-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressing the house

SHIMLA, 01.09.26-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressing the house during the monsoon Session of HP Vidhan Sabha in Shimla on 1st September 2026.

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4,050 SAHARA beneficiaries migrated to new online system

  • CM reviews implementation of welfare schemes of Social Justice and Empowerment Department

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a meeting of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department and reviewed the implementation of various welfare schemes, including the Mukhya Mantri SAHARA Yojana. During the meeting, it was informed that to ensure efficient, transparent and hassle-free implementation of the scheme, the department has developed a dedicated online software application. As part of the transition to the new system, 4,050 active and eligible beneficiaries have been successfully migrated to the online platform.

It was further informed that Aadhaar-based e-KYC of 3,958 beneficiaries has been completed through the portal. Consequently, financial assistance for 3,723 beneficiaries for the month of July, 2026 has been disbursed so far. A total of 4,143 new applications have been received through the e-Kalyan Portal so far. These applications are being processed and sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the scheme. The online portal developed by the department is now live and available in the public domain. Eligible and needy applicants can submit their applications online through the e-Kalyan Portal to avail the benefits under the Mukhya Mantri SAHARA Yojana.

The Chief Minister said that the SAHARA Yojana aims to provide financial assistance of Rs. 3,000 per month to persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and economically weaker families who are suffering from certain specified fatal diseases. The scheme also provides support to their attendants, thereby helping reduce the financial distress and hardships faced by families during prolonged medical treatment. He said that a budget provision of Rs. 20.01 crore has been made for the current financial year, against which an expenditure of Rs. 4.46 crore has been incurred so far.

Sh. Sukhu directed the department to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach all eligible beneficiaries in a transparent, timely and hassle-free manner, with special focus on needy families facing financial difficulties due to prolonged medical treatment.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary C.P. Verma, Director ESOMSA Sumit Kimta, Director Women, Child DevelopmentPankaj Lalit and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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CM reviews progress of proposed Him-Chandigarh City

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today reviewed the progress of the proposed Him-Chandigarh City in the Baddi area, in the vicinity of Chandigarh. He said that the state government would commence the development of the new city shortly and directed the concerned officers to expedite all necessary formalities to ensure timely execution of the project.

The Chief Minister said that Him-Chandigarh City would be developed as a modern, well-planned and sustainable urban centre equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and essential civic amenities. He directed the officers to explore all possibilities for ensuring planned, sustainable and balanced development of the proposed city. He also directed that a well-developed riverfront of 9 KM along the Sarsa River be incorporated into the project to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal and provide residents with a clean, attractive and recreational public space. He further emphasized the need to ensure robust and efficient road connectivity to and from the proposed city for seamless movement and better accessibility.

Sh. Sukhu said that the proposed city would not only cater to the growing urban needs of the region but would also generate economic activity and contribute significantly to the revenue of the state.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Vice Chairman, HIMUDA, Yashwant Chajta, MLAs Ram Kumar and Ajay Solanki, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary Amarjeet Singh and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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Three-time attendance system to be introduced in 150 CBSE schools: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a meeting of the Education department and said that a three-time attendance system would be introduced in the 150 CBSE government schools established across the state. Attendance would be mandatory at three points during the school day-at the time of arrival in the morning, during lunch break and at checkout.

The Chief Minister said that separate dress codes would be prescribed for teachers and students in these CBSE schools. The dress code for teachers would be made mandatory from 1st October this year. To facilitate the purchase of the prescribed dress, teachers would be provided one-time special financial assistance of Rs. 5,000. A decision regarding the school uniform for students would be taken within the next week, he added.

Sh. Sukhu said that around 1,200 teachers had already been appointed in the CBSE schools and more teachers would be recruited in the coming time. The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to provide quality education in these schools and ensuring that children, particularly those studying in rural areas, have access to quality education close to their homes.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government would provide an additional Rs. 80 crore for further improvements in the CBSE schools and strengthening facilities for students and teachers. He said the initiative was aimed at creating a better educational environment and ensuring that students in rural areas receive quality education at their doorsteps.

He directed the Education department to ensure effective implementation of the measures and continuous improvement in the functioning and facilities of the CBSE schools.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Advocate General Anoop Rattan, Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

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