Himachal Cabinet Proposes De-reservation of Panchayats Reserved Since 2010, Key Policy Decisions Announced

In a significant step ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has proposed de-reservation of gram panchayats that have remained reserved for two consecutive terms since the base year 2010.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. According to the proposal, panchayats that have continuously remained under reservation for two terms will not be reserved again in the forthcoming elections.

To implement this change, the Cabinet decided to invite objections and suggestions from the general public regarding proposed amendments to Rules 28, 87, 88, and 89 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Elections) Rules, 1994.

Definition of “Destitute” Simplified for Social Security Pension

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Social Security Pension Rules, 2010, aimed at making welfare benefits easier to access.

Under the revised provisions, the term “destitute” has been defined more clearly. Women who have been abandoned by their husbands, are not living with them, and do not have any independent source of income will now be considered destitute and eligible for social security benefits.

The government has also simplified the certification process, which is expected to help more eligible beneficiaries receive pensions without bureaucratic hurdles.

40% Energy Policy Fund to Support Children

Another major decision taken during the meeting was the allocation of 40 percent of the Local Area Development Fund under the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy for providing financial assistance to children in the state.

This move is aimed at strengthening welfare programs and supporting families through targeted assistance.

15 Hydroelectric Projects Cancelled

The Cabinet approved the cancellation of 15 hydroelectric projects that failed to be commissioned despite being granted benefits under a one-time amnesty scheme.

Meanwhile, the 10 MW small hydroelectric project at Pandoh will be allotted to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), provided the unused land currently with BBMB is returned to the state government.

Under this arrangement, Himachal Pradesh will receive 13 percent free power and an additional 5 percent power share from BBMB.

Village Infrastructure to Be Handed Over to Panchayats

The state government also approved a new operation and maintenance policy to transfer in-village infrastructure of both single-village and multi-village schemes to gram panchayats.

The move is expected to strengthen local governance and ensure better maintenance of rural infrastructure.

New Regional Milk Producers’ Union in Kangra

To boost the dairy sector, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited at Dhagwar in Kangra.

The union will include milk producers from Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Una districts. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will act as the administrator for managing and operating the Dhagwar Milk Processing Plant.

Heli-Taxi Services Between Chandigarh and Shimla to Increase

The Cabinet also approved the expansion of heli-taxi services on the Chandigarh–Shimla–Chandigarh route.

Flights will increase from three sorties per week to 12 sorties per week, with services running twice daily for six days a week. The state government will provide viability gap funding to support the operations.

Salaries of Jal Jeevan Mission Workers to Be Paid by State

Due to delays in fund release from the Government of India, the Cabinet approved payment of salaries for outsourced employees working under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the Jal Shakti Department from state resources.

Land Approved for New Kendriya Vidyalayas

The Cabinet also approved the transfer of land in Mauja Kuftu (Kotkhai, Shimla) and Mauja Haripur Tohana (Paonta Sahib, Sirmaur) to the Ministry of Education for establishing new Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Read Also : Himachal Pradesh to Introduce NEP-Aligned Programmes in Colleges from 2026-27