The Cabinet approved a pilot study on cannabis cultivation, Relief Package for Tandi Fire Victims

The Cabinet approved a pilot study on cannabis cultivation

HP Cabinet took some major  Decisions including Relief Package for Tandi Fire Victims

Dharamsala (Arvind Sharma)24/1/25

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, convened in Dharamshala, Kangra district, on January 24, 2025, and made several significant decisions:

Relief Package for Tandi Fire Victims

The Cabinet extended the 2023 disaster relief package to families affected by the recent fire in Tandi village, Kullu district. The relief measures include:

₹7 lakh for completely damaged houses

₹1 lakh for partially damaged houses

₹50,000 for the loss of cow sheds

Additionally, the affected families will receive ₹5,000 per month as house rental assistance until June 30, 2025.

Cannabis Cultivation Pilot Study

The Cabinet approved a pilot study on cannabis cultivation to be jointly conducted by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (Kangra district), and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture, Nauni (Solan district). The Agriculture Department was designated as the nodal department for this initiative, which will assess the potential and future roadmap for cannabis cultivation in the state.

Robotic Surgery Facilities

The government approved the purchase of state-of-the-art machinery for robotic surgery at AIMSS Chamiyana, Shimla, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra. This initiative, costing ₹56 crore, is modeled on AIIMS New Delhi’s facilities.

Forest Produce Extraction and Transport Rules

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Forest Department’s policies, allowing the extraction of berberis roots (Kashmal) until February 15, 2025. Forest produce extracted before January 4, 2025, will be permitted for transport in line with the HP Forest Produce Transit (Land Routes) Rules, 2013.

Tourism Development: Kullu Ropeway Project

To boost tourism, the Cabinet sanctioned the construction of a ropeway between Kullu Bus Stand and Peej Paragliding Point, ensuring a safe and efficient mode of transport for tourists.

Administrative and Infrastructure Enhancements

Block Development Officers: Approval to fill 9 posts in the Rural Development Department.

Public Works Department: Reorganization of the PWD National Highway Circle Shahpur by creating two new divisions at Nankhadi and Kholighat, along with the Kharahan Section.

HRTC Fleet Upgrade: Procurement of 24 air-conditioned super luxury buses for improved passenger services.

Excise Department Resources: Allocation of 100 motorbikes to field offices for enhanced enforcement and surprise checks.

State Cadre Reforms: Integration of Drivers, Class-III, and Class-IV posts in various administrative offices into the State Cadre, aimed at uniformity and better governance.

Renaming of Educational Institutions

Several educational institutions were renamed to honor prominent figures:

Government College Seema, District Shimla, renamed as Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College Seema.

GGSSS, Sports Hostel (Girls), Jubbal, renamed as Sh. Ram Lal Thakur GGSSS, Sports Hostel (Girls), Jubbal.

Government College Khad, District Una, renamed as Mohan Lal Dutt Government College Khad.

Other Decisions

The Cabinet reviewed progress on stalled hydro projects, discussed restructuring the Education Department directorates, and approved measures for their revival.

These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to disaster relief, infrastructure development, and administrative efficiency while fostering tourism and healthcare advancements.