Himachal to Introduce 25% Reservation for Women in Class-III Government Jobs: CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
Marking the occasion of International Women’s Day, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Himachal Pradesh government will introduce a law to provide 25 percent reservation for women in recruitment to Class-III posts across government departments.
The announcement was made while presiding over the state-level International Women’s Day celebration held in Nahan town of Sirmaur district.
Special Recruitment for Women in Police
The Chief Minister also announced a special recruitment drive for women Sub-Inspectors in the Police Department to strengthen women’s participation in law enforcement and public services. He stated that the government is committed to creating more opportunities for women in the police force and ensuring their greater representation in governance.
Rs. 500 Crore Announced for Nahan Medical College
During the event, Sukhu announced Rs 500 crore for the development and expansion of Nahan Medical College, stating that the funds will be used to improve infrastructure and provide better healthcare facilities for the region.
He also announced that the Mahila Samman Rashi would be increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh. In addition, MSc Zoology, MBA, and MA History courses will be introduced from the next academic session at the Nahan PG College to enhance higher education opportunities for students in the district.
Women at the Centre of Government Policies
Extending greetings on International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister said that women’s welfare remains a top priority of the state government and that women are at the centre of many policy initiatives.
He said the government has ensured equal rights for daughters in ancestral property up to 150 bighas, placing them on par with sons.
Highlighting other welfare initiatives, Sukhu said that under Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, the state government is bearing the cost of higher education for the children of widowed women.
He also pointed out that the entire administrative leadership of Lahaul-Spiti district is currently being handled by women officers, while the Deputy Commissioners of Sirmaur and Hamirpur are also women.
Marriage Age Raised, Incentives for Widow Remarriage
The Chief Minister said the state government has increased the legal marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years and is encouraging widow remarriage by increasing the incentive amount from Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 2 lakh.
He added that 30 percent reservation is already provided to women in police recruitment, and the government is considering providing a monthly pension of Rs. 1,500 to women in the state from next year.
Disaster Relief and Political Remarks
Referring to the 2023 natural disaster in Himachal Pradesh, CM Sukhu said the government revised relief rules and significantly increased compensation for affected families. Despite administrative advice, the government decided to provide Rs. 7 lakh for house reconstruction to affected families.
He also criticized the opposition for repeatedly demanding a special assembly session during the disaster period and alleged that when a special relief package was proposed, BJP legislators walked out of the Assembly.
‘Black Day’ for Himachal: CM
CM Sukhu said February 1, 2026, would remain a “black day” in the history of Himachal Pradesh as the central government stopped the Rs. 10,000-crore annual Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) to the state.
He stated that Himachal Pradesh, despite being a small state with limited revenue sources, contributes significantly by providing water to northern India, irrigating fields in Punjab, and preserving forests. However, he alleged that the state’s rights have often been overlooked.
Focus on Education and Rural Economy
The Chief Minister said that during the tenure of the previous BJP government, Himachal Pradesh slipped to 21st position in quality education rankings, which he described as a setback for the state.
He added that the present government is working to improve education standards and has introduced CBSE-pattern schools, where subjects like music and drawing will also be taught. Teachers for these subjects will be recruited through the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog.
Sukhu further said the government is strengthening the rural economy and has already fulfilled seven key guarantees. The honorarium of Anganwadi workers has been increased to Rs. 10,500, while Anganwadi helpers will now receive Rs. 5,800.
Remarks on Law and Order
The Chief Minister also stated that Delhi Police cannot detain anyone from Himachal Pradesh without following proper procedures. He said that when the Delhi Police earlier acted without informing state authorities, an FIR was registered, but when they returned with proper information, the state police cooperated fully.
Ministers Emphasize Women Empowerment
Speaking at the event, Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil said that daughters today are excelling in education and various other fields and called on society to eliminate gender discrimination.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said women play a vital role in the development of society and noted that social attitudes toward daughters are gradually changing.
MLA and Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Vinay Kumar said the Congress party has long supported women’s empowerment, including 33 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
MLA Ajay Solanki welcomed the Chief Minister to Nahan and said that under his leadership the state government is continuously working to strengthen women’s empowerment.
Earlier, the Chief Minister received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Nahan and visited exhibitions set up by various government departments.
Several dignitaries, officials and political leaders were present on the occasion, including representatives from the state government, district administration and women’s welfare organizations.
