RPGMC Tanda to Get 100 New PG Seats; CM Sukhu Announces Major Development Projects in Nagrota Bagwan.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced that Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC), Tanda, will receive 100 new postgraduate (PG) seats as part of the state government’s plan to add 330 PG seats across Himachal Pradesh’s medical colleges to strengthen specialist healthcare services.
Addressing a gathering after presiding over the Bal Mela at Nagrota Bagwan, the Chief Minister said the initiative would significantly improve the availability of specialist doctors and enhance healthcare services across the state.
The Chief Minister said the government was also modernising healthcare infrastructure by installing advanced medical equipment in government hospitals. He said state-of-the-art machines were being provided at RPGMC Tanda and other medical institutions to ensure patients suffering from serious ailments receive quality treatment within the state, reducing the need to seek treatment elsewhere or in private hospitals.
Highlighting reforms in the health sector, Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to introduce robotic surgery in the government healthcare sector. He added that 3 Tesla MRI scanners were being installed in all government medical colleges, with the facility already operational at IGMC Shimla and AIMSS Chamiyana. District and regional hospitals are also being equipped with 1.5 Tesla MRI scanners, PET scanners, CT scanners and advanced cancer treatment systems, while outdated medical equipment is being replaced.
On the education front, the Chief Minister said the government was implementing wide-ranging reforms to improve the quality of education in government schools. He stated that nearly 24,000 students shifted from private schools to 150 government schools following the CBSE curriculum this year, reflecting growing public confidence in the government’s education initiatives. He said government schools would undergo a complete transformation over the next two to four years with improved infrastructure and teaching standards.
During the event, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for a Model Police Station and police housing project worth Rs 8.56 crore, an Old Age Home costing Rs. 9.62 crore, and an auditorium to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 8.65 crore in Nagrota Bagwan.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant, the Chief Minister said governance reforms and development-oriented policies were being implemented to make the state one of the country’s most prosperous by 2032. He said the government’s focus was not merely on announcing schemes but ensuring their effective implementation for the benefit of every citizen.
Sukhu also highlighted that the present government had restored the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees and stood firmly with disaster-affected families by providing generous financial assistance despite challenging fiscal conditions.
The Chief Minister further said the government would consider constituting a White Paper Committee in the next Cabinet meeting to investigate alleged corruption and issues related to government properties during the previous BJP government’s tenure.
Emphasising balanced development in Kangra district, he said offices of the Tourism Development Corporation, RERA and the State Backward Classes Commission had been shifted to Dharamshala, while the expansion of Kangra Airport was progressing on priority.
On the occasion, Sukhu announced the opening of a Mini Secretariat at Baroh, the upgradation of Baroh Police Chowki into a Police Station, and the elevation of the Serathana Health Centre to a Primary Health Centre (PHC).
Paying tribute to former minister G.S. Bali, the Chief Minister said his contribution to the development of Himachal Pradesh, particularly Nagrota Bagwan, would always be remembered. He credited Bali with strongly advocating the construction of four-lane highways in the state and lauded his vision in strengthening the region’s infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also praised local MLA and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Chairman R.S. Bali for actively pursuing development works and addressing public concerns in the constituency.
Later, representatives of the Kangra Airport Taxi Operators’ Union met the Chief Minister at Kangra Airport, where he assured them of all possible support. Several ministers, legislators, senior officials and a large number of local residents attended the event.
