In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has made several important decisions to address key issues and promote development in the state. Here are the highlights:
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Decisions: Sustainable Energy, Education, and Government Job Reform
Establishment of Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog:
The Cabinet decided to establish the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog, which will conduct examinations for recruiting various Group-C posts under the state government, PSUs, boards, corporations, and local bodies. This move replaces the disbanded Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission Hamirpur.
Mukhyamantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna-2023:
The Cabinet approved the ‘Mukhyamantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna-2023’ and allocated Rs. 40 crore for the scheme. This initiative aims to provide better loan opportunities to small entrepreneurs and skill-based workers, such as cobblers, tailors, barbers, and more, to support their businesses.
Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2023:
The Cabinet decided to introduce the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the upcoming Monsoon session of the HP Vidhan Sabha. This bill seeks to expedite decisions in revenue court cases and streamline various revenue operations to benefit the public.
Sadhbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme, 2023:
The third phase of the Himachal Pradesh Sadhbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme, 2023, will run from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. It aims to settle pending assessment cases and arrears related to GST.
Single Energy Trading Desk:
The Cabinet approved the establishment of a Single Energy Trading Desk to coordinate power trading strategies and transactions for HPSEBL, HPPCL, and the Directorate of Energy. This move aims to optimize revenues and enhance efficiency.
Amendments to Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021: To manage energy shortfalls during lean periods, the Cabinet decided to amend the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021. The new provisions encourage the installation of rooftop-based solar projects, contributing to power generation.
Honorarium Increases: The Cabinet increased the honorarium for SMC teachers by Rs. 2000 per month starting April 1, 2023, benefiting 2115 individuals. Additionally, the honorarium for part-time water carriers in the Education Department was raised from Rs. 3900 to Rs. 4400 per month, effective from April 1, 2023, benefiting 283 individuals.
Police Department Strengthening: To strengthen the Police Department, the Cabinet approved the recruitment of 1226 constables, including 877 male constables, 292 female constables, and 57 constable drivers.
Crackdown on Illegal Mining: The Cabinet decided to fill 12 posts of Mining Inspector, 24 posts of Assistant Mining Inspector, and 38 posts of Mining Guard in the Industries Department to combat illegal mining activities.
Horticulture and Statistics Departments: The Cabinet approved the recruitment of 50 Horticulture Extension Officers in the Horticulture Department and 10 Statistics Assistant positions in the Economic and Statistics Department.
Medical Services Expansion: To provide specialized medical services, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation and filling of 8 posts of Associate and Assistant Professors in various departments of Dr. Radhakrishanan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, and one post of Assistant Professor in IGMC Shimla.
Police Post Upgrade: The Cabinet decided to upgrade Police Post Tahliwal in Una district to a Police Station, along with the creation and filling of 14 posts of different categories.
Nucleus Budget Rules: The maximum expenditure limit for a particular sanctioned scheme under the Nucleus Budget Rules for tribal areas has been increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh. This budget is dedicated to the welfare and development of tribal communities. These initiatives and decisions reflect the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to addressing a range of issues and fostering development across the state.
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