Shimla, May 31:
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday, took several key decisions including the creation of 700 posts of Home Guard Volunteers and the introduction of a "Deposit Refund Scheme 2025" to curb non-biodegradable waste.
In a significant green move, the Cabinet approved the launch of the Deposit Refund Scheme on a pilot basis. Under the scheme, consumers will pay a refundable deposit on packaged products — such as glass bottles, plastic containers, aluminium cans, liquid packs, and multilayered flexible packaging — which will be reimbursed upon return of the empty packaging.
The government aims to make producers and consumers jointly responsible for reducing waste.
The Cabinet also gave a green signal to fill 700 posts of Home Guard Volunteers under the Home Guards and Civil Defence Department, enhancing community security and disaster readiness.
In an administrative reform, the Cabinet approved regularisation of 203 Panchayat Secretaries (Zila Parishad cadre) who have completed two years of contract service as of March 31, 2025.
Medical education reforms were also on the table. The government amended the PG/SS policy by scrapping the mandatory one-year field posting prior to eligibility for senior residency at IGMC Shimla and RPGMC Tanda.
This step aligns the state’s policy with that of AIIMS, Chamiyana, and is expected to streamline the selection process for resident doctors.
Further, the Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) office will be shifted from Shimla to Dharamsala for better regional balance in administration.
The Cabinet gave in-principle approval to restart the de-novo reservation roster for members and chairpersons of Panchayati Raj Institutions, a move similar to what was done in 2010.
In forest governance, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation has been allowed to collect minor minerals and carry out dredging in forest areas’ rivers and ponds.
The move aims to manage natural resources more efficiently while ensuring environmental sustainability.
For better grassroots education administration, a new Elementary Education Block will be created at Baddi by bifurcating the Ramshahar block in Solan district.
Necessary posts will also be created and filled to ensure smooth functioning.
The Cabinet also approved reorganisation of development blocks Sulah, Bhawarna and Lambagaon in Kangra district and Bharanj in Hamirpur, aimed at improving governance and accessibility in these regions.
