The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by CM Sukhu, approved the introduction of OBC reservation in the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections. To support this decision, the Cabinet sanctioned the formation of a Backward Classes Commission for compiling accurate demographic data before finalizing the reservation roster. The Cabinet also recommended convening the Monsoon Session of the State Assembly from 18th August to 2nd September 2025.
In a significant relief to job aspirants, the Cabinet approved a one-time two-year age relaxation for candidates appearing in TGT and JBT recruitment exams conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog. Additionally, it decided to reserve one seat per course for orphans in all government, government-aided, and private technical institutions including ITIs, Polytechnics, Engineering and Pharmacy Colleges.
To strengthen rural and tribal healthcare, approval was granted for the engagement of 290 additional ASHA workers. The Cabinet also sanctioned the recruitment of five Law Officers (English) and two Law Officers (Hindi) for the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat and the creation of three Research Officer posts under the Integrated Tribal Development Projects in Bharmour, Pangi, and Spiti.
In response to monsoon-related devastation, the Cabinet provided ex post facto approval for monthly rent support through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for displaced families—₹5,000 in rural areas and ₹10,000 in urban areas for up to six months. Measures to curb illegal activities at distilleries and breweries were introduced, including posting Home Guards and Excise Officers at these facilities.
The Cabinet approved the auction of 10 minor mineral quarries in Kangra and re-auction of 11 quarries in Bilaspur, expected to generate ₹18.82 crore in revenue. In a bid to boost tourism, it sanctioned the establishment of a Tourism Investment Promotion Council under the Chief Minister’s chairmanship for fast-tracking investment proposals above ₹50 crore within 30 days.
For transportation benefits, the Cabinet allowed HRTC to issue ‘HIM BUS CARD’ to streamline concessional travel. It also launched Phase-II of the Sadbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme from 1st September 2025 for three months, aiming to resolve nearly 30,000 pending cases, including VAT disputes on petroleum products up to FY 2020–21.
Further, the Cabinet introduced a one-time legacy policy to regularize unregistered construction equipment vehicles, allowing registration on payment of one-time tax and 50% penalty. This policy, effective for three months post-notification, could benefit around 2,795 vehicles.
Recommendations by a Cabinet Sub-Committee for the utilization of vacant government buildings were also approved, including designating a nodal agency to allocate unused space to government entities in need.
Other key decisions included uniform water tariff implementation in Solan MC under Jal Shakti Vibhag rates, exclusion of certain areas from Nadaun Municipal Council, and approval to initiate lottery operations in the state.
