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Himachal's 'HimParivar' Wins National Digital Award, CM Flags Apple Import Worries

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the state's Department of Digital Technologies and Governance for receiving a national award for its flagship 'HimParivar' initiative, praised for using data analytics to improve governance. Separately, the CM expressed serious concern over the Centre's Free Trade Agreement policy, stating that reduced import duties on foreign apples would harm local growers. He announced that the state government would send a team to discuss the issue with the Union government, having already raised it with Union Minister Piyush Goyal. The Centre has formed a team to assess the impact, which will include state government representatives.

Key Points: Himachal's Digital Award & CM's FTA Concern for Apple Growers

  • HimParivar initiative wins national digital award
  • Data analytics boosts governance and service delivery
  • CM warns FTAs threaten local apple growers
  • State to send team to discuss import duty with Centre
  • Issue recently raised with Union Minister Piyush Goyal
2 min read

Himachal CM congratulates DDT&G on national recognition for 'HimParivar' initiative

Himachal CM Sukhu congratulates state's digital department for national award while raising concerns over FTAs impacting local apple growers' livelihood.

"I will send a team to discuss the matter with the Union government, - Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

New Delhi, January 31

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today congratulated the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance, Government of Himachal Pradesh, for receiving national recognition at the 6th Governance Now Digital Transformation Summit & Awards held in New Delhi.

The award was conferred recently during the summit and was formally handed over to the Chief Minister by Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor (Digital Technology, Innovation and Governance) to the Chief Minister, yesterday.

He said the state was honoured for its flagship initiative 'HimParivar', which has been appreciated for its innovative use of data analytics and digital technologies to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery.

He said that such technology-driven interventions enhance transparency, improve efficiency and support the government's vision of effective last-mile delivery of benefits.

The Chief Minister lauded the dedicated efforts of the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance in developing citizen-friendly digital services and strengthening digital governance across Himachal Pradesh.

He expressed confidence that the department would continue to work with the same commitment and innovation to further expand digital initiatives for the benefit of the people of the State.

On Friday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed concern over the Centre's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) policy, saying the reduction in import duty on apples coming from foreign countries would adversely affect apple growers in the state and disrupt the local fruit market.

The Chief Minister said the state government would send a team to discuss the issue with the Union government.

"I will send a team to discuss the matter with the Union government," Sukhu said, referring to the impact of FTAs on Himachal's apple economy.

The Chief Minister said apple growers across Himachal Pradesh are worried that the Centre's policy of reducing import duties on apples under various FTAs would make foreign produce cheaper and uncompetitive for local farmers. He said he had recently met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and other senior Union ministers, during which the issue was raised in detail.

Sukhu said the Centre has already constituted a team to assess how the reduction in import duty would affect domestic apple growers, and that the state government's representatives would also be part of the exercise.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Congratulations to the team! But I hope this digital push also reaches the remote villages in Kinnaur and Lahaul. Sometimes these awards are for showpieces in Shimla or Dharamshala. The real test is last-mile connectivity in the hills.
A
Aman W
The CM is right to be worried about apple farmers. FTAs can destroy livelihoods. Digital awards are good, but protecting our annadata (food providers) is more urgent. The centre must listen to the state on this.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Himachal often, it's impressive to see a hill state leading in digital governance. The terrain makes it challenging. Kudos! Hope the app is user-friendly for all age groups.
V
Vikram M
Good work on the digital front. But the article shows the two faces of governance - celebrating tech wins while fighting for farmers' survival. Both are important. The team going to Delhi needs to be strong. Our apples are our pride.
N
Nisha Z
Hope the HimParivar initiative helps common people get pensions, certificates, and other services without having to make multiple trips to government offices. That's the real transformation we need. All the best to the team!

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