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Shimla, July 22
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced the introduction of modern technology-based courses, including B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) while sanctioning ₹5 crore for the construction of a new students’ hostel during the university’s 57th Foundation Day celebrations.

Addressing the inaugural session as the chief guest, Sukhu said the state government was committed to strengthening higher education and equipping students with skills required for emerging technologies. During the program, he laid the foundation stones for the academic building of the University Institute of Legal Studies and a Digital Library building. He also released the university’s annual progress report, newsletter and research journal.

Recalling his association with the university, the Chief Minister said he spent eight years on the HPU campus and began his journey in student politics there. He noted that the university had produced several distinguished personalities who have contributed to the state and the nation, including former chief ministers, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mahavir Singh and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.
The Foundation Day celebrations were held in two sessions, with the Chief Minister attending the morning session as the chief guest, while Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla participated in the afternoon session.

During his address, Sukhu also spoke on several national and state issues. Referring to the alleged NEET paper leak, he said the concerns of students aspiring to become doctors should be taken seriously and called for a fair investigation into the alleged examination irregularities. He said that after a paper leak case surfaced in Himachal Pradesh, his government dissolved the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission and ensured that the main accused were sent to jail.

Highlighting the state’s financial concerns, the Chief Minister reiterated that the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) was against the spirit of Article 275 of the Constitution. Citing an Indian Institute of Forest Management report, he said Himachal Pradesh provides ecological services worth nearly ₹90,000 crore to the country and should receive adequate environmental compensation. He also renewed the state’s demand for the transfer of hydropower projects that have completed 40 years or a 50 percent royalty on such projects.
Referring to the ongoing monsoon situation, Sukhu said cloudbursts and heavy rainfall in Kinnaur and the Boh area of Shahpur in Kangra district had damaged around 19 houses. He said no lives were lost as the incidents occurred during the daytime, though two to three women sustained minor injuries. He said the state government was fully engaged in relief and rescue operations and that he would visit the affected areas once weather conditions improved.

Appealing for public cooperation, the Chief Minister urged tourists and residents to avoid rivers, streams and other vulnerable locations during the monsoon and refrain from undertaking risky activities that could endanger their lives.