Cabinet Decisions: One-Time Two-Year Age Relaxation Approved for TGT and JBT Posts in Himachal
CM Sukhu presiding over the meeting
Shimla, July 31:
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, held a key meeting in Shimla, during which several significant policy and public welfare decisions were taken.
OBC Reservation in Urban Body Elections
In a major step toward implementing OBC reservation in upcoming urban local body elections, the Cabinet approved the formation of a Backward Classes Commission. This commission will gather accurate population data for the OBC category to finalize the reservation roster effectively.
Monsoon Session of the Assembly
The Cabinet has recommended to the Governor that the Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly be held from August 18 to September 2, 2025.
One-Time Age Relaxation in Competitive Exams
A one-time, two-year upper age relaxation has been granted to candidates appearing in upcoming TGT and JBT recruitment exams conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission.
Reserved Seats for Orphaned Children in Technical Institutes
In a progressive move to support the most underprivileged section of society, the government has approved one reserved seat per course for orphaned children in all government, aided, and private technical institutions, including ITIs, polytechnics, engineering, and pharmacy colleges.
Recruitments
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290 additional ASHA workers will be appointed to strengthen healthcare in remote and tribal areas.
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The Secretariat will fill five Law Officer (English) and two Law Officer (Hindi) posts.
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Three Research Officer posts will be created under the Integrated Tribal Development Projects for Bharmour, Pangi, and Spiti.
Disaster Relief Support
To support families affected by recent heavy monsoon rains, the government will provide rental assistance via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
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₹5,000/month for rural areas
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₹10,000/month for urban areas
This aid will be available for up to six months.
Monitoring Distilleries and Breweries
To curb illegal activities, the Cabinet has decided to enhance surveillance in distilleries, bottling, and brewery plants. Each plant will have two Home Guards and one Excise & Taxation Officer stationed, with mandatory rotation at the district level.
Mining Sector Reforms
The Cabinet approved the auction of 10 minor mineral mines in Kangra district and the re-auction of 11 mines in Bilaspur, with expected revenue of around ₹18.82 crore and potential job creation.
Boost to Tourism
A Tourism Investment Promotion Council will be established under the Chief Minister’s leadership to consider projects with an investment of over ₹50 crore.
Also, the Cabinet approved the ‘Him Bus Card’ scheme for HRTC to provide free or concessional travel to eligible beneficiaries, ensuring transparency and better monitoring.
Legacy VAT Case Settlement Scheme – Phase II
The Cabinet announced Phase II of the Himachal Pradesh Goodwill Settlement Scheme 2025, to run from September 1 for three months, aiming to resolve approximately 30,000 pending VAT-related cases up to the 2020–21 fiscal year.
One-Time Regularisation of Unregistered Construction Equipment
A ‘One-Time Legacy Policy’ has been introduced for around 27,095 unregistered construction equipment vehicles. Owners can register their vehicles by paying 50% of the outstanding tax and penalties. This policy will remain in effect for three months post-notification.
Utilization of Vacant Government Buildings
A nodal agency will be constituted to ensure the optimal use of vacant government buildings. Allocation will be made based on recommendations of a sub-committee headed by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani.
Water Tariff Rationalization & Urban Planning
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In Solan Municipal Corporation, water tariffs for all service providers will now be aligned with the rates of the Jal Shakti Department, providing relief to consumers.
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In Hamirpur district, the Amatar Stadium and Panchayat Ghar Bela will be excluded from the Naduan Nagar Parishad limits.
Approval for State Lottery Operations
The Cabinet has also given the green light for lottery operations in the state, expected to generate additional revenue for the government.
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