Himachal CM announces halts formal felicitation ceremonies until October 31

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 27 : In a significant move under 'Vyavstha Parivartan', the state government has decided to halt the practice of honoring dignitaries by presenting shawls, caps, and bouquets during official events.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced this decision, attributing it to the ongoing natural calamity concerns. As per these directives, no formal honoring or felicitation ceremonies will take place in government functions until October 31, 2023.
Earlier, the state government has also suspended the customary guard of honor traditionally accorded to VVIPs during field visits until September 15, this year.
These measures collectively reflect the state's commitment to enacting meaningful change and fostering a pragmatic approach towards governance.
“The state government's decision not only aligns with the need to channel resources and attention towards managing natural calamities but also underscores a departure from symbolic formalities to more substantive actions in the realm of governance," said the Chief Minister. 
Earlier, as many as 281 roads, including National Highway 305, were blocked in Himachal Pradesh due to rainfall, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre on Sunday.
Besides this, 177 water supply schemes have also been disrupted. However, there were no fire incidents in the past 24 hours, the government data added.
Meanwhile, at least 367 people have died in Himachal Pradesh in rain-related incidents this year since the onset of monsoon, the State Disaster Management Authority said on Friday.
According to official data, an average of about seven individuals have been losing their lives daily in rain-linked occurrences within the hilly state since the monsoon's commencement on June 24.