Shimla: Himachal Pradesh's Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved several the scrapping the controversial 10-mark personal interview for Van Mitra recruitments in the Forest Department
Now, 2,061 posts will be filled without this round, which had often faced criticism for being subjective.
In a boost for the healthcare sector, the Cabinet has also greenlit 150 nursing posts at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College in Hamirpur. Additionally, new academic positions are on the cards with six Associate Professors and 10 Assistant Professors being recruited across departments like Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, and more.
Meanwhile, Nadaun in Hamirpur gets a Sub-Divisional Police Officer's office, with five new posts created. Kangra district’s Indora will see a new Fire Post with 13 jobs lined up.
the remote Lahaul-Spiti district will have a new Police Post at Shinkula under Keylong Police Station, bringing in six new posts.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is also getting a much-needed boost with its control handed over to the Additional Director General (Home Guards and Civil Defence). Deputation of Home Guards for up to two years has been sanctioned to make disaster response smoother.
Pushing ahead with the green agenda, the Cabinet gave a nod to private players to expand electric vehicle charging stations along the state's six green corridors.
At present, 77 stations are operational. This move aims to shift Himachal towards electric vehicles and reduce fossil fuel dependence. To ensure vehicle fitness, five automated testing stations will also be established with cutting-edge equipment.
In energy, the Cabinet accepted recommendations for the 450 MW Shongtong Karchham Power Project, urging completion by FY 2026-27.
A review committee has been set up to look into Shimla's parking facilities under the PPP model.
Parking spots at Lift, Chhota Shimla, Sanjauli, and the New Bus Stand will be under the scanner, with a sub-committee led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi taking charge. Shimla MLA Harish Janartha is set to be a special invitee.
Lastly, the state's Eco-tourism Policy of 2017 has been amended in line with the latest Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 2023, aiming to give a fillip to eco-tourism.
