The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by CM Sukhu, on Friday approved a series of major decisions, including an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for several crops grown through natural farming.
The MSP for wheat has been raised from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per kg, maize from Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 per kg, and barley in Pangi Valley of Chamba district from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per kg. The Cabinet also increased the MSP of raw turmeric from Rs. 90 to Rs. 150 per kg and fixed ginger at Rs. 30 per kg.
In a significant employment boost, the Cabinet approved the creation and filling of 1,000 posts of Police Constables in the Police Department and 500 posts of Assistant Forest Guards in the Forest Department, with 50 percent reservation for Van Mitras.
To strengthen administrative functioning, the Cabinet decided to engage retired revenue officials, including Naib Tehsildars, Kanungos and Patwaris, on fixed remuneration for deployment in the Forest Department. Additionally, 10 legal consultants will be appointed across territorial circles of the department.
Addressing the shortage of teaching staff, retired faculty members will be engaged as professors in new medical colleges to ensure smooth functioning of clinical and non-clinical departments.
The Cabinet also approved the reorganisation of Jal Shakti Department divisions in Sirmaur district based on constituency requirements to improve public service delivery.
In a move to ensure timely disbursement of benefits, amendments will be made to provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Social Security Pension Rules, 2010.
To promote ease of doing business, the Cabinet cleared proposals to simplify the fire NOC process, making it more streamlined and citizen-friendly, while also enhancing fire safety compliance.
The Cabinet further decided to engage Honorary Captain Sanjay Kumar, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, from May 1, 2026, to motivate youth in the state to join the armed forces.
Additionally, approval was granted for the allotment of 71 small hydroelectric projects to eligible independent power producers under the state’s Hydro Power Policy, 2006.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
