Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Thursday here,
rolled out a slew of decisions to address disaster relief, employment, education, and development policies, while extending gratitude to the public and Congress High Command for their support during the government’s two-year milestone celebrations in Bilaspur.
Disaster-Affected Get Enhanced Relief
Taking cognizance of the poor plight of dusaster hit families highlighted by the Himbumail,Cabinet approved a Special Relief Package for disaster-hit families in areas like Samej and Rampur (Shimla), Jaun-Bagipul and Nirmand (Kullu), and Tikkam Thalu-Kot (Mandi). Compensation for fully damaged houses has been increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh, aligning with relief measures from last year.
Push for Jobs and Education Reforms
In a significant boost to employment, 80 posts of Khanan Rakshak will be filled in the Industries Department for youth aged 20-30.
The Sainik Welfare Department will see 26 new hires, and the Education Department will fill 17 Punjabi and 14 Urdu teacher vacancies. To address short-term staffing gaps, the Cabinet approved hiring guest teachers on an hourly pay basis.
Additionally, 928 part-time water carriers in schools will now be regularized as Class IV employees after completing 11 years of service. Age criteria for nursery and Class-I admissions will align with the National Education Policy, 2020, ensuring uniformity.
Home Stay Rules Simplified
The much-awaited Himachal Pradesh Home Stays Rules, 2024, got the green light. Bonafide Himachalis will be prioritized for approvals.
The tedious NOC requirements from the Pollution Control Board and local bodies have been waived, though proper garbage disposal and sewerage systems remain mandatory.
Rainwater harvesting in home stays will also be encouraged.
Hydropower Projects to Get a Push
The Cabinet accepted recommendations for reviving 700+ stalled hydropower projects (up to 25 MW) under a policy framework led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. A high-powered committee will oversee the revival.
Welfare Yojanas Amplified
The Maharishi Valmiki Kaamgar Awas Yojna-2024 will now provide ₹3 lakh to sanitation workers from the Valmiki community for building houses. Similarly, financial aid for widows and single women under the Mukhyamantri Vidhwa Avam Ekal Nari Awas Yojna-2023 has doubled to ₹3 lakh.
Health Sector Gets a Cadre Revamp
The Cabinet approved bifurcating the nursing, paramedical, and other staff cadres between the Directorates of Health Services and Medical Education. Employees can opt for their preferred cadre within 30 days.
Mineral Foundation Rules Overhauled
Amendments to the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Rules, 2016, expand the radius of "directly affected areas" from 5 km to 15 km.
Now, 70% of DMF funds will be exclusively utilized in these regions, with high-priority sectors taking the lion’s share.
Infrastructure Boosts Across Sectors
A ₹45.48 crore project for a 33 KV line from Thirot to Killar promises uninterrupted power for Pangi Valley (Chamba). Public Works processes will see tighter timelines, cutting tender notice and acceptance delays across engineering offices.
Approvals in Civil and Health Infrastructure
A Sub Divisional Office (Civil) at Sunni in Shimla district.
Five new PHCs in Sirmaur: Kota Pab, Hallah, Thota Jakhal, Utrai, and Naya Panjore.
A permanent police post at Sarchu under Keylong Police Station in Lahaul-Spiti.
Higher Road Tax on Tobacco
To curb tobacco use and boost revenue, the road tax on tobacco products has been hiked from ₹4.50/kg to ₹6.75/kg.
