State Government making earnest efforts to make HRTC a self-reliant organization : CM

HRTC's income increases by Rs.63.47 crore in first eight months of this year

SHIMLA -24^th December, 2024Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over the review meeting of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) here today, said that the State Government is making earnest efforts to make it a self-reliant and viable organization. He said that due to the efforts of the present State Government and dedicated workforce of HRTC, the income of HRTC has increased by Rs. 63.47 crore in the first eight months of this year.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State Government is releasing approximately Rs. 60 crore grant per month to HRTC and during the last two years, salaries and pensions are being paid in time to the employees and pensioners. He said that HRTC is the lifeline of the State due to limited transportation means and every day about 5 lakh commuters travel through HTRC buses.

The Chief Minister said that the present State Government is transforming HRTC into 'Green HRTC' as a target has been set to make Himachal Pradesh Green Energy State of the country by 31^st March, 2026. He said that HRTC can play a key role in achieving the vision of Green Himachal and conserve the environment of the State for future generations. He said that the entire fleet of diesel buses of HRTC is being converted into e-buses and the State Government is committed to strengthen the HRTC. He also said that the State Government has also allocated Rs. 327 crore for purchasing electric buses.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed to construct new bus stands to offer better facilities to the commuters. He said that the HRTC has also introduced cashless payment options in its buses, making Himachal Pradesh the first State to offer such facilities in the transport sector.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that due to the efforts of the present State Government, HRTC buses have become a symbol of comfort and attraction for the passengers. He said that the true strength of HRTC lies in the professionalism and dedication of its employees who perform their duties day and night.

Principal Secretaries R.D. Nazeem, Devesh Kumar, Secretaries Dr. Abhishek Jain, Rakesh Kanwar and Chief Minister's OSD Gopal Sharma, Managing Director HRTC Rohan Chand Thakur, Director Transport D.C. Negi and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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CM directs to formulate a comprehensive policy for employment on compassionate ground

Directs officers concerned to compile department -wise details

SHIMLA -24^th December, 2024Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed to formulate a comprehensive policy for employment on compassionate ground and said that the present State Government intends to settle all the pending cases in one-go. While reviewing the policy in a high level meeting, the Chief Minister directed the officers to compile and present department, age and educational qualification wise data of the applicants seeking employment on compassionate ground. He instructed the officers to come up with the requisite data in the next meeting on 10^th January, 2025.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government was adopting a liberal and sympathetic approach to offer employment in the government sector to those who lost their family members during service. He said that the State Government would keep in view all the aspects to benefit the maximum number of applicants. He said that the State Government is committed to support the well being of dependents by giving preference to widows and orphans in providing employment on compassionate grounds.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State Government has also constituted a Cabinet Sub Committee under the chairmanship of Education Minister Rohit Thakur with Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani and Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma as its members to examine the matters of compassionate appointments.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Secretaries Dr. Abhishek Jain and Rakesh Kanwar, Special Secretary Finance Rohit Jamwal and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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Chief Minister reviews progress of various projects of energy department

• Directs HPSEBL to commence construction of Devi Kothi, Hail Power Projects immediately
• Government to promote hydro power tourism: CM

SHIMLA -24^th December, 2024Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today reviewed the progress of various ongoing projects of the Energy department and said that the State Government was working diligently to harness more and more green energy in the State. He said that one MW Green Hydrogen Project was being built at Nalagarh in Solan district. A 32 MW Solar Power Project at Pekhubela in Una district had been commissioned in record six months while two more such projects are under construction in Una district as well which would be dedicated shortly.

Sh. Sukhu said that the State Government was considering promoting hydro power tourism in the State to offer self-employment and employment opportunities to the local youth. He said that a policy would be formulated in this regard and training would be imparted to power project developers through department of energy.

The Chief Minister directed to expedite ongoing power projects in the interest of the State. He said that non-responsive hydro projects would be re-advertized to tap the hydro power generation potential of the State. He directed the HPSEBL to commence the construction work of Devi Kothi and Hail Power Projects immediately.

He also reviewed the high-stake cases pending in the Courts such as JSW, Shanan and pending arrears of the BBMB and directed the concerned officers to pursue these cases vigorously. He also instructed to speed up the pump storage projects.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Chief Minister's Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, Chief Minister's Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, MD HPSEBL Sandeep Kumar, Director of Energy Department Rakesh Prajapati, MD HP Power Corporation Ltd. Harikesh Meena, MD HPPTCL Rajeev Sood and other senior officers were also present in the meeting

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CM inaugurates Winter Carnival Shimla

SHIMLA, 24,12.24-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu performed the opening ceremony of Winter Carnival Shimla at The Ridge today and it will culminate on 2^nd January, 2025.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that it was the present State Government who started Winter Carnivals at Shimla and Dharamsala for the first time. He said that Winter Carnival Manali was also being organized on large scale by the Government. He said that such carnivals and festivals depict the rich culture and traditions of the State. He said that the State Government was making earnest efforts to harness the tourism potential of the State so that more and more tourists are attracted towards the State thereby it could become a most favoured tourist destination.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the Government has issued a notification regarding opening of restaurants and other eatable shops round-the-clock from 23^rd December 2024 to 5^th January, 2025 so that tourists and visitors do no face any inconvenience during their stays in the State. He said that the State Government would provide all logistic assistance to the tourists. He urged the visitors to enjoy the carnival and snowfall. He also made a fervent appeal to all to keep the State polythene free by using dustbins.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that hilly areas of the State including Shimla city would get another spell of snowfall during Christmas and New Year which will be added attraction for the tourists. He said that he was optimistic that there will be good snowfall during this winter season which goes a long way in recharging our water sources. He extended his good wishes to the Municipal Corporation and District Administration Shimla for organizing this festival in a befitting manner.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also participated in Mahanati and flagged off cultural parade on the occasion in which participants from 11 districts took part.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, MLA Harish Janartha, Vice Chairman HIMUDA Yashwant Chhajta, Mayor MC Shimla Surender Chauhan, DC Shimla Anupam Kashyap and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.