Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Himachal CM Sukhu announces no doctor retirement till 2027
Every year on August 15, India celebrates Independence Day, when leaders give speeches about their plans for the country.
This year, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, made many announcements at the state's big celebration in Barsar.
He said no government doctor will have to retire until March 2027, so doctors will keep working for a while longer.
He also shared good news for workers: some government staff will get their back pay this month, and retired people will get part of the pension money owed to them.
Health workers called ASHA didis, who help people in villages, will get a little more money each month, and nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians who work on contract will also be paid more.
The Chief Minister's government, run by the Congress party, also brought back an old pension plan for some employees.
The state also plans to build a big milk processing factory in Kangra that can handle 1.5 lakh litres of milk every day.
Starting in October, special nutritious food will be given to mothers and small children in 21 blocks, and clean drinking water is planned across the state.
The Chief Minister said these steps will help Himachal Pradesh become one of the richest states in India by 2032.
CM Sukhu announced that no government doctor will retire until March 31, 2027.
Monthly incentives for 9,000 ASHA workers will rise from Rs 5,800 to Rs 6,800 from April 1, 2026.
Class IV employees will get Rs 20,000 salary arrears by month-end, and Class I-II pensioners will receive 15% of their arrears in August.
Outsourced staff nurses, pharmacists, OT assistants and lab technicians under NHM will get revised remuneration of Rs 25,000 per month.
Sukhu reiterated his resolve to make Himachal Pradesh one of the richest states by 2032, saying the economy is back on track despite the Centre discontinuing the Revenue Deficit Grant.
- Who
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who presided over the state-level Independence Day function at Barsar.
- What
- Announced that no government doctor will retire until March 31, 2027, along with pay hikes for ASHA workers and NHM staff, arrears payments, and new welfare schemes.
- When
- Saturday, August 15 — India's Independence Day.
- Where
- Barsar in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Why
- To improve the state's finances and deliver welfare benefits to health workers, employees, pensioners, mothers, children and farmers.
- Chief Minister
- Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
- Venue
- Barsar, Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh
- Date
- August 15 (India's Independence Day)
- Doctor retirement freeze
- Until March 31, 2027
- ASHA workers' incentive
- Raised from Rs 5,800 to Rs 6,800 per month (effective April 1, 2026)
- NHM staff remuneration
- Rs 25,000 per month for staff nurses, pharmacists, OT assistants and lab technicians
- Pensioners' arrears
- 15% of arrears paid in August, costing Rs 281 crore
- Milk processing plant
- 1.5 lakh litres/day capacity at Daghwar, Kangra, costing about Rs 250 crore