The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, held a significant meeting to approve several development and welfare initiatives. These decisions encompass urban development, social welfare, job creation, and educational enhancements, reflecting the government’s commitment to holistic progress.
Urban Development: Upgrading Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats
The Cabinet approved the upgradation of three municipal councils to municipal corporations and two nagar panchayats to municipal councils. It also decided to create six new nagar panchayats and included additional areas under the jurisdiction of various urban local bodies. These decisions aim to strengthen urban governance and enhance public service delivery in the state.
Social Welfare Initiatives
- Honorarium Increase for Multi-Task Workers
Multi-task workers in the Public Works Department will now receive an enhanced monthly honorarium of 5,000 rupees, up from 4,500 rupees. - Aayushman Bharat Yojna Expansion
All elderly citizens above the age of 70 years will now be covered under Aayushman Bharat Yojna. An additional top-up health insurance cover of five lakh rupees per annum will also be provided to those already registered under the scheme. - Financial Aid for Housing
Financial assistance of three lakh rupees has been approved for widows, single destitute women, and divyang women with an annual income below 2.50 lakh rupees. Beneficiaries must be registered under the HP Building and Other Construction Welfare Board. - Mukhyamantri Sukh-ashray Yojana Extension
The benefits of the Mukhyamantri Sukh-ashray Yojana will now extend to abandoned and surrendered children up to the age of 27 years. - Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgaar Start-Up Yojna 2023
Under this scheme, e-taxi owners attached to government departments will be assured a minimum monthly rent of 50,000 rupees, encouraging sustainable transport solutions.
Employment Opportunities in Health and Other Departments
- Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur
- 30 posts of senior resident doctors and 326 posts of ancillary staff will be created and filled.
- A new police post will be established within the medical college, with the creation of seven posts in various categories.
- Department of Fisheries
- 28 posts in different categories will be filled.
- State Taxes and Excise Department
- 25 assistant state taxes and excise officer posts will be filled.
- Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, Hamirpur
- 10 posts in various categories will be filled to streamline operations.
- Healthcare Infrastructure
- Six posts in the newly opened Block Medical Office in Dehra, Kangra district, will be created.
- Four posts in the upgraded Community Health Centre in Gumma, Shimla district, will also be created.
Educational Enhancements
- HIMCAPES College of Nursing, Una
Approval was granted to increase the seats for the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course from 40 to 60. - Engineering Education
- A new M.Tech program in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Electric Vehicle Technology will be introduced at Government Hydro Engineering College, Bilaspur, along with the creation of three faculty posts.
- A new diploma course in Computer Engineering and the Internet of Things will be launched at Government Polytechnic College, Hamirpur.
Boost to Agriculture and Local Economy
The Cabinet approved a letter of intent for M/s Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation to establish a winery at Parala in Shimla district. This initiative will offer remunerative prices to apple growers and create employment opportunities for locals.
Administrative Changes
To decongest Shimla city, the office of the HP Building and Other Construction Welfare Board will be shifted to Hamirpur.
These decisions by the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet underscore its commitment to inclusive development, enhanced public services, and social welfare. The measures aim to create a robust infrastructure for urban governance, provide economic relief to marginalized communities, and foster job creation in critical sectors.
