Shimla: Chief Secretary K.K. Pant today here presided over the opening session of a four-day workshop on the Resilient Action for Development and Disaster Recovery Himachal Pradesh (READY-HP) project, a World Bank-assisted initiative, being held from July 28 to 31, 2026.
Addressing officers and representatives of various departments and implementing agencies, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of strong institutional coordination for the successful implementation of the multi-sectoral project. He said that READY-HP is a significant initiative aimed at strengthening disaster resilience and ensuring sustainable development across the state through improved planning, infrastructure and institutional capacity.
Highlighting the project’s implementation framework, the Chief Secretary said the state government has established a robust institutional arrangement that provides strategic guidance, policy oversight, technical coordination and implementation support. He stressed that clearly defined roles and responsibilities among departments and implementing agencies would ensure efficient, transparent, accountable and results-oriented execution of the project.
He said that the workshop focused on the implementation arrangements of READY-HP, which is supported by the World Bank (IBRD/IDA). Participants were briefed on the institutional framework designed to facilitate effective coordination between the state government, implementing departments, project management units, project implementation units, technical consultants and the World Bank.
Detailed presentations during the workshop highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the Project Management Unit (PMU) under the Revenue Department, the Project Implementation Units (PIUs) in the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Vibhag, Department of Energy and State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), along with the support to be provided by Project Management and Technical Consultants (PMTCs). The sessions also covered project planning, procurement, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, contract administration, quality assurance, grievance redressal, environmental and social safeguards and capacity building.
He said that the officers were informed regarding the institutional frame work designed to ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders, facilitate timely decision-making, strengthen governance and enhance implementation efficiency across sectors.
Chief Secretary stressed on effective coordination and efficient implementation. He said that it would be the key pillars for the successful delivery of the READY-HP project, with the overarching vision of ‘Built Back Better to enhance resilience and support sustainable development in disaster-affected areas of the state.
