Shimla, May 8
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has launched a digital gate pass system at the State Secretariat in Shimla to make public interaction with the government easier, faster, and more secure. The new platform is designed to streamline appointments, improve visitor management, and digitally coordinate meetings between government officials and the Chief Minister’s Office.
The newly introduced system allows visitors to generate gate passes online without manual paperwork. The process includes OTP based verification and Aadhaar-enabled face authentication to strengthen security at the Secretariat.
According to the government, visitors who arrive without prior appointments will also be able to obtain gate passes directly at the reception through the same digital system. Entry verification will be conducted by security staff using barcode scanning on digitally generated passes.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the integrated platform named the Unified Digital Calendar and Appointment Management System. The system will serve as the main interface for scheduling appointments and coordinating official meetings with the Chief Minister’s Office.
Speaking about the initiative, Sukhu said the platform would serve as a digital bridge between citizens and the government, ensuring transparency, convenience, and efficient public interaction.
The platform will also allow government departments to submit meeting requests through a centralized online mechanism. Once approved, meeting schedules will automatically sync with the digital calendars of concerned officials, and departments will receive instant notifications.
During a review meeting of the General Administration Department, the Chief Minister also directed officials to improve facilities at Himachal Bhawan and Himachal Sadan in Delhi, as well as at Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh.
He stressed the need for better cleanliness and quality food services for visitors staying at these government facilities. Sukhu also instructed the Public Works Department to undertake maintenance and repair work at the buildings.
The Chief Minister said a professional approach should be adopted in managing government properties to ensure better public services. He further directed officials to begin the initiative on a pilot basis at Himachal Bhawan in Delhi.
Reviewing the construction of Himachal Niketan in Delhi, Sukhu asked officials to complete the project before June 15. He also directed authorities to introduce QR code-based payment facilities for bookings at circuit houses and government accommodations across the state.
The digital initiative is part of the Himachal Pradesh government’s broader push towards technology-driven governance and citizen-friendly public services. Officials believe the new system will reduce delays, improve coordination, and make public access to government offices more efficient.
