Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves Major Policy Reforms, Infrastructure Projects, and Administrative Decisions.
Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, took several key decisions in its meeting today, covering Panchayati Raj reforms, social welfare, energy projects, infrastructure development, and administrative appointments.
The Cabinet decided to invite public objections and suggestions on proposed amendments to Rules 28, 87, 88, and 89 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Elections) Rules, 1994. These amendments propose that Panchayats reserved continuously for two terms since 2010 will not be reserved in upcoming elections.
On social welfare, the Cabinet approved revisions to the Social Security Pension Rules, 2010, redefining the term “destitute” and simplifying certification. Abandoned women without independent income will now qualify as destitute. Additionally, 40% of the Local Area Development Fund under the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy will be allocated to assist children of the state.
The Cabinet approved cancellation of 15 hydroelectric projects that failed to commission despite receiving amnesty and sanctioned the 10 MW Small Hydro Electric Project at Pandoh to Bhakra Beas Management Board, with the state receiving 13% free power and 5% as share. It also approved the Operation and Maintenance Policy to hand over in-village infrastructure of Single and Multi Village Schemes to Gram Panchayats.
In the dairy sector, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Regional Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited at Dhagwar, covering Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Una districts, with National Dairy Development Board as administrator.
To improve connectivity, Heli-Taxi services on the Chandigarh-Shimla-Chandigarh route will increase from three to twelve weekly sorties, supported by state viability funding.
Administrative decisions included releasing salaries of outsourced Jal Jeevan Mission employees, filling 60 Junior Assistant Professors in technical colleges, 30 Inspector Cooperative Societies, 16 Sports Hostel coaches, three Junior Office Assistant (IT) posts, and appointing remaining Patwaris for Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu.
The Cabinet also approved infrastructure upgrades, including the Sports Hostel in Kharidi (100 beds) as a State Level Sports Centre of Excellence, new Sub Divisional Police Office at Gagret, upgraded Police Post at Kotla, upgraded Fire Post at Tahliwal, and land transfers for new Kendriya Vidyalayas at Kotkhai and Paonta Sahib.
Further, it granted an 80-year lease under Himachal Pradesh Lease Rules, 2013 to HIMUDA and regularized part-time water carriers in Sirmaur with over 11 years of service.
These decisions collectively aim to strengthen governance, social welfare, infrastructure, and educational and sports facilities across Himachal Pradesh.
