Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves Major Social, Infrastructure, and Administrative Measures.
Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved a series of significant decisions aimed at strengthening disaster relief, social welfare, infrastructure development, and administrative efficiency across the State.
Among the key announcements, the Cabinet enhanced compensation for disaster-affected families, increasing support for loss of household articles from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. In cases of complete house damage due to fire, a special package of Rs. 7 lakh will now be provided. Additionally, Rs. 4.32 crore was sanctioned to the Indian Air Force for helicopter services during state emergencies.
The Cabinet approved the reorganization of Panchayats and authorized 150 days of employment under MNREGA, along with retaining wall construction assistance of up to Rs. 2 lakh for individual beneficiaries. To improve healthcare, 1,000 Rogi Mitras will be engaged, and 9 new super-specialty departments will be established at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, along with 73 posts of Professors, Assistant Professors, and Senior Residents. Similarly, 27 Senior Resident posts will be filled at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda.
In law enforcement, 800 constable posts were approved, and new police and fire infrastructure is planned, including sub-fire centres at Kandaghat and Rajgarh, a new police post at Ner Chowk, and purchase of four fire tenders. Highway safety will be enhanced with ten electric bikes for patrolling, and a new Kanungo circle at Bankhandi will be created in Kangra district.
The Cabinet also approved the extension of social security pensions to persons with 40% or higher disability, removing previous restrictions for beneficiaries with government-employed guardians. For environmental initiatives, the Forest Department is authorized to grant mineral concessions in forest land.
Under economic and entrepreneurship initiatives, 1,000 petrol and diesel taxis will receive a 40% subsidy for conversion to electric vehicles, and the Mukhya Mantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna has been expanded to support small urban vendors with up to Rs. 1 lakh assistance for distressed businesses.
Education sector reforms include converting Government College Hamirpur into a dedicated Science College, starting integrated B.Ed. programmes at multiple colleges, introducing new Fine Arts subjects, and establishing a new Fine Arts College in Kangra. The Cabinet also approved promotion procedures for 805 principals to be expedited through a new DPC chaired by the Secretary of Education.
These measures collectively aim to enhance governance, social welfare, disaster management, and infrastructure development, reflecting the State Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and public service.
