SHIMLA, 9 January: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, paid tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, recognizing his immense contributions to India and the state. A two-minute silence was observed in his honor.
The Cabinet highlighted Dr. Singh’s role in pivotal state projects like the Atal Tunnel, IIT Mandi, NIFT Kangra, and the Central University. His national achievements, including economic reforms, MNREGA, Aadhaar, and the Indo-US Nuclear Deal, were hailed.
In a major move, the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) will now be called the Dr. Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration.
BPL List Expansion
Families with no adult members aged 18-59, women-led households, or those with members suffering from chronic diseases like cancer or Parkinson’s, will now be eligible under the expanded BPL criteria.
Combating Drug Menace
A Special Task Force will tackle drug abuse and trafficking through an integrated approach, aiming to dismantle organized crime networks.
Stamp Duty Changes
The Cabinet approved a uniform 12% stamp duty on transfer and lease transactions, amending the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.
Tree Felling Ban
Felling of trees is banned, barring species like Safeda, Poplar, Bamboo, and Khair, which will follow a 10-year harvesting program.
Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar
The Cabinet launched the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ program to address grievances in remote areas.
Kishau Project Push
The state reiterated its demand for a 90:10 funding ratio for the Kishau Multipurpose Project's power component or a 50-year interest-free loan from the Centre.
Green Energy Initiatives
The Department of Energy now oversees hydro, solar, Green Hydrogen, and biomass projects above 5 MW. A 1 MW Green Hydrogen project has been approved for Nalagarh, with Green Energy Development Charges set for Pumped Storage Projects.
Simplifying Tax Litigation
The Himachal Pradesh Sadbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme 2025 aims to resolve pending tax cases like VAT and CST disputes.
Environmental Protection
Tara Devi Temple’s surroundings will now be a protected Green Area to curb human interference.
Administrative Upgrades
Sub Tehsil Panchrukhi in Kangra is now a full-fledged Tehsil. New Sub Tehsils will open in Dhamwari (Shimla), Saho (Chamba), and Chachiyan (Kangra). The Cabinet also approved the creation of 10 IT posts for the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
Boosting Education
The Block Primary Education Office in Rohnat will be carved out of Shilai in Sirmaur.
Other Key Decisions
Three panchayats—Matyal, Kudal, and Dhadol—shifted to Baijnath Block.
Himachal Pradesh State Water Informatics Centre to monitor and disseminate water data.
Rathal Jatar Mela in Bhaular declared a district-level fair.
Baddi-Barotiwala Nalagarh Development Authority Land Pooling Policy 2025.
