Shimla: In a wide-ranging budget packed with big-ticket announcements, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu rolled out an ambitious roadmap focusing on healthcare expansion, urban services in Shimla, employment generation and energy reforms, aiming to modernise Himachal Pradesh’s infrastructure and public service delivery.
Healthcare gets massive push
The government has proposed tele-oncology services linking Indira Gandhi Medical College, Government Medical College Tanda, AIIMS Chamiyana and Government Medical College Nerchowk to ensure seamless cancer care without patients travelling long distances.
To strengthen diagnostics, integrated public health labs will be set up in every district with an estimated cost of ₹1–1.25 crore each. The state will also introduce NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) screening for infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV—marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in Himachal. Machines will be installed in blood banks of Shimla and Kangra districts.
A statewide HPV vaccination programme has been proposed for girls aged 14–15 years to prevent cervical cancer, with a financial outlay of around ₹2.49 crore.
The government will also roll out a digital tracking application for pregnant women under maternal and child health programmes, with a focus on remote and tribal areas.
💧 Shimla urban services upgrade
For Shimla, a major urban infrastructure push has been announced:
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Smart water management and monitoring systems to be installed at a cost of around ₹15 crore
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Pilot projects in select city zones to improve supply efficiency
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Target to provide 24×7 water supply to 10,000 households in the coming year
💼 रोजगार और भर्तियां
The CM announced large-scale recruitment and cadre strengthening:
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Creation of 300 posts of senior residents/PG doctors
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Filling of medical officers, dental officers and paramedical staff
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Around 900 staff nurse posts and hundreds of paramedical vacancies to be filled
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Additional recruitment under National Health Mission and other schemes
⚕️ Tackling lifestyle diseases
With rising non-communicable diseases, the government plans:
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Screening and management of chronic kidney disease, liver disease and stroke
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A cardiac care network to ensure treatment within the “golden hour”
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Awareness and screening programmes for heart ailments
🥗 First State Nutrition Policy
Himachal will bring its first State Nutrition Policy to tackle malnutrition, anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies. A State Nutrition Coordination Cell will be set up, along with strengthening food testing labs in Shimla, Mandi, Dharamshala and Baddi.
⚡ Energy and green push
The state aims to generate ₹2,500 crore revenue from the energy sector by 2026. Key steps include:
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Setting up an Integrated Energy Management Centre
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₹450 crore investment in strengthening power systems
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Expansion of solar projects and battery storage systems
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Development of green energy corridors and transmission infrastructure
🏛️ Culture and digital preservation
Over 16 lakh historical records have been digitised, and an online archival portal will be launched for researchers. A modern museum in Shimla and upgradation of Bhuri Singh Museum have also been announced.
