Shimla: In a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet made significant decisions.
The Winter Session of H.P. Vidhan Sabha is set to take place from December 19 to 23, 2023, at Tapovan Dharamshala.
The cabinet also approved the appointment of 4500 Para-workers in Jal Shakti Vibhag, filling 25 posts of Excise and Taxation Inspectors, and 10 posts of Horticulture Development Officers. Additionally, a one-time waiver of Motor Vehicle Tax, associated interest, and penalties was granted for old vehicles scrapped at Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities for a year.
Furthermore, concessions were approved, offering a 25% reduction for non-transport vehicles up to 15 years and a 15% reduction for transport vehicles up to eight years under the HP Motor Vehicles Taxation Act 1972.
In a notable move, the allotment of the Jangi Thopan Powari Hydro Electric Power Project (780 MW) to SJVNL was canceled due to insufficient progress within the stipulated time.
The cabinet extended planning areas in Shimla, Chopal, and Kullu to curb haphazard construction. Amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Co-operative Societies Rules, 1971, and the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Rules, 1984, were approved for the empowerment of cooperative societies and optimal use of temple assets.
Starting from the academic session 2024-25, the cabinet adopted a six-plus-year age criterion for Class-I admissions in all state schools.
Additionally, ex-post facto approval was granted for a monthly rent of Rs. 5000 in rural areas and Rs. 10,000 in urban areas for disaster-affected families.
