New Delhi, April 15: The Dev Bhoomi of Himachal Pradesh is celebrating its Foundation Day today. On April 15, 1948, Himachal was formed as a Chief Commissioner’s Province by merging 30 small and large hill states. It was granted full statehood on January 25, 1971, but the main celebration occurs on April 15. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Sukhu, and the Congress party have extended their greetings to the people of the state.
Prime Minister Modi shared a message on social media platform X, stating, “Heartfelt wishes to all residents of Himachal on Himachal Day. This sacred land is known for its rich traditions, unique cultural heritage, and the diligence, dedication, and humility of its people. On this auspicious occasion, I wish for a bright future for all families in the state.”
Chief Minister Sukhu also conveyed his wishes to the people, writing on X, “On the occasion of Himachal Day, we express deep respect for our farmers, whose hard work has strengthened and enlivened our rural economy. For the first time in the state’s history, ginger has been included under the MSP framework, with a price set at ₹30 per kilogram. Additionally, a Farmers’ Commission is being established for the first time to systematically promote the interests of farmers. Our aim is to ensure an increase in farmers’ income and further strengthen their rights.”
Meanwhile, the Congress party also extended heartfelt wishes to the people of Dev Bhoomi Himachal on this special day.
According to the official website of the Himachal Pradesh government, the state came into existence on April 15, 1948, as a part-state (C) of the Indian Union, integrating 30 small and large hill states including Baghat, Bhajji, Baghal, and others. At that time, these areas were part of four districts.
In 1954, the neighboring state of Bilaspur was merged into Himachal Pradesh. The state remained a part-state (C) of the Indian Union until 1956 when the State Reorganization Commission recommended the abolition of the classification of states into categories A, B, and C. Himachal Pradesh continued to be a Union Territory until it was granted statehood on January 25, 1971. In 1960, the border Chinese tehsil of Mahasu district was formed as a separate administrative unit, leading to the creation of Kinnaur district, increasing the total number of districts.
On November 1, 1966, the reorganization of the then Punjab state took place, forming Haryana as a separate state and merging parts of Kullu, Kangra, Shimla, and Hoshiarpur districts, as well as Dalhousie from Gurdaspur district into Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the creation of four new districts: Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and Shimla.
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