In a significant move, a special holiday has been declared for voters hailing from Himachal Pradesh and UT Chandigarh, currently employed in Punjab, to exercise their franchise on June 1, 2024.

Giving information in this regard, Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said that employees working in government offices, boards/corporations, and government educational institutions across Punjab, who are registered voters of UT Chandigarh or Himachal Pradesh, are eligible for a special leave on June 1, 2024 (Saturday). This leave, upon presentation of their voter card, will be granted without deduction from their leave balance.

He further informed that employees of UT Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh working in any industrial establishment, business, trade or other establishments in Punjab will also benefit from a paid holiday on June 1, 2024, for casting their vote, in accordance with Section 135B(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. A notification to this effect has been issued by the Punjab government.

Una Himachal-Saharanpur MEMU will now be extended to Haridwar: Anurag Thakur

Ensuring better connectivity in Himachal is my priority: Anurag Thakur

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, informed today that the train running from Una, Himachal Pradesh to Saharanpur will now be extended up to Haridwar.

Shri Anurag Thakur expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji for the abovementioned decision, stating that it will bring significant benefits to the residents of the region and enhance pilgrimage tourism.

Shri Anurag Thakur said, “As the representative of the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency and Himachal Pradesh, I am always actively engaged in the development of this area, and providing better connectivity facilities in Himachal Pradesh is my top priority. Haridwar is a major religious destination, and a large number of people from Himachal Pradesh visit Haridwar for pilgrimage. I personally met Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji and requested for such a provision so that the passengers of Himachal can go directly to Haridwar by train. I am delighted to inform you that the extension of Una Himachal-Saharanpur MEMU, which used to run from Una to Saharanpur, has been approved by the Railway Minister. This train will now run from Una to Haridwar, providing a great convenience to travellers. Therefore, I express my gratitude to Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji.”

Shri Anurag Thakur stated, “Development is our top priority, and the Modi government has left no stone unturned in giving gifts to Una. Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji gave Himachal the gift of the country’s fourth Vande Bharat train and Modi ji himself visited Una for its inauguration. It is because of BJP that the most modern train in India is now operational in Himachal Pradesh. The Modi government is diligently working towards the expansion of railway services and addressing any connectivity issues in Himachal Pradesh, from running new trains to developing necessary infrastructure. An amount of 1838 crore rupees has been approved for railway expansion in Himachal Pradesh for the financial year 2023-24. A sum of 1000 crore rupees has been allocated for the strategic importance Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri rail line, 450 crore rupees for the Chandigarh-Baddi rail line, and 452 crore rupees for the Nangal-Talwara rail line in the 2023-24 budget. This approval of 1838 crore rupees for railway expansion is 17 times more than that during the UPA government’s tenure from 2009 to 2014. Currently, work is underway on four projects spanning 258 kilometers with an investment of 19556 crore rupees in the state.”

Shri Anurag Thakur said, “For years, there has been a demand in the Gagret Assembly constituency of Una district in my parliamentary constituency for various infrastructural improvements. The approval for a 500-meter long double-lane bridge over the Loharli Khad, the inauguration of the Daulatpur Chowk railway station, electrification of the railway line up to Amb railway station and the expansion of the foot overbridge, approval for a second platform and foot overbridge at Una railway station, expansion of the old bridge, approval for new railway trains, along with stops for major trains, including the Churaru Takrala Ambala Cantt-Daulatpur Chowk Passenger Special Train and the Raimehatpur Saharanpur-Una Himachal Passenger Express, are significant gifts from the Modi government for the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.”

Upon the recommendation of then Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal ji, the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji announced an industrial package for Himachal Pradesh, which directly benefited the establishment of industries in the Una district.

Una district is the only district in Himachal Pradesh connected to the broad-gauge railway line. The first train reached Una in the year 1990.

Shri Anurag Thakur further said, “From 2014 to March 2019, the work on the Amb-Andaura, Chintpurni Marg, and Daulatpur Chowk railway stations was completed during the tenure of the Modi government. Today, a total of 13 trains connect this district to various parts of the country from Una and Amb Andaura railway stations. Sabarmati railway station also has daily train services from Una. The announcement of the Una-Hamirpur railway line was reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Investor Meet held in Dharamshala in 2019. In fact, this railway line was considered economically and socially significant thrice, and steps were reiterated for its construction in the Lok Sabha rail budget presentations from 2014 to 2019. However, this announcement gained momentum when Prime Minister Modi ji, considering Himachal Pradesh as his second home, recognized the importance of this railway line and personally announced it and also directed the Railway Ministry to fulfil the pre-construction formalities to commence the construction to strengthen the state’s economy.”

“This railway line will enhance religious and tourism activities in the state by connecting places like Maa Jwala Mukhi, Maa Chintpurni, Maa Brajeshwari, Maa Chamunda, etc., thereby contributing to the revenue of the state. Moreover, it will benefit the youth serving in the Indian Army and paramilitary forces from areas such as Sarkaghat and Dharampur tehsils in Hamirpur and Mandi districts respectively, as well as Palampur, Baijnath, Jaisinghpur tehsils in Kangra district by providing them with access to the nearest railway stations for travel.”

The Himachal Pradesh government will contribute 1500 crore rupees and the Central government 4300 crore rupees for the construction of the Una-Hamirpur railway line.

“On February 17th, I obtained approval for the construction of a bridge over the Chakki River, which will expedite the restoration of rail service between Pathankot and Jogindernagar. Additionally, the rail track between Kangra and Nurpur will also be restored soon. I have also met with the Honorable Railway Minister to secure approval for this purpose.”

Delhi: 08 FEB 2024 

Number of total Jobs (Direct + Indirect) in tourism sector in India during the financial year 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 is given as below:

As per the inputs received from the State Government of Himachal Pradesh, the share of tourism in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Himachal Pradesh over the past three years is given below:

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha today.

11 Fair Price Shops of Una and Hamirpur districts of Himachal Pradesh first to on-board on ONDC; to serve as a model for statewide and nationwide adoption in future

This step is an additional avenue of income generation for Fair Price Shop dealers thereby, enhancing beneficiary satisfaction: Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution

As a step towards Digital India, Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India launched a pilot to on-board the Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in Una and Hamirpur districts of Himachal Pradesh on the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC). The pilot was launched virtually in 11 FPSs – 5 FPSs in Una and 6 FPSs in Hamirpur districts. This is the first time when Fair Price Shops are on-boarded on ONDC.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chopra said this landmark initiative adds to the continuous efforts of the Department in transforming the Fair Price Shops. This effort aims at providing additional avenues of income generation for FPS dealers along with enhancing beneficiary satisfaction.

Furthermore, he underlined that this initiative provides numerous benefits for FPS dealers including visibility in the digital marketplace, access to a larger customer base beyond NFSA beneficiaries, and the ability to compete on an equal footing with large retailers and e-commerce platforms. Additionally, beneficiaries who face difficulties in making online purchase can approach the FPS dealer to make online orders on their behalf.

He highlighted that the success of the pilot being implemented in Himachal Pradesh will serve as a model for statewide and nationwide adoption in the future. He also appreciated the support of MicroSave Consulting (MSC) in deploying this pilot program.

After the launch event, a workshop in physical mode was organised for the FPS dealers in Una & Hamirpur districts. The workshop explained on how to catalogue products, service orders, and commission structure on ONDC etc.

Ms. Anita Karn, Joint Secretary (PD), Shri Ravi Shankar, Director (PD), Shri Mitul Thapliyal, Partner, MSC and Shri Saransh Agrawal, ONDC were also present during the launch event.

Chandigarh,2nd Feb,2024.In a momentous occasion, Dr. Prachi Mann, NSS Programme Officer at GMSSS 32 -C, led a contingent of 14 NSS volunteers from Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab at the Republic Day Parade Camp held at Kartvya Path.

A total of 200 NSS volunteers and 16 Programme Officers from across the country participated in this historic event. The Republic Day Parade held special significance as it exclusively featured a march past by women personnel of the Indian Armed Forces. The event also showcased vibrant tableaux representing the diverse cultures of different states. Notably, NSS stood out as the only civilian contingent participating in the prestigious Republic Day Parade. On 26th January 2024, Dr. Prachi Mann, along with two NSS volunteers, Ms. Pooja from Panjab University Chandigarh and Ms. Husan Veer Kaur from M.C.M. DAV, proudly marched at Kartvya Path as representatives of Chandigarh. Adding to the honor, the entire NSS Contingent was invited for a High Tea and interaction with esteemed dignitaries.

Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Honourable Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, extended invitations for Dinner and Interaction. This recognition reflects the commendable efforts of Dr. Prachi Mann and the NSS volunteers, showcasing their dedication and commitment to national service.

Rupnagar, February 1, 2024

ADG of PHH & C Directorate, Maj Gen M S Mokha, Sena Medal on Thursday felicitated the cadets returned after successful completion of the Republic Day camp, New Delhi at the NCC Training Academy, Ropar wherein the cadets were conferred with various certificates, awards and incentives.

On conclusion of the event, the ADG thereafter highlighted the enormous potential of NCC cadets towards for nation building, to include their all-round personality development with a sense of Duty, Dedication, Discipline and Moral Values, that manifests into them becoming able leaders and useful citizens.

He said that performance of PHH & C Directorate’s was well appreciated during the conduct of various events, and the cadets participated with immense vigour and fervour. 16 cadets were selected for the marching contingent on Kartavya Path, for the 26 Jan parade and 6 cadets were selected to represent the Guard of Honour, given to various dignitaries, viz, the Vice President, PM, RM, RRM & service Chiefs during RDC.

It is matter of pride that directorate secured 1st position amongst 17 directorates, in the Flag Area Competition he said adding that Directorate won the overall competition in R & V competitions and team won 03 Trophies, 06 Gold medals, 03 Silver medals & 01 Bronze medal.

Similarly, 4x DGNCC commendation & 5x DGNCC medallion were conferred to various ANOs, PI Staff and cadets.

He further divulged that Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh NCC (PHH&C) Directorate put up a stupendous show during the conduct of 26 January Republic Day Parade at Delhi, this year. Every year, NCC cadets from various NCC Directorates from the entire nation, participate in the monthlong Republic Day Parade, where several Inter-Directorate competitions are held amongst various NCC cadets. These cadets had earlier been trained at NCC Training Academy, Ropar, before they departed for Delhi.

Notably, PHH&C Directorate, was represented by a total of one Officer, 03 Associate NCC Officers (ANOs), 01 Girl Cadet Instructor (GCI), 03 Permanent Instructors (PI Staff) and 126 cadets, who participated in the RDC 2024 in New Delhi, to include, 07 cadets of RVC, for the Horse show competition. In addition, 45 cadets of Sainik School, Kapurthala Band also participated in the parade. The directorate team comprised of cadets from all the Northern States, and representation included 61 cadets from Punjab, 31 cadets from Haryana, 19 cadets from Himachal Pradesh & 15 cadets from Chandigarh, respectively. The contingent was led under the able leadership of Col Sanjay Chawla, Commanding Officer, 4 Haryana Girls Battalion NCC, Nuh.

Delhi: 25 JAN 2024 

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Himachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day.

In a X post, the Prime Minister said;

“हिमाचल प्रदेश के मेरे परिवारजन प्रकृति और कला-संस्कृति से लगाव के साथ-साथ अपने साहस और शौर्य के लिए जाने जाते हैं। अपनी गौरवशाली विरासत के संरक्षण के लिए भी वे सदैव समर्पित रहे हैं। राज्य के पूर्ण राज्यत्व दिवस पर उन्हें मेरी ओर से ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं।”

VP to interact with students at National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur

VP to inaugurate the 500th centre of ‘Ek Se Sreshtha’

The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar will visit Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh on January 06, 2024.

During his one-day tour, the Vice-President will visit the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur, where he will address students on ‘The Role of Youth in Viksit Bharat@2047’.

The Vice-President will also be the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 500^th centre of ‘Ek Se Sreshtha’, an initiative for enhancing access to education in Himachal Pradesh. Shri Dhankhar will engage in an interactive session with children on the occasion.

Delhi, 05 DEC 2023 

A total of 310 districts of the country have been identified as the most vulnerable (109 districts as ‘Very High’ and 201 districts as ‘Highly’ vulnerable category) under National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) and details are given below.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed climate resilient crop varieties for improving the food production. Since 2014, a total of 1971 climate resilient varieties have been developed and released, which include 429 abiotic stress tolerant varieties and 1542 biotic stress tolerant.

Major adaptation practices include renovation of community tanks/ponds for augmentation of village level water resources and its management; improving water-use efficiency; laser land levelling; soil test-based integrated nutrient management; community paddy nursery; contingency crop plans; sustainable intensification in rice fallows and zero-till sowing; and small farm mechanization through Custom Hiring Centers. Likewise, the major mitigation practices identified are direct seeded rice; in-situ crop residue management; agroforestry interventions; and integrated farming systems for climate resilient Agriculture.

List of State-wise vulnerable districts with ‘Very high’ and ‘High’ category

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Delhi, 05 DEC 2023  

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is voluntary for States as well as for farmers.   States/UTs are free to subscribe under the scheme keeping in view their risk perception and financial considerations etc. Farmers are free to insure their crops as per their risk perception, provided the crops and area is notified by the concerned State Government/UT Administration.  Since inception of the scheme in 2016-17, 27 States/Union Territories (UTs) implemented the scheme in one or more seasons.  At present, States of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are implementing the scheme.

Though the scheme is voluntary for the farmers, more than 30% of the Gross Cropped Area (GCA) and non-loanee farmers of implementing States are covered under the scheme, which shows the acceptance of the scheme among farmers.

The Government has taken several steps to create substantial awareness about the scheme amongst beneficiaries so that they can enroll themselves voluntarily under the scheme. The Government has made provisions to ensure availability of adequate funds for awareness of PMFBY. The revised Operational Guidelines for PMFBY which came into effect from 1^st October 2018 have inter-alia provided that the insurance companies should compulsorily spend atleast 0.5% of the total gross premium collected by them for Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities.

The Government has actively supported the awareness activities being carried out by the States, implementing Insurance Companies, financial institutions, and Common Service Centres (CSCs) network to disseminate key features of PMFBY amongst farmers and members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Further, a structured awareness campaign ‘Crop Insurance Week/Fasal Bima Saptah’ has been initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare since Kharif 2021 season onwards. The core focus of the campaign is to increase the awareness about benefits of the scheme, sensitize the stakeholders and to increase overall enrolment of farmers, thereby helping them to reap the benefits of crop insurance with special focus on identified aspirational/tribal districts.

Along with this, Fasal Bima Pathshalas are also being organized at village/GP level for knowledge building of farmers on various aspects of scheme implementation.

Apart from this, other activities for awareness generation involve the publicity of key features and benefits of the scheme through advertisements in leading National and local newspapers, airing of audio-visual spots on regional / local channels, distribution of IEC material in local languages, dissemination of SMS through Kisan / National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) portal and organisation of online workshops of all stakeholders including farmers, Panchayat Members, and other key stakeholders.

Government had also organized a nationwide Doorstep Crop Insurance Policy/receipt Distribution mega drive – ‘Meri Policy Mere Haath’. Hard copies of crop insurance policy receipts are distributed to farmers enrolled under PMFBY through special camps at gram Panchayat/village level. All implementing State/UT Governments along with respective insurance companies have been organizing Gram Panchayat level mega policy distribution drive.

As a result of these initiatives, number of farmer applications has grown by 33.4% and 41% year-on-year during 2022-23 and 2021-22, respectively. There is also significant growth of 28.9% in number of farmer applications and 24% in area insured under the scheme in Kharif season (upto November 2023) as compared to Kharif 2022. State-wise details of number of farmer applications insured and area covered under the scheme during 2021-22 and 2022-23 are given in Annexure –  

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.