TNR News Network
Dharamshala: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday (December 5, 2025) informed the state Assembly that alleged financial discrepancies in the Himcare health insurance scheme would be thoroughly investigated.
CM Sukhu said that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had already begun auditing the expenditure incurred under the scheme so far.
Sukhu remarked that the scheme, intended to provide free medical treatment to economically weaker and needy citizens, was allegedly misused to extend undue benefits to private pharmacies and hospitals. “The core spirit of the scheme was compromised and malpractices took place. While the programme has helped the poor, misuse cannot be denied,” he told the House.
Speaking further, the Chief Minister said principals and medical superintendents of medical colleges had been empowered to process Himcare cards for four months every year to ensure residents receive them without unnecessary hurdles. He assured the Assembly that the government would enforce stricter checks to curb irregularities. The statement came in response to queries raised by BJP MLAs Vinod Kumar and Trilok Jamwal.
Opposition questions outsourcing; privilege row sparks uproar
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur sought clarity from the government regarding whether any outsourced agency had been engaged through the Department of Information and Public Relations (IPR) or other channels. He also asked for details of the service tenure and payments approved until October 31, 2025.
The House witnessed sharp exchanges after Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi moved a privilege notice against Jai Ram Thakur, urging the Speaker to take appropriate action. The Speaker said the Assembly Secretariat would examine the matter before deciding on the next steps, triggering protests and chaos in the House. The proceedings were briefly adjourned for 10 minutes following the uproar.
Message against drugs marks final day of session
On the concluding day of the winter session, ruling and opposition MLAs arrived wearing jerseys bearing the slogan “Chitta Mukt Himachal – Ek Naya Himachal” to send a united message against the growing drug menace. The day’s proceedings commenced with the question hour soon after.
