HP Government Plans Karmakand Courses to Preserve Heritage

In a major initiative to preserve traditional rituals and empower youth with structured knowledge, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Himachal Pradesh government is considering introducing Karmakand Purohit courses in state-run Sanskrit colleges. Presiding over a meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Board today, the Chief Minister confirmed that both diploma and certificate programs would be rolled out under this initiative. Emphasizing social cohesion, CM Sukhu noted that an ideal, prosperous society rests on the pillars of mutual harmony, brotherhood, and peaceful cooperation.

Highlighting the government’s animal welfare efforts, the Chief Minister shared that 222 operating Gaushalas and cow shelters across Himachal Pradesh are currently housing 23,018 cattle. With the upcoming completion of seven additional facilities, space will be created for another 2,200 to 2,500 destitute animals. To support their upkeep, the Gau Seva Commission is providing monthly financial assistance of ₹1,200 per animal, while a state-level task force has also been established to tackle the issue of stray and destitute cattle.

Underscoring ongoing systemic reforms across health, education, and infrastructure, CM Sukhu detailed extensive measures taken to bolster public healthcare. Government health institutions now stock a standardized list of essential medicines ranging from 91 types at sub-health centers to 484 types at regional and civil hospitals, supported by state rate contracts and public sector undertakings to prevent shortages. Additionally, through a partnership with Krsnaa Diagnostics, the state provides free laboratory tests scaling up to 133 tests at Zonal and Regional hospitals, while Adarsh Health Institutions are fully equipped for free X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans.

The Chief Minister also announced that an estimate of ₹1.28 crore has been sanctioned for restoring the unsafe boundary wall around the Parikrama at Mandi’s historical Triveni Dham in Rewalsar. Detailed discussions were held during the meeting regarding the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rhin Yojana, the transition to the CBSE curriculum in state schools, and various other development schemes. Concluding his address, CM Sukhu appealed to every section of society to unite against the drug menace and actively participate in the state’s anti-‘chitta’ awareness campaign.