SHIMLA -4 Feb, 2026
Chief Minister Inaugurates New Branch of HPSCB at Kaithu
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the newly established branch of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (HPSCB) at Kaithu, marking another significant step towards strengthening the cooperative banking network in the State. The inauguration reflects the State Government’s continued commitment to ensure greater financial inclusion and accessible banking services for all sections of society.
He said that cooperative banks play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in supporting farmers, small traders, self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs. He reiterated that the State Government is fully committed to the growth and strengthening of cooperative institutions and emphasized that the deposits of the State Government should be placed with the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank. This would further enhance the financial strength and sustainability of the cooperative banking system in the State , he said.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appreciated the performance of HPSCB and lauded its efforts in extending modern, technology-driven banking services while maintaining its core objective of serving the common people. He expressed hope that the newly inaugurated Kaithu branch would cater effectively to the financial needs of the local population and contribute to regional economic development.
He said that HPSCB has been playing a key role in implementing various State Government schemes like e-taxi scheme, thereby ensuring timely delivery of financial benefits to the people.
On the occasion, the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank presented a cheque of Rs. 2 crore towards the Chief Minister Relief Fund. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the bank for its generous contribution and stated that such support would go a long way in providing assistance to people in distress and in responding effectively to natural calamities and other emergencies in the State.
Managing Director of HPSCB Shravan Manta highlighted the achievements of the bank and briefed about its recent accomplishments. He informed that HPSCB has consistently strengthened its financial position, expanded its branch network and adopted digital banking solutions to enhance customer convenience.
MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan and Registrar Cooperative Societies DC Negi and Chairman of the bank Devender Shyam along with other dignitaries were also present.
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CM directs preparation of new Essential Drugs List to ensure quality medicines
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a review meeting of the Health Department on Tuesday evening, directed the officers to prepare a new 'Essential Drugs' List to ensure the availability of quality medicines to patients in government health institutions. He said that the new list would be reviewed by a High Power Committee. The Chief Minister emphasized that moving toward direct procurement from manufacturers is not merely a cost-cutting measure, but a strategic move to eliminate middleman-related delays and ensure a more transparent supply chain. By bypassing intermediaries, he said that the state aims to secure a consistent inventory of life-saving drugs for which necessary provisions would be made.
The Chief Minister directed that the mechanism for sampling and quality testing of medicines supplied to government health institutions should be strengthened. For this purpose, he said that a dedicated cell would be established in each medical college in the state and the state government would provide adequate staff, training and required equipment. In the first phase, such cells would be set up at IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC Tanda.
Sh. Sukhu also directed that strict quality checks of medicines manufactured by pharmaceutical companies in Himachal Pradesh be ensured. He instructed the officers to strictly enforce the provisions of Schedule-M of India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 in the State. He reiterated that no compromise would be made with patients’ health.
Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Ashwani Kumar, Director AYUSH Nipun Jindal, Director Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Berry and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
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SHIMLA4 Feb, 2026
Chief Minister distributes appointment letters to 1253 newly recruited constables
Says, 800 more Police recruitments within next two months
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today distributed appointment letters to 1253 newly recruited constables during the 'Rozgar Sankalp Mela' held at the Police College, Daroh in Kangra district. Congratulating the recruits, the Chief Minister said that the newly recruited constables have a vital mission in the fight against drug abuse, in which the Himachal Pradesh Police has emerged as a strong and dependable force for the people of the state.
He said that the police recruitment process was conducted with complete transparency. Recalling the recruitment drives during the previous BJP regime, he noted that examination papers were leaked, which led to the cancellation of the process amid strong resentment among the youth. He added that to ensure fairness and transparency, the present government conducted the recruitment examination through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission instead of the Police Department.
He announced that the state government will recruit 800 more police constables within the next two months adding that this step would further strengthen the Himachal Pradesh Police and improve public service delivery.
He added that the government remains committed to ensuring a capable and responsive police force across the state. The Chief Minister said that the newly appointed constables were not just joining a job, but also taking on an important responsibility. He added that the Himachal Pradesh Police is among the most modern, fastest and most trusted police forces in the country.
Highlighting performance indicators, Sh. Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh Police ranks first in the country in terms of average response time under Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112). He further said that under Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), Himachal Pradesh has consistently held the top position among hill states. Under Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO), Himachal Pradesh Police has continuously secured the fifth position nationwide.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to improve the quality of police uniforms. The Director General of Police has been directed to procure high-quality fabric from reputed companies and said that serious consideration was being given to increase the uniform grant for police constables.
He announced that from this year onwards, all ex-servicemen in the police force will be granted the rank of Honorary Head Constable after 10 years of service and Honorary Assistant Sub-Inspector after 15 years of service. He said that a decision had been taken to introduce the B-1 examination for promotion from constable to head constable. While an interim stay has been granted by the High Court in this matter, he asserted that the government would strongly present its case.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a determined campaign against the “Chitta” and prevailing drug mafia. He informed that in 2025, 2,149 cases were registered under the NDPS Act, which is nearly 25 percent higher than the previous year. He added that the government has initiated a mass movement to make youth aware of the harmful effects of Chitta and that the Anti-Chitta awareness Walkathons organised by Police in different parts of the State, were proving to be key pillars of this campaign.
He said that 12 police personnel involved in Chitta-related activities have been dismissed and strict action would also be taken against employees of other departments found involved in the drug racket. On the occasion, the Chief Minister administered an oath against drug abuse. The Police Department also held demonstrations of various rescue techniques.
Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari welcomed the Chief Minister and gave a detailed briefing on departmental activities.
Agriculture Minister Chaudhary Chander Kumar, MLAs Kishori Lal and Malender Rajan, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Chairman Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chander Pathania, Vice Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, Chairman Wool Federation Manoj Thakur, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion amongst others.