HP Cabinet Approves New Excise Policy, More Panchayats Come in Shimla City

: Category: Latest; Published: 02 March 2024

HimbuMailNewsService

CMSukhu InCabinet meeting in Shimla today

Shimla: In the wake of the recent political upheaval within the Congress government, the State Cabinet convened today to address crucial matters concerning governance.

Chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu the meeting approved Excise Policy for the financial year 2024-25, which will be implemented through auction cum tender.

This move aims to streamline the excise sector and enhance revenue generation.

Cabinet sanctioned the engagement of 1000 Multi-Task Workers in the Animal Husbandry Department to bolster the support for Veterinary officers and ensure the smooth functioning of the department.

Furthermore, the Cabinet gave the green light to fill up 30 posts of JOA (IT) in the Public Works Department and four vacant posts of senior draughtsman in the Architect wing of the Public Works Department.

This decision aims to strengthen the technical workforce within the department.

In a bid to enhance the quality of education, the Cabinet approved the regularisation of the services of 46 eligible teachers engaged under the PTA policy, provided they meet the requisite qualifications outlined by the Government.

The health sector also received attention, with the Cabinet deciding to purchase 10 Food Safety Vehicles and hire the services of 10 food analysts, 10 attendants, and 10 drivers in the Health Department. These measures aim to bolster food safety standards and ensure public health.

Furthermore, the Cabinet focused on infrastructure development in various regions, approving the upgradation of several schools and healthcare facilities across different districts.

This includes upgrading Government Middle Schools to Government High Schools and Government High Schools to Government Senior Secondary Schools, along with the creation and filling up of requisite posts.

Moreover, the Cabinet announced plans to include more areas of Gram Panchayats under the ambit of Municipal Corporation Shimla to improve amenities for residents.

Additionally, divisions of Jal Shakti Vibhag will be opened in various districts, and existing divisions will be restructured to better serve the populace.

The Cabinet also addressed law enforcement and administrative needs by approving the establishment of new police offices and posts in different districts, along with the creation and filling up of necessary positions.

Lastly, the Cabinet approved the upgradation of various fairs and festivals to higher levels, aiming to promote cultural heritage and tourism across the state.

PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh was conspicuous by his absence in the meeting.

The disqualified MLA Rajinder Rana in a response to the channel charged that they were humiliated by the government and the high command which did not listen to them regarding their grievances.

Ran charged that the CM is running the Mitraon ki sarkar while MLAs and Minister's are getting a raw deal.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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