The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, made several pivotal decisions during its recent meeting, addressing disaster relief, education, health, infrastructure, and socio-economic development.
Gratitude for Public and Party Support
The Cabinet expressed gratitude to the people of Himachal Pradesh, the Congress High Command, party workers, and government departments for their support in successfully implementing programs over the past two years and organizing the anniversary event in Bilaspur.
Disaster Relief Package Extended
The Cabinet extended the Special Relief Package to disaster-affected families in Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi districts. Key measures include:
- Compensation for fully damaged houses: Increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh.
Education Reforms and Recruitment
- Approval for recruiting 80 Khanan Rakshak, 26 Sainik Welfare positions, and several education roles, including 17 Punjabi and 14 Urdu teachers.
- Guest Teachers Engagement: Temporary vacancies to be filled on an hourly basis.
- LDR Quota for Teachers: 5% quota for SMC teachers (PGT/DPE) in direct recruitment.
- Regularization of 928 part-time water carriers in the Education Department.
- Realigned admission age criteria for Nursery and Class-I as per NEP 2020.
Socio-Economic Welfare
- Maharishi Valmiki Kaamgar Awas Yojna-2024: Financial aid of ₹3 lakh for house construction for sanitation workers from the Valmiki community.
- Mukhyamantri Vidhwa Avam Ekal Nari Awas Yojna-2023: Housing aid increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh.
Boost for Tourism and Homestay Sector
The Cabinet approved the H.P. Home Stays Rules, 2024, focusing on:
- Preference for bona fide Himachalis.
- Simplified NOC requirements.
- Mandatory sewerage systems and garbage disposal.
- Encouragement for rainwater harvesting.
Hydropower and Infrastructure Development
- Approved measures for stalled hydropower projects up to 25 MW.
- Sanctioned ₹45.48 crore for a 33 KV power line from Thirot to Killar in Pangi valley.
Enhancing Health and Efficiency
- Bifurcation of the cadre in health institutions between the Directorate of Health Services and Medical Education.
- Creation of five new PHCs in Sirmaur district.
Simplifying Tender Processes
The Cabinet reduced timeframes for tender processing in the Public Works Department, enhancing efficiency in project implementation.
Sustainable Forestry and Environmental Policies
- Introduction of SOPs for the disposal of salvage trees.
- Delegation of powers to DFOs to manage lots of up to 50 trees for timely infrastructure development.
Key New Offices and Tax Revisions
- New Sub-Divisional Office at Sunni in Shimla district.
- New permanent police post at Sarchu in Lahaul-Spiti district.
- Increased road tax on tobacco products from ₹4.50/kg to ₹6.75/kg.
