Gaurav Bisht

Gaurav Bisht heads Hindustan Times’ Himachal bureau. He covers politics in the hill state and other issues concerning the masses.

Articles by Gaurav Bisht

Sukhu announces panel to strengthen institution of MLAs, maintain their dignity

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said his government will work to strengthen the Vidhan Sabha secretariat and the committee will submit a report on how to maintain the dignity and respect of MLAs

Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressing the Vidhan Sabha session in Shimla on Friday. (HT Photo)
Published on Mar 25, 2023 06:44 AM IST
By, Shimla

Shinku La connecting Himachal’s Lahaul to Ladakh’s Zanskar reopens in record 55 days

On March 22, Border Roads Organisation personnel worked in double shifts under Project Yojak at 16,580 feet in minus 25 degrees Celsius to achieve daunting task of reopening the icy peaks of the pass

Light vehicles from the Zanskar side were allowed to pass towards Manali after Shinku La, the pass at 16,580 feet that connects Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul to Ladakh, was reopened in a record 55 days on Thursday. (HT Photo)
Published on Mar 24, 2023 02:33 PM IST

CM Sukhu blames BJP for Himachal’s ‘precarious’ fiscal health

Commotion in the House as members from both sides engage in a heated exchange; later opposition stages a walkout. Tearing into the opposition BJP on the issue of Himachal’s economy being in the “doldrums”, CM Sukhu claimed that the BJP government left state in a debt trap of ₹75,000 crore

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur along with BJP legislators come out of the assembly during the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha budget session in Shimla on Thursday. Replying to the debate on budget estimates for the year 2023-24, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the erstwhile BJP government had announced the Sixth Pay Commission but its arrears were not given to employees and pensioners. (Deepak Sansta /HT)
Published on Mar 23, 2023 10:57 PM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal has every right to impose water cess: Mukesh Agnihotri

Himachal deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Wednesday said the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, does not prohibit the state to impose water cess on power generation for the use of water and there is no bar on imposition of water cess under Section 7 of this Act.

In a written statement to the media, Himachal deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the state has every right to impose water cess within the state as the cess is not being imposed on the waters of neighbouring states. (HT File Photo)
Published on Mar 22, 2023 11:06 PM IST
By, Shimla

Uproar in Himachal assembly over closure of ‘Jan Manch’

The Himachal Pradesh assembly on Wednesday witnessed uproarious scenes as the opposition BJP created a ruckus against the government’s move to discontinue ‘Jan Manch’, the flagship public grievances redressal programme of the previous government.

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressing the assembly during the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha budget session in Shimla on Wednesday.The members of the treasury and opposition benches had a heated exchange after the chief minister during the question hour in the assembly announced the discontinuation of the ‘Jan Manch’ programme and replace it with a new grievance redressal programme. (HT Photo)
Updated on Mar 22, 2023 10:56 PM IST
By, Shimla

HP Vidhan Sabha session: Oppn walks out as ruling party members fail to arrive on time

The House was scheduled to reassemble at 2.20pm and Opposition members had reached on time, but members of the ruling party did not turn up even after 15 minutes had passed

BJP legislators stage a walkout from the assembly during the budget session in Shimla on Tuesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)
Published on Mar 22, 2023 01:13 AM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal allocates 4,302 crore to women-oriented schemes, 82% more than last year

This constitutes 45.17% of the total development budget of ₹9,523.82 of the state and nearly 82% more than the previous year’s allocation

In its attempt to address gender-sensitive vulnerabilities and achieve gender equality, the government of Himachal Pradesh has allocated <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>4,302.45 crore to women-oriented schemes, as per the gender budget statement (GBS) for financial year 2023-24. (HT File Photo)
Published on Mar 20, 2023 01:37 AM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal government pulls the plug on 285 schools with zero enrolments

Himachal government had taken the decision to close down schools with zero enrolments and merge those with very low numbers with nearby institutions earlier this month

A maximum of 26 middle and 56 primary schools have been closed down in the Shimla district in the Himachal government’s latest move. (HT File)
Published on Mar 18, 2023 01:09 PM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal: No new taxes as CM Sukhu presents 53,413-crore budget; bets big on green energy

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a slew of green energy schemes, aimed at promoting clean energy and reducing fossil fuel consumption in Himachal while presenting a ₹53,413 crore tax-free budget in the assembly. This includes subsidies for electric vehicles and solar power plants.

Batting for a systemic change and intending to bring the economy back on track, Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented a <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>53,413 crore tax-free budget in the assembly on Friday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)
Published on Mar 17, 2023 11:16 PM IST
By, Shimla

Thrust on green energy as Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu presents his maiden budget

The CM said the government intends to make Himachal a green energy state by March 31, 2026, and apart from hydropower, the focus will be on promoting alternative clean energy, including solar energy.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the finance portfolio, presenting his maiden budget in the assembly on Friday. (HT Photo)
Updated on Mar 17, 2023 01:00 PM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal Pradesh water cess may raise power tariffs in neighbouring states

The Himachal Pradesh government’s move to impose a water cess on hydropower projects will raise power tariffs by at least ₹1 per unit, which may be contested by states such as Punjab that buy the power

The Himachal Pradesh government on March 14 initiated the formal legislative process to replace with a law the Himachal Pradesh Water Cess on Hydropower Generation Ordinance that was promulgated to impose a levy on hyd-el power generated in the state. (Representative image)
Updated on Mar 17, 2023 04:03 AM IST
ByRajeev Jayaswal, Vishal Rambani & Gaurav Bisht

Himachal’s GDP growth pegged at 6.4% for FY23: Economic survey

The state’s real gross domestic product (GDP) or GDP at constant prices (2011-12) in the current FY is estimated to be ₹1,34,576 crire as against the provisional estimate of ₹1,26,433 Cr for FY 2021-22, registering a growth of ₹8,143 crore.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukkhu in the Vidhan Sabha on Thursday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)
Published on Mar 17, 2023 12:10 AM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal assembly passes bill to levy water cess on hydropower projects

Once the governor gives his assent, the new law will be applicable to the existing 172 power projects and future projects in Himachal. The Bill was introduced in the House by deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri on the first day of the budget session.

The state assembly on Thursday passed the Himachal Pradesh Water Cess on Hydropower Generation Bill 2023. (HT File)
Published on Mar 16, 2023 06:46 PM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal Budget session: Govt, opposition spar as House discusses closure of institutions

Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday witnessed uproarious scenes after treasury and opposition members locked horns several times over the government’s decision to denotify more than 600 institutions and offices opened by the previous government on the 2nd day of budget session

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur along with BJP legislators going to attend the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha budget session in Shimla on Wednesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)
Published on Mar 16, 2023 01:08 AM IST
By, Shimla

Fiery start to Himachal budget session, BJP MLAs stage walkout

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the Opposition bringing an adjournment motion notice was unfortunate and it should have instead sought a discussion on it

Leader of Opposition in Himachal assembly Jai Ram Thakur along with BJP MLAs staging a walkout on the first day of the budget session in Shimla on Tuesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)
Published on Mar 14, 2023 11:03 PM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal: Congress MLA miffed over transfer of officers without his consent

“As discussed, I would like to apprise you that parliamentary elections are due next year, henceforth, you may kindly take serious note of my request for the present government,” Himachal Congress MLA Ravi Thakur wrote to Pratibha Singh.

Even as the opposition BJP has been cornering Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal government for denotifying offices and institutions, now voices of dissent have started emerging within the Congress party. Lahual-Spiti MLA Ravi Thakur, who allegedly is unhappy over being ignored by the government, shot off a letter to the state party chief Pratibha Singh over transfer of officers without his consent. (ANI Photo)
Published on Mar 13, 2023 10:26 PM IST
By, Shimla

Dry weather takes toll on rabi crops in HP, Hamirpur worst-hit

The total crop loss has been estimated at ₹94.62 crore so far in 10 out of 12 districts in the state, barring tribal areas of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, a spokesperson of the Himachal agriculture department said

The prolonged dry spell resulting in rain deficit in Himachal Pradesh has caused severe damage to rabi crops with the maximum loss of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>28.57 crore being borne by rain-fed Hamirpur district of the hill state. (REUTERS File Photo)
Published on Mar 11, 2023 11:27 PM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal CM Sukhu to present general budget on March 17

The session will begin on Tuesday while chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu would present the budget in the assembly on March 17; there would be total 18 sittings during the session that ends on April 6

Himachal Pradesh assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania will convene an all-party meeting wherein he would urge the members from both sides to let the House function smoothly. (Deepak Sansta/HT)
Updated on Mar 11, 2023 04:43 AM IST
By, Shimla

Violence by Punjab tourists: Himachal HC notice to CS, DGP

Taking cognizance of violence at Manali, Manikaran and Bilaspur on March 6 and 7, Himachal Pradesh high court seeks status report from top officials on Monday

Deputy inspector general of police (central range) Madhusudhan Sharma interacting with local residents in Manikaran, Kullu, on March 6. (Aqil Khan/HT)
Published on Mar 10, 2023 04:52 PM IST

After large-scale repairs, three yajnas, Sukhu set to shift to Oakover — his official residence

As per the myths surrounding the place, the Himachal chief minister’s official residence is ‘jinxed’, which makes the chair of the political boss rattle midterm; previous records also show that the property does not allow the occupant to complete a full-term in office

Heavy repairs have been carried out at Oakover in the past three months, including fixing of leaking roofs. (HT file photo)
Updated on Mar 10, 2023 06:32 AM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal: Five migrant workers run over, killed in Solan on Chandigarh-Shimla highway

Toyota Innova driver arrested as vehicle rams into divider near Dharampur after mowing down the labourers from Bihar and UP on their way to work

Five migrant labourers were killed and four injured when a speeding Toyota Innova (in photo) ran over them near Dharampur in Solan district on the Chandigarh-Shimla highway on Tuesday morning. (HT Photo)
Updated on Mar 07, 2023 03:50 PM IST

Punjab tourists clash with locals in HP’s Manikaran, over 20 injured

More than eight vehicles bearing Punjab and Himachal Pradesh registration numbers besides seven houses and an ATM kiosk were damaged due to the stone pelting

Deputy inspector general of police (central range) Madhusudhan Sharma interacts with locals in Manikaran, Kullu, on Monday. (Aqil Khan/HT)
Published on Mar 07, 2023 05:13 AM IST
By, Shimla

HP cabinet nod to implementation of old pension scheme from April 1

In a meeting presided by chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal cabinet gave its nod to the implementation of the old pension scheme, which would put a burden of ₹1,000 crore on the state exchequer

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presiding over the cabinet meeting at the Himachal Pradesh secretariat in Shimla on Friday. (HT Photo)
Published on Mar 04, 2023 03:26 AM IST
By, Shimla

Will bring white paper on HP’s fiscal health in budget session: CM Sukhu

Blaming his predecessor Jai Ram Thakur for Himachal Pradesh’s poor fiscal health, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said his government will bring a white paper on state’s economic condition in the upcoming budget session

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu interacts with Congress workers in Shimla on Thursday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)
Published on Mar 03, 2023 12:59 AM IST
By, Shimla

Himachal brings state public service commission under prevention of malpractices act

The Himachal government’s move is aimed at ensuring fair and transparent selection of candidates on merit and do away with malpractices

Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Sukhu chairing the cabinet meeting in Shimla. (HT Photo)
Published on Mar 02, 2023 03:06 AM IST
By, Shimla

BJP to knock at court’s door against appointment of chief parliamentary secretaries in Himachal

The Congress government’s move to chief parliamentary secretaries was seen as an efforts to strike power balance and not alienate leaders who could not be appointed in the council of ministers.

Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur said the party has already sought legal opinion on challenging the appointments of chief parliamentary secretaries. (ANI Picture Service)
Updated on Mar 02, 2023 03:03 AM IST
By, Shimla

HP: Apple growers seek audience with CM Sukhu

The growers’ body had submitted a 20-point demand charter to the government on February 21. Representatives of different farm unions on Tuesday met in Shimla to draw strategies for resolving the issues being faced by farmers

Members of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch during a meeting in Shimla on Tuesday. (Deepak Sansta/Hindustan Times)
Published on Mar 01, 2023 06:44 AM IST
By, Shimla

HP govt withdraws personal security officers of SDMs, downsizes CM’s fleet

HP chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the fiscal condition of the state is not good and the government wants to cut down the wasteful expenditure

Himachal Pradesh government on Monday withdrew personal security officers attached with all sub-divisional magistrates (SDM) and additional district magistrates. (ANI file photo)
Updated on Feb 28, 2023 05:05 AM IST
By, Shimla

Punjab, HP police collaborate to knock drug smugglers out

Himachal Pradesh, once known for illegal cultivation of cannabis and its derivatives, is now being flooded with ‘chitta’ and pharmaceutical drugs, quite like its neighbouring state Punjab

The Himachal Pradesh Police will soon work in collaboration with their Punjab counterpart to tackle interstate organised crime and drug trafficking. (Image for representational purpose)
Published on Feb 26, 2023 11:07 PM IST
By, Shimla

Shimla ice-skating rink feels the heat of global warming

This season, the annual Fancy Dress Carnival, hosted at the rink around Christmas time, was also cancelled due to scanty snow. Besides, the national ice-skating championships also had to be shifted to Kaza and Leh due to erratic weather in the Queen of Hills. Shimla had last hosted a national ice-skating championship in 2002.

A thin layer of ice at the skating rink at Lakkar Bazaar in Shimla, which normally opens up from December to February. (HT File)
Published on Feb 25, 2023 02:24 AM IST
By, Shimla
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