The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, convened to take a series of significant decisions aimed at strengthening the state’s agricultural economy, improving governance, and enhancing public service delivery. The meeting resulted in several policy measures and administrative approvals across key sectors.
Among the major highlights, the Cabinet approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops grown through natural farming. Wheat MSP has been raised from ₹60 to ₹80 per kilogram, maize from ₹40 to ₹50 per kilogram, and barley grown in the Pangi Valley of Chamba district from ₹60 to ₹80 per kilogram. Additionally, raw turmeric MSP has been increased from ₹90 to ₹150 per kilogram, while ginger will now be procured at ₹30 per kilogram.
In a move to strengthen law enforcement, the Cabinet approved the creation and filling of 1,000 posts of Police Constables in the Police Department. Similarly, to boost forest management, 500 posts of Assistant Forest Guards will be created and filled, with 50 percent of these reserved for Van Mitras.
To address manpower needs in the Forest Department, the Cabinet decided to engage retired revenue officials, including 8 Naib Tehsildars, 20 Kanungos, and 44 Patwaris, on a fixed remuneration basis. Additionally, 10 legal consultants will be appointed across territorial circles of the department to enhance legal support.
In the healthcare sector, the Cabinet approved the engagement of retired faculty members as Professors in newly established medical colleges. This step is aimed at addressing the shortage of teaching staff in both clinical and non-clinical disciplines and ensuring smooth functioning of these institutions.
Administrative restructuring was also approved for the Jal Shakti Department in Sirmaur district. The reorganization of divisional setups based on constituencies is expected to improve service delivery and make governance more accessible to the public.
To ensure timely disbursement of social security pensions, amendments will be made to Rules 10 (2) and (3) of the Himachal Pradesh Social Security (Pension/Allowance) Rules, 2010.
The Cabinet also approved simplification of the fire NOC process, making it more streamlined and user-friendly. This move is expected to promote ease of doing business while enhancing fire safety standards.
In an effort to inspire youth, the government will engage Honorary Captain Sanjay Kumar, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, from May 1, 2026, to motivate young people to join the Indian Armed Forces.
Further, the Cabinet approved the allocation of 71 small hydroelectric projects to eligible Independent Power Producers in line with the state’s Hydro Power Policy, 2006.
These decisions reflect the government’s focus on rural development, employment generation, administrative efficiency, and strengthening key sectors of the state economy.
