Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the demise of senior Punjab Kesari journalist Deshraj Banta, who passed away at Palampur

SHIMLA-28^th March, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the demise of senior Punjab Kesari journalist Deshraj Banta, who passed away at Palampur, district Kangra yesterday. He was 87 years old.

The Chief Minister said that the contributions of Deshraj Banta in the journalism field were immense and will be remembered for a long period by the journalist fraternity.

He prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

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Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of senior journalist Deshraj Banta, (87) who passed away in Palampur after prolonged illness.

SHIMLA, 29.03.25-Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of senior journalist Deshraj Banta, (87) who passed away in Palampur after prolonged illness.

Remembering his contributions to journalism, Sh. Agnihotri said that Deshraj Banta was a dedicated and fearless journalist who remained committed to ethical reporting throughout his career. His insightful reporting, commitment to truth and extensive coverage of social and political issues earned him immense respect in the media fraternity.

The Deputy Chief Minister extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty for eternal peace to the departed soul. He also wished strength and fortitude to the grieving family members in this difficult time.

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State inks MoUs with Telangana Government for establishing Seli and Miar HEPs

• First ever collaboration of its kind in history of Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA28^th March, 2025-Himachal Pradesh has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana for establishing 400 MW Seli and 120 MW Miar Hydro Electric Power Projects in Lahaul-Spiti district. This is the first ever collaboration of its kind in the history of the State marking a significant milestone in the State's efforts to harness its vast hydro power potential.

The MoUs were signed by Secretary Power Rakesh Kanwar on behalf of the Himachal Pradesh Government and Principal Secretary of Power Sandeep Kumar Sultania on behalf of Telangana Government in the august presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu at Shimla today.

Both the projects are expected to be set up with an estimated cost of Rs. 6200 crore on the bank of Chenab river and are set to generate about 5000 direct and indirect employment to the youth of the State. As per the agreement, Telangana Government has paid Rs. 26 crore as upfront premium and after the commissioning of both these projects, Himachal Pradesh will receive 12 percent, 18 percent and 30 percent free power for the first 12 years, next 18 years and remaining 10 years respectively under the new Energy Policy of the State Government. After 40 years, the Government of Telangana would transfer both the projects to Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, the Telangana Government would contribute 1.5 percent of cost of projects towards Local Area Development Fund (LADF) and provide additional one percent free power for LADF after commissioning. The affected families of these projects will also receive monetary benefits equivalent to 100 units per month for a period of 10 years.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu to Himachal Pradesh and said that this collaboration marks a new era of inter-state cooperation in the renewable energy sector. He also invited the Government of Telangana to explore further partnership in power banking or trading. He said, "Our Government is committed to protecting the State's resources while ensuring that hydro power projects benefit the people of the State. We will extend full cooperation to the government of Telangana to establish both the projects and look forward to the commencement of construction earliest. These agreements are win-win situation for both the States."

The Chief Minister said that the present State Government would not allow the exploitation of the resources of the State. He said that the State Government was recognizing water resources of the State as its wealth and it was undertaking radical reforms in the power sector to make Himachal Pradesh a self reliant State. He said that while the State has harnessed 11500 MW renewable energy so far, much of it has benefitted the Central Public Sector Undertakings. He said that the present Government is determined to change this and ensure the State's water resources are utilized for the economic growth of the people of the State.

Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana Sh. Mallu stated that Telangana Government was committed towards ensuring energy security for both the States keeping in view its fast growing demand. In line with Telangana Clean and Green Energy Policy, 2025, this MoU reflects our commitment to diversifying our energy portfolio while ensuring environment sustainability. He said, "By partnering with Himachal Pradesh, we are taking a significant step towards securing cleaner, greener and more reliable power for our future."

Deputy Chief Minister said that Telangana Government has been actively working towards increasing its renewable energy share and this agreement highlights the importance of inter-state cooperation in energy sector.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Principal Advisor Media to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Chief Managing Director Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) Musharraf Faruqui, Director Energy Rakesh Prajapati, Special Secretary Power Arindam Chaudhary and other senior officers of both the States were present on the occasion.

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Himachal Pradesh bags two Awards in Tourism

SHIMLA -29^th March, 2025The India Today Group has recognized the efforts of the present state Government in promoting tourism by honoring the state with awards in two categories. At an event held in Delhi, Bir-Billing was awarded the Editor’s Choice Best Adventure Destination, while Dharamshala was recognized as the Best Mountain Destination. On behalf of the State Government, Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty received the awards.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the people of Himachal Pradesh on this achievement, saying that the government has been consistently working to boost tourism over the past two years. As a result, the state has witnessed a rise in tourist footfall. He further reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector in the coming years to ensure a better experience for visitors in Himachal Pradesh.

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CM directs SPs to prepare detailed dossier on drugs network by April 20

Prioritize resolution of public grievances, CM instructs all DCs

SHIMLA-29^th March, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today here directed all district administrations to complete the mapping of drug networks, including suppliers and consumers of ‘Chitta’, at the panchayat level by 20^th April this year. Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress, he pointed out that despite instructions to complete the mapping by 15^th March no district has achieved the target yet.

Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to prepare detailed dossiers on drugs peddlers and consumers up to the panchayat level with utmost seriousness. He said that he would review the progress again on 20^th April and officers submitting incorrect reports would be held accountable. He also stated that he would conduct surprise inspections at the panchayat level.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse, Sh. Sukhu directed all SPs to intensify efforts to dismantle the drugs network and instructed them to ensure strict surveillance and continuous monitoring of drug-related activities. The Chief Minister further stated that properties illegally acquired by the drug mafia will be demolished and 259 such properties have already been identified for action.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government has passed the Organized Crime Control Act and the H.P. Anti-Drugs Act during the Budget Session of the Assembly, which should be effectively implemented. He also said that the government is considering establishing drug de-addiction centers in all districts and instructed DCs to identify vacant government buildings for this purpose.

The Chief Minister also instructed them to prioritize the resolution of public grievances, ensuring timely disposal of cases. He stressed that the delaying practice must be stopped. Additionally, he encouraged officers at the block level to adopt government schools and conduct regular monthly visits. He asked them to raise awareness among students about the ill-effects of drug abuse and other social evils, while also instilling a sense of nationalism to help shape responsible citizens. Further, he instructed all DCs to review the implementation of government welfare schemes at the block level and submit progress reports.

Sh. Sukhu also reviewed the ‘Vidhwa and Ekal Nari Awas Yojana’ and the ‘Maharishi Valmiki Kamgar Awas Yojana’. He directed all DCs to expedite the identification of eligible beneficiaries so that they can avail benefits at the earliest.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, ADGP Abhishek Trivedi, Secretaries Ashish Singhmar and Rajesh Sharma were present in the meeting, while DGP Dr. Atul Verma, along with all DCs and SPs joined the meeting virtually.

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Reduction in electricity tariff for consumers in Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA -29^th March, 2025-The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has issued the tariff order for the sale of electricity by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) to consumers for the financial year 2025-26.

A State Government spokesperson stated that the Commission has reduced electricity rates for most consumer categories, providing relief to the people of the state. Notably, the tariff for domestic consumers has been reduced by 15 paise per unit, which will help lower electricity bills.

The Government of Himachal Pradesh will soon announce subsidies for various categories of consumers for the financial year 2025-26, after a detailed review of the tariff order issued by the Commission.