Women to Get 25% Reservation in Class III Government Jobs in Himachal: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made several major announcements aimed at strengthening the role of women in governance, education, and society.Addressing a state-level event in Nahan, Sirmaur district, the Chief Minister said the state government will soon introduce a law to provide 25 percent reservation for women in Class III government posts across departments.

Special Recruitment for Women in Police

In a move to encourage women’s participation in law enforcement, the Chief Minister announced special recruitment for female Sub-Inspectors in the Himachal Pradesh Police. He said the government is committed to creating greater opportunities for women in public service.

₹500 Crore Boost for Nahan Medical College

The Chief Minister also announced 500 crore for the development of Nahan Medical College, which is expected to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the region and improve medical education facilities.

Additionally, new academic courses including MSc Geology, MBA, and MA History will be introduced at PG College Nahan from the next academic session, expanding higher education opportunities for students in the district.

Women Welfare a Top Government Priority

Extending greetings on International Women’s Day, Sukhu emphasized that women’s welfare remains a top priority of the state government. He said the government has ensured that women receive a special place in various welfare schemes.

Highlighting social reforms, he noted that daughters now have equal rights in ancestral property up to 150 bighas, placing them on par with sons.

Support for Widowed Women and Their Children

The Chief Minister highlighted the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, under which the state government bears the higher education expenses of children of widowed women.

He also mentioned that women are increasingly taking leadership roles in the state administration. For instance, the Deputy Commissioners of Sirmaur and Hamirpur districts are women officers, reflecting the government’s progressive approach.

Marriage Age Increased, Incentives for Widow Remarriage

The government has increased the minimum marriage age for girls from 18 to 21 years and is promoting the remarriage of widowed women.

Under the scheme encouraging widow remarriage, the incentive amount has been increased from 65,000 to ₹2 lakh.

Women already receive 30 percent reservation in police recruitment, and the government is also considering providing a monthly pension of 1,500 for women from next year.

Relief for Disaster-Affected Families

Sukhu said the government made significant changes in compensation rules after the 2023 natural disaster, ensuring better support for affected families.

The state government increased compensation to 7 lakh for rebuilding homes of disaster-affected families, providing relief to those who lost their houses.

Political Remarks on Financial Assistance

The Chief Minister also criticized the Centre for stopping 10,000 crore annual financial assistance under the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) from February 1, 2026, calling it a difficult moment for the hill state.

He said Himachal Pradesh contributes significantly by supplying water to North India and protecting forests, yet its rights are often overlooked.

Focus on Education and Rural Economy

Sukhu said the government is working to improve quality education in Himachal Pradesh. Schools are being upgraded with CBSE curriculum, and new subjects such as music and drawing will be introduced with the recruitment of specialized teachers.

The government is also strengthening the rural economy and fulfilling its key guarantees. Honorariums for Anganwadi workers have been increased to 10,500, while Anganwadi assistants now receive 5,800.

Call for Gender Equality

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil said daughters are excelling in every field today and deserve equal opportunities.

He urged society to work together to eliminate gender discrimination, adding that a society that respects women is always blessed with prosperity and harmony.

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