SHIMLA-2^nd January, 2025

CM flags-off tour for orphaned children under Sukh Aashray Yojana

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged-off the first group of 22 "Children of the State" today, marking the start of a 13-day educational and recreational tour under the Sukh Aashray Yojana. The children departed in a Volvo bus, and the Chief Minister wished them an enriching and memorable journey.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government enacted a law for orphaned children and had adopted 6,000 children under the law. The government had launched the Sukh Aashray Yojana to ensure their welfare and provide for their educational needs. This scheme aims to empower these children and support them in becoming self-reliant. As part of this initiative, children were being taken to places such as Chandigarh, Delhi and Goa for exposure and learning.

He further said that the tour comprises 16 girls and six boys. The group would visit Chandigarh from 2 to 4 January and would stay at Himachal Bhawan Chandigarh. They would then travel to Delhi on 5 January aboard the Shatabdi Express, exploring various historical landmarks until 8 January. On 9^th January, the children would fly to Goa, where they would stay in a three-star hotel and visit key tourist and historic attractions. The group is scheduled to return to Chandigarh on 14 January, 2025.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government acts as both parents for these children and was committed to ensuring their rightful access to state resources. The government was giving these children the same experiences as those who go on trips with their own families. Such exposure adds to their knowledge and prepares them for future opportunities. These children were future of the nation and they would definitely play an essential role in the development of the state and nation, he said.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil commended the government for its efforts. He said that the government was treating these children like its own family. He highlighted the dedication of the government to addressing their concerns and ensuring their wellbeing, something that had been neglected by previous government.

Agriculture Minister Chander kumar, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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SHIMLA -2^nd January, 2025

State Government to allocate 22 new Hydropower Projects of 828 MW capacity

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today here said that the state government was set to allocate 22 new hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 828 MW. The projects ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW were spread across Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Shimla districts.

He said that the largest allocation comprising nine projects with a total capacity of 595 MW was planned for the Chenab river basin. Additionally, eight projects totaling 169 MW were earmarked for the Sutlej river basin, four projects (55 MW) for the Ravi basin and one project (9 MW) for the Beas basin.

He said that for the first time the state government would allot these projects to other states, union territories and central and state undertakings. The projects would be assigned on a 40-year lease with an upfront premium of Rs. 10 lakh per megawatt. He said that a letter had already been issued by the Energy Directorate to secretaries of states and central undertakings in this regard. Apart from this advertisements were also being released to ensure wide promotion and publicity.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu further said that these projects would secure power supply, increase revenue through free electricity and boost employment for local residents. It would also foster development in the surrounding areas and pave the way for Himachal Pradesh to become one of the most prosperous states in India.

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SHIMLA -2^nd January, 2025

CM to chair MLA priority meetings on 3-4 February

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will chair a meeting with Members of Legislative Assembly regarding their priority for development related schemes for the upcoming budget 2025-26. The two-day meeting will be held on 3 and 4February, 2025 at the conference hall in Armsdale Building of the Secretariat.

The meeting would be held in two sessions, morning 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and evening 2 PM to 5 PM.

At the morning session on 3 February, the Chief Minister would listen to the suggestions and priorities of the MLAs from districts Kangra, Kinnaur and Kullu while in the evening session, the MLAs from districts Solan, Chamba, Bilaspur and Lahaul & Spiti would participate in the meeting.

At the morning session on 4 February, the MLAs from districts Shimla and Mandi would be present in the meeting and MLAs from districts Una, Hamirpur and Sirmour in the evening session.