The Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, made several decisions in its latest meeting to improve the lives of its citizens. Here are the key highlights: (Himachal Pradesh Cabinet)
Indira Gandhi Mahila Samman Nidhi for Women in Spiti Valley
The cabinet approved a monthly allowance of Rs. 1500 under the Indira Gandhi Mahila Samman Nidhi scheme for eligible women residing in Spiti valley, including nuns above the age of 18.
White Paper on State’s Financial Position
To assess the state’s financial position, a Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri as Chairman and Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar and Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh as Members will formulate a White Paper.
Introduction of e-Stamping System ((Himachal Pradesh Cabinet)
The state will introduce an e-stamping system for the collection of stamp duty to promote ease of doing business. The printing of physical stamp papers will be stopped, and stamp vendors will be authorized collection centers. The state will continue with a dual system of stamps until 31st March 2024, after which physical stamp papers will be discontinued. Financial Support for School Uniforms Under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, eligible students will receive Rs. 600 in lieu of school uniforms.
Increase in Honorarium for Government Workers
The cabinet approved an increase in the honorarium for Nambardars in the Revenue Department from Rs. 3200 to Rs. 3700 per month and for Revenue Chowkidars/part-time workers from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 5500 per month. These increases will benefit over 5000 government workers in the state.
Amendments to Swaran Jyanti Energy Policy
The cabinet decided to amend the Swaran Jyanti Energy Policy, 2021 to allow for the transfer of land for setting up solar power and new and renewable energy projects on a lease/purchase/acquisition basis.
Increase in Court Fee Rates
The court fee rates for filing any application/petition in the Revenue Courts or applying attestation of affidavit or any other documents in Civil Courts, other than the High Court, will be increased from Rs. 6 to Rs. 20.
Other Decisions
The cabinet approved the constitution of Atal Tunnel Planning Area and the freezing of Existing Land Use in the area. It also increased the Certain Goods Carried by Roads (CGCR) tax on tobacco in all forms, including Pan Masala and Pan Chatney, and approved the filling up of various vacant government posts.
These decisions by the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet are aimed at providing much-needed support and financial relief to women, students, and government workers. The introduction of the e-stamping system is a step towards making stamp duty collection more efficient and streamlined. These measures will help to promote ease of doing business and strengthen the state’s financial position.
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