Himachal Pradesh (February 2026)

Pillar 1: Polity & Governance (February 2026)

February was dominated by "Vyavastha Parivartan" (Systemic Change) in the state’s fiscal and administrative structure, focusing on austerity and resource mobilization.

1. The 13th Vidhan Sabha Budget Session

The Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly commenced on February 14, 2026, with the Governor’s Address.

• Key Focus: Addressing the ₹10,000 crore shortfall caused by the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).
• Austerity Measure: In a historic move to lead by example, the Chief Minister announced that the CM, Ministers, and CPS (Chief Parliamentary Secretaries) would defer their salaries and allowances for two months to help bridge the fiscal gap.
• White Paper on State Finances: The government tabled a follow-up "White Paper," highlighting that the state's debt has crossed ₹85,000 crore.

2. New Excise Policy 2026-27

The State Cabinet approved the Excise Policy for the financial year 2026-27 on February 5, 2026.

• Revenue Target: The government aims to collect ₹3,000 crore from excise, a 15\% increase over the previous year.
• Auction Method: Shifting from the "Renewal" system to a "Competitive Auction-cum-Tender" process for liquor vends to maximize revenue.
• Cow Cess: The "Milk Cess" (Gau Seva Cess) of ₹10 per bottle was reaffirmed to support cow shelters (Goshala) across the state.

3. Toll Barrier Policy & Infrastructure

• Open Tender for Tolls: For the first time, the state decided to auction all 55 Toll Barriers (at state borders) through an open tender process.
• Target: To increase revenue from the current ₹110 crore to ₹160 crore.
• Fastag Integration: The Cabinet directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to explore Fastag-enabled toll collection at major entry points like Parwanoo, Swarghat, and Mehatpur to reduce congestion.

4. Administrative Reforms

• Maternity Leave for Home Guards: The Cabinet officially ratified the decision to grant 26 weeks of paid maternity leave to female Home Guard volunteers. This makes Himachal one of the first states to provide this benefit to "volunteers" at par with regular employees.
• Gram Panchayat Realignment: The State Election Commission began the process of delimitation for 15 new Gram Panchayats in the Shimla and Mandi districts ahead of the 2026 local body polls.

2: Economy & Banking (February 2026)

February 2026 was a month of high-stakes financial maneuvering. The state government navigated a transition from central dependency toward aggressive internal resource mobilization.

1. Himachal Pradesh Economic Survey 2025–26

Presented on February 13, 2026 (a day before the Budget), the survey provided the factual health of the state:

• GSDP Growth: The State’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew at an estimated 7.1% in real terms.
• Per Capita Income: The per capita income of Himachal Pradesh is estimated to have reached ₹2,35,420, which remains significantly higher than the national average.
• Sectoral Contribution:
  • Tertiary (Services): 43.5% (Tourism and Transport).
  • Secondary (Industry): 42.8% (Pharmaceuticals and Manufacturing).
  • Primary (Agri/Allied): 13.7% (Apple and Vegetable economy).

2. The "Green Bonus" & 16th Finance Commission

The state government officially submitted a memorandum to the Union Finance Ministry in February:

• Demand: A "Green Bonus" of ₹2,000 crore annually.
• Logic: Himachal maintains 68\% forest cover, which provides ecosystem services to the plains but restricts the state's own industrial and hydel development.
• Debt Reality: The survey highlighted a total outstanding debt of ₹86,589 crore, urging the Centre to restore the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) which was tapered off in January.

3. Banking: The "Sashakt Mahila" Loan Scheme Success

The Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (HPSCBL) released its quarterly report in February:

• Scheme Impact: The "Sashakt Mahila Rin Yojna" (collateral-free loans for women) crossed the milestone of ₹100 crore in disbursements.
• Interest Rate: Loans are provided at a concessional rate of 8.51\% to help rural women start micro-enterprises (stitching, pickle making, etc.).
• NPA Levels: The bank reported that the Non-Performing Assets (NPA) in this specific category are below 1\%, showcasing high repayment discipline among women entrepreneurs.

4. Milk Economy: "Him-Ganga" Scale-up

To double the income of farmers, the government integrated banking with the dairy sector:

• Milk Procurement Price: Increased to ₹45 per litre for cow milk and ₹55 per litre for buffalo milk in February.
• Automated Milk Units: ₹50 crore was sanctioned for setting up 100 Automated Milk Collection Units (AMCUs) in Mandi and Kangra districts to ensure transparent digital payments directly into farmers' bank accounts.

3: Environment & Energy (February 2026)

February 2026 saw Himachal Pradesh double down on its goal to become a Green Energy State by March 2026, with a specific focus on solar integration and mitigating the "Dry Winter" impact on hydroelectricity.

1. The 700 MW "Green Hydrogen" Pilot

On February 18, 2026, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a leading renewable energy firm to set up a Green Hydrogen plant in the industrial belt of Una (Mehatpur).

• Target: Production of 10 tons of Green Hydrogen per day.
• Innovation: The plant will use treated wastewater for electrolysis, ensuring that fresh drinking water sources are not depleted.
• Goal: To provide carbon-free fuel for the HRTC electric bus fleet and local industries.

2. Hydel Power Crisis: The "Dry Winter" Impact

Despite a brief recovery in late January, February 2026 saw a 42% deficiency in high-altitude snowfall.

• Power Generation Drop: The SJVN (Nathpa Jhakri) and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) reported a 20% decrease in power generation due to reduced discharge in the Satluj and Beas rivers.
• State Policy: To counter this, the Cabinet approved a "Hybrid Energy Policy," making it mandatory for new hydro projects to have integrated Solar PV panels on the reservoir surfaces (Floating Solar) to compensate for low water levels during winters.

3. Solar Mission: "Mukhya Mantri Green Cover Yojana"

The government launched a new subsidy model in February to turn barren hills into "Energy Hubs":

• Subsidy: A 40% state subsidy for unemployed youth to set up solar power plants ranging from 250 kW to 2 MW.
• Purchase Guarantee: The HP State Electricity Board (HPSEBL) is legally bound to purchase this power at a fixed "Green Tariff" for 25 years.
• Impact: By late February, over 150 applications were approved, primarily in the Spiti and Chamba regions.

4. Plastic Waste to Roads (PW2R) Initiative

The Public Works Department (PWD) issued a mandatory directive on February 10, 2026:

• Mandate: At least 10% of plastic waste must be mixed with bitumen for all state highway repairs and new village roads.
• Collection Centers: "Plastic Buy-Back Centers" were operationalized in all 12 districts, where the government buys non-recyclable plastic at ₹75 per kg from ragpickers and households.

4: Infrastructure & Transport (February 2026)

February 2026 was a landmark month for "Heli-Tourism" and the modernization of the HRTC fleet. The government focused on reducing road congestion by accelerating ropeway and aerial taxi projects.

1. The "Heli-Taxi" Revolution

Following the successful inauguration of the Sanjauli Heliport (Shimla), February saw the stabilization of daily flight operations under the UDAN scheme.

• Operational Routes: Daily flights are now active connecting Shimla to Kullu (Bhuntar) and Reckong Peo (Kinnaur).
• Chandigarh Link: A tri-weekly service (Mon, Fri, Sat) was established between Shimla and Chandigarh with a capped fare of ₹3,169.
• Strategic Expansion: The CM announced that three new heliports in Hamirpur, Kangra (Rakkar), and Chamba are on track for completion by April 2026, with an investment of ₹15 crore each.
• Medical Utility: The proximity of the Sanjauli heliport to IGMC Shimla has turned it into a vital hub for emergency medical evacuations.

2. HRTC Fleet Modernization: The 300 E-Bus Push

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu provided a major update on the Green Transport mission on February 24, 2026:

• The Target: Induction of 300 new electric buses into the HRTC fleet by April 2026.
• Trial Runs: In February, prototype e-buses underwent rigorous trials across 36 different mountainous routes (including Solan, Shimla, and Bilaspur) to test battery performance in high-gradient conditions.
• Specifications: These are 30-seater buses with an enhanced range of 180 km on a single 30-minute charge.
• E-Taxi Subsidy: The government reaffirmed a 40% subsidy for local youth to replace 38,000 diesel taxis with e-taxis.

3. Rail Infrastructure: Bhanupali-Bilaspur Update

A significant development occurred in the Union Parliament on February 12, 2026, regarding the Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri (63 km) Rail Line:

• The Bottleneck: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that the project is facing delays due to land acquisition issues beyond Bilaspur to Beri.
• Financial Status: Out of the required ₹2,781 crore state share, Himachal has deposited ₹847 crore, leaving a balance of ₹1,934 crore.
• New Survey: The survey for the Baddi-Ghanauli new line (25 km) was officially completed in February, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) now submitted for NITI Aayog's appraisal.

4. Shimla Ropeway Project (The "Green Alternative")

• Status: Pre-construction activities for the world's second-longest ropeway (60 km) in Shimla intensified in February.
• Funding: The New Development Bank (NDB) finalized its fact-finding mission, confirming 80\% financing for the ₹1,734 crore project.
• Stations: The project will feature 15 stations across three lines (Monal, Deodar, and Apple Lines), designed to bypass the city's crippling traffic jams.

5: Social Welfare & Education (February 2026)

February 2026 was a transformative month for Himachal's schools, marked by a historic shift toward the CBSE pattern and enhanced financial security for women and vulnerable groups.

1. The "CBSE Shift" in Government Schools

On February 12, 2026, the Cabinet approved a massive academic overhaul to align state-run schools with national standards.

• Affiliation: Around 140 government schools are transitioning from the HP Board (HPBOSE) to CBSE affiliation for the 2026-27 session.
• New Cadre: The Cabinet approved the creation of 600 specialized teaching posts (150 each for Sanskrit, Physical Education, Music, and Drawing) specifically for these CBSE schools.
• Recruitment: These posts will be filled through the Rajya Chayan Aayog to ensure a merit-based, transparent selection.
• School Mergers: To optimize resources, 31 boys' and girls' schools across the state were merged into single co-educational institutions.

2. Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana (Amendments)

The government strengthened this landmark scheme in February to support the higher education of daughters of widows.

• Financial Aid: Daughters of widows pursuing professional courses (Medical, Engineering, etc.) in government-run institutions, both within and outside HP, will receive full state support.
• Hostel Assistance: A new provision of ₹3,000 per month as rent assistance was approved for students who are unable to secure government hostel facilities.

3. Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp Yojana

Launched in February 2026, this scheme targets the nutritional health of the state's future generation.

• Beneficiaries: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children below 6 years of age.
• Objective: Providing enhanced supplementary nutrition to combat anemia and stunted growth, managed through the upgraded Anganwadi network.

4. Expansion of Disability Marriage Grants

In a major inclusivity move, the Cabinet significantly hiked the marriage grants for specially-abled persons:

• 70% + Disability: Grant increased from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh.
• 40% - 70% Disability: Grant fixed at ₹25,000.

5. Higher Education: Digital University in Chamba

The state approved the establishment of the Distil Global Skills and Digital University in Chamba district.

• Focus: This will be a first-of-its-kind institution in the region focusing on digital literacy, AI, and vocational skills to make the youth of aspirational districts more employable.
• Digital Classrooms: The "Digital Classroom Project" was extended to 777 additional schools, moving away from traditional chalkboards to smart-learning modules.

6: Health & Wellness (February 2026)

February 2026 saw the state cabinet approve an ambitious modernization roadmap worth ₹1,617.40 crore, aiming to transform medical colleges from "referral centers" into "excellence hubs" comparable to AIIMS Delhi.

1. The Medical Modernization Project

On February 18, 2026, the Cabinet approved a mega-project with an outlay of ₹1,617.40 crore to upgrade health infrastructure.

• Target Institutions: Medical colleges, super-specialty hospitals, and "Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans" (Ideal Health Institutes).
• Specific Upgrades: * Purchase of modern equipment for the Mother and Child Hospital (Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla).
  • Expansion of Civil Hospitals in Sundernagar and Nurpur.
  • A new 50-bed Critical Care Block at Bhoranj Civil Hospital (Hamirpur).
  • Establishment of District Integrated Public Health Laboratories in Bilaspur and Una.

2. Launch of "Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp Yojana" (IGMSSY)

Approved in late February with an outlay of ₹207.11 crore, this scheme is a direct attack on malnutrition.

• Beneficiaries: Approximately 2.99 lakh eligible individuals, including children (6 months to 6 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• The "First 1,000 Days" Focus: The scheme provides scientifically designed, nutrient-dense fortified food premixes, including the provision of milk and eggs.
• High-Risk Management: Strict monitoring of SAM (Severely Acute Malnourished) and MAM (Moderately Acute Malnourished) children through the Poshan Tracker.

3. High-Tech Specialized Care

• Robotic Surgery Expansion: Following Chamiana and Tanda, the government confirmed that Nerchowk Medical College (Mandi) is the third to receive a robotic surgery facility (at ₹28.44 crore), which was officially operationalized by early March.
• AI Smart Labs: ₹75 crore was finalized for AI-equipped Smart Labs at IGMC Shimla and Tanda Medical College to reduce diagnostic wait times via automation.
• Bone Marrow Infrastructure: ₹5 crore each was allocated to five premier institutions (IGMC, Tanda, Hamirpur, Ner Chowk, and AIMSS Chamiana) for dedicated bone marrow transplant facilities.

4. Health Workforce & Quality Control

• New Posts: The Cabinet sanctioned 220 new posts in the Health and Family Welfare Department, including Pharmacy Officers, Staff Nurses, and Radiographers.
• Drug Testing Labs: To ensure the quality of medicines (especially from the Baddi industrial hub), new Drug Testing Laboratories were approved for Nurpur, Baddi, and Una.
• Biomedical Maintenance: A state-wide "Biomedical Equipment Management and Maintenance Programme" was launched to ensure that expensive hospital machinery remains functional without downtime.

 7: Agriculture & Allied (February 2026)

February 2026 marked a revolutionary shift in Himachal's primary sector. For the first time, the state moved beyond simple subsidies to guaranteed Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for natural farming and dairy, making it a pioneer in the "Green Agriculture" space.

1. Natural Farming: The "MSP Revolution"

In the Budget speech on February 21, 2026, Chief Minister Sukhu announced the world’s first MSP for naturally grown crops to incentivize the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana.

• Wheat (Natural): Hiked significantly from ₹40 to ₹80 per kg.
• Maize (Natural): Hiked from ₹30 to ₹50 per kg.
• Turmeric (Natural): Increased to ₹150 per kg (up from ₹90).
• Pangi 'Zau' (Barley): Special recognition for tribal produce with an MSP of ₹80 per kg.
• Target: The government aims to bring 1 lakh additional farmers under natural farming by the end of 2026.

2. Dairy Sector: "White Gold" Procurement

To strengthen the rural economy, the government announced record-breaking procurement prices for milk, effective from the new fiscal year:

• Cow Milk: Increased from ₹45 to ₹61 per litre.
• Buffalo Milk: Increased from ₹55 to ₹71 per litre.
• A2 Milk: A new premium category was introduced for indigenous breeds (Pahari Cow), priced at ₹100 per litre for urban markets.
• Dhagwar Milk Plant: ₹200 crore was allocated for the state-of-the-art fully automated plant in Kangra, capable of processing 1.5 lakh litres per day.

3. Horticulture: The Apple Crisis & High-Density Support

February was a month of tension and transition for the ₹5,000-crore apple industry:

• The "Zero Tariff" Protest: In early February, growers launched mass agitations against a proposed trade deal that would allow US apples at 0% import duty, fearing it would destroy the local market.
• High-Density Loans: To modernize old orchards, the government rolled out a loan scheme of up to ₹8 lakh per bigha for high-density plantations with a 3-year moratorium (no repayment for the first three years).
• Climate Impact: The Economic Survey highlighted a 42% deficiency in winter snowfall, leading to concerns about "chilling hours" for the 2026 harvest.

4. Fisheries & Poultry: New Horizons

• Fish MSP: For the first time, a Minimum Support Price of ₹100 per kg was announced for fishers.
• Fisheries Subsidy: A 70% net subsidy was approved for the purchase of boats and transport vehicles for fishers in the Gobind Sagar and Pong Dam reservoirs.
• CHIC Poultry Scheme: A ₹62 crore scheme was launched to help youth set up 1,000 poultry units, with a potential monthly income of ₹84,000.

8: Art, Culture & Tourism (February 2026)

February 2026 was defined by the confluence of the Mandi Shivratri and the Tibetan Losar festival, alongside a major legislative push to professionalize tourism investments.

1. International Mandi Shivratri Festival 2026

The historic town of Mandi, known as the "Varanasi of the Hills," hosted its world-famous week-long fair starting February 15, 2026.

• The Inauguration: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri formally opened the festival with the first "Jaleb" (grand procession) of Lord Raj Madhav Rai.
• Dev Culture: A record 216 local deities (Devtas) arrived in ornate palanquins from remote corners of the Mandi district to pay obeisance.
• International Flavor: The 2026 edition featured an International Cultural Parade on February 20, with troupes from France, Nigeria, Tajikistan, and Sri Lanka performing alongside local artists.
• Trade Heritage: The fair saw a high volume of traditional trade in Pashmina shawls, honey, and walnut wood artifacts at the Padal Ground.

2. Losar Festival 2026 (The Fire Horse Year)

From February 18 to 20, 2026, the Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist communities celebrated Losar (Tibetan New Year).

• Zodiac Significance: 2026 marks the start of the "Fire Horse Year" in the Tibetan lunar calendar, a cycle that occurs once every 60 years and symbolizes transformation and energy.
• McLeod Ganj Celebrations: The presence of the Dalai Lama at the Tsuglagkhang Temple added immense spiritual weight, attracting thousands of international tourists.
• Rituals: Families prepared 'Khapse' (deep-fried dough) and performed the 'Cham' (masked dance) in various monasteries across Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur.

3. HP Tourism Investment Promotion Council (TIPC)

In a major policy move on January 29, 2026 (notified in early February), the government established the TIPC.

• Role: A high-powered statutory body to grant "single-window" clearances for tourism projects exceeding ₹50 crore.
• Time-Bound Approvals: The council is mandated to dispose of applications within 14 working days, drastically reducing the red tape for luxury resort and ropeway developers.
• Objective: To shift from "mass tourism" to "high-value, sustainable tourism" by attracting premium global hospitality brands.

4. Expansion of Lake Tourism

• Gobind Sagar Lake (Bilaspur): The state's first Cruise and Shikara services were expanded in February to include Jet-Skiing and water scooters.
• Harnoda-Tattapani Route: A new 30-km long cruise route was finalized, connecting Bilaspur to the hot springs of Tattapani (Mandi/Shimla border), creating a new religious-cum-adventure circuit.

9: Science, Tech & Environment (February 2026)

February 2026 saw Himachal Pradesh emerge as a national leader in scientific climate modeling. The state shifted its focus from general carbon concerns to specific, high-impact pollutants that directly affect the Himalayan glaciers.

1. Launch of the SLCP Roadmap (February 24, 2026)

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released a landmark scientific report titled "Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh."

• Focus: This is the state’s first comprehensive roadmap to tackle Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) like Methane and Black Carbon (Soot).
• Scientific Urgency: Unlike Carbon Dioxide, these pollutants stay in the atmosphere for a shorter time but trap heat far more intensely. Black carbon, in particular, settles on snow and accelerates glacier melt.
• Source Tracking: The report identifies transport, biomass burning (traditional cooking), and waste dumping as the primary local sources of these pollutants.

2. Green Hydrogen Expansion

The state’s "Green Energy State by March 2026" goal received a technical boost this month:

• Nalagarh Plant: A 1 MW Green Hydrogen plant is being established in Nalagarh (Solan) in collaboration with Oil India Limited (OIL).
• Una Project: The "AM Green Una Hydrogen Project" was formally announced with an expected electrolyzer capacity of 140 MW, aimed at industrial decarbonization.
• National Ranking: As of February 2026, Himachal is part of a select group of Indian states that have commissioned or initiated green hydrogen pilots to fuel HRTC buses.

3. Space Science: The "Khagolshala" Initiative

Following the success of the first space lab in Bilaspur, February 2026 saw a push to expand space education:

• Hamirpur Space Lab: A new Space Science & Astronomy Lab was finalized for a government school in Hamirpur to spark interest in STEM.
• ISRO Collaboration: Under the ISRO Space Tutor Program, students began receiving hands-on training in Drone Technology, Satellite Models (CanSat), and 3D Printing.
• Impact: Over 1,000 rural students have now accessed these labs, with 10 students from Bilaspur being selected for an exposure visit to the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad in late February.

4. Biodiversity & Medicinal Plants (MoAs)

On February 24, 2026, the government signed two major Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) to link science with rural livelihoods:

• Dabur India Partnership: Dabur will provide 1.20 crore medicinal saplings over 10 years to HP farmers.
  • Lower Hills: Amla, Harad, Bahera.
  • High Hills: Jatamansi, Kutaki, Pushkarmool.
• Women's Empowerment: A second MoA in Solan will involve 225 women farmers in the high-tech cultivation of Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Chirayita over 108 bighas of land.

5. Forest Cover Goal 2030

• Target: On February 2, the CM directed the Forest Department to increase the state's forest cover from the current 29.5% to 31% by 2030.
• Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana: Under this scheme, the government is providing ₹2.40 lakh for plantation over two hectares to community groups, with a target of 5,000 hectares for the next financial year.

10: Law & Order (February 2026)

February 2026 was a month of high-stakes legal battles in the Supreme Court and a decisive "clean-up" operation within the Himachal Pradesh Police to restore public trust in the state's anti-narcotics campaign.

1. Supreme Court Mandate on Local Body Polls

On February 13, 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued a critical directive to the Himachal Pradesh government and the State Election Commission (SEC):

• The Deadline: The court extended the deadline for holding Urban Local Body and Panchayati Raj polls to May 31, 2026.
• The Logic: While acknowledging the state's plea regarding monsoon difficulties, the Bench (led by CJI Surya Kant) ruled that delimitation work cannot be a ground to "delay or stall" the democratic process.
• Completion Task: All reconstruction, delimitation, and reservation work must now be completed by March 31, 2026.

2. Crackdown on "Internal" Drug Cartels

The state's "Anti-Chitta" campaign faced a credibility test in February when the police took the unprecedented step of arresting its own personnel:

• The STF Arrests: Four personnel from the Special Task Force (STF) in Kullu were arrested for active involvement in drug trafficking.
• Constitutional Action: Invoking Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution, the DGP dismissed the accused without a departmental inquiry to send a "zero-tolerance" message.
• The "LSD" Shift: Investigations in February revealed a shift from traditional 'Chitta' (heroin) to LSD being smuggled via interstate cartels using courier services from Bengaluru.
• Poll Debarment: The CM announced that any individual involved in NDPS cases would be debarred from contesting the upcoming Panchayat elections.

3. Cyber Security: The 4th Task Force Meeting

On February 26, 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and HP LSA held a high-level task force meeting in Shimla:

• Focus: Combating the misuse of telecom resources for financial frauds.
• Citizen Safety: Over ₹8,690 crore has been saved nationally via the '1930' helpline and CFCFRMS portal (as of Jan 31, 2026).
• Local Initiative: Launch of the "Sanchar Saathi" awareness program at IIT Mandi (Kamand) to educate rural youth on reporting cybercrime.

4. High Court Administrative Decisions

• The Roster Shift: A new High Court Roster of Boards came into effect on February 23, 2026, prioritizing "top-most priority" for pending matters prior to 2015.
• OBC Commission Shifting: The Supreme Court (Feb 9) set aside a stay by the HP High Court, permitting the state government to move the State OBC Commission headquarters from Shimla to Dharamshala in the "public interest" of the Kangra region.

11: Awards & Honors (February 2026)

February 2026 was a month of significant pride for Himachal Pradesh, as several state-led initiatives and individuals received national-level recognition, particularly in the fields of digital governance and traditional sciences.

1. Padma Shri 2026: Shri Prem Lal Gautam

While the names were announced on the eve of Republic Day, the state officially celebrated the achievements of its newest Padma awardee throughout February.

• Recipient: Shri Prem Lal Gautam (Himachal Pradesh).
• Category: Science and Engineering.
• Contribution: Honored for his exceptional contributions to high-altitude scientific research and his work in integrating traditional hill knowledge with modern engineering solutions.

2. National "People First" Integration Award

In a major win for the state's IT department, Himachal Pradesh was honored with the national "People First Integration Award" in early February.

• Reason: The award recognizes the state's success in integrating multiple citizen services (including the HimKosh financial system and the Sukh-Ashray portal) into a single, seamless digital ecosystem.
• Significance: The jury praised the state for its high adoption rate of digital payments in remote tribal regions like Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi.

3. SVA GRIHA Awards for Treasury Buildings

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and GRIHA Council conferred several "green" ratings on Himachal’s public infrastructure in February:

• Sub Treasury Chowari: Conferred with a 5-Star SVA GRIHA Award for its exemplary energy-efficient design and sustainable building practices.
• 4-Star Ratings: Awarded to District Treasury Office Nahan and Sub Treasuries in Arki, Fatehpur, and Nihri.
• Impact: These buildings serve as models for the state's "Green State 2026" mission, utilizing solar passive heating and rainwater harvesting.

4. Best Brief Award: HPNLU Shimla

On the academic front, the Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, brought international laurels to the state:

• Competition: INTA Asia-Pacific Moot Court Competition 2026.
• Achievement: The team (comprising Anuj Garg, Arun Kumar, and Anany Pandey) was awarded the "Best Brief Award", standing out among top law schools from across the Asia-Pacific region.

5. HP Environment Leadership Awards (Nominations)

The Department of Environment, Science & Technology officially opened the nomination window for the 2026 Environment Leadership Awards in February.

• Objective: To recognize "Environmental Stewards" across 12 categories, including Urban Local Bodies, Schools, and Industries.
• Prize: The first prize includes a trophy, citation, and a cash reward of ₹50,000.

10: Sports & Personalities (February 2026)

February 2026 saw Himachal Pradesh cement its status as a winter sports powerhouse at the national level, alongside significant infrastructure boosts and international cricket milestones for state athletes.

1. Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026: Gulmarg Leg

The second leg of the KIWG 2026 (held from February 23–26, 2026) in Gulmarg, J&K, was a breakthrough for the state:

• Overall Standings: Himachal Pradesh finished 2nd Nationally, trailing only the Indian Army.
• The "Sandhya vs. Aanchal" Thriller: In the Women’s Alpine Giant Slalom, Sandhya Thakur (HP) caused a major upset by winning Gold, edging out her veteran teammate and Olympian Aanchal Thakur (who took Silver).
• Ski Mountaineering Dominance: Tenzin Dolma clinched Gold in the Women’s Vertical Race, leading a Himachal "one-two" finish with teammate Natasha Mahar (Silver).
• Men's Success: Yogesh Kumar secured Gold in the Men’s Alpine Slalom, reaffirming the state’s command in core skiing events.

2. 69th National School Games (Under-19 Girls Handball)

On February 5, 2026, the state hosted and won a major national championship:

• The Victory: The Himachal Pradesh team secured the Gold Medal by defeating Rajasthan in the final held at Ghumarwin, Bilaspur.
• State Reward: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a ₹20 lakh cash prize for the team.
• Policy Shift: During the ceremony, the CM announced a statewide ban on mobile phones in schools (effective March 1) to improve student-athlete focus and well-being.