A State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu witnessed several crucial decisions aimed at enhancing environmental conservation, healthcare services, and administrative efficiency in Himachal Pradesh. The key highlights include the launch of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Van Vistaar Yojna’ to expand green cover, the creation and filling of various posts, approval of the Himachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Bill, and the implementation of H.P. Nautor Rules.
Expanding Green Cover with ‘Mukhya Mantri Van Vistaar Yojna’ (HP Cabinet Decisions)
The Cabinet decided to launch the ‘Mukhya Mantri Van Vistaar Yojna,’ an ambitious initiative aimed at increasing green cover across the State. The scheme will focus on reinvigorating barren areas of hills and mountains, thereby preventing soil erosion and excessive runoff on degraded slopes. To ensure successful implementation, a Task Force will be constituted, with Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the Head of Forest Force (HoFF), as its Chairman. Additionally, the plantation and maintenance work will be outsourced, preferably involving local inhabitants, for a period of seven years.
Boosting Healthcare Services
In a significant move to improve healthcare facilities, the Cabinet approved the creation and filling of 136 additional posts of nursing and para-medical staff. This measure is intended to operationalize the Trauma Centre and Emergency Medicine Department at IGMC, Shimla, ensuring seamless round-the-clock services in six related departments.
Strengthening Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats
The Cabinet decided to fill up 87 posts of different categories in various Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats in the State. This step aims to bolster administrative efficiency at the local governance level.
Effective Handling of Natural Calamities
To enhance disaster management capabilities, the Cabinet approved the creation of a Project Management Unit in the Revenue Department. This unit will play a crucial role in dealing effectively with natural calamities. Additionally, 14 posts of different categories will be filled to support this initiative.
Strengthening Judiciary
The Cabinet gave its approval to create posts of Assistant District Attorneys for newly established Civil Courts and Additional District and Session Courts in different locations across the State. Furthermore, seven posts of Deputy District Attorneys were approved for POCSO Courts and Special CBI Court.
Enhancing Special Police Officers’ Honorarium
In a move to recognize and support the dedication of Special Police Officers in border areas, the Cabinet decided to increase their honorarium by Rs. 500 per month.
Streamlining Urban Records
The Cabinet approved the draft Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporations, Municipal Council, and Nagar Panchayat maintenance of Parivar Register Rules, 2023. This rule will help maintain proper records of families residing in urban areas.
Rationalizing Lok Mitra Kendras Services Charges
In a bid to provide efficient public services, the Cabinet decided to rationalize the charges of services offered by the Lok Mitra Kendras in the State.
Implementation of Himachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Bill
The Cabinet gave its nod to the Himachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2023, aligning it with the CGST Act and incorporating the recommendations made by the GST Council.
Implementation of H.P. Nautor Rules
The Cabinet decided to implement H.P. Nautor Rules, 1968 for a period of two years, with specific conditions. The implementation will be limited to areas not falling under protected categories like National Park, Sanctuary, Conservation Reserve, Community Reserve, and Reserve Forest. The number of trees allowed under Nautor should not exceed two, solely for domestic purposes, and the individual must not be involved in any forest-related offenses.
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