Himachal Cabinet Approves OBC Reservation in Urban Local Body Polls, Announces Host of Welfare and Administrative Measures.
Shimla:
In a significant move aimed at strengthening social justice and administrative efficiency, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved the introduction of Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation in the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections. To ensure data-driven implementation, the Cabinet also cleared the constitution of a Backward Classes Commission tasked with compiling accurate population data of backward classes before finalizing the reservation roster.
Monsoon Session to Begin on August 18
The Cabinet recommended to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla to convene the Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha from August 18 to September 2, 2025.
Major Boost for Youth and Education
In a relief for aspiring educators, a one-time relaxation of two years in the upper age limit was granted for candidates appearing for the TGT and JBT recruitment exams, to be conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog.
The Cabinet also approved a reservation of one seat per course in all government, government-aided, and private technical institutions—including ITIs, Polytechnics, Engineering, and Pharmacy Colleges—for orphans, reflecting a compassionate step towards inclusive education.
Health Services in Remote Areas Get a Push
In a bid to bolster primary healthcare in remote and tribal areas, 290 additional ASHA workers will be engaged. This move is expected to significantly enhance outreach and delivery of basic health services in underserved regions.
Key Administrative Appointments and New Posts
To strengthen legal and administrative capacities, the Cabinet approved the recruitment of five Law Officers (English) and two Law Officers (Hindi) in the State Secretariat. It also cleared the creation of three Research Officer posts in the offices of the Integrated Tribal Development Project at Bharmour, Pangi, and Spiti.
Financial Aid for Rain-Hit Families
Recognizing the widespread devastation caused by torrential rains during the current monsoon, the Cabinet granted ex post facto approval for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-based rent support. Affected families in relief camps will receive Rs. 5,000/month in rural areas and Rs. 10,000/month in urban areas for up to six months.
Curbing Illicit Activities and Strengthening Excise Oversight
To check illegal activities at manufacturing units, two Home Guards will be posted at each distillery, bottling, and brewery plant, along with a State Taxes and Excise Officer, with mandatory intra-district rotation.
Mining Revenue and Employment Generation
The Cabinet approved the auction of 10 minor mineral quarries in Kangra and re-auction of 11 in Bilaspur. These are expected to generate Rs. 18.82 crore in revenue and provide both direct and indirect employment, while helping to curb illegal mining.
Promoting Investment and Tourism
The government will establish a Tourism Investment Promotion Council under the Chief Minister to fast-track projects exceeding Rs. 50 crore, with a decision timeline of 30 days.
HIM BUS CARD and Free Travel Monitoring
To streamline concessional and free travel services, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has been allowed to issue the HIM BUS CARD to eligible beneficiaries.
Launch of Sadbhawana Legacy Resolution Scheme Phase-II
The Cabinet greenlit Phase-II of the Himachal Pradesh Sadbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme, 2025, from September 1 for three months. It aims to resolve approximately 30,000 pending tax-related cases, including those related to VAT on petroleum products up to FY 2020–21.
One-Time Registration Policy for Unregistered Vehicles
A new legacy registration policy was approved to regularize unregistered construction equipment vehicles. Owners can register upon paying a one-time tax and 50% of the penalty, in lump sum. This three-month policy is expected to benefit 2,795 vehicle owners.
Optimum Use of Vacant Government Buildings
Acting on the recommendations of a Cabinet Sub-Committee, the government will repurpose vacant government buildings in a phased manner. A nodal agency will be designated to allocate space to departments, boards, and corporations in need.
Uniform Water Tariffs and Civic Boundaries Redrawn
The Cabinet decided to uniformize water tariff rates across the Solan Municipal Corporation under Jal Shakti Vibhag rates, benefiting thousands of urban consumers.
It also approved the exclusion of Stadium Amatar and Panchayat Ghar Bela (ward no. 8) from the Municipal Council Nadaun in Hamirpur district.
Lotteries to Resume in the State
In a notable decision, the Cabinet also gave its nod to initiate the operation of lotteries in Himachal Pradesh, signaling a potential new revenue stream.
These comprehensive decisions reflect the government’s focus on social inclusion, administrative reform, and economic revival, with a balanced emphasis on welfare, infrastructure, and governance.
