In a significant move to bolster welfare and development across Himachal Pradesh, the State Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved a series of initiatives aimed at uplifting various sectors, including social welfare, agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Empowering Domestic Workers: Inclusion in Pension Scheme
The Cabinet has expanded the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana to encompass domestic working women. Women who have completed at least 100 days of domestic work, along with their daughters aged 21 years and above, are now eligible to receive a monthly pension of ₹1,500. This initiative aims to provide financial security and acknowledge the contributions of domestic workers in the state’s economy.
Boosting Natural Farming: Highest MSPs in the Country
In a bid to promote sustainable agriculture, the Cabinet has approved increased Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for naturally grown crops:
- Wheat: Raised from ₹40 to ₹60 per kg
- Maize: Increased from ₹30 to ₹40 per kg
- Raw Turmeric: Set at ₹90 per kg
- Barley (Pangi block, Chamba district): Fixed at ₹60 per kg
These rates are among the highest in the country and are part of the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y). Procurement for wheat and turmeric will commence from May 15, 2025. Additionally, Pangi has been declared the state’s first Natural Farming Sub-Division, with certification processes underway.
Enhancing Transportation: New Routes and Parking Solutions
To improve public transportation and provide employment opportunities, the Cabinet has sanctioned 422 stage carriage routes to private operators. This move is expected to enhance connectivity and offer self-employment avenues for the youth. Furthermore, to address urban congestion, the Cabinet has approved the utilization of feasible closed basement floors for parking purposes. Non-compliance will attract heavy penalties, ensuring adherence to designated parking uses.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
The Cabinet has approved the establishment of Nephrology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology departments at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur. To support these departments, 118 new posts across various categories will be created and filled. Additionally, 43 technical vacancies under different Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be filled to bolster agricultural research and extension services. A new division of the Jal Shakti Vibhag will also be established at Sujanpur in Hamirpur district.
Promoting Tourism and Traditional Medicine
In a move to boost tourism, the Cabinet has introduced a new Home Stay Policy, offering a 50% reduction in registration fees for homestays in the Pangi Sub-Division of Chamba district. This initiative aims to encourage local entrepreneurship and promote cultural tourism. Furthermore, the Ayurvedic Health Centre at Kosari in the Jaisinghpur assembly segment of Kangra district will be upgraded to a 10-bedded Ayurvedic Hospital, with necessary posts created and filled.
Upgrading Health Facilities
The Primary Health Centre at Panjawar in Una district will be upgraded to a Community Health Centre, with the requisite staff positions to be created and filled. This upgrade is part of the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services in rural areas.
Providing Water Tariff Relief
Residents of newly constituted 14 Nagar Panchayats and merged areas of upgraded Municipal Corporations and Councils, including Hamirpur, Una, Baddi, Nadaun, Baijnath-Paprola, Jwalamukhi, Dehra, Paonta Sahib, and Jwali, will continue to be charged water tariffs at rural rates for the next three years. This decision aims to provide financial relief and support to residents during the transition period.
Streamlining Technical Education
To enhance the efficiency of technical education, the Cabinet has approved the merger of seven State-of-the-Art (SOA) ITIs and seven women ITIs into existing ITIs across the state. This consolidation aims to optimize resources and provide better training facilities to students.
