Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Announces Rs 1,500 Monthly Aid for Women, Cabinet Clears Major Welfare Decisions
In a major welfare-focused decision, the Himachal Pradesh government has approved a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 for eligible women under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana. The announcement was made after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Friday.
In a major welfare-focused decision, the Himachal Pradesh government has approved a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 for eligible women under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana. The announcement was made after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Friday.
According to the state government, the scheme will benefit women belonging to families with an annual income of less than Rs 2 lakh. The move is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening financial support for women and improving household stability in the state.
The Cabinet meeting also witnessed several key decisions related to healthcare, education, employment, and worker welfare.
Retirement Age of Medical Professors Increased
To strengthen the healthcare sector and address faculty shortages in medical colleges, the Himachal Cabinet approved increasing the retirement age of professors in government medical colleges from 62 years to 63 years.
Additionally, approval was granted for the recruitment of 105 resident doctors and 105 senior resident doctors across various medical colleges in the state.
Relief for Mid-Day Meal Workers and Panchayat Staff
In another important decision, the government approved an increase of Rs 500 in the honorarium of mid-day meal workers and SMC multi-task workers.
The Cabinet also approved a salary hike of Rs 500 for panchayat chowkidars, while craft teachers will receive an increase of Rs 1,000 in their monthly pay.
These measures are expected to provide financial relief to thousands of workers associated with schools and rural administration.
1,500 Teacher Posts Approved in Government Schools
Focusing on improving the education system, the Cabinet cleared the recruitment of 1,500 teachers for government CBSE schools across Himachal Pradesh.
The government also decided to expand the number of CBSE-affiliated government schools from 147 to 300. Officials believe this step will help students in rural and urban areas access better-quality education and modern learning standards.
Big Decisions on Fisheries, Housing and Employment
The Himachal government also approved a reduction in fisheries royalty from 7 percent to 1 percent, a move aimed at supporting the fisheries sector and encouraging local businesses.
In another major development, the Cabinet approved the acquisition of 8,000 bighas of land for the proposed Him Chandigarh township project, which will be developed by HIMUDA.
The government further approved the appointment of 500 Junior Office Assistants (JOA-IT) and 94 ITI craft instructors to strengthen administrative and technical education services.
Shops Can Now Remain Open 24 Hours
One of the most talked-about decisions from the Cabinet meeting was the approval allowing shops and commercial establishments to remain open 24 hours a day without restrictions.
The move is expected to boost business activity, improve tourism convenience, and generate employment opportunities in urban areas.
New SDM Office and Administrative Changes
The Cabinet also approved the opening of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office at Pragpur in Kangra district.
In addition, the office of the Engineer-in-Chief of Shah Nehar will be shifted from Mandi to Fatehpur in Kangra district.
The government also announced a one-time relaxation for unregistered vehicles, allowing owners to complete their vehicle registration process without facing major hurdles.
Focus on Welfare and Development
The latest Cabinet decisions highlight the Himachal Pradesh government’s focus on women empowerment, education, healthcare improvement, and employment generation.
Political observers believe the welfare measures, especially the Rs 1,500 monthly assistance scheme for women, could have a strong social and economic impact across the state in the coming months.
