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All panchayats in Himachal computerized, have all facilities, adequate staff: HP Govt
Owing to the successful enforcement of 50 percent reservation policy for women, 58 percent of elected PRI representatives in this hill state are women, it said.
Shimla: Amid allegations of minimal development ahead of the assembly polls, Himachal Pradesh Government claims to have made the state a role model in the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system in India.
In an official statement, the government released some statistics claiming success in implementation of the Panchayati Raj system in the state.
Owing to the successful enforcement of 50 percent reservation policy for women, 58 percent of elected PRI representatives in this hill state are women, it said.
The government claimed that all PRI’s are now entirely computerized, have all infrastructural facilities, adequate staff and frequent training are being organized.
Hundreds of vacant posts were filled in various PRIs and more will be filled in future, it claimed. The statement said Rs. 48.06 crore has been further approved for various activities in the PRIs. The honorarium of elected representatives of the PRIs was also enhanced, said the statement.
Out of the approved amounts of Rs. 48.06 crore under Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan, Rs. 7.42 crores will be spent on the renovation of 226 Panchayat Ghars and Rs.7.50 crores for the construction of new Panchayat Ghars.
A State Panchayat Resource Center will be constructed at Mashobra, Shimla, at a cost of Rs.1.25 crore. Rs.1.56 crore will be spent on construction of 13 block level resource centres. Further for the construction of District Panchayat Resource Centers at Mandi, Solan, Hamirpur, Shimla, Kangra, Kinnaur and Bilaspur, Rs.2.50 crore will be spent on each.
Rs. 50 lakh will be spent on development of Panchayati Raj Institution, Baijnath.
The Mission Mode Project (e-Panchayat project) of the Government of India has proposed 11 core software applications for the PRIs, and Himachal has already provided seven of them. Training sessions related to using these softwares for the officials of the Panchayats/Departments were organized at the Panchayati Raj Training Institute, Mashobra. The PRIs have started working on these software applications, said the statement.
In order to make the panchayats free from stray cattle, the government has rolled out a scheme under which two best panchayats in each block will be awarded Rs.7.80 crore prize money.
The honorarium of elected representatives of the PRIs was increased from July 1, 2016, from Rs.5910 to Rs.7000 per month. The honorarium for the tailoring teachers was increased from Rs.2300 to Rs.2600 per month.
Two Assistant Engineers, 172 Junior Engineers, 12 Junior Scale Stenographers, 1297 Panchayat Secretaries and 10 Junior Accountants were regularised, said the statement.
Some amendments have been made in HP Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 to ensure attendance, it said.
As per the amendment, the Gram Sabha meetings will be held in the month of January, April, July, and October in such a manner that all panchayats are covered in a district in each of such months. The quorum for the general meeting of Gram Sabha has been reduced from one-third to one-fourth.
To discuss the issues relating to the women and children and other issues, a provision has been made to organize two Mahila Gram Sabhas – first on March 8 and second on first Sunday of September in every Gram Sabha.
So far, 400 vacant posts of Panchayat Sahayaks were filled and 200 more posts of Panchayat Sahayaks will be filled. Further, 33 posts under various categories of Class-III and Class-IV have been created in the PRIs.
Further, the government claimed that the accounts and records of the PRIs are properly maintained with complete transparency and accountability in the functioning of the department.
Photo: RGPRS
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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