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India Gazette
14 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Himachal will lead in education in the coming years, says Chief Minister
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 28 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the inter-college event 'Eruption-2025' at HP Government Dental College, Shimla on Friday. According to a release, reminiscing about his student days, he said, 'I was the SCA President during college days. Watching today's cultural performances, I found them quite similar to those from my time. What stood out was the larger number of female participants. As students, it's natural to have aspirations, but one must be prepared to face real-life challenges after completing their degrees. With honesty, determination, and hard work, one can succeed in life.' The Chief Minister shared that he studied in a government school and came from a humble background. 'It's from such beginnings that I have now been allowed to serve the State as the Chief Minister,' he said. On assuming office, he inherited a debt burden of Rs. 75,000 crore and liabilities of Rs. 10,000 crore of the state government employees, which led to the launch of a campaign for systemic reforms. 'When we assessed the education system of the state, we found that Himachal had slipped to the 21st position in terms of quality education by 2021. There was a pile of announcements made by the previous BJP government. We decided not to let students suffer due to this. Hence, we merged 1,000 schools and introduced several other reforms to provide students with quality education,' he said. 'English medium was started from Class 1, and both teachers and meritorious students were sent abroad for exposure visits. Despite opposition, we established a dedicated Directorate for School Education. Due to these reforms, Himachal has now climbed to 5th place, but we aim to reach the top.' Sukhu said that from next year, ten Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding schools will be made operational, and Himachal Pradesh will soon become the number one state in the education sector. He also emphasised the importance of improving healthcare. 'A patient's illness worsens without proper treatment, so ensuring timely and accurate care is essential. The State Government is set to invest Rs 1,100 crore in upgrading medical colleges. I am pleased that the first robotic surgery machine has already arrived in Chamyana. Equipment similar to that in AIIMS is being brought to our state medical colleges. Within three months, PET Scan and 3-Tesla MRI machines will be installed in the medical colleges of the State, and major transformations in healthcare will be visible within a year.' He said that the state government has hiked stipends, increasing the allowance for MD doctors from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,00,000, with similar increases for super-speciality doctors. 'Dental students pursuing MD too will see their stipends raised on the same lines,' he added. Highlighting the need for financial prudence, the Chief Minister stated that while the previous BJP government misused the state's resources, the current government is committed to ensuring development by saving every penny. Health and Family Welfare Minister Col. Dhani Ram Shandil said that such programmes give suitable platform to the students to showcase their talents and build their personalities. 'Today's youth are the future of our country. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government has adopted orphaned children as 'Children of the State' to ensure their care and education. Himachal Pradesh is the first State in the country to enact such a law giving orphans legal rights. He treats everyone as his own,' he said. He announced a prize of Rs 5 lakh for the students who presented the cultural function. MLA Harish Janartha, college Principal Dr. Ashu Bharti, college staff, and students were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Himachal govt to include chapter on ills of drug use in school curriculum
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh govt is set to include a chapter on the ills of drug use in the school curriculum. The announcement was made by chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Thursday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Presiding over a function here to mark the day, Sukhu urged every section of society to join the drive against drugs to make Himachal a drug-free state. He said, "The vision of a prosperous country can only be realised by channelling the energy of the youth in the right direction." Reiterating his govt's zero-tolerance policy towards the use and trafficking of drugs, Sukhu said, "None, even govt employees, found involved in drug trafficking will be spared. There is no place for drugs in Devbhoomi." He called on the youth of the state to join the fight against drugs, help themselves and others as well to come out of it. The state govt remains committed to cracking down on drug networks and taking stern action against the offenders, he assured the gathering. Sukhu also said the state govt is focused on providing employment and skill development opportunities for those recovering from addiction, thereby integrating them back into mainstream society. He said, "The Himachal govt has approved the setting up of a fully equipped 100-bedded de-addiction centre in Kotla Barog of Sirmaur district with an outlay of Rs 5.34 crore. The construction will start this year. Himachal govt is working towards establishing a district-level de-addiction centre in every district." Highlighting the efforts of his govt, Sukhu said it approved the implementation of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act soon after assuming power, something that the previous BJP govt could not do during its five-year tenure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The CM administered the anti-drug pledge and honoured various organisations and individuals on the occasion for their outstanding contributions in checking drug abuse in the state. Health and family welfare minister Col Dhani Ram Shandil (retd.) said much more still needs to be done in the fight against drug abuse. He emphasised the need for a large-scale movement akin to the freedom struggle, and said every individual must actively participate in to to uproot this evil. Drug peddlers are enemies of society, he added. Stating that values and discipline must be inculcated at home to prevent the youth from falling prey to drugs, the cabinet said, "This is essential for the success of any anti-drug campaign. Parents and teachers should maintain regular dialogue with children and encourage them to actively participate in sports and other constructive activities."
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Chapter about drug abuse to be included in school curriculum to raise awareness: Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Thursday that a chapter on drug abuse awareness will be included in the school curriculum. Addressing a state-level function to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Chief Minister called for collective action to make Himachal Pradesh a drug-free state. 'The future of a prosperous nation depends on channelising youth energy in the right direction,' he said, reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy against drug use and trafficking. 'I want to give a clear message to the people of the state that there is no place for drugs in Devbhoomi,' he added. Sukhu warned of strict action against government employees involved in drug trafficking and emphasised the importance of youth participation in the fight against drugs. The government, he said, is committed to dismantling drug networks and supporting rehabilitation. A 100-bedded de-addiction centre will be constructed in Kotla Barog, Sirmaur, with an outlay of Rs 5.34 crore, and each district will soon have its own de-addiction centre. Highlighting some of the government's steps, the Chief Minister noted that the present government swiftly implemented the PIT-NDPS Act — pending during the previous regime. He also administered an anti-drug pledge and honoured individuals and organisations for their efforts in combating drug abuse, including Dr Satyavart Vidya, professor Sachin Kumar, and several NGOs across the state. Health Minister Dr (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil stressed the need for a mass movement against drug abuse, likening it to the freedom struggle. He urged parents and teachers to instill discipline at home and promote sports and constructive activities. Meanwhile, experts shared insights on the harmful effects of drugs, while specially abled children from Dhalli orphanage and students of Government Degree College, Kotshera, performed to raise awareness. The event saw the presence of MLAs, officials, and other dignitaries from across the state.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
5 killed, several missing as cloudburst triggers floods in Himachal Pradesh
At least five people lost their lives and several others remain missing after a cloudburst triggered flash floods and widespread devastation in Himachal Pradesh, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed on Thursday. The torrential rains and subsequent flooding over the past 24 hours have severely impacted Kullu and Kangra districts, damaging homes, roads, and power lines. Kullu: Search operation underway for missing people following flash floods triggered by cloudbursts on Wednesday, in Sainj vally of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (PTI) Speaking to ANI, Sukhu said, 'So far, we have confirmation of five people who have died due to the rains and flash floods. Three persons are reported missing in the Kullu district. Rescue operations are ongoing.' He further said that the Dharamshala area in Kangra and parts of the Himalayan belt were among the worst hit by the cloudburst. "The damage is concentrated in areas where our Himalayas rise steeply. After the cloudburst, three people were confirmed dead, and five are missing. One person was earlier believed to be missing but was later found safe. He had moved into the forest near the roadside," the chief minister added. He noted that around 15 houses were damaged and the road network, particularly in villages, had been severely affected. "Roads have been badly damaged, particularly rural roads. Nearly 15 houses have collapsed due to heavy rainfall," said Sukhu. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the situation in rain-affected Himachal Pradesh "extremely distressing" and urged the government to heed weather warnings and prioritise rescue efforts. In a post on X, she said, "The news of loss of life and property, and several people going missing due to heavy rainfall in many districts of Himachal Pradesh is extremely distressing. May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the grieving families. I pray for the safe return of those who are missing. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing. I appeal to the government to take the weather department's warnings into account and exercise utmost caution and vigilance to ensure maximum safety." Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and property due to the ongoing downpour across several Himachal districts. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and West Uttar Pradesh from June 25 to July 1. Power infrastructure in Kangra hit Sukhu said that the cloudburst has also damaged power infrastructure in Kangra, and some of the missing individuals were employees working at a local power project. "There has been heavy damage to a power project in Kangra. The people who are missing were working at this power project," he said. He added that the state has been placed on alert, and tourists should take precautions, especially around water bodies. Reassuring visitors, Sukhu stated there is no danger in travelling to the state but advised people to stay safe. "We have issued directions to remain vigilant given the cloudbursts. Tourists are welcome to enjoy the monsoon season. There is no threat. But people must avoid going near rivers and streams," he added. He also mentioned that the state government has issued unprecedented emergency response instructions in light of the repeated cloudburst events. "Our government has directed all departments to act swiftly and historically. People should stay away from riverbanks," he said. The Chief Minister added that he would be conducting a high-level review meeting with all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police on Wednesday evening to evaluate the situation and response efforts. "We are on high alert. The kind of warnings issued demand that we stay fully prepared. We are treating this with utmost seriousness," he stated. Tourists caught playing in raging Beas river Despite repeated warnings to stay away from rivers and streams during the ongoing monsoon fury in Himachal Pradesh, a viral video from Mandi district shows tourists playing with their children in the fast-flowing Beas River near the Panchavaktra temple. The video, widely shared on social media on Thursday, captured people wading into the swollen river, disregarding safety advisories issued by the local administration. Authorities have consistently warned both tourists and residents against venturing near rivers during the rainy season due to the risk of sudden surges in water levels. Apurv Devgan, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, once again urged the public to avoid rivers and streams during this period. He noted that following a recent cloudburst in the Sainj Valley of Kullu district, excess water had been released from the Pandoh Dam, which could lead to a sudden rise in the Beas River's water level downstream. In light of these risks, Devgan stressed the importance of keeping away from the Beas River's banks. On Wednesday, flash floods triggered by multiple cloudbursts caused extensive damage in the Kangra and Kullu districts. (With ANI, PTI inputs)
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Climate
- India Gazette
5 dead, 15 houses damaged, several missing as cloudburst triggers floods in Himachal: CM Sukhu confirms
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 26 (ANI): At least five people have lost their lives and several remain missing following a cloudburst that triggered flash floods and widespread destruction in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed on Thursday. The heavy rainfall and flash floods over the past 24 hours wreaked havoc across Kullu and Kangra districts, damaging homes, roads, and power infrastructure. Speaking to ANI, CM Sukhu confirmed five deaths and five missing.'So far, we have confirmation of five people who have died due to the rains and flash floods. Three persons are reported missing in the Kullu district. Rescue operations are ongoing,' he said. He added that significant damage occurred in the Dharamshala region of Kangra and in parts of the Himalayan belt, due to cloudburst. 'The damage is concentrated in areas where our Himalayas rise steeply. After the cloudburst, three people were confirmed dead, and five are missing. One person was earlier believed to be missing but was later found safe. He had moved into the forest near the roadside,' the Chief Minister said. He noted that 15 houses have been damaged, and the region's road network has suffered severe destruction, especially in village areas. 'Roads have been badly damaged, particularly rural roads. Nearly 15 houses have collapsed due to heavy rainfall,' Himachal CM added. The Chief Minister said that power infrastructure in Kangra has also been hit, with missing persons reportedly employees of a power project. 'There has been heavy damage to a power project in Kangra. The people who are missing were working at this power project,' he said. CM Sukhu said that the state is on alert, and tourists are advised to exercise caution near rivers. Reassuring tourists, Sukhu said there is no danger in visiting the state, but urged people to remain cautious. 'We have issued directions to remain vigilant given the cloudbursts. Tourists are welcome to enjoy the monsoon season. There is no threat. But people must avoid going near rivers and streams,' he added. He also said that the state government has issued historic response directives in light of the repeated incidents of cloudbursts. 'Our government has directed all departments to act swiftly and historically. People should stay away from riverbanks,' he said. CM Sukhu further informed that he would be holding another high-level review meeting with all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police on Wednesday evening to assess preparedness and ongoing response. 'We are on high alert. The kind of warnings issued demand that we stay fully prepared. We are treating this with utmost seriousness,' he stated. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already issued a rain alert in the region for the coming days, and state authorities remain on standby for further eventuality. (ANI)
