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  • Dhali Panchayat’s first Gram Sabha draws strong public response

    Dhali Panchayat’s first Gram Sabha draws strong public response

    Shimla, August 14: The newly formed Gram Panchayat Dhali in Junga tehsil witnessed strong public participation at its first general assembly meeting, with 123 villagers attending—more than double the quorum of 60 prescribed for the Gram Sabha.

    The meeting was held at the Gram Panchayat Piran building and chaired by Panchayat Pradhan Anokhi Ram. Panchayat Secretary Rajiv Thakur welcomed the villagers and placed various development-related proposals before the Gram Sabha.

    The meeting unanimously approved a proposal to construct a new Panchayat Bhawan near Government High School, Dhali. A proposal to develop a playground to encourage sports and community activities was also passed through a voice vote.

    The demand for a separate Panchayat building has gained importance as residents currently have to travel around 15 km to Piran to attend Panchayat meetings.

    Pradhan Anokhi Ram said the new Dhali Panchayat was formed following the dissolution of Gram Panchayat Piran. In the absence of its own building, elected representatives and villagers continue to travel to Piran for official meetings.

    He said the high turnout reflected the enthusiasm of residents following the creation of the new Panchayat. Villagers from Thund, Dhali, Bagda and surrounding areas have been attending meetings in large numbers, often travelling in private vehicles.

    “Construction of the Panchayat Bhawan is our priority so that elected representatives can effectively take forward development works in the area,” Anokhi Ram said, adding that the Panchayat would focus on overall development despite limited resources.

    Deputy Pradhan Devendra Sharma, ward members Om Prakash, Rekha Devi, Devendra Kumari, Shyam Lal and Pushpa Devi, along with a large number of villagers, participated in the meeting.

  • Three electric buses launched to boost rural connectivity in Shahpur

    Three electric buses launched to boost rural connectivity in Shahpur

    Shahpur, August 14: Rural connectivity in Himachal Pradesh’s Shahpur Assembly constituency is set to receive a boost with the introduction of three new electric buses, aimed at providing safer, cleaner and more accessible public transport in underserved areas.

    Shahpur MLA and Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania recently flagged off the buses from the SDM office premises. The buses will operate from Dharamshala on rural routes connecting Tatwani, Bandi, Rehlu, Lanj, Harnera and Bhaled.

    The new services are expected to benefit residents travelling for education, healthcare, employment and other essential needs, particularly those living in areas with limited public transport.

    Pathania said the state government, under Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, was working to modernise the public transport system. He said 297 electric buses have been added to the HRTC fleet, marking a step towards cleaner and greener mobility in the state.

    Electric buses are also expected to reduce fuel consumption and vehicular emissions while offering passengers a more comfortable travel experience.

    The launch of the three buses is being seen as more than an expansion of public transport in rural Shahpur, with local residents hoping that similar services will be introduced on other underserved routes in the constituency.

  • Himachal Government Notifies Guidelines for Jeepable and Ambulance Link Roads

    Himachal Government Notifies Guidelines for Jeepable and Ambulance Link Roads

    4 August

    Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Government has notified comprehensive guidelines for the design, construction, certification, and maintenance of jeepable and ambulance link roads, introducing what it describes as the country’s first scientific and uniform framework for such rural road infrastructure.

    The new policy aims to ensure safe road connectivity to remote and inaccessible villages, allowing the movement of jeeps, ambulances, and other light vehicles. The initiative is expected to improve access to healthcare, education, and other essential services for people living in rural and mountainous areas.

    The guidelines lay down clear standards for road width, road surface, drainage systems, retaining and breast walls, slope protection, road safety measures, and regular maintenance. These provisions are intended to make the roads safer, more durable, and suitable for long-term use.

    The government noted that many jeepable roads constructed in previous years lacked uniform engineering standards, resulting in inadequate safety features and the absence of a structured certification and maintenance mechanism. Under the new policy, all existing jeepable roads will be inspected, upgraded wherever necessary, and certified after meeting prescribed safety standards. Once certified, these roads will also be brought under the state’s regular maintenance system.

    Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government is committed to making road travel safer and more reliable for every citizen, particularly those residing in remote and hilly regions. He said road safety remains one of the government’s top priorities and that infrastructure is being developed according to scientific standards to reduce accident risks and provide safer transportation facilities.

    The Chief Minister added that strengthening road connectivity is vital for the balanced and inclusive development of Himachal Pradesh. Improved roads enhance access to healthcare, education, markets, and emergency services while also promoting tourism and economic activities. He expressed confidence that the newly notified guidelines would help create a safer, more organised, and stronger road network, ensuring reliable connectivity even for the state’s most remote settlements.

  • Demand for High-Level Probe into Free Ration Scheme

    Demand for High-Level Probe into Free Ration Scheme

    Affluent Families Availing Benefits Meant for the Poor

    Residents allege ineligible households are receiving free ration under PHH and BPL categories, while deserving families are being left out.

    Shimla, June 25:
    Questions have been raised over the implementation of the government’s free ration scheme in parts of Shimla district, with local residents demanding a high-level investigation into the alleged inclusion of affluent families in categories meant for economically weaker sections.

    Residents from the Junga area have alleged that several well-off households are continuing to receive subsidised and free ration through government depots under the Priority Household (PHH) and BPL categories, despite possessing permanent houses, private vehicles and other modern amenities.

    Local residents, including Ram Thakur, Ved Prakash Sharma, Jiya Lal, Nek Ram, Ajay Kumar and Ramesh Chandra Sharma, claimed that many genuinely deserving families are being deprived of benefits while ineligible beneficiaries continue to avail government assistance.

    According to the complainants, multiple ration cards have allegedly been issued within joint families under different names to secure benefits under welfare schemes. They further alleged that some families have been categorised as BPL and PHH despite not meeting the eligibility criteria, causing resentment among middle-class and genuinely needy households.

    Cooperative Society Director Udham Singh Thakur stated that subsidised and free ration benefits are intended only for families falling under the Antyodaya, BPL and Priority Household (PHH) categories. He explained that a six-member BPL family receives 12 kilograms of free rice along with 17 kilograms of wheat flour at highly subsidised rates, while a four-member PHH family receives 8 kilograms of rice and 11 kilograms of flour under the scheme.

    The issue has reignited debate over beneficiary verification and transparency in welfare schemes at the grassroots level. Residents have urged the government to conduct a thorough review of beneficiary lists and remove ineligible families from the system.

    Officials in the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department stated that beneficiary lists for Antyodaya, BPL and PHH categories are prepared at the Panchayat level and ration allocations are made accordingly. Meanwhile, several Panchayat-level officials reportedly acknowledged that there may be cases where financially sound families are continuing to receive benefits, warranting a fresh verification exercise.

    Residents have demanded a comprehensive audit of ration card holders to ensure that government welfare schemes reach only those families for whom they are intended.

  • Newly Elected Panchayat Representatives Urged to Support Census 2027 Work in Junga

    Newly Elected Panchayat Representatives Urged to Support Census 2027 Work in Junga

     

    Shimla, June 18: Tehsildar Junga Kartikeya Sharma has appealed to newly elected Panchayat representatives, including Pradhans, Deputy Pradhans, ward members and other prominent residents, to extend their full cooperation in the ongoing Census 2027 exercise.

     

    Speaking on Thursday, Sharma said the census work commenced on June 16 and enumerators and supervisors are currently conducting door-to-door surveys across all Panchayats in Junga tehsil. He noted that field staff are encountering several challenges during data collection and emphasized that support from local elected representatives and community leaders is essential to ensure the smooth and timely completion of the exercise.

     

    Sharma said the Census 2027 is being conducted entirely through a digital platform for the first time. The first phase of the census, focusing on house listing and household data collection, will continue from June 16 to July 15, 2026.

     

    Under the exercise, supervisors and enumerators will visit every household to gather information related to houses and families. To facilitate the survey, a total of 77 house-listing blocks have been created in Junga tehsil.

     

    He urged residents to cooperate with census teams and provide accurate information, stating that the census serves as a vital tool for planning and implementing government welfare and development programmes.

  • Education Minister Rohit Thakur Administers Oath to Newly Elected Pradhans & Up-Pradhans in Shimla

    Education Minister Rohit Thakur Administers Oath to Newly Elected Pradhans & Up-Pradhans in Shimla

    Shimla, June 15, 2026: A grand swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Pradhans and Up-Pradhans of Shimla district was held at Peterhof today under the chairmanship of Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was also present on the occasion.

    Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Rohit Thakur administered the oath of office to the newly elected Pradhans and Up-Pradhans and congratulated them on their election. He emphasized that Panchayat representatives play a vital role in ensuring balanced and inclusive development across the state.

    The Minister announced that a special meeting with all newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives will be held on June 27, 2026. He urged the elected representatives to work with commitment and dedication to transform their Panchayats into model Panchayats and contribute actively towards building a developed Himachal Pradesh.

    Highlighting the importance of rural development, Rohit Thakur stated that nearly 90 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s population resides in rural areas, making it imperative to ensure the availability of basic amenities in every village. He informed that the 16th Finance Commission is expected to allocate approximately ₹3,744 crore for Panchayati Raj institutions, which will be utilized for development works across Panchayats.

    He further announced that the state government would provide additional resources to strengthen local governance and infrastructure. Referring to the recently concluded Panchayati Raj elections, he stated that 137 Panchayats that were elected unopposed would receive a special grant of ₹25 lakh each as an incentive for consensus-based democratic participation.

    The Education Minister called upon all Pradhans and Up-Pradhans to work at the grassroots level to improve essential services and social welfare initiatives, including sanitation, health care, drinking water supply, and awareness campaigns against drug abuse.

    Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the gathering about the proceedings of the ceremony. Additional Deputy Commissioner Shimla Sachin Sharma proposed the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the chief guest and other distinguished attendees.

    Among those present on the occasion were Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission and Rampur MLA Nand Lal, Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Rohru MLA Mohan Lal Brakta, Shimla Urban MLA Harish Janartha, Himfed Chairman Maheshwar Singh Chauhan, HPMC Chairman Devanand Verma, Himcon Chairman Vikesh Chauhan, State Women Commission Chairperson Vidya Negi, Child Commission Chairperson Anita Thakur, Vice Chairman of the Drug Prevention Board Sanjay Bhardwaj, Chief IT Advisor to the Chief Minister Gokul Butail, OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma, Additional Director Panchayati Raj Kewal Sharma, and several other dignitaries.

  • JICA-India Chief Inaugurates India-Japan Knowledge Centre and Model Agricultural Farm in Solan

    JICA-India Chief Inaugurates India-Japan Knowledge Centre and Model Agricultural Farm in Solan

    Kisan Cluster Mela draws over 300 farmers; Himachal youth to get agriculture training opportunities in Japan

    Solan, June 9: In a significant step towards strengthening India-Japan cooperation in agriculture, JICA-India Head Takeuchi Takuro inaugurated the India-Japan Knowledge Centre and Model Agricultural Farm at the Vegetable Development Centre in Barati, Solan.

    A Kisan Cluster Mela was also organized on the occasion, attracting participation from more than 300 farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), self-help groups and agriculture stakeholders from Solan, Shimla and Sirmaur districts.

    During the event, the infrastructure of three irrigation sub-projects developed under the Himachal Pradesh Fruit Diversification Project-II was formally handed over to the respective Farmers Development Associations.

    The JICA-India delegation is currently on a three-day visit to Himachal Pradesh to review innovative initiatives being implemented in Solan, Palampur and Dharamshala under the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project-II.

    Speaking on the occasion, Takeuchi Takuro emphasized the need to further strengthen India-Japan collaboration in agriculture. He appreciated the project’s contribution towards increasing farmers’ incomes, promoting modern agricultural technologies and encouraging climate-resilient farming practices.

    Project Director Dr. Sunil Chauhan announced an innovative initiative under the JICA-supported project through which young farmers from Himachal Pradesh will receive employment-oriented agricultural training opportunities in Japan. He said selected participants will first undergo training in the Japanese language, culture and work practices before being sent abroad. In the initial phase, around 150 youth are proposed to be trained.

    A major attraction of the event was the inauguration of a high-tech polyhouse farming system established under the Himachal Smart Farming Project at the Barati farm. Developed through a blend of Japanese technology and Indian innovation, the facility is expected to play a key role in advancing protected cultivation and modern horticulture in the state.

    The programme also featured a presentation on the concept of developing a Matcha Industry in India. The proposed initiative aims to promote the production and processing of premium green tea and matcha by utilizing the favourable climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in tea-growing regions such as Kangra.

    The JICA delegation also held discussions with M-2-Labo, the organization responsible for setting up the high-tech polyhouse system. Agricultural scientists and experts visited the model farm and exhibition stalls showcasing advanced farming technologies, natural farming practices, value-added products and innovations by FPOs and self-help groups.

    Progressive farmers and representatives of FPOs shared their success stories and experiences during the event. Outstanding contributors in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and community development were also honoured.

    District Project Manager Dr. Rajendra Singh Thakur expressed gratitude to all participants and dignitaries for making the event a success.

    Among those present were Deputy Project Director Dr. Rajesh Kumar, SPMU Subject Matter Experts Dr. Ashish Anand and Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Project Management Consultancy experts Sushil Kumar Sharma and Sudarshan Suryavanshi, Deputy Director Agriculture Dr. Dev Raj Kashyap, and other officials.

    The JICA-India mission team included Senior Representative Sota Koide, Representative Taiko Iwamoto, and Development Specialist Nishtha Vengurlekar.

  • Himachal Sericulture Farmers Create History as Cocoon Prices Touch Record ₹1,960 Per Kg

    Himachal Sericulture Farmers Create History as Cocoon Prices Touch Record ₹1,960 Per Kg

    Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan credits Chief Minister’s ‘Him Silk Mission’ for landmark achievement

    Shimla, June 8:

    Himachal Pradesh’s sericulture sector achieved a historic milestone on Monday as cocoon-producing farmers secured a record price of ₹1,960 per kilogram in the open auction market, the highest ever recorded in the state’s sericulture history.

    The achievement has been hailed as a major success for the State Government’s efforts to strengthen the sericulture sector and improve the income of rural farmers. The record-breaking price reflects both the dedication of sericulture farmers and the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at boosting silk production and marketing.

    Congratulating the farmers, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the State Government remains committed to enhancing farmers’ incomes, strengthening the rural economy and creating sustainable self-employment opportunities. He noted that sericulture is emerging as an important source of supplementary income, particularly for marginal and small farmers.

    The Chief Minister highlighted that the recently announced “Him Silk Mission”, backed by a dedicated budget allocation of ₹2 crore, aims to transform the sericulture sector through improved silk production, expansion of mulberry cultivation, adoption of modern technologies, quality enhancement, and better market access. The mission also seeks to increase the participation of women and youth in sericulture activities.

    “The record price achieved today demonstrates that the State Government’s policies are yielding positive results and that Himachal Pradesh is well-positioned to become a leading centre for quality silk production,” he said.

    Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan described the achievement as a proud moment for the state’s sericulture farmers. He said providing remunerative prices to farmers remains one of the government’s top priorities. The department has been supporting farmers through the supply of quality silkworm seed, technical guidance, training programmes, disease management assistance and improved marketing facilities.

    He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh’s transparent and competitive cocoon auction markets have played a vital role in ensuring better returns for farmers. According to him, the ₹1,960 per kilogram price is not only a record for Himachal Pradesh but also an encouraging example for sericulture-producing states across the country.

    Chauhan said the Him Silk Mission will strengthen the entire silk value chain, from production and processing to value addition and marketing, ensuring that farmers receive maximum benefits from their produce. The government also aims to establish Himachal Pradesh as a leading producer of high-quality bivoltine silk in India.

    The Industries Minister credited the success to the collective efforts of farmers, departmental officials and employees, along with the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister. He expressed confidence that the achievement would inspire thousands of farmers across the state to take up sericulture as a profitable livelihood activity.

    The Chief Minister and the Industries Minister jointly congratulated the farming community and expressed hope that the Him Silk Mission would significantly contribute to rural prosperity, women’s empowerment and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Himachal Pradesh in the coming years.

  • KVK Kinnaur Launches Month-Long ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ across 42 Locations

    KVK Kinnaur Launches Month-Long ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ across 42 Locations

    SOLAN JUNE 4

    Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kinnaur, under the aegis of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, has launched a month-long district-wide awareness campaign, ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-2026’, aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The campaign is part of a nationwide initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and will continue until June 30.

    The campaign was formally launched from the high-altitude villages of Nako and Spillow in Pooh block, reflecting the commitment to reaching even the remotest farming communities with scientific and sustainable agricultural practices.

    Dr. Pramod Sharma, Associate Director (Research) and Head, KVK Kinnaur, along with Dr. Shamsher Singh, Deputy Director of Horticulture, and Dr. Ramesh Lal, Project Director, ATMA, constituted two multidisciplinary teams comprising KVK scientists Dr. DP Bhandari (Plant Pathologist), Dr. Arun Kumar (Fruit Scientist), Dr. Budhi Ram (Entomologist), and Dr. Deepika (Fruit Scientist), along with officials from the Departments of Horticulture and Agriculture (ATMA).

    Dr. Sharma informed that the campaign will cover 42 locations across the three development blocks of Kinnaur district. Through training programmes, farmer-scientist interactions, field demonstrations and awareness activities, the campaign seeks to disseminate scientific recommendations and encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices among farmers in far-flung areas of the district.

    During the first phase of the campaign, awareness programmes, group discussions and field demonstrations were organized in Nako and Spillow villages. Farmers were sensitized about the adverse effects of indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and the importance of soil test-based nutrient management. Scientists highlighted the benefits of natural farming, integrated nutrient management and eco-friendly agricultural technologies for maintaining soil health, enhancing productivity and improving farm profitability.

    Dr. D.P. Sharma, Director of Extension Education of the University, said that the campaign represents an important step towards promoting sustainable mountain agriculture by integrating scientific knowledge with environmental conservation and farmer welfare. He added that similar month-long awareness and outreach programmes under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-2026’ have also been initiated by the University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Solan, Shimla, Chamba and Tabo.

    The campaign is expected to create greater awareness among farmers about sustainable agricultural practices and contribute towards long-term soil health, environmental sustainability and enhanced livelihood security in the Himalayan region.

  • 25 percent revenue of  Green Panchayats to be utilized for welfare of orphans and widows

    25 percent revenue of  Green Panchayats to be utilized for welfare of orphans and widows

    Shimla June 4

    The Green Panchayat initiative of the state government will now also contribute to the welfare and upliftment of orphans and widows across the state. This pioneering step will not only promote environmental conservation through renewable energy generation but will also support vulnerable sections of society, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. To further strengthen the social welfare component of the initiative, the state government has decided to revise the revenue-sharing model under the scheme. As part of the programme, ground-mounted solar power projects of 500 KW capacity are being established in 100 Gram Panchayats across the state.

    Under the revised revenue-sharing formula, 20 percent of the revenue generated through these projects will be allocated to the state government, 20 percent will be earmarked for operation and maintenance of the projects through HIMURJA, 10 percent will go to HIMURJA, 25 percent will be provided to the concerned Gram Panchayat for development-related activities and the remaining 25 percent will be transferred to the Social Justice and Empowerment Department for providing financial assistance to orphans and widows in the respective Gram Panchayat.

    The present state government has accorded top priority to the welfare of underprivileged and marginalized sections of society and has launched several initiatives to ensure their social and economic empowerment. One of its flagship programmes, the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Ashraya Yojana, provides comprehensive support to orphaned children to ensure their education, care and overall well-being. Under the scheme, each orphaned child is provided a monthly stipend of Rs. 4,000, benefiting approximately 6,000 children across the state. In addition, the Government is providing land for the construction of houses to eligible beneficiaries who do not own land, along with financial assistance to help them lead a secure and dignified life.

    Similarly, widows are being provided financial assistance of Rs. three lakh for the construction of houses, enabling them to lead a life of dignity and security. The government is also extending support to the children of widows for pursuing higher education, helping them compete on an equal footing with their peers.

    Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated, “The present state government has launched numerous schemes for the upliftment of vulnerable sections of society. These initiatives have ensured equal opportunities for underprivileged children to compete and progress alongside others.” He added that the enhanced financial assistance for orphans and widows will improve their economic condition and create greater opportunities for employment and self-employment, thereby enabling them to lead more secure and prosperous lives.