Shimla, April 5: In a significant move aimed at addressing various public concerns, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved a series of decisions during a meeting held earlier today. Among the key announcements, the government has decided to increase the minimum bus fare and provide long-awaited relief to contract workers, along with a slew of other welfare and development initiatives.
Big Relief for Contract Workers
In a historic decision, the Cabinet has approved the regularization of contract employees who have completed two years of continuous service by March 31, 2025. Additionally, daily wage earners and casual employees who have completed four years of service will also be regularized. This decision is expected to benefit thousands of employees across the state, offering them job security and stability.
Bus Fare Hike and Power Projects Take Center Stage
The Cabinet also approved an increase in the minimum bus fare from ₹5 to ₹10. This hike aims to meet rising operational costs and ensure the continued provision of public transportation services.
Furthermore, the state government has taken over several important hydropower projects, including the 382 MW Sunni, 210 MW Luhri Stage-1, and 66 MW Dhaulasidh projects (previously allotted to SJVNL), along with the 500 MW Dugar and 180 MW Baira Suil projects (formerly allotted to NHPC). An independent evaluator will be appointed to ensure transparency and fairness in the transition process.
Health and Welfare Initiatives
The government has also focused on health infrastructure, with plans to establish Critical Care Blocks with 50 beds each at the Swahan Regional Hospital in Bilaspur and Rohru Civil Hospital in Shimla. The proposal for state-of-the-art equipment in mother and child hospitals in Shimla, Una, and Sundernagar has also been approved. Additionally, the stipend for senior residents and tutor specialists will be increased to ₹1,00,000, while super specialists will now receive ₹1,30,000 per month.
Social Welfare Expansion
Under new initiatives, the Rogi Kalyan Samiti has been granted more powers, including the establishment of high-tech labs in all medical colleges. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a new scheme that will provide free diagnostic services to orphans, widows, single women, and destitute women, increasing the number of beneficiary categories to 14.
Revenue Generation and Infrastructure Development
In an effort to boost state revenues, about 400 remaining liquor shops will be re-auctioned on an individual basis. The Wild Flower Hall Hotel in Mashobra has been handed over for interim operation by EIHL Limited, expected to generate ₹1.77 crore every month.
Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the installation of 402 new EV charging stations across government premises in the state, further advancing the state’s commitment to sustainability.
Future Growth and Legislative Measures
To combat illegal advertising, the state government will implement the Himachal Pradesh Open Spaces (Prevention of Distortion) Act of 1985 in all urban local bodies. Additionally, the Atal Adarsh Vidyalay in Marchi, Dharampur will open in the 2025-26 academic session, offering enhanced educational opportunities for local students.
These decisions reflect the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens, fostering sustainable development, and creating new opportunities for employment and growth.
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