Cabinet Decisions: 1,386 Jal Rakshaks to be Regularized as Pump Attendants; Approval for Apple Procurement at ₹12/kg under MIS
Cabinet meeting
Shimla, July 29
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, took several key decisions in the interest of the state.
In a major relief to 1,386 eligible Jal Rakshaks (Water Guards) serving in the Jal Shakti Department, the Cabinet approved their regular appointment as Pump Attendants. This will apply to those who have completed 12 or more years of service by December 31, 2024.
To support apple growers, the Cabinet approved procurement of apples under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for the year 2025 at a rate of ₹12 per kilogram. Additionally, B- and C-grade varieties of kinnow, malta, orange, and mango (including galgal, seedling, grafted, and raw achari types) will also be procured at rates ranging from ₹10 to ₹12 per kilogram.
In a significant step toward strengthening disaster management, the Cabinet accepted the recommendations of a sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. These include conducting structural audits of buildings across the state, mandating earthquake-resistant construction, and integrating Home Guards, Fire Services, and SDRF with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA).
The Cabinet also approved the relocation of 325 trees to facilitate Phase 1 of the Durgesh-Aranya Zoological Park being developed at Bankhandi in Dehra (Kangra). A new Regional Transport Office (RTO) will also be established in Dehra.
In the healthcare sector, the Cabinet approved the upgradation of 18 day care centers across district hospitals and selected health institutions to provide chemotherapy services. A 50-bed Critical Care Block and a district-level Integrated Public Health Laboratory will be established at Tegubehad Civil Hospital in Kullu.
Further, approval was given for the supply of essential equipment for Critical Care Blocks in hospitals at Solan, Paonta, Dehra, Reckong Peo, Nagrota Bagwan, and Hamirpur. Necessary equipment will also be provided to district integrated laboratories.
To promote dairy production, new milk processing plants will be established at Nahan, Nalagarh, Maul, and Rohru. Additionally, a bulk milk cooler in Jhalera (Una) and a milk chilling center in Jalari (Hamirpur) have been approved. The Cabinet also decided to implement ERP software in the Himachal Milk Federation to digitize the entire process, enabling farmers to access real-time information via mobile.
Lastly, the Cabinet approved rationalization of academic and non-academic posts in government polytechnic colleges across the state to enhance operational efficiency.
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