SHIMLA -8th April, 2026
PG seats being increased in medical colleges to enhance patient care: CM
- Chairs review meeting of Medical Education department
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today here chaired a review meeting of the Medical Education Department and directed officials to ensure effective healthcare services for patients across all medical colleges in the state. He said that the present state government was continuously working to improve healthcare facilities so that people can access quality treatment within the state.
He said that postgraduate (PG) seats were being increased in all medical colleges. The additional seats include 57 in RPGMC Tanda, 29 in Mandi, 32 in Nahan, 33 in Chamba, 67 in Hamirpur and 96 in Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla. He said that this expansion would improve the functioning of these institutions and lead to better patient care.
Addressing the shortage of faculty, particularly in newer medical colleges and super-specialists in Tanda Medical College, the Chief Minister directed that the retirement age of professors be increased to 65 years for the next three years. He said that this decision would not affect promotions. To further address staff shortages, the government was also designating Assistant and Associate Professors accordingly. He said that strengthening all departments, especially diagnostic services always remains a key priority of the present state government.
The Chief Minister announced that all vacant nursing posts in medical colleges would be filled by November this year. Apart from this adequate technical staff would also be appointed to address the need. He said that the state government was investing Rs. 3,000 crore to procure modern machines and equipment for medical colleges and hospitals. Efforts were also underway to address staff shortages across healthcare institutions.
He said that improving the health and education sectors was a top priority and assured that there was no dearth of funds for these areas. He said the government was committed to ensure the efficient functioning of all medical colleges and that healthcare services would see significant improvements in the coming years. He also highlighted plans to promote health tourism in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government would soon commence the Phase II of Chamba Medical College for which provision of Rs.192 crore has been made. Additionally, Rs. 500 crore would be allocated for the construction of Nahan Medical College.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Director Health Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma were present in the meeting, whereas the principals of all medical colleges virtually joined the meeting.
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CM inaugurates South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship in Shimla
- Boost to sports culture in Himachal
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship-2026 at the Indira Gandhi State Sports Complex Shimla. The championship will continue until 11th April, 2026 and features participation from over 100 players representing five countries including India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Congratulating the participants, the Chief Minister said that such an event was being organised in the state for the first time. He said that the state government was making every effort to strengthen sports infrastructure to encourage youth to adopt sports as a profession.
He said that sports provide a positive direction to youth and help instill discipline, dedication and leadership qualities. He said that active participation in sports also encourages youth to stay away from social evils such as drug abuse.
MLA Harish Janartha, Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Director of Youth Services and Sports Shivam Pratap Singh, Regional Vice Chairman of the Asia Table Tennis Union Shekhar Gautam, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Table Tennis Association T.P. Chopra, General Secretary Adhish Rana along with other office bearers were present on the occasion.
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Delegation of State Computer Teacher's Association meets Chief Minister
A delegation of the State Computer Teacher's Association, led by President Suman Thakur, called on the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence, Oak Over today and apprised him of the issues of computer teachers in the state.
The delegation also submitted a memorandum outlining their demands. The members of the association urged the Chief Minister to formulate a permanent policy for computer teachers and also to regularize their services.
The Chief Minister listened to their concerns and assured the delegation that the state government would consider their demands sympathetically.
Mandi District President of the Association Ramesh Thakur, Una District President of the Association Hardev Singh and other representatives were present on the occasion.
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ACS reviews progress of CGD network in state
· Directs to resolve issues of CGD companies
Additional Chief Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, R.D. Nazeem today here presided over a meeting to review the expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network across the state and to address the challenges being faced by the four CGD companies operating in the state.
He said that the CGD network was an interconnected system of underground pipelines that supplies natural gas directly to households, commercial establishments and industries. This system provides a cleaner, safer and more cost-effective alternative to LPG.
The Additional Chief Secretary said that the state government was actively promoting the expansion of the CGD network to reduce dependence on LPG and to ensure wider access to piped natural gas (PNG). As part of this initiative, pipeline infrastructure has already been laid in around 13,000 households in Una district, with nearly 6,000 consumers currently using natural gas for cooking purposes.
He said that however CGD companies have been facing certain challenges in expanding the network. To address these issues, the state government issued a notification in March, 2026, simplifying the land purchase process under Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Land Reforms Act. Under the revised procedure, CGD applicants would now submit their applications directly to the Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, along with necessary documents. The Director would forward the case to the administrative department, which would then send it to the Revenue Department for approval.
R.D Nazim further said that, as per the notification, CGD companies would be required to furnish bank guarantees to the Public Works Department (PWD) for undertaking work on government land or properties. They must carry out excavation and restoration work on such land to the satisfaction of the concerned departments or local bodies.
He said that all concerned departments and agencies have been directed to grant necessary approvals within seven days of receiving applications from CGD companies. In case no response is received within the stipulated period, the approval will be deemed granted automatically.
He directed all concerned departments to take immediate action on pending applications of CGD companies and ensure timely approvals as per the laid-down norms. He also directed representatives of CGD companies to proactively engage with concerned departmental officials to expedite clearances.
Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kumud Singh along with senior officials from the Revenue Department, Public Works Department, Urban Development Department, Rural Development Department, Industries Department, Electricity Department, Town and Country Planning Department and the Pollution Control Board were present at the meeting.