Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet Makes Significant Decisions to Foster Environmental Conservation and Public Services

The Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, announced a series of key decisions on July 25, 2023. The Cabinet introduced the ‘Mukhya Mantri Van Vistaar Yojna’, aiming to expand green cover in barren hill and mountain areas, thereby preventing soil erosion and excessive runoff. To ensure successful implementation, a Task Force will be formed under the Chairmanship of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Additionally, 136 posts of nursing and para-medical staff will be created to operationalize the Trauma Centre and Emergency Medicine Department at IGMC, Shimla, operating round-the-clock services in multiple departments. The Cabinet also approved the creation of 87 posts in various Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats, further strengthening local governance. Moreover, a Project Management Unit will be established within the Revenue Department to efficiently handle natural calamities, with 14 additional posts of various categories to be filled for support. Various other decisions included the creation of posts for Assistant and Deputy District Attorneys, additional posts in the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, an increase in honorarium for Special Police Officers in border areas, and the approval of the Himachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2023. The Cabinet also decided to review the Himachal Pradesh Lease Rules for Hydro Electric Projects and implement H.P. Nautor Rules, 1968, for two years under specific conditions.

1. ‘Mukhya Mantri Van Vistaar Yojna’ Launched:** The H.P. State Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, decided to launch the ‘Mukhya Mantri Van Vistaar Yojna’. The scheme aims to expand the green cover in barren areas of hills or mountains across the State. The primary objectives include preventing soil erosion and excessive runoff on degraded and refractory hill slopes. To ensure effective implementation, a Task Force will be formed, headed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

2. 136 Posts for Nursing and Para-Medical Staff Created:** The Cabinet approved the creation and filling up of 136 additional posts of nursing and para-medical staff. This decision will make the Trauma Centre and Emergency Medicine Department at IGMC, Shimla functional, ensuring round-the-clock services in departments like Neurosurgery, Radiology, Plastic Surgery, Anaesthesia, Orthopaedics, and General Surgery.

3. 87 Posts Filled in Various Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats:** To strengthen local governance, the Cabinet sanctioned the filling up of 87 posts in different categories within various Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats across the State.

4. Project Management Unit Established for Handling Natural Calamities:** The Cabinet decided to set up a Project Management Unit in the Revenue Department to effectively deal with natural calamities. Additionally, 14 posts of various categories will be created and filled to support this unit.

5. Posts Created for Assistant and Deputy District Attorneys:** In line with the establishment of new Civil Courts and Additional District and Session Courts, the Cabinet approved the creation of posts for Assistant District Attorneys and Deputy District Attorneys to support the judicial process.

6. Additional Posts in Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission:** The Cabinet sanctioned the creation and filling up of seven posts of various categories within the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.

7. Honorarium Increase for Special Police Officers in Border Areas:** The Cabinet approved a Rs. 500 per month increase in the honorarium for Special Police Officers posted in border areas of the State.

8. Rules for Maintenance of Parivar Register in Urban Areas:** The Cabinet approved the draft rules for Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats, 2023. The rules aim to maintain proper records of families residing in urban areas.

9. Review of Himachal Pradesh Lease Rules for Hydro Electric Projects:** The Cabinet decided to review the Himachal Pradesh Lease Rules, 2013, as amended in 2016 and 2017, specifically concerning granting leases to Hydro Electric Projects. Recommendations on the lease amount to be charged will be submitted after examining the issue from a holistic perspective.

10. Rationalization of Charges for Lok Mitra Kendras:** The Cabinet approved the rationalization of charges for services provided by the Lok Mitra Kendras in the State.

11. Himachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2023 Approved:** Following the recommendations of the GST Council, the Cabinet gave its approval to the Himachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2023, similar to the CGST Act.

12. Implementation of H.P. Nautor Rules, 1968 for a Limited Period:** The Cabinet decided to implement the H.P. Nautor Rules, 1968, for a two-year period, with certain conditions. Nautor will be allowed only in areas not falling under National Park, Sanctuary, Conservation Reserve, Community Reserve, or Reserve Forest. The number of trees allowed as Nautor should not exceed two, and it will be permitted for domestic purposes only, with a prohibition on involvement in any forest offenses.