Himachal Cabinet Announces Major Decisions: Relief, Recruitment, and Reforms. Riverbed mining depth increased to 2 m.
Shimla, 08.08.2024 - The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, made several major decisions in its meeting heretoday, focusing on disaster relief, recruitment, and policy reforms.
Disaster Relief:The Cabinet extended support to families affected by the recent cloudbursts in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts.
Affected families will receive financial aid, including ₹10,000 per month for rental expenses in urban areas and ₹5,000 per month in rural areas for those whose homes were destroyed. Additionally, they will receive free rations, LPG refills, utensils, and bedding for three months, starting from August 1, 2024. Immediate financial relief of ₹50,000 will also be provided.
Recruitment Boost:A significant recruitment drive was approved, with the creation of 462 posts at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, and 489 posts across IGMC Shimla and Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialty Chamiyana. Positions include Medical Officers, Staff Nurses, Psychiatrists, and various support staff. New positions were also sanctioned for the Forest Department, Prosecutions Department, Jal Shakti Sub Divisions, and a new Police Post in Galore, Hamirpur.
Policy Reforms:The Cabinet approved amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals Rules, 2015, allowing the auctioning of private lands for mining with owner consent and enhancing the depth of riverbed mining to two meters.
New charges, including Electric Vehicle charges and processing fees for non-mining activities, were also introduced.
Agriculture Push:To promote natural farming, the Cabinet launched the HIM-UNNATI scheme, targeting 50,000 farmers through cluster-based farming groups. The scheme includes capacity-building training and financial assistance, with plans to procure natural farming wheat at ₹40 per kg and maize at ₹30 per kg.
Other Decisions:
The Cabinet approved restructuring the State Taxes and Excise Department, bringing the Police Constable recruitment under the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, and introducing new performance appraisal rules for state officers.
An Environment Cell will also be created within the Directorate of Urban Development to oversee waste management activities.
