Shiv Pratap Shukla was speaking to the media at the Lok Bhavan in Shimla ahead of his departure for Telangana. (Express photo)Outgoing Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said on Sunday that the state lacked a strong work culture, which he described as one of the primary reasons why neighbouring Uttarakhand—formed nearly three decades after Himachal Pradesh—has moved ahead in terms of development.Speaking to the media at the Lok Bhavan in Shimla ahead of his departure for Telangana to take over as governor, Shukla said a change in mindset, particularly among the political class, was essential for accelerating the state’s progress.“The state lacks a work culture. Politicians and the political class must also develop a strong work ethic if they want to take Himachal Pradesh forward. There is tremendous scope for development here, but the political leadership needs to utilise these opportunities. It is largely the work culture that has helped Uttarakhand move ahead of Himachal Pradesh,” he said.Himachal was given the status of a full-fledged state in January 1971. Uttarakhand, which was earlier part of Uttar Pradesh, became a separate state in November 2000.Shukla also expressed concern over the rising number of tuberculosis cases in the hill state despite the Government’s efforts to eliminate the disease. Referring to the goal of making Himachal TB-free, he said the trend had been disappointing.“We had resolved to make Himachal Pradesh a TB-free state, but unfortunately, the number of TB cases has increased instead of declining. Achieving this goal requires sustained awareness and public participation. Along with this, the state must also intensify efforts to become drug-free,” he said.Responding to questions regarding alleged differences between the Lok Bhavan and the state government, Shukla dismissed such claims as a misunderstanding. “There have never been any differences between these institutions. If someone believes there were differences, it is simply a misunderstanding,” he said.Story continues below this adWhen asked about certain Bills sent to the governor’s office for assent that are yet to be cleared, Shukla said the delay was due to the need for further clarification from the Government, particularly on the issue of Nau-Toud land, a matter related to forest land reforms.“On certain Bills, especially those concerning the Nau-Toud land issue, I have sought clarity on some aspects. The state government is yet to provide that clarification,” he said.Commenting on the Sukhashraya scheme, Shukla said it did not fall directly under the purview of either the governor or the state government, indicating that it related to provisions governed by the central framework.On GST compensation and revenue deficit grantShukla also responded to questions regarding the state government’s repeated demand for the continuation of the revenue deficit grant and compensation for revenue losses under the Goods and Services Tax regime.“If the state government accepts that the five-year GST compensation period has already been completed, then it can move forward with alternative financial planning. Otherwise, it will continue to lag behind. It all depends on how the situation is viewed,” he said.New governor to arrive in ShimlaStory continues below this adShukla confirmed that he would leave for Telangana on Monday to assume charge as the governor there. He said that his successor, Kavinder Gupta, was expected to arrive at the Lok Bhavan in Shimla on Monday. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.‘West Bengal govt has tarnished constitutional ethos’During the interaction, Shukla also criticised the West Bengal government for not having its representative at an event attended by President Droupadi Murmu. “The act of the West Bengal Government has tarnished the constitutional ethos. Such a situation should not arise. The President does not belong to one state or two states—the President represents the entire nation,” he said.Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... 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