SHIMLA-4 August, 2026

State government committed to translating Dr. Parmar's vision into reality: Chief Minister

·Government ensuring holistic development of villages to curb migration to urban areas: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government was making continuous efforts to effectively translate Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar's vision and policies into reality. He was speaking as a Chief Guest during a function organized today at the Vidhan Sabha complex to commemorate the 120th birth anniversary of the architect of Himachal Pradesh and the state's first Chief Minister, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar.

The Chief Minister said that various schemes and programmes were being implemented in line with Dr. Parmar's farsighted vision and progressive approach. He said that implementing his ideals in letter and spirit would be the true tribute to his legacy.

He said that Dr. Parmar made multifaceted efforts for creation of Himachal Pradesh. Along with his associates, he strongly presented the state's case before the central government, which ultimately led to Himachal Pradesh attaining full statehood.

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Parmar envisioned a modern Himachal where every citizen would be educated, prosperous and have access to better connectivity. He stated that the present state government had accorded special priority to bringing about a revolution in the education sector. As a result of the government's sustained efforts, Himachal Pradesh has achieved a literacy rate of 99.30 percent and has become a fully literate state, which was a matter of immense pride.

Sh. Sukhu said that the present government had affiliated 156 government schools with the Central Board of Secondary Education, leading to a significant increase in student enrolment. He added that Rajiv Gandhi Government Model Day-Boarding Schools were being established in every assembly constituency of the state. He further said that to make higher education more accessible, the government had introduced the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, under which education loans of up to Rs. 20 lakh were being provided at an interest rate of just one percent.

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Parmar firmly believed that the development of Himachal Pradesh depended on the development of its villages. He maintained that the state could not progress unless farmers, horticulturists, women, youth and weaker sections became an integral part of the development process. He said that Dr. Parmar's emphasis on maintaining a balance between development and environmental conservation continues to form the foundation of the state government's policies. The government was strengthening the rural economy by promoting natural farming, self-employment and optimal utilization of local resources.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that both the ruling party and the opposition must work together in the larger interest of the state to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and prosperous. He said that the state must secure its rightful entitlements and that the government was consistently striving to protect and strengthen Himachal Pradesh's rights. He urged the Opposition to contribute constructively towards this objective. He reiterated that the government was committed to realizing Dr. Parmar's vision and, with this approach, aims to transform Himachal Pradesh into one of the country's most prosperous states by 2032.

The Chief Minister said that the government was ensuring holistic development of villages to curb migration towards urban areas. Continuous efforts were being made to transform rural life by strengthening education, healthcare, road connectivity and other essential infrastructure and services.

Speaker HP Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania said that Dr. Parmar's contribution to the formation of Himachal Pradesh was unparalleled. He provided exemplary leadership to the state and through his policies and programmes ensured that no region remained deprived of basic facilities. Owing to his farsighted vision, Himachal Pradesh today stands among the leading states in the country in several sectors, including education, healthcare and social development.

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said that Dr. Parmar played a pivotal role in the formation of Himachal Pradesh. He said it was the moral responsibility of every citizen to learn about Dr. Parmar's life and contributions, as his ideals continue to inspire future generations. He observed that the geographical and socio-economic conditions of Himachal Pradesh were distinct from those of other states, and it was with this understanding that Dr. Parmar struggled to secure a unique identity for the state. He also highlighted Dr. Parmar's emphasis on road construction and balanced regional development.

Former senior administrative officer Srinivas Joshi, in his keynote address, delivered a detailed presentation on the life and contributions of Dr. Parmar.

The Chief Minister also visited a photo exhibition depicting various facets of Dr. Parmar's life.

A documentary on the life and achievements of Dr. Y.S. Parmar, produced by the Department of Information and Public Relations, was also screened during the programme.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, and Jai Ram Thakur released a book, published by the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, along with other books.

The Chief Minister, the Speaker, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, the Leader of the Opposition, Ministers and other dignitaries also participated in a plantation drive in the Vidhan Sabha Complex.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee President Vinay Kumar, MLAs, former Speakers of the Legislative Assembly, former MLAs, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, councillors, senior officers, and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.

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SHIMLA -4 August, 2026

Chief Minister pays floral tributes to Dr. Y.S. Parmar

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid floral tributes to the statue of the first Chief Minister and architect of Himachal Pradesh Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar on the occasion of his 120th birth anniversary at the Ridge here today. He paid homage to the great leader on behalf of the people of the State.

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Parmar was a great and visionary leader who laid the strong foundation for the development of Himachal Pradesh. He said that Dr. Parmar dedicated his entire life to the service and progress of the state.

The artists of the Information and Public Relations department presented devotional songs on the occasion.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee President Vinay Kumar, MLAs Mohan Lal Brakta, Harish Janartha, Ranjeet Singh Rana and Vivek Sharma, Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, Vice Chairman of HIMUDA Yashwant Chhajta, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Devinder Shyam, Mayor MC Shimla Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, councillors, senior officers and other distinguished persons were present on the occasion.