Himachal on fast track to Green Energy future: CM
- 500 MW Solar capacity planned in next two years
With the objective of making the State self-reliant in the energy sector, the Himachal Pradesh Government has set a target to meet more than 90 per cent of its energy requirement through renewable energy sources and to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State by March 2026, stated Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here on Monday. At present the annual energy consumption of the State is nearly around 13 thousand million units.
He said that the State has witnessed a massive shift towards harnessing solar energy due to the Green initiatives of the State Government and has set a target to set up 500 MW of solar power projects within next two years.
Under the' Green Panchayat Programme', Gram Panchayats have been placed at the centre of this initiative under which 500 kw ground-mounted solar power projects will be installed in all Panchayats across the State, he said. In the first phase, approval has been granted for setting up 500 kw solar power plants in 24 Gram Panchayats and work has already commenced in 16 such Panchayats. Under this programme, a total solar power generation target of 150 MW has been set.
"Out of the total revenue generated from electricity produced by these projects 20 would be utilized by the State Government to provide assistance to orphan children and widows of the respective Gram Panchayats" said Sh. Sukhu.
Besides this, the Chief Minister stated that Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una district commenced commercial operations on 15 April 2024. So far, it has generated 79.03 million units of net electricity and earned revenue amounting to Rs. 22.91 crore. Power generation from the Aghlour Solar Power Project in Una district started on 21st May 2025. The project has so far produced 5.89 million units of net electricity. The Bhanjal Solar Power Project in Una district began commercial operations on 30 November 2024 and has generated 8.57 million units of net electricity, earning revenue of Rs. 3.10 crore to date.
Currently, three solar power projects with a combined capacity of 31 MW are in the execution stage, while four solar power projects with a total capacity of 41 MW are at the tendering stage. A 200 MW solar power plant will also be established on barren land in the Damtal area of Kangra district. Solar off-grid systems have been installed in 148 households under Corporate Social responsibility in remote and tribal villages of Spiti as Mud, Langza, Hikkim and Kaumik.
Further, under the 'First Come, First Served' policy, solar power projects ranging from 250 kw to 5 MW are being allotted. Electricity generated from these projects will be purchased by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL).
So far, 547 investors have been allotted ground-mounted solar power projects with a total capacity of 595.97 MW. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have already been signed for projects with a capacity of 403.09 MW.
In addition, HIMURJA has allotted solar power projects with a total capacity of 728.4 MW to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited, out of which 150.13 MW capacity of rooftop-mounted solar projects has already been allocated.
Apart from this, the State Government is also making concerted efforts to promote alternative energy projects in areas such as green hydrogen, compressed biogas, geothermal energy and other emerging sectors, he said.
"Through these sustained and comprehensive initiatives, the State Government is steadily moving towards its vision of making Himachal Pradesh a leading Green Energy State in the country by 2026", reiterated the Chief Minister.
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At Deloitte summit, Sh. Sukhu underscores Himachal’s innovative IT initiatives
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while speaking at the event “Aaroh Growth with Impact-Government Summit” organized by Deloitte in New Delhi on Monday, stated that the Himachal Pradesh Government has extensively adopted digitalization to enhance the efficiency of government services and ensure transparency in the system.
He emphasized that the state serves as an inspiring model of good governance with a primary focus on delivering the benefits of government schemes to the needy and deserving citizens. The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government was leveraging the latest technology across all sectors to modernize existing systems and improve operational efficiency.
He cited the Him Parivar Project as a prime example of the government’s efforts, explaining that it aims to create an accurate database of the state’s citizens, thereby significantly aiding in the identification of deserving beneficiaries for various schemes. He further noted that the Him Parivar Portal provides citizens with seamless access to government documents, services and schemes, all from the comfort of their homes.
The Chief Minister also elaborated on other initiatives undertaken by the State Government in the IT sector.
He was accompanied by his Political Advisor, Sunil Sharma, Principal Advisor (Innovation, Digital Technologies & Governance) Gokul Butail, OSD Col (Retd) K.S Banshtu, and senior officers of the State Government’s Department of Digital Technologies and Governance.
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Education Minister reviews functioning of education department
- Focus on quality education, CBSE expansion, and sports infrastructure
- Directs promoted headmasters to join new postings by 31st December
Education Minister Rohit Thakur today chaired a review meeting of the Education Department, issuing directions to strengthen quality education, streamline administration, and promote sports across the State.
Highlighting the expansion of CBSE education as a flagship project of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Minister said the State Government is committed to providing quality and uniform education through CBSE schools. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for teacher appointments has been prepared and will be placed before the Cabinet soon. The government plans to open 100 CBSE schools from the next academic session, with affiliation already secured for 94 schools, while remaining will be completed by the end of this month. A separate sub-cadre for CBSE teachers is also being created.
The Minister reviewed the Limited Direct Recruitment (LDR) Test 2025-26 for 1,427 Job Trainee posts, scheduled on 22nd February 2026, and directed officials to ensure smooth completion of the process. He also reviewed progress of Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools, sanctioned Rs. 94.46 crore for 42 locations, and instructed strengthening of sports infrastructure and filling vacant regular posts of coach in all 9 sports hostels.
Rohit Thakur stated that recruitment for 389 Assistant Professors has been initiated and urged expediting other recruitments. He directed that schools with zero enrolment be merged, teacher postings be rationalized based on actual need, and non-performing teachers and schools face strict action. He directed that the teachers of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics must be trained to teach in English. A student transportation policy will also be prepared.
He further instructed that all promoted Headmasters join their new postings by 31st December and that the DPC process for Principals be completed soon.
The SOP for introducing Horticulture as a subject is ready, and the Minister directed its implementation from the next academic session to promote skill-based education. He further instructed that all promoted Headmasters join their new postings by 31st December and that the DPC process for Principals be completed soon.
He also emphasized expediting the LDR process for PGTs, DPEs, and Computer Teachers, as well as stalled recruitments for specially-abled JBTs, Shastris, and other posts affected by legal issues. He emphasized the need for the swift resolution of the matter so that it could be presented to the Cabinet for consideration. He directed for completion of codal formalities for establishment of KV's in Kotkhai and Paonta.
He also directed to expedite the process for distribution of Tablets vouchers to the meritorious students. Preparations for three national events being held next month after 10 years were also reviewed.
Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli, Under Secretary Manjeet, and other senior officers attended the meeting.