Himachal Cabinet Delays Budget Session Preparations, New Meeting Date Set

Shimla, February 13: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting, which was initially scheduled for today, has been postponed to February 15. Official sources have attributed this delay to the personal program of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the foreign tour of two ministers. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s recent recovery from a viral infection has also been cited as a contributing factor to the postponement. This meeting holds significant importance as it will address various critical matters, including preparations for the upcoming budget session of the state assembly.

Cabinet Meeting to Focus on Budget Session Preparations

The rescheduled meeting is expected to be pivotal in finalizing preparations for the budget session, which is scheduled to begin in early March. In the upcoming Cabinet meeting, a comprehensive discussion on the Governor’s address draft will take place. This address is a crucial part of the budget session, setting the tone for discussions surrounding the state’s fiscal health and priorities.

One of the key highlights of the meeting will be deciding the dates for the budget session, with expectations that the session will run from the first week of March until early April. During this session, detailed discussions on budgetary allocations and proposals will take place, including schemes to be introduced under the state budget.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in Focus

Another important issue slated for discussion is the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which was recently approved by the Central Government. Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh had earlier indicated that this scheme would be brought before the Cabinet for approval. Under this scheme, Himachal Pradesh stands to gain an additional Rs 1600 crore in grants. Moreover, the scheme could unlock approximately Rs 9,000 crore that is currently stuck under the National Pension Scheme (NPS), providing a much-needed financial boost for the state. The meeting will likely delve deeper into the implementation of this scheme and its potential benefits for the state’s pensioners.

Tackling the Growing Drug Menace

The increasing drug menace in the state is also expected to be a major point of focus during the Cabinet meeting. The rise in chitta smuggling and the growing problem of drug addiction among the youth have been alarming. The state government is reportedly contemplating strict actions to curb this issue. Discussions will likely center around formulating tougher laws and ensuring their effective implementation to combat the spread of drugs and addiction.

The government is expected to lay down a comprehensive strategy aimed at restricting drug trafficking and addressing the root causes of substance abuse, focusing on the rehabilitation of addicted individuals and preventive measures targeting youth.

Revamping the Education System

In addition to financial and law enforcement matters, the meeting will also address potential changes to the education system in Himachal Pradesh. The state government is considering a major overhaul in the structure of the education department, which may involve the creation of separate directorates for schools and colleges. Currently, the Directorate of Elementary Education oversees classes 1-8, while the Directorate of Higher Education handles classes 9-12 and colleges.

The proposed restructuring aims to make the education system more efficient and organized. By establishing two distinct directorates, one for schools and the other for colleges, the government hopes to enhance management and improve the quality of education in both segments. This initiative is expected to bring more focused attention to both school-level education and higher education, facilitating better coordination and the implementation of effective policies.

The postponed Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting on February 15 promises to address some of the most pressing issues currently facing the state. From budgetary preparations and pension reforms to combating drug abuse and overhauling the education system, the meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Himachal Pradesh. As the state continues to confront new challenges, these discussions will be instrumental in crafting policies that prioritize the well-being and prosperity of its citizens.

The public eagerly awaits the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, especially regarding the UPS and the government’s stance on drug-related issues, which are top concerns for many residents of the state. With the budget session approaching, the government’s strategies and plans are expected to set the course for Himachal Pradesh’s fiscal and social priorities in the coming months.