Himachal Cabinet Rolls Out Key Decisions: Relief for Fire Victims, Robotic Surgery Equipment, and More..
Dharamshala: In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet announced several major decisions, addressing disaster relief, tourism, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Relief for Fire-Affected Families in Kullu
The special relief package introduced in 2023 for disaster-hit families was extended to those impacted by the fire in Tandi village, Kullu. Affected families will receive Rs. 7 lakh for fully damaged houses, Rs. 1 lakh for partially damaged houses, and Rs. 50,000 for damaged cowsheds. They will also get a monthly rental allowance of Rs. 5,000 until June 30, 2025.
Robotic Surgery Equipment for Hospitals
The Cabinet approved the procurement of advanced robotic surgery equipment for AIMSS Chamiyana in Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda.
This Rs. 56 crore project will mirror the technology used at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Berberis Root Extraction Allowed
The Cabinet amended Forest Department rules, permitting the extraction of berberis roots (Kashmal) until February 15, 2025. Forest produce extracted before January 4, 2025, can also be transported until the same date under the HP Forest Produce Transit Rules, 2013.
New Ropeway for Tourism in Kullu
To boost tourism, the government approved the construction of a ropeway between Kullu Bus Stand and Peej Paragliding Point.
Strengthening Rural Development
The Cabinet sanctioned the recruitment of nine Block Development Officers in the Rural Development Department.
PWD Reorganization
The Public Works Department will create two new divisions in Nankhadi and Kholighat under the National Highway Circle Shahpur.
HRTC Gets New Buses
To improve passenger services, the Cabinet approved the procurement of 24 air-conditioned super luxury buses for the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC).
Motorbikes for Excise Department
The State Taxes and Excise Department will receive 100 motorbikes for field offices to ensure better enforcement and surprise checks.
Pilot Study on Cannabis Cultivation
A pilot study on cannabis cultivation was approved. The study will be conducted by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture, Nauni. The Agriculture Department will act as the nodal agency.
State Cadre Expansion
The posts of drivers, Class-III, and Class-IV employees in DC offices, divisional commissioners, and other revenue offices will now come under the State Cadre for uniformity and better governance.
Renaming Educational Institutions
The Cabinet approved renaming Government College Seema, Shimla, as Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College Seema. GGSSS Sports Hostel (Girls), Jubbal, will be renamed as Sh. Ram Lal Thakur GGSSS Sports Hostel (Girls). Government College Khad, Una, will be renamed as Mohan Lal Dutt Government College Khad.
Hydro Projects and Education Department Restructuring
A detailed presentation was given on reviving stalled hydro projects and restructuring the education department's directorates.
These decisions reflect the government’s focus on disaster relief, healthcare, rural development, and tourism, ensuring progress across various sectors.
