The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved several significant decisions in its meeting today aimed at boosting sustainable transport, education, healthcare, rural development, and renewable energy initiatives in the state.
Key decisions include allowing the Transport Department to convert 1,000 diesel/petrol taxis into electric vehicles with a 40% subsidy under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Yojna, and enhancing the honorarium for 510 Special Police Officers to Rs. 300 per month effective April 1, 2025. The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval for increased honorarium for SMC teachers, IT/computer instructors, Mid-Day Meal workers, and part-time water carriers.
To strengthen agriculture, the Cabinet approved a streamlined monitoring mechanism for the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojna and H.P. Crop Diversification Project (JICA Phase-II). A sub-committee led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi will finalize rural area development guidelines for Gram Panchayats.
Sports and employment initiatives were also approved, including recognition of 19 new games for meritorious sportspersons for government appointments and creation of 300 posts for Junior Office Assistants (IT) under the Directorate of Recruitment.
In healthcare, approvals were given for the expansion of Nahan Medical College, creation of posts in Emergency Medicine departments, new Resident Doctors Policy-2025, regulation of Assistant Staff Nurse appointments, and new post-graduation and super-specialty courses.
Renewable energy projects received a boost through amendments to the ground-mounted solar scheme, now named Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Saur Urja Yojna, offering 4-5% interest subsidies based on tribal or non-tribal areas. Amendments were also approved for HP Town & Country Planning Rules and for facilitating tourism investment via the Tourism Investment Promotion Council (TIPC).
Other decisions include designation of HP General Industries Corporation for procurement of alcohol for pharma units, granting 15 days paternity leave for male contract employees, opening three new primary schools in Solan district, and amendments to the Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojna, including education loans at 1% interest for post-graduation and raising the family income limit to Rs. 12 lakh per annum.
These decisions collectively aim to strengthen governance, social welfare, and sustainable development across Himachal Pradesh.
केंद्र की राहत हिमाचल को मिलेगी, सरकार पर सवाल : जयराम ठाकुर
