Health, Family Welfare, and Social Justice Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil presided over the 13th Himachal Pradesh Other Backward Classes (OBC) Welfare Board meeting to review policy measures and community demands. Highlighting the administration’s dedicated focus on inclusive development, the Minister reaffirmed the state’s pledge to safeguard the socio-economic interests of the OBC community across Himachal Pradesh.
During the proceedings, Dr. Shandil emphasized key policy discussions aimed at streamlining administrative processes, notably committing to address annual OBC certificate renewal challenges. He outlined major state initiatives—including the Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, and Indira Gandhi Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana—reiterating Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s commitment to equitable public welfare, health access, and social safety nets.
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani also addressed the board, proposing strategic reservation considerations in technical institutes for traditional artisan communities, particularly those skilled in heritage temple construction. The board noted all constructive feedback and member grievances, assuring sympathetic review and systematic enhancements to strengthen community welfare frameworks moving forward.



