Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Wednesday approved a slew of major decisions covering healthcare, infrastructure, energy, tourism, aviation and welfare schemes. Key highlights are:
🔹 Healthcare Boost
Cabinet approved setting up a state-of-the-art Cancer Care Centre at Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur.
11 new departments will be created and required posts sanctioned.
Approval given for construction of 8 additional blocks at AIIMS Bilaspur to strengthen health infrastructure.
Senior Resident Doctor Policy amended:
66.66% quota for in-service GDO/MO doctors
33.33% seats for direct candidates
Interchange allowed if seats remain vacant.
Age limit for Staff Nurse recruitment revised to 18–45 years; SC/ST and other categories get 5-year relaxation.
🔹 Aviation & Tourism
Alliance Air allowed to operate 46-seater aircraft on:
Delhi–Shimla–Delhi
Shimla–Dharamshala–Shimla routes throughout the week.
Cabinet approved construction of a new Ice Skating Rink in Shimla.
Approval for 4.3 km long Naddi Zipline project near Dharamshala at a cost of ₹7.41 crore – set to become Asia’s longest zipline.
🔹 Energy & Power
Cabinet adopted National Geothermal Energy Policy to promote exploration and use of geothermal resources.
Energy Directorate notified as nodal agency.
Amendments approved in Swarn Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021.
Four hydropower projects (up to 25 MW) cleared after tender process:
6 MW Khauli-2, 24 MW Malana-3, 21.9 MW Manalsu, 18 MW Dhancho.
🔹 Welfare Measures
Ordinance approved to impose ‘Orphan & Widow Cess’ at the first sale point of petrol and diesel.
Funds to strengthen welfare schemes
No extra burden on consumers.
Social Security Pension Rules, 2010 to be amended to ensure timely disbursal of pensions.
🔹 Employment & Administration
11 posts of Assistant Commissioners to be filled in Excise & Taxation Department.
11 posts to be filled as Job Trainees in:
Residential institute for mentally challenged children, Heernagar (Shimla)
Disaster Management Cell, Revenue Department
Six posts of Tehsildars to be filled.
Retired revenue officers to be reappointed on fixed honorarium to clear pending cases.
Four posts of Junior Engineer (Horticulture) in PWD to be filled as job trainees.
Four posts sanctioned for volleyball hostel at Bharedi, Hamirpur.
🔹 Industry & Investment
Himachal Industrial Investment Policy, 2019 extended till March 31, 2026 to promote industrial growth, jobs and ease of doing business.
🔹 Social Sector
State government to take over Divyang children institute at Dhalli, Shimla in principle.
SOP approved for recruitment of crèche workers and helpers.
🔹 Food Safety & Labs
Cabinet approved setting up of four new testing laboratories at Kangra, Mandi,Shimla, Baddi (Solan).
Comprehensive lab at Kandaghat to be upgraded and staff recruited.
🔹 Land Revenue Reforms
Cabinet approved Himachal Land Revenue Rules, 2025 to regulate:
Duties of revenue officers
Appointment, salary and penalties of village officers.
