Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today paid floral tribute on behalf of the people of the state to Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary on his statue at the Ridge in Shimla.
The Chief Minister said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an extraordinary statesman, a powerful orator and a gifted poet. His contribution to the nation will always be remembered.
Mayor Shimla Municipal Corporation Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Councillors, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi, Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Atri and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
==========================================
Chief Minister inspects Tourist Information Centre
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inspected the Tourist Information Centre located on Mall Road, Shimla. He interacted with the officials and issued necessary directions.
The Chief Minister said that tourists visiting Dev Bhoomi Himachal Pradesh should not face any inconvenience. Tourism is a major pillar of the state’s economy and strengthening this sector will provide support to the economy.
He said that the State Government has set a target to attract five crore tourists every year. For this purpose new initiatives and multi-dimensional efforts are being undertaken along with infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister also interacted with tourists at the Ridge and the Mall Road. Talking to the media, he said that action has been taken after a complete inquiry into the incident that occurred at IGMC Shimla. The State Government has taken several steps in the interest of doctors, especially senior resident doctors. Necessary directions have also been issued to improve facilities for doctors at IGMC Shimla.
==========================================
'Him Ira' Provides Market for Products of Women's Self-Help Groups: Chief Minister
Income Rising Through Skills, Women Becoming Self-Reliant
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated today that the state government is committed to strengthening the rural economy and providing market access for products of women self-help groups under the 'Him Ira' brand. He said that 'Himachal Haat' will serve as a vibrant marketplace showcasing authentic Himachali products. Constructed at a cost of Rs 2 crore near the lift in Shimla, this Haat will feature 25 shops displaying products from women self-help groups across all 12 districts of Himachal.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said this Haat will bring together rural artifacts, crafts, handlooms, food processing products and traditional Himachali cuisines under one roof, boosting the income of self-help groups and promoting self-reliance.
He added that the state government is also providing food vans to self-help groups, ensuring them an income of around Rs. 50,000 per month. In the state, self-help groups have become a key medium for women empowerment.
A total of 5,428 self-help groups, 1257 village organizations and 189 cluster-level federations have been constituted. The Chief Minister informed that Rs. 36 crore as revolving funds has been released to 14,410 self-help groups, Rs. 41 crore in community investment funds to 7,567 self-help groups and Rs. 36 crore as risk mitigation funds to 7,187 families.
He highlighted that 109 Him Ira permanent shops have generated Rs. 34.95 crore in sales, while 81 Him Ira weekly market products have achieved Rs. 29.70 crore in business.
For the financial year 2025-26, approval has been granted for 10 blocks under the Livelihood Rural Express scheme, targeting 60 vehicles (6 per block).
So far, 18 vehicles worth Rs. 1.15 crore have been approved. The Chief Minister emphasized that to preserve and promote traditional arts, the state government has taken special initiatives through the Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Limited.
In Kullu, 11 training centers are providing three month to one year training to 108 trainees, including a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,400. Training in hand knitting, handloom weaving, carpet making and Kullu cap production is being offered in villages like Katrain, Badai Ra Gram, Surah, Dobhi, Prini and Khanag Mithanu.
This has enabled local women and men to become self-employed. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu asserted that Kullu's handicrafts are not just a cultural heritage but a medium for rural development, women empowerment and economic growth.
He said that increasing demand and government schemes have injected new energy into this traditional industry, inspiring youth towards employment and a brighter future. Tourists in Kullu-Manali are purchasing local handicrafts, helping to sustain this rich tradition while thousands of artisans achieve self-reliance through self-employment.
=========================================
State-Level women entrepreneurs networking meet at Peterhoff on January 4
A spokesperson of the State Government said here today that with the aims to strengthen women entrepreneurship and promote inclusive industrial development across the State, the State Government is organizing a State-Level Women Entrepreneurs Networking Meet at Peterhoff, Shimla on January 4, 2026.
The spokesperson stated that the empowerment of women as entrepreneurs is a top priority for the State Government. Women-led enterprises significantly contribute to employment generation, economic growth and social empowerment. The networking meet is designed to address key growth challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, while providing institutional support for business expansion and sustainability.
The event will bring together women entrepreneurs and collectives from all districts of Himachal Pradesh, offering a platform for interaction with national-level ecosystem partners, industry experts, financial institutions and peer entrepreneurs. The Hon’ble Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan will grace the occasion as Chief Guest, alongside senior dignitaries from State and Central Government organizations. The programme features expert sessions, panel discussions and best practice sharing, with special focus on improving access to finance, market linkages and mentorship.
He asserted that by facilitating direct engagement among entrepreneurs, sector experts, ecosystem partners, and financial institutions, the State Government seeks to bridge information gaps, strengthen peer networks and foster a supportive entrepreneurial environment. This will aid the transition of women-led ventures from household-based micro-enterprises to scalable businesses, enhancing their role in Himachal Pradesh’s mountain economy.
The spokesperson reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to building an enabling ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, ensuring their active participation in the State’s industrial and economic progress.