British Deputy High Commission Delegation meets CM to strengthen UK-Himachal Pradesh ties
SHIMLA-17 February, 2025-A delegation from the British Deputy High Commission met Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Chandigarh today to discuss avenues for strengthening collaboration between the UK and Himachal Pradesh.
The delegation was led by Caroline Rowett, UK’s Deputy High Commissioner, and Rajinder S. Nagarkoti, Political, Press and Projects Adviser for the UK Government. They briefed the Chief Minister regarding ongoing and potential collaborations between the UK and Himachal Pradesh across various sectors.
During the discussions, the Chief Minister expressed a keen interest in exploring partnerships in AgriTech, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, tourism, dairy sector, food processing, data storage and water resource management. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the UK’s expertise in these fields to drive mutual growth and development.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed the concerned officers to coordinate further meetings with the UK delegation, ensuring that the proposed collaborations are effectively explored and implemented.
A key focus of the talks was the export of turmeric from Himachal Pradesh to the UK, with the Chief Minister showing strong interest in facilitating this trade opportunity.
Caroline Rowett highlighted the UK’s investments in Himachal Pradesh, mentioning an agro-industry investment in Kullu and the establishment of an Indian operation by a Scottish distillery in the state.
This meeting marks a significant step in deepening the UK-Himachal Pradesh partnership, fostering new avenues for cooperation and exchange across multiple sectors.
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Press Statement of Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil issued from Shimla on 17 February, 2025
SHIMLA, 17.02.25-Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil in a press statement issued from Shimla today said that the present state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was taking strong and effective measures to curb drug abuse in the state. Unlike the previous BJP government, which conveniently turned a blind eye to the drug menace, we were actively cracking down on drug mafia and ensuring strict action in coordination with the state police and other relevant agencies.
He said that the previous BJP government did not introduce strict laws nor took any serious action against drug cartels. In fact, its entire tenure saw the PIT-NDPS Act gathering dust and was completely ignored. However, within just four months of coming to power, the present government has issued the notification and began taking strong action against the drug mafia. This legal provision allows authorities to detain repeat offenders involved in drug trafficking and prevent them from endangering society. So far, the competent authority has already presented 81 cases under this Act.
Following the clear instructions of the Chief Minister, the police in the past six months have intensified crackdown on drug mafia, dismantling their networks and seizing their illegally acquired properties. In the last three years, assets worth Rs.16 crore-illegally accumulated through drug trade have been seized, with Rs. 9 crore worth of property confiscated just last year, which was a stark contrast to BJP’s inaction during their tenure.
In 2024 alone, 2515 individuals were arrested under the NDPS Act, with major strides taken to dismantle the drug trafficking network. For the first time in Himachal’s history, large-scale raids were conducted across 40-50 locations, leading to significant drug seizures.
To further tighten the noose around drug peddlers, he said the state government was considering to introducing the Himachal Pradesh Anti-Drug Act in the upcoming Assembly session. This legislation would ensure even stricter action against drug-related crimes. The government would not tolerate drug dealers and we were fully committed to making Himachal Pradesh a drug-free state.
The Minister said to reinforce our efforts, the Cabinet has recently approved the formation of a Special Task Force (STF) dedicated to tackling the drug problem. This STF would have the necessary authority to take decisive action and curb the growing drug menace. Meanwhile, awareness campaigns were being conducted across the state, and the government was strengthening inter-state coordination to intercept drug smugglers attempting to bring narcotics into Himachal from neighbouring states.
The difference was clear while the BJP excelled in speeches and inaction whereas we are delivering results. The people of Himachal deserve a safe, drug-free future and our government will stop at nothing to achieve that, he added.
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SHIMLA-17 February, 2025
CM mourns demise of Advocate Jagdish Rattan
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has mourned the demise of Advocate Jagdish Rattan, father of Advocate General Anoop Rattan.
The Chief Minister said that the news of demise of Advocate Jagdish Rattan was extremely saddening. His life was an example of integrity and commitment to justice in the society.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has prayed to the Almighty for peace of the departed soul and expressed his deep sympathies with the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.
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SHIMLA-17 February, 2025
Departmental Examination result declared
A spokesperson of Board of Departmental Examination, HIPA (Shimla) today informed here today that the result of Departmental Examination conducted from 26 November to 5 December, 2024 by the Board has been declared.
He said that candidates can download the result by logging into Manav Sampda Portal by using PMIS ID and Password issued to concerned individual.
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