SHIMLA-31 March, 2026

ITBP to partner with Himachal Pradesh for direct procurement from local farmers, strengthening rural economy

Commander ITBP, IG Manu Maharaj calls on Chief Minister

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Himachal Pradesh for the procurement of locally produced fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, paneer, meat, trout fish and other agricultural products. Under this arrangement, ITBP will directly source produce from farmers, cooperative societies and local producers. The initiative aims to provide farmers with a reliable market within their own villages, thereby enhancing income opportunities and reducing dependency on intermediaries. The move is expected to generate employment for farmers, horticulturists and rural communities residing in border areas, while also contributing to inclusive and sustainable regional development.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is set to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Himachal Pradesh for the direct procurement of locally produced agricultural and allied products, including fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, paneer, meat, trout fish and other commodities. Under this initiative, the ITBP will source its requirements directly from farmers, cooperative societies and local producers, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality produce while simultaneously creating a dependable market for rural communities within their own regions.

This progressive step is aimed at enhancing the income of farmers by minimizing reliance on intermediaries and fostering self-sufficiency in border areas. By enabling direct market access, the initiative is expected to generate sustainable employment opportunities for farmers, horticulturists and rural households, thereby contributing significantly to inclusive and balanced regional development.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a detailed meeting with senior ITBP officials, including Northern Frontier Commander IG Manu Maharaj and Sector Commander DIG Pawan Kumar Negi, on Monday evening to deliberate on the modalities of the proposed collaboration. During the discussions, the Chief Minister emphasized that the initiative would not only create self-employment opportunities but also strengthen the economic fabric of border villages. He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to bolstering the rural economy, particularly in remote and strategically important regions.

Highlighting the mutual benefits of the arrangement, the Chief Minister noted that while the ITBP would gain assured access to fresh and locally sourced produce, farmers would benefit from a stable and reliable market within their vicinity. He further observed that the initiative would promote local products, invigorate economic activity in border areas and pave the way for long-term, sustainable livelihoods for rural populations. Additionally, the move is expected to support infrastructure development and enhance overall border management.

IG Manu Maharaj informed that a similar model has already been successfully implemented in Uttarakhand, delivering encouraging outcomes. Expressing confidence in its success in Himachal Pradesh, he stated that the initiative would significantly benefit residents of border villages. The meeting also included discussions on the electrification of Border Out Posts (BOPs) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at improving essential infrastructure in these remote areas.

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Chief Minister condoles demise of Thakur Jog Dhyan

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has condoled the demise of Thakur Jog Dhyan, father of Kullu Assembly constituency MLA Sundar Singh Thakur.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the passing away of Thakur Jog Dhyan is a great loss to the bereaved family. He expressed condolences with Sundar Singh Thakur and his family in this hour of grief.

He has prayed to the Almighty for the peace of the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

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CM expresses grief over demise of Budhishwar Gaur

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the demise of Budhishwar Gaur, elder brother of Manali Assembly constituency MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur.

The Chief Minister said that his demise is a big loss for the entire family. He expressed condolences to Bhuvneshwar Gaur and the bereaved family members in this hour of grief.

He has prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

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CM'S ENGAGEMENTS

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State level monitoring committee reviews LPG and fuel supply in state

Director, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, HP Kumud Singh presided over a meeting of the State Level Monitoring Committee here today. She informed that there were currently 191 gas agencies operating across the state, ensuring the supply of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders to consumers.

She said that at present, the state was receiving around 60 percent of the normal allocation of commercial LPG cylinders and all commercial establishments were being adequately supplied.

Representatives of various oil companies said that there was sufficient availability of domestic LPG cylinders in the state and supplies were being maintained as per demand. They further informed that petrol and diesel were also available in adequate quantity and the existing stock was sufficient for up to 15 days, with supply continuing smoothly.

The Director said that complaints have been received from different parts of the state regarding pending KYC for domestic gas connections. She directed the representatives of oil companies to ensure that no domestic consumer was denied LPG supply due to incomplete KYC during the current situation. She also instructed that the remaining KYC process be completed in camp mode.

She further directed gas agencies to inform District Controllers, Inspectors and concerned Panchayat representatives two days prior to delivery at focal points so that information can be disseminated widely through newspapers and other communication channels to reach consumers effectively. Oil companies were also instructed to facilitate eKYC completion at the focal points.

Officials from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) were present during the meeting.

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