Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves Key Decisions on Employee Regularization, Hydroelectric Projects, Healthcare, and Revenue Enhancement. 

Shimla:

In a significant move to streamline governance and boost infrastructure development, the Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, held its meeting on Saturday and made a series of important decisions. The Cabinet’s resolutions span various sectors, including employment, hydroelectric power projects, healthcare, and the state’s revenue mobilization.

Employee Regularization

A key decision in the Cabinet meeting was the regularization of services for long-serving contractual employees. The state government has decided to regularize the services of contractual employees who have completed two years of continuous service as of 31st March 2025. Furthermore, daily wage workers and contingent paid workers who have completed four years of continuous service by the same date will also be regularized. This move is expected to benefit numerous employees across the state.

Hydro Power Projects

The Cabinet approved the takeover of several major hydroelectric power projects to be managed directly by the state. These include the 382 MW Sunni, 210 MW Luhri Stage-I, and 66 MW Dhaulasidh hydroelectric projects, previously allotted to the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL). Additionally, the 500 MW Dugar and 180 MW Baira Suil hydroelectric projects, originally allocated to the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), will also come under state control.

To ensure transparency in this transition, the Cabinet sanctioned the appointment of independent evaluators to assess the actual expenditures incurred in these projects. Furthermore, an Administrator will be appointed for the Baira Suil project to oversee its smooth takeover.

Healthcare Enhancements

In a bid to improve healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet sanctioned the establishment of a 50-bedded Critical Care Block (CCB) at PHC Swahan in Bilaspur and another similar unit at Civil Hospital Rohru in Shimla district. Both will be equipped with necessary medical facilities. Furthermore, new District Integrated Public Health Laboratories will be set up at Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, and at the District Hospital in Hamirpur, which is attached to Dr. Radha Krishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur.

The Cabinet also approved the procurement of equipment for the under-construction Mother and Child Hospital wings at Kamla Nehru Hospital Shimla, Regional Hospital Una, and Civil Hospital Sundernagar in Mandi district. These hospitals will receive the necessary resources to ensure optimal functioning.

Stipend Increases for Medical Professionals

In recognition of the contributions of medical professionals, the Cabinet decided to enhance the monthly stipends for Senior Residents and Tutor Specialists, which will now range from Rs. 60,000–65,000 to Rs. 1,00,000. Similarly, the stipend for Super Specialists and Senior Residents (Super Specialists) will rise from Rs. 60,000–65,000 to Rs. 1,30,000 per month.

Free Diagnostics for Vulnerable Groups

Following the recommendations of a Cabinet Sub-Committee under Health Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil, the Cabinet approved the extension of free diagnostic services to more vulnerable groups. These will now include orphans, widows, dependent children, Ekal Nari, and destitute women. With these additions, the total number of beneficiary categories eligible for free diagnostic services will rise from 11 to 14.

Revenue Enhancement Measures

• The Cabinet also approved recommendations from the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Resource Mobilisation, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, which aims to enhance the state’s revenue generation. Among the measures is the re-auctioning of around 400 retail liquor vends, which will now be auctioned on an individual basis.

Hotel Management Contract and EV Charging Stations

In a move to generate revenue while safeguarding state assets, the Cabinet agreed to a management service contract with EIH Ltd. for the interim operation of Hotel Wildflower Hall, Mashobra. This contract will ensure a steady monthly revenue of Rs. 1.77 crore for the state while maintaining the property until a new operator is selected.

To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the Cabinet also approved the installation of 402 new EV charging stations across government premises in the state. These stations will be placed in various locations, including Rest Houses, Circuit Houses, and government offices, to facilitate the growth of electric mobility in Himachal Pradesh.

Urban Development and Educational Initiatives

The Cabinet approved the implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985 in all remaining Urban Local Bodies, including seven Municipal Corporations, 17 Municipal Councils, and 23 Nagar Panchayats. This move aims to prevent the defacement of public spaces through unauthorized advertisements and signage.

Finally, the Cabinet gave its approval to make the Atal Adarsh Vidyalay Marhi in the Dharampur Constituency of Mandi district functional starting from the academic session 2025-26, providing students with enhanced educational facilities.

With these far-reaching decisions, the Himachal Pradesh government is poised to make significant strides in improving public services, infrastructure, and revenue generation, ensuring a stronger and more sustainable future for the state.