Himachal Cabinet Approves Key Policy Reforms: Compassionate Employment, Nursing Education, and Industrial Development Get Major Boost.
Shimla:
In a significant step toward inclusive governance and developmental progress, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved a series of policy reforms and infrastructure initiatives during its meeting held today. Key decisions spanned across employment, health, industrial development, energy, gender equality, and sustainable planning.
One of the major decisions was the approval of amendments to the Compassionate Employment Policy. The Cabinet enhanced the annual income eligibility limit from Rs. 2.50 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh per family, making more families eligible for support. Priority will now be given to widows, orphans (below 45 years), and dependents of government officials who died in the line of duty.
To ensure timely support, a one-time relaxation of the 5% quota for compassionate appointments has also been approved, allowing qualified applicants to be accommodated even in the absence of available vacancies under the reserved quota.
Aiming to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and education, the Cabinet approved: Increase in B.Sc. Nursing seats at Sister Nivedita Government Nursing College, Shimla, from 60 to 100. Establishment of a new B.Sc. Nursing College with 60 seats at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda (Kangra). Sanction of 27 new posts across various categories to support the new institutions.
Promoting gender equality in employment, the Cabinet allowed women workers in shops and commercial establishments to work during night shifts (7:00 PM to 7:00 AM), under safe and regulated conditions. Maternity benefits will also be provided to all eligible women workers in accordance with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Industrial Push: Medical Device Park and Mineral Policy Changes
The government has formed a Cabinet Sub-Committee, chaired by Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, to oversee the development of a 300-acre Medical Device Park at Nalagarh. The committee will submit its report within two months.
Amendments were also made to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules, 2015, enabling contractors involved in road cutting or de-siltation projects to utilize generated material for captive use. All surplus materials will be auctioned through a defined process.
The Cabinet approved the extension of the MoU with Alliance Air Aviation Ltd., ensuring continued air connectivity on the Shimla–Dharamshala–Shimla route until June 30, 2026.
In a major restructuring of stalled energy projects: 172 small hydroelectric projects (below 5 MW) under HIMURJA were cancelled due to prolonged inaction. These will be re-advertised for new developers. A uniform free power royalty of 12% plus an additional 1% for Local Area Development Fund was approved for all future small hydro projects. 22 hydro projects above 5 MW, where implementation agreements haven’t been signed, were cancelled. Developers of other pending projects have been given time until August 5, 2025 to respond to show-cause notices. A committee has been formed to negotiate out-of-court settlements with 14 developers for refunding upfront premiums (principal only, without interest).
To facilitate the long-awaited expansion of Kangra Airport, the Cabinet granted a one-year extension—up to August 16, 2026—for completing land acquisition under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013. The Draft Development Plan for Dhaulakuan Majra in Sirmaur was approved, focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth. Reorganization of Patwar Circle Naleti in Kangra was approved, with certain areas merged into Patwar Circle Garh under Tehsil Paragpur for better administrative efficiency.
A detailed presentation on drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh was also made during the meeting. The Cabinet reviewed efforts by the Excise and Taxation Department to tackle the growing threat, reflecting the government’s commitment to social and health-related challenges.
The Cabinet’s latest decisions reflect a balanced approach to economic development, social welfare, and administrative efficiency. With reforms targeting youth employment, healthcare education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, the Sukhu-led government has signaled its intent to steer Himachal Pradesh toward inclusive and progressive path.
