Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Extends Disaster Relief and Approves Key Infrastructure Projects.
Dharamshala:
In a significant decision, the Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, met in Dharamshala and announced several key measures aimed at bolstering disaster relief, healthcare, infrastructure, and tourism in the state.
Among the key decisions, the Cabinet extended the special relief package, initially introduced for disaster-affected families in 2023, to those impacted by the recent fire incident in Tandi Village, Kullu. Families with completely damaged houses will receive Rs. 7 lakh, while those with partially damaged homes will be given Rs. 1 lakh. Additionally, a grant of Rs. 50,000 will be provided for the loss of cowsheds. To further support the affected families, the state will offer a monthly house rental assistance of Rs. 5,000 until June 30, 2025.
In a move to enhance medical infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the procurement of advanced machinery and robotic surgery equipment for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMSS) in Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, Kangra. The state will invest Rs. 56 crore in these state-of-the-art facilities, following the model of AIIMS, New Delhi.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Forest Department’s previous order, allowing the extraction of berberis roots (Kashmal) until February 15, 2025. Furthermore, forest produce extracted from open spaces before January 4, 2025, will be permitted for transportation until the same date.
In a bid to boost tourism in Kullu, the Cabinet sanctioned the establishment of a ropeway connecting the Kullu Bus Stand to the Peej Paragliding Point, ensuring smoother and safer transportation for tourists.
The Cabinet also approved a series of administrative and infrastructural decisions, including the filling of 9 Block Development Officer posts in the Rural Development Department, the creation of new divisions in the Public Works Department’s National Highway Circle Shahpur, and the procurement of 24 air-conditioned super luxury buses for Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC).
Further, 100 motorbikes will be procured for the State Taxes and Excise Department to improve enforcement and conduct surprise checks.
In the realm of agriculture, the Cabinet greenlit a pilot study on cannabis cultivation, to be conducted jointly by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture, Nauni. This study will evaluate the feasibility and future roadmap for cannabis cultivation in the state.
The Cabinet also made significant strides in governance reform by bringing various posts, including drivers and staff in the Divisional Commissioners’ offices, under the state cadre. Additionally, the names of three educational institutions were changed to honor notable leaders: Government College Seema in Shimla is now Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College Seema; GGSSS, Sports Hostel (Girls), Jubbal is now Ram Lal Thakur GGSSS, Sports Hostel (Girls); and Government College Khad in Una is now Mohan Lal Dutt Government College Khad.
In the realm of hydro power, the Cabinet was presented with detailed plans for the revival of stalled hydroelectric projects and the restructuring of educational directorates.
These decisions, aimed at improving governance, healthcare, infrastructure, and tourism, highlight the state government’s commitment to addressing both immediate challenges and long-term development priorities.
