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Shailee Dogra

Articles by Shailee Dogra

Himachal assembly budget session: BJP, Congress spar over closure of institutes

The BJP accused the government of closing the institutes motivated by political vendetta, while the Congress accused the BJP of opening the institutes without any planning and thus putting fiscal burden on the state.

The Congress and the BJP sparred over the issue of closing educational institutions in Himachal assembly on Friday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 21, 2025 10:58 PM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Budget session of Himachal assembly: Death of chief engineer: House witnesses heated exchange, BJP walks out

Heated exchanges were witnessed in the Himachal assembly on Thursday as the BJP demanded CBI investigations into the death of chief engineer cum-general manager of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Vimal Negi.

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressing the assembly during the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha budget session, in Shimla on Thursday. (HT photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 20, 2025 10:28 PM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Govt has completed survey of drug users: CM Sukhu

This was stated by the CM in the assembly while listing out steps taken by the state government to fight drug menace in response to the question raised by BJP MLAs DS Thakur from Dalhoisie, Malendra Rajan from Indora, Kewal Singh Pathania from Shahpur and Vinod Kumar from Nachan assembly constituencies

CM Sukhu accused the previous Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government of failing to implement PIT NDPS Act. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 20, 2025 09:56 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Bhindranwale poster row: HRTC suspends services on 10 Punjab routes indefinitely

HRTC suspended services on 10 routes to Punjab after vandalism of its buses. CM Sukhu seeks safety assurances from Punjab amid rising tensions.

The suspension of services on 10 routes comes after HRTC buses were targeted by radical Sikh elements following a recent face-off over the display of flags with militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s photo on motorcycles of tourists from Punjab in Manali. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 20, 2025 09:44 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

After buses vandalised, HRTC indefinitely suspends services on 10 routes in Punjab

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu calls up Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who assures him of safety of buses and strict action against miscreants involved in vandalism.

Amid the controversy that erupted following display of flags carrying slain militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s pictures on the vehicle of a Punjabi tourist in Himachal Pradesh’s Manali and its removal by local residents, two masked miscreants vandalised a bus of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) on the Kharar flyover in Mohali on Tuesday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 19, 2025 04:14 PM IST

ByShailee Dogra

Himachal: Brought illegally, 3.43 lakh apple plants destroyed, says minister

Apple, ₹5,000-crore industry spread over six districts, is considered the backbone of the Himachal economy; Theog MLA raised concern of apple growers that plants and rootstock were being imported illegally from Italy and other countries

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 19, 2025 09:04 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Bhindranwale posters on HP buses: Jai Ram flags law & order issue, CM Sukhu to take it up with Punjab

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur says youth of neighboring states create ruckus in Himachal as they move around with posters of Bhindranwale on their vehicles

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur outside the state assembly in Shimla on Tuesday. (HT photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 19, 2025 08:54 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

₹58,514-crore HP budget focuses on tourism, agriculture, green energy

Amid financial challenges, CM Sukhu says debt liability of state has risen to ₹1,04,729 crore; increases milk prices by ₹6/litre; no new taxes proposed

CM Sukhu said that in 2025-26, the revenue receipts are estimated to be <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>42,343 crore and the total expenditure is projected at <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>48,733 crore (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 18, 2025 09:56 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Former Cong MLA shot at in Himachal, SIT formed

Thakur, who was admitted to IGMC hospital, Shimla, on Saturday, alleged that the local leaders were supporting these drug smugglers

Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu meeting former Congress legislator Bumber Thakur in Shimla on Saturday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 16, 2025 06:26 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Per capita income up by 9.6% in Himachal: Economic survey

“There has been a rise in the state’s PCI from ₹87,721 in FY 2011-12 to ₹2.57 lakh in FY 2024-25, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.6% over FY 2011-12,” stated the report that revealed that the PCI for FY 2023-24 was ₹2.34 lakh while for the current FY 2024-25, it is estimated at ₹2.57 lakh.

Per Capita Income (PCI) at current prices for FY2024-25 is estimated at <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2.57 lakh against <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2.34 lakh in FY2023-24 showing a growth of 9.6 per cent in FY2024-25. This was stated in the Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled in assembly by Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also hold the finance portfolio on Thursday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 14, 2025 07:08 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

India’s ragging menace: Horror stories from across campuses

HT takes a look at five prominent ragging cases across the country over the last 2 years, some of which resulted in the deaths of junior students

Students sign a “no ragging” pledge on the first day of new academic year in Delhi University. (HT File)

India News

Updated on Mar 14, 2025 01:20 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Senjuti Sengupta, Vishnu Varma, Biswa Kalyan Purkayastha, Maulik Pathak

War of words between Himachal Cong, BJP over poll guarantees

MLA Satti, while talking about the guarantee of giving ₹1,500 to women, said that during the elections the Congress promised that the amount would be given to women in the first cabinet meeting, but now it is being talked about implementing it in a phased manner

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur (File)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 13, 2025 10:26 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

HRTC to purchase 250 diesel buses: Himachal Dy CM

The deputy CM said the state government is buying electric buses through NABARD, but as the delivery of these buses will take 11 months, HRTC is purchasing 250 diesel buses

Himachal deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 13, 2025 10:01 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Congress, BJP blame each other for Himachal’s fiscal mess

Setting the tone of the budget session, Congress MLA from Fatehpur assembly constituency in Kangra district, Bhawani Singh Pathania during debate on the motion of thanks to the governor’s address in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly lashed out at the previous BJP government, accusing it of leaving the state in a fiscal mess.

Leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur going to attend the second day of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha budget session, in Shimla on Tuesday. (Deepak Sansta/ HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 12, 2025 06:38 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

HP on path of self-reliance despite fiscal challenges: Governor

Breaking convention, the governor improvised his speech and hailed an initiative launched by him to tackle the drug menace in the state

Himachal governor Shiv Pratap Shukla being welcomes by chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Monday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 11, 2025 09:34 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Himachal budget session from today, set to be a stormy affair

Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur attends all-party meet, had skipped ahead of monsoon, winter sessions

Police personnel being assigned duties ahead of Himachal assembly session, in Shimla on Sunday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 10, 2025 07:22 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

‘Unruly behaviour’ notice to 9 BJP MLAs: Decision to be taken at right time, says speaker

Himachal Pradesh's budget session starts March 10, but no action against nine BJP MLAs for unruly behavior last year; 963 questions received for discussion.

Himachal Pradesh assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania (ANI file)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 08, 2025 09:24 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Sukhu-led Congress govt diverting funds of central schemes : Nadda

When disaster hit Himachal did any big Congress leader pay visit. Congress leaders who call Himachal their home visit Himachal for vacations but were missing during the time of disaster, said Nadda

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 07, 2025 09:34 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Himachal HC dismisses plea seeking Afroz’s reinstatement as Baddi SP

Ilma Afroz took over as Baddi SP in January last year and her confrontations with an MLA started last August when she issued challans to some mining-related vehicles; she is now posted at Shimla police headquarters

It is the prerogative of the state government as to which officer is to be transferred or kept in a particular place, rules high court. (Shutterstock)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 04, 2025 08:42 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Himachal deputy CM says govt has no plan to take money from temples

BJP hits back, says Mukesh Agnihotri’s ministry issued letters to deputy commissioners to seek money from temples to run Sukh Ashray and Sukh Shiksha schemes

Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri participating in a procession during the seven-day international Shivratri fair in Mandi on Sunday. (Birbal Sharma/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 03, 2025 08:24 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Himachal: 583 roads blocked due to rain, snow; power, water supply hit

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has stepped up restoration efforts even as the meteorological department has forecast another wet spell from March 3.

People crossing a debris-strewn road after heavy rain in Kullu on Saturday. (PTI Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 01, 2025 12:46 PM IST

ByShailee Dogra

Himachal: Congress not paralysed, needs strengthening, says Patil

The All India Congress Committee in-charge for party affairs in HP met chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the state party office in Shimla. Discussions were held over various party-related matters.

Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu welcomes state Congress in-charge Rajani Patel at the party office in Shimla on Friday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 01, 2025 07:04 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Himachal: 4 injured as landslide triggered by rain hits bus in Manali, markets flooded in Kullu

Four injured as a bus overturned after a landslide on the Chandigarh-Manali highway. Heavy rains and snowfall cause roadblocks in Himachal Pradesh.

Vehicles buried in debris after a flashflood triggered by heavy rain in Kullu on Friday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Feb 28, 2025 03:47 PM IST

ByShailee Dogra

Cong leader’s poster gaffe calls Sukhu ‘Prime Minister’

Whether a faux pas or political sycophancy, the blunder provided ample fodder for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take a dig at both the chief minister and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 27, 2025 06:02 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

State Congress revamp on cards with Patil’s 2-day visit to Himachal

Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee’s (HPCC) reconstitution seems to be on the horizon with her visit, as during her two-day visit, Patil will hold series of meetings with party leaders, including chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, president HPCC Pratibha Singh, MLAs and all-party candidates who contested the 2022 assembly elections

Rajani Patil, newly appointed All India Congress Committee (AICC) in charge for party affairs in Himachal Pradesh. (File)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 27, 2025 05:02 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Himachal: 70 more schools, 21 colleges with low enrolments to be shut

Education minister Rohit Thakur says the move will improve efficiency. A proposal will be brought in the cabinet to merge schools with low enrolments with nearby institutions, converting them into high schools, he says.

Himachal education minister Rohit Thakur (HT file)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 26, 2025 08:14 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

Will represent our side in court: Ex-MP Maheshwar Singh

The petition filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India and activist Gauri Maulekhi highlighted incidents of animal sacrifice at the Bhunda Mahayagya held from January 2 to 5, emphasising the violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 25, 2025 06:42 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

All depts should be ready to deal with drought-like situation: Shimla DC

In the meeting, the meteorological department official said that this time there has been less rain and snowfall in the entire state, including Shimla district, though rain and snowfall are likely at the end of February

DC directed the agriculture and horticulture departments to prepare a district-level action plan so that in case of drought, it can be dealt with effectively. (File)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 23, 2025 06:48 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

HP to approach Centre seeking special relief for Bhakra oustees, landless people

The Himachal Pradesh government will approach the Centre seeking special relief for the provision of land for Bhakra displaced persons and landless individuals.

A decision in this regard was taken during the meeting of the District Planning, Development and 20-Point Programme Review Committee held in Bilaspur that was chaired by Rajesh Dharmani, minister for town and country planning, housing, technical education, vocational, and industrial training. (Sourced)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 22, 2025 09:56 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Shimla

SC gives Himachal govt a month to reply on animal sacrifice charges

Petition cites sacrifice of goats, sheep at Bhunda Mahayagya in Rohru in January that was shared widely on social media, alleges authorities deliberately didn’t take preventive steps.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Himachal Pradesh government on a petition alleging regular animal sacrifice in the state, particularly during the Bhunda Mahayagya in Rohru in January. (HT file photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 20, 2025 03:33 PM IST

ByShailee Dogra

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Shailee Dogra

The BJP accused the government of closing the institutes motivated by political vendetta, while the Congress accused the BJP of opening the institutes without any planning and thus putting fiscal burden on the state.

Heated exchanges were witnessed in the Himachal assembly on Thursday as the BJP demanded CBI investigations into the death of chief engineer cum-general manager of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Vimal Negi.

HRTC suspended services on 10 routes to Punjab after vandalism of its buses. CM Sukhu seeks safety assurances from Punjab amid rising tensions.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu calls up Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who assures him of safety of buses and strict action against miscreants involved in vandalism.

Apple, ₹5,000-crore industry spread over six districts, is considered the backbone of the Himachal economy; Theog MLA raised concern of apple growers that plants and rootstock were being imported illegally from Italy and other countries

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur says youth of neighboring states create ruckus in Himachal as they move around with posters of Bhindranwale on their vehicles

Amid financial challenges, CM Sukhu says debt liability of state has risen to ₹1,04,729 crore; increases milk prices by ₹6/litre; no new taxes proposed

Thakur, who was admitted to IGMC hospital, Shimla, on Saturday, alleged that the local leaders were supporting these drug smugglers

HT takes a look at five prominent ragging cases across the country over the last 2 years, some of which resulted in the deaths of junior students

MLA Satti, while talking about the guarantee of giving ₹1,500 to women, said that during the elections the Congress promised that the amount would be given to women in the first cabinet meeting, but now it is being talked about implementing it in a phased manner

The deputy CM said the state government is buying electric buses through NABARD, but as the delivery of these buses will take 11 months, HRTC is purchasing 250 diesel buses

Breaking convention, the governor improvised his speech and hailed an initiative launched by him to tackle the drug menace in the state

Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur attends all-party meet, had skipped ahead of monsoon, winter sessions

Himachal Pradesh's budget session starts March 10, but no action against nine BJP MLAs for unruly behavior last year; 963 questions received for discussion.

When disaster hit Himachal did any big Congress leader pay visit. Congress leaders who call Himachal their home visit Himachal for vacations but were missing during the time of disaster, said Nadda

Ilma Afroz took over as Baddi SP in January last year and her confrontations with an MLA started last August when she issued challans to some mining-related vehicles; she is now posted at Shimla police headquarters

BJP hits back, says Mukesh Agnihotri’s ministry issued letters to deputy commissioners to seek money from temples to run Sukh Ashray and Sukh Shiksha schemes

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has stepped up restoration efforts even as the meteorological department has forecast another wet spell from March 3.

The All India Congress Committee in-charge for party affairs in HP met chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the state party office in Shimla. Discussions were held over various party-related matters.

Four injured as a bus overturned after a landslide on the Chandigarh-Manali highway. Heavy rains and snowfall cause roadblocks in Himachal Pradesh.

Whether a faux pas or political sycophancy, the blunder provided ample fodder for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take a dig at both the chief minister and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Education minister Rohit Thakur says the move will improve efficiency. A proposal will be brought in the cabinet to merge schools with low enrolments with nearby institutions, converting them into high schools, he says.

The petition filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India and activist Gauri Maulekhi highlighted incidents of animal sacrifice at the Bhunda Mahayagya held from January 2 to 5, emphasising the violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

In the meeting, the meteorological department official said that this time there has been less rain and snowfall in the entire state, including Shimla district, though rain and snowfall are likely at the end of February

The Himachal Pradesh government will approach the Centre seeking special relief for the provision of land for Bhakra displaced persons and landless individuals.

Petition cites sacrifice of goats, sheep at Bhunda Mahayagya in Rohru in January that was shared widely on social media, alleges authorities deliberately didn’t take preventive steps.

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