Remote Border Villages to Gain ‘Ease of Living’ as HPU–Army Seal Strategic R&D Pact
Shimla, November 11
Remote border villages in Himachal Pradesh are set to gain from a new MoU signed between Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) and the Indian Army.
The pact marks a shift from routine academic cooperation to a focused, on-ground development partnership.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu witnessed the signing and termed it “a synergistic beginning.”
Brigadier Anurag Pandey represented the Army, while Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mahavir Singh signed on behalf of HPU.
The collaboration targets long-standing challenges in high-altitude border areas. These include weak connectivity, limited public services and fragile local economies.
The MoU includes historical research on Indo-Tibet linkages. It also proposes economic and developmental studies to support future policy decisions in districts like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
It expands into emerging domains such as drone and counter-drone technology. Cyber-security readiness and green-energy solutions for harsh terrains also form a major part of the agenda.
The partnership covers joint work in strategic and mass communication studies. It also ensures faculty exchange, collaborative research and regular seminars, workshops and training sessions.
Army personnel will be able to pursue academic courses at HPU. This is expected to strengthen knowledge exchange between scholars and ground-level practitioners.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also reviewed Indian Army projects in Himachal Pradesh today, with the Army informing that it plans to set up wind turbine units at 20 border locations.
The DPR has been prepared, and each site is expected to generate 68,000–80,000 kWh annually—enough to light up 120–160 households in remote areas. The CM assured full state support for speedy execution.
Sukhu also noted the success of the border tourism initiative, which has seen footfall jump from 21,000 in 2024 to over 70,000 this year.
He asked officials to ensure seamless facilities for tourists and said the state has received positive signals from the Centre on reopening trade through Shipki La.
He further pressed the Army to expedite work on the proposed Rangrik airport to boost connectivity and tourism.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta attended the event. Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, Lt Gen DG Misra and Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar were also present.
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