CM presides over ‘Abhivyakti’ annual function of HPAS officers association

• Government committed to strengthening administrative services

SHIMLA -3 February, 2025Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the annual function ‘Abhivyakti’ of the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) Officers Association. Addressing the gathering, he reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to strengthen the administrative services and implement necessary reforms to enhance efficiency and governance.

The Chief Minister lauded the dedication and invaluable contributions of HPAS officers, particularly those serving in remote areas and underscored their crucial role in the execution of government policies and programmes. He said that officers were the backbone of the administration and called upon them to actively participate in decision-making for the welfare of the people and the overall development of the state.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the government was working with the motto of ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ and was making all possible reforms to uplift every section of society. He reiterated the government’s unwavering resolve to eradicate 'delayed corruption' and introduced forward-thinking policies to ensuring transparency, efficiency and ease of governance.

The Chief Minister said that the government was working with the vision of making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state by 2027 and the most prosperous state in the country by 2032. Despite economic, political and natural challenges, the government has remained steadfast in its commitment to progress, driven by strong willpower and farsighted policies. He said that the government was also focusing to introduce initiatives in key sectors, including hydro power, tourism, food processing, data storage, agriculture and horticulture.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while commending the efforts of HPAS officers, acknowledged their commendable service in remote areas and has diligently discharged their duties with dedication. He said that these officers play a vital role in implementing the policies and programmes of the state government and ensuring that benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister further stated that the government was committed to the welfare of HPAS officers and was actively working to safeguard their rights. He assured that their concerns and demands would be addressed with due consideration and a high-level state meeting would soon be convened for a detailed discussion and resolution of their issues.

During the event, the Chief Minister released the new logo, flag and souvenir of the HPAS Officers Association.

Chairman of the Association, Shravan Manta, welcomed the Chief Minister and briefed the various activities of the organization.

On the occasion all HPAS members voluntarily decided to quit the power subsidy and submitted their applications in this regard.

Association Secretary Prashant Sarkaik presented a vote of thanks.

A cultural programme highlighting the rich culture of the state was also presented during the event.

MLA Neeraj Nayar, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Secretary to the CM Rakesh Kanwar, CM's OSD Gopal Chand, various office bearers of the association, retired officers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

=====================================

CM launches registration form for natural farming

SHIMLA-3 February, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched a simplified registration form to enroll farmers in natural farming in the State during MLAs priorities meeting here today. He said that it could be filled online or offline by the farmers.

The Chief Minister said the interested farmers could now connect with the natural farming easily by filling up this form. The registration forms, which will generate specific information about the land, crops grown, breed of animals kept by the farmers and some other details regarding training in natural farming, will be distributed amongst farmers in all the Panchayats in the State. He said this will give further impetus to natural farming in 2025-26 in the state.

Sh. Sukhu said that the State government recently procured 398.976 MT naturally grown maize from 1508 farmers at Rs 30 per Kg, which is the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the country. He said that a similar procedure would be adopted to procure naturally produced wheat in the ensuing season at a MSP of Rs 40 per Kg. He said that one kilogram and five kilogram packets of the naturally produced maize flour are available under the brand name 'Him Bhog'. He said that 38.225 MT of maize flour has been sold through 1054 Fair Price Shops and 73.52 MT has been sold through Wholesale units of HP state Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd till 1^st February, 2025.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar said the ATMA staff will verify the forms filled up by the farmers in the field. He said the form will be connected to CETARA-NF (Certified Evaluation Tool of Agriculture Resources Analysis of Natural Farming) portal of PK3Y.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Ayush Minister Yadvender Goma, Vice Chairman State Planning board, Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

=====================================

CM directs officials to prioritize MLA priorities for timely completion of projects

• MLAs from Solan, Chamba, Bilaspur and Lahaul-Spiti submits demands

SHIMLA -3 February, 202Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over the meeting with MLAs from Solan, Chamba, Bilaspur and Lahaul-Spiti districts to discuss their priorities for the 2025-26 annual budget said the government was focusing on strengthening the rural economy by introducing new schemes and programmes as 90 percent of population of the state lives in villages. He said that change was must with the passage of time and the state government was changing the rules to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state. To overcome the burden of debt, the state must become financially independent and new suggestions in this regard were always welcome.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was the first state in India to provide a support price for milk. The government was purchasing cow milk at Rs. 45 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs. 55 per litre. Apart from this, maize produced from natural farming was being purchased at Rs. 30 per kg and wheat at Rs. 40 per kg. The government has also introduced "Himbhog" Atta, made from naturally grown maize.

Shri Sukhu said that to promote rural women entrepreneurs, an e-commerce website has been launched for products made by self-help groups. The government has also amended the Land Ceiling Act, giving equal rights to daughters in ancestral property. Furthermore, orphaned children have been recognized as "Children of the State" and were being sent on exposure visits.

The Chief Minister said the present state government was ensuring balanced and equitable development of all the assembly constituencies. The priorities have been re-evaluated and recommendations have been made to NABARD without any discrimination. In the last two years, NABARD has sanctioned Rs. 1,691 crore for 251 projects for assembly constituencies.

He directed officials to focus on getting forest clearance and gift deeds while preparing detailed project reports for MLA priorities so as to ensure that the projects could be started well in time. He said that strict action would be taken against officials for unnecessary delays in completion of DPR process.

MLA from Arki Sanjay Awasthi requested for speedy construction of Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School and dedicated spaces for women self-help groups to sell their products. He also proposed construction of a ropeway in the area.

MLA, Nalagarh Bawa Hardeep Singh urged to expedite the completion of the Pinjore-Baddi and Baddi-Nalagarh roads. He also demanded to take strict action against the drug and illegal mining mafia.

MLA from Doon Chaudhary Ram Kumar requested for the improvement in roads, electricity, and water supply and healthcare facilities in the area. He also requested to expedite the construction of Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School.

MLA, Kasauli Vinod Sultanpuri highlighted the need to connect scheduled caste dominated villages with proper roads. He also demanded construction of a bus stand in Dharampur and strengthening of road infrastructure. To promote tourism in the area, he proposed development of Kaushalya Dam and to open more employment opportunities for the local youth.

MLA from Chamba Assembly Constituency, Neeraj Nayyar, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for allocating Rs.170 crore to Chamba Medical College and for initiating the construction of an indoor stadium, bus stand and mini secretariat in Chamba. He urged for the swift completion of the heliport and requested for the promotion of tourism activities in the region.

MLA Lahaul-Spiti Assembly constituency Anuradha Rana while highlighting the huge potential of tourism in the region stressed the need to develop winter sports to boost tourism activities in the area. She also advocated securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Seabuckthorn to generate employment opportunities for the local communities. The MLA also expressed concern over the rising incidents of landslides and urged to formulate a comprehensive mitigation plans to deal with any eventuality.

Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani also took part in the discussion and gave their recommendations to the government.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, administrative secretaries, concerned Deputy Commissioners and HoDs of various departments were present in the meeting.

-0-