H.P. Cabinet Approves Key Initiatives for Women Empowerment, Child Welfare, and Infrastructure Development

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Makes Key Decisions

Shimla, India – December 1, 2023 – The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, made several significant decisions at a meeting held today.

Women’s Reservation in Police Recruitment

The Cabinet approved a 30% reservation for women in the constable recruitment process for the Himachal Pradesh Police Department. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Enhanced Support for Orphans

The Cabinet expanded the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashrya Yojana to provide additional support to orphans and vulnerable sections of society. Under the revised scheme, every orphan in the state will receive a monthly pocket money of ₹4,000 until they reach the age of 27. Additionally, a one-time marriage grant of ₹2 lakh will be provided to orphans who have left child care institutions and are getting married after the launch of the scheme.

Reliable Power for Border Villages

The Cabinet approved a ₹486.47 crore detailed project report (DPR) to provide reliable and quality electricity to villages in the border area from Pooh to Kaza. This project will significantly improve the lives of residents in these remote and strategically important areas.

Enhanced Electrical Infrastructure

The Cabinet approved another DPR, worth ₹6.49 crore, to enhance electrical infrastructure in 32 villages of the border areas of Kinnaur district and Spiti Block of Lahaul-Spiti district. This investment will strengthen the power supply in these vulnerable regions.

Recruitment of Agriculture Development Officers and Havildar Instructors

The Cabinet approved the recruitment of 40 Agriculture Development Officers in the Agriculture Department and 10 Havildar Instructors in the Department of Home Guards and Civil Defence. These recruitments will address manpower shortages and enhance service delivery in these critical sectors.

Filling Vacancies in Medical Departments

The Cabinet approved the filling of two posts of Assistant Professor in the department of Nephrology at Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties at Chamiyana in Shimla, one post of Assistant Professor in the department of Orthopedics at IGMC, Shimla, and one post of Assistant Professor in the department of ENT at SLBSGMC, Nerchowk, district Mandi. These appointments will strengthen the healthcare facilities in the state.

Establishment of New Urban Health and Wellness Centers

The Cabinet approved the opening of 40 new Urban Health and Wellness Centers across the state. These centers will strengthen the grass-root level primary healthcare delivery system in urban areas, providing easier access to essential health services for the state’s residents.

Zoological Park Development

The Cabinet approved the construction of boundary walls, water harvesting structures, and service paths for the Large Zoological Park at Bankhandi, Dehra, in district Kangra. The project will be implemented through the HP Zoo Conservation Breeding Society.

Revision of Industrial Investment Policy

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Policy, 2019, and its corresponding rules, 2019. The amendments aim to make the state more attractive for investment by providing liberal incentives on account of revised Net SGST.

Creation of Hamirpur Zone of HPSEB

The Cabinet approved the creation of Hamirpur Zone of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEB). This decision will facilitate better management of electricity distribution in the Hamirpur region.

Timeline for Utilization Certificates

The Cabinet fixed a timeline for furnishing utilization certificates of grant-in-aid to the government. This move is aimed at ensuring proper accountability and transparency in the utilization of government funds.

These decisions demonstrate the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to addressing key issues such as women’s empowerment, social welfare, infrastructure development, healthcare, and industrial growth. The implementation of these initiatives is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of people across the state.