Shimla, Jan 19
In a series of development-focused decisions, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, greenlit major healthcare, energy, and welfare initiatives during its meeting today.
Healthcare and Infrastructure Boost
The Cabinet approved a state-of-the-art Cancer Care Centre at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, including 11 new departments and requisite posts. It also permitted 8 additional blocks at AIIMS Hospital Bilaspur and a new ice skating rink in Shimla. Further, four new laboratories for nutritional profiling will be established in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Solan (Baddi), with upgrades at Kandaghat and new posts.
Welfare and Social Security Measures
To ensure time-bound pension disbursal, amendments were approved to the Social Security (Pension and Allowance) Rule, 2010. An Ordinance will levy a non-burdensome ‘Orphan and Widow Cess’ on petrol and high-speed diesel at first sale to fund welfare schemes. The Cabinet also nodded to guidelines for recruiting crèche workers and helpers, and in-principle takeover of the Institute for Children with Special Abilities, Dhalli, Shimla.
Energy and Tourism Push
Adopting the National Policy on Geothermal Energy, the Directorate of Energy was named nodal agency, with amendments to the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021. Four hydro projects up to 25 MW—6 MW Khauli-II, 24 MW Malana-III, 21.9 MW Manalsu and 18 MW Dhancho—were allotted to successful bidders. A 4.3-km Naddi Zipline near Dharamsala (Rs. 7.41 crore) will become Asia’s longest, boosting tourism.
Policy Amendments and Recruitment
Key approvals include amending Senior Resident Doctor Policy (66.66% quota for in-service GDOs/MOs, 33.33% direct, interchangeable); Assistant Staff Nurse age limit (18-45 years, plus 5-year relaxation for SC/ST); and Himachal Land Revenue Rules, 2025 for revenue officers. The HP Industrial Investment Policy, 2019 extends to March 31, 2026.
Recruitments sanctioned: 11 Assistant Commissioners (State Taxes & Excise); 11 posts in Disaster Management Cell; 6 Tehsildars; 11 Job Trainees at Hiranagar Residential Institute; 4 Junior Engineers (Horticulture); 4 posts for Volleyball Sports Hostel, Bhareri; re-engagement of retired revenue officers.
Alliance Air will operate 46-seater flights daily on Delhi-Shimla-Delhi and Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla routes.
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