Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: During a workshop held at IGMC Shimla on March 8, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that staff nurses pursuing higher education will now receive their full salaries, reversing the previous policy which provided only 40 percent. This initiative aims to support nurses as they advance their educational qualifications.

Recruitment of Assistant Professors

In addition to this announcement, CM Sukhu revealed that the recruitment process for 80 Assistant Professors in the Medical Education Department will commence next month. He expressed optimism about significant improvements in the state’s health sector within a year, which will create various employment opportunities in the years to come. The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing reforms and the introduction of advanced technology in healthcare, including the installation of robotic surgery systems and upgraded MRI machines across all medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh.

Healthcare Technology and Infrastructure Upgrades

The Chief Minister addressed the need to end outsourcing in staff appointments, which often leads to the exploitation of youth. To ensure a steady flow of employment, new positions for Assistant Staff Nurses will be created alongside regular Staff Nurse roles. He also mentioned that recruitment for nurses would be conducted in batches to facilitate better management of resources.

Ending Outsourcing and Creating New Nursing Posts

Furthermore, the government has established an Overseas Recruitment Department designed to monitor and maintain records of young individuals seeking overseas employment opportunities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance job prospects for the state’s youth.

Overseas Recruitment Department for Youth

CM Sukhu noted the substantial involvement of women in governance, stating that 57.5 percent of elected representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions in Himachal Pradesh are women, a significant milestone for the state. He acknowledged the growing achievements of women in various fields, emphasizing their contributions alongside their male counterparts in the workforce.

Women’s Growing Role in Governance

During the event, Sukhu also addressed financial matters, specifically mentioning the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) that Himachal Pradesh has received since 1952, which was halted by the 16th Finance Commission. He explained that this grant was intended to support states with income and expenditure disparities. He expressed concern over the annual reduction of the state budget by Rs. 10,000 crore, which he believes has detrimental effects on the state’s financial health.

Concerns Over Revenue Deficit Grant

While commenting on the discontinuation of RDG, Sukhu remarked that some leaders argue 17 states have lost this grant, noting that those states possess stronger financial resources. He pointed out that Himachal Pradesh primarily relies on water resources and forests, with lesser industrial development, leading to reduced benefits from industrial activities. He stated that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied to purchases tends to favor larger states with bigger populations, despite products being manufactured in Himachal.

Call for Higher Power Project Royalty

Due to these factors, the state’s tax collection has witnessed a dramatic drop from Rs. 4,000 crore to Rs. 150 crore. CM Sukhu advocated for a reform wherein Himachal Pradesh would receive 50 percent royalty from power projects, ensuring that residents benefit from the state’s natural resources.

Support for Nursing Community

Additionally, a grant of Rs. 5 lakh was announced for the Nursing Scholar Society during the workshop. Health Minister Col. Dhani Ram Shandil, along with other notable officials, attended the event to support these new initiatives.

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