Himachal Pradesh Government announces key decisions in latest cabinet meeting.
Shimla:
In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and deliberated on several crucial matters, resulting in decisions aimed at bolstering various sectors across the state.
Recruitment Policy Amendments:
1. Age Relaxation for Constable Recruitment:
The Cabinet approved a one-time relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates applying for 1226 constable positions within the Police Department. This adjustment now extends eligibility to:
– General category candidates aged between 18 to 26 years.
– SC/ST, OBC, Gorkhas, and distinguished sportspersons aged between 18 to 28 years.
– Home Guards aged between 20 to 29 years.
Strengthening Government Departments:
2. Expansion of Government Workforce:
The Cabinet sanctioned the creation and filling of over 6630 posts across various government departments. Notable appointments include:
– 6297 Early Childhood Care and Education Tutors to enhance educational standards.
– 200 Medical Officers in the Health and Family Welfare Department.
– Faculty positions in medical colleges, such as Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor roles across multiple locations including Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Government Medical College in Nahan, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College in Ner Chowk, Mandi, and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba.
3. Medical Infrastructure Development:
– Creation and staffing of 8 posts of Casualty Medical Officers in Tanda Medical College and 5 Assistant Professors in Chamba Medical College, alongside support staff to operationalize Trauma Centers.
4. Judicial and Administrative Enhancements:
– Establishment of 84 positions across various categories in the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Tribunal.
– Addition of 13 posts in the Department of Town and Country Planning to cater to newly formed Four Lane Planning Areas, aimed at enhancing regulatory mechanisms.
5. Infrastructure and Services Expansion:
– Approval for the opening of the Superintendent of Police Office and Superintending Engineer Public Works Department in Dehra, Kangra district, with notifications pending due to Model Code of Conduct enforcement.
– Sanction to establish an Electrical Division in Haroli, Una district.
Committees Formed for Strategic Initiatives:
6. Tourism and Resource Mobilization Committees:
– Creation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee under Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan to formulate guidelines for improving the operation standards of Home Stays, thereby boosting tourism in the state.
– Formation of another Cabinet Sub-Committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, to recommend strategies for effective resource mobilization, comprising Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani.
Environmental and Weather Review:
7. Natural Calamity Assessment:
– The Cabinet reviewed the prevailing situations concerning forest fires, drought conditions, water scarcity, and the onset of monsoons across Himachal Pradesh.
The decisions taken by the Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet reflect a concerted effort towards enhancing governance, bolstering infrastructure, and addressing key societal challenges, aiming to uplift the quality of life and service delivery to the citizens of the state.
