief, educational reforms, job creation, transparent recruitment processes, and initiatives to combat drug abuse.

Key Announcements from CM Sukhu

Here are the 11 significant announcements:

1. Rs 100 crore relief package — An additional Rs 100 crore will be allocated for families affected by disasters, with a significant portion directed to Mandi district.


2. No mid-term retirement for teachers — Teachers in all government educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will not face mid-academic session retirements.


3. Establishment of 200 CBSE schools — The state plans to open 200 new schools affiliated with the CBSE curriculum.


4. Issuance of e-three-wheeler permits — 2,000 permits for e-three-wheelers will be granted to foster self-employment among youth.


5. Support for solar projects — Interest subsidies will be available for solar initiatives in both tribal and non-tribal regions, with HPSEB purchasing the generated power; Rs 61 crore has been allocated for this purpose.


6. Relocation of medical university — Atal Medical and Research University will move from Nerchowk to Sarkaghat.


7. Mass recruitment initiative — The government will fill 600 patwari positions, 600 JBT teacher roles, 300 panchayat secretary posts, and 200 doctor vacancies.


8. Improved recruitment fairness — Final merit lists for state recruitment exams will now incorporate scores from both written tests and interviews to ensure deserving candidates are chosen.


9. Anti-cheating legislation — A bill will be introduced in the Assembly to impose a three-year prison sentence for individuals caught cheating in exams and those aiding them.


10. Formation of anti-drug village committees — ‘Nasha Nivaran Samitis’ will be established in every village and panchayat, comprising panchayat secretaries, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, along with a police head constable. Regular meetings will be conducted to monitor drug-related cases.


11. Enhancing anti-narcotics efforts — SHOs and SPs will collect drug-related intelligence at the panchayat level and report to police headquarters; head constables will be assigned this responsibility.

Additionally, CM Sukhu introduced the formation of volunteer networks under the ‘Chitta Virodhi’ initiative, established a multi-department anti-drug and rehabilitation board, and announced infrastructure improvements in Sarkaghat, including increasing hospital capacity from 100 to 150 beds, designating land for parking, and constructing a new bus stand.

Despite the event's vibrant atmosphere, the Chief Minister did not make any significant announcements specifically addressing state government employees this Independence Day.