Key Decisions Announced by Himachal Cabinet
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 9 (Diary Times): During today’s meeting of the State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, members paid heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, observing two minutes of silence in his honor. The Cabinet recognized Dr. Singh’s immense contributions to both the nation and the development of Himachal Pradesh. Several major projects in the state, including the Atal Tunnel, three medical colleges, the ESIC Hospital at Ner Chowk, IIT Mandi, IIIT Una, the Central University, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Kangra, were realized thanks to his vision and support.
The Cabinet also acknowledged the transformative impact of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s leadership during his tenure as both Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister. His groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Right to Information Act, Right to Education Act, MNREGA, the Food Security Act, Aadhaar introduction, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and the historic loan waiver for 72 lakh farmers, were recognized as key milestones in India’s development. Additionally, the Indo-US Nuclear Deal, negotiated under his leadership, was praised as a strategic achievement that has provided long-term benefits to India. As Union Finance Minister, Dr. Singh played a pivotal role in navigating the country through an economic crisis and laid the groundwork for reforms that would transform India’s financial landscape.
The Cabinet approved the decision to rename the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) to Dr. Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration, honoring the former Prime Minister’s legacy and contributions to the state.
The Cabinet approved the inclusion of additional families in the BPL list, specifically targeting those with no adult members between the ages of 18 and 59, women-headed households, families with a head who has a disability of 50 percent or more, families that worked for a minimum of 100 days under MNREGA in the previous financial year, and families where earning members are suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy, thalassemia, or any other condition leading to permanent disability.
The Cabinet also gave its approval for the creation of a Special Task Force aimed at tackling drug abuse and dismantling drug trafficking and organized crime networks within the state. This initiative will adopt a comprehensive and multi-faceted strategy to address the issue effectively.
The Cabinet decided to implement a ban on the felling of all trees, except for Safeda, Poplar, and Bamboo. Additionally, it approved the controlled felling of Khair for sale, in line with a ten-year program aimed at sustainable forest management.
The Cabinet approved the guidelines for the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ Program, designed to address the grievances of residents in remote and difficult-to-reach areas of the state, ensuring that government services are accessible to all.
The Cabinet also decided to assign the responsibility for the allocation and oversight of hydro and solar power projects exceeding 5 MW, along with Green Hydrogen, Biomass, and Pumped Storage Projects, to the Department of Energy. This delegation aims to streamline the management and implementation of these initiatives.
The Cabinet also gave its approval for the establishment of a 1 MW Green Hydrogen project in Nalagarh, which will be developed and managed by HPPCL. This project is expected to contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the introduction of Green Energy Development Charges for Pumped Storage Projects. A charge of Rs. 2.5 lakh per MW per year will be applied for the first 10 years following the project’s commissioning, with the rate increasing to Rs. 5 lakh per MW per year after that period.
The Cabinet approved the launch of the Himachal Pradesh Sadbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme 2025, aimed at resolving pending cases, litigations, and arrears related to previously subsumed laws such as VAT, CST, and Entry Tax. This initiative is designed to streamline and expedite the resolution of these long-standing matters.
In a bid to safeguard the environment and reduce human impact on green spaces, the Cabinet decided to designate the area surrounding the Tara Devi Temple in Shimla district as part of the Green Area. This move aims to preserve the natural landscape and ensure sustainable development in the region.
The Cabinet approved the creation and filling of 10 Junior Office Assistant (IT) positions for the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, Shimla. This decision aims to strengthen the commission’s administrative capabilities and enhance its operational efficiency.
The Cabinet decided to appoint the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, to conduct computer-based tests for the recruitment of Group-C posts through the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog, Hamirpur. This initiative aims to streamline and modernize the recruitment process for the state.
The Cabinet also approved the upgradation of Sub Tehsil Panchrukhi in Kangra district to the status of a Tehsil. This decision aims to improve administrative efficiency and better serve the local population.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of new Sub Tehsils in Dhamwari (Shimla district), Saho (Chamba district), and Chachiyan (Kangra district). Along with this, the necessary posts will be created and filled to ensure the smooth functioning of these new administrative units.
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The Cabinet approved the formation of a new Block Primary Education Office in Rohnat by splitting the existing Block Primary Education Office in Shilai, Sirmaur district. This decision aims to improve educational administration and better serve the local community.
The Cabinet also decided to transfer three gram panchayats—Matyal, Kudal, and Dhadol—from the Development Block Lambagaon to the Development Block Baijnath in Kangra district. This move aims to enhance administrative efficiency and improve services for the residents of these areas.