No Plans to Relocate Government Offices from Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Government

Shimla, September 23: The Himachal Pradesh government, led by the Congress, has clarified that no decision has been made to relocate any government offices from the capital city, Shimla. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukkhu, in response to a written query by MLA Keval Singh Pathania on Saturday, stated that there has been no government-level decision or proposal to transfer the headquarters and offices of various departments situated in Shimla to any other location.

This clarification comes after Keval Singh Pathania raised concerns about the overcrowding and damage to the city due to heavy monsoon rains. He inquired whether the government was considering shifting the headquarters of various departments away from Shimla.

Additionally, Chief Minister Sukkhu highlighted the government’s efforts to combat cybercrimes in the state. He mentioned that the state government is taking various steps to prevent cybercrimes and has opened three cybercrime police stations in Mandi, Dharamshala, and Shimla. A dedicated helpline number, 1930, has also been established to report cybercrimes. The government is conducting awareness programs in schools and colleges to educate people about cybercrimes and is actively providing advisory information regarding scams and frauds on social media platforms.

In response to a separate query by MLA Vipin Singh Parmar, Chief Minister Sukkhu informed the assembly that 64 posts for MBBS doctors in the state’s hospitals are vacant. Out of a total of 2,802 approved posts for MBBS doctors in the state, 2,738 positions have been filled, while 64 remain vacant. Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil, in his response, stated that the government is considering creating new posts for specialist doctors.

The Chief Minister also shared information about the opening of 180 liquor vends in the state this year, including four liquor shops and 176 sub-vends. He emphasized that these new liquor vends are part of the government’s efforts to increase revenue and curb illegal liquor sales. Furthermore, he explained that as per the Excise Policy for the year 2023-24, no new liquor vends will be opened this fiscal year.

Lastly, Chief Minister Sukkhu mentioned that there are currently 13 doctors and specialists serving on deputation in the Directorate of Health Services and the National Health Mission (NHM). These doctors and specialists are working in their designated capacities until they are needed. He clarified that there is no cadre for specialist doctors in the Directorate of Health Services, and doctors are appointed on a deputation basis for specific tasks.

The Himachal Pradesh government is taking steps to address various issues, including government office locations, healthcare staffing, cybersecurity, and revenue generation.