In a landmark meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet took several significant decisions aimed at boosting employment, strengthening the healthcare system, supporting clean energy, and improving public infrastructure.
Regularization of Contractual and Daily Waged Employees
The Cabinet approved the regularization of contractual employees who have completed two years of continuous service as of March 31, 2025. Similarly, daily wagers and contingent paid workers who have served continuously for four years by the same date will also be regularized. This move is expected to benefit thousands of government workers across the state.
Major Hydroelectric Projects to be Taken Over by State Government
In a big step toward energy independence, the Cabinet cleared the takeover of several hydroelectric projects including:
- 382 MW Sunni,
- 210 MW Luhri Stage-I,
- 66 MW Dhaulasidh (earlier allotted to SJVNL),
- 500 MW Dugar, and
- 180 MW Baira Suil (allotted to NHPC).
An independent evaluator will assess the investment made in these projects, and an Administrator will be appointed for Baira Suil to facilitate the takeover process.
Strengthening of Health Infrastructure
The Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 50-bedded Critical Care Blocks (CCB) at:
- PHC Swahan (Regional Hospital Bilaspur), and
- Civil Hospital Rohru (Shimla district),
along with procurement of necessary medical equipment.
Approval was also granted for establishing District Integrated Public Health Laboratories at:
- Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, and
- District Hospital Hamirpur, affiliated with Dr. Radha Krishnan Government Medical College.
Procurement of advanced equipment for the upcoming Mother and Child Hospital wings at Kamla Nehru Hospital (Shimla), Regional Hospital (Una), and Civil Hospital (Sundernagar, Mandi) was also approved.
Stipend Hike for Medical Professionals
In a major incentive for healthcare professionals, the Cabinet increased monthly stipends for:
- Senior Residents and Tutor Specialists: From ₹60,000–₹65,000 to ₹1,00,000
- Super Specialists and Senior Residents (Super Specialists): From ₹60,000–₹65,000 to ₹1,30,000
Free Diagnostic Services for Vulnerable Groups
Based on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rogi Kalyan Samiti, the state will now offer free diagnostic services including 133 lab tests and X-rays to:
- Orphans,
- Widows and their dependent children,
- Ekal Naris, and
- Destitute women.
With this, the number of beneficiary categories rises from 11 to 14.
402 New EV Charging Stations Across Himachal Pradesh
To support the transition to electric vehicles, the Cabinet approved the installation of 402 new EV charging stations. These will be set up at:
- Rest Houses,
- Circuit Houses,
- Offices of Jal Shakti, PWD, HPSEBL,
- District Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and
- BBNDA premises.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
- Liquor Vends Re-Auction: Around 400 remaining liquor shops to be auctioned individually.
- Hotel Wildflower Hall (Mashobra): Approved interim management contract with EIH Ltd, generating ₹1.77 crore monthly revenue for the state.
- Prevention of Disfigurement Act: To be implemented in all remaining Urban Local Bodies, including 7 Municipal Corporations, 17 Municipal Councils, and 23 Nagar Panchayats.
- New Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya: Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya Marhi in Dharampur (Mandi) to begin operations from academic session 2025–26.
- Revenue Mobilisation: Approved recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri to boost government revenue.
