In a significant development aimed at administrative reform and inclusive governance, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took several landmark decisions in its latest meeting that span welfare policy amendments, education expansion, industrial infrastructure, aviation connectivity, and environmental regulation. These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to equitable development, gender inclusivity, sustainable energy, and responsive public administration.
One of the pivotal decisions was the approval of amendments to the state’s Compassionate Employment Policy. With the revised norms, the income eligibility threshold for compassionate appointments has now been increased from the previous ₹2.5 lakh per annum to ₹3 lakh per annum. This change broadens the net of eligible families who have lost a government employee, offering much-needed relief in their times of distress. Furthermore, the Cabinet decided that top priority in such appointments will be given to widows and orphaned dependents under the age of 45, particularly if the government official died in active service. In cases where the 5 percent quota earmarked for such compassionate appointments is fully exhausted, a one-time relaxation has been sanctioned to ensure that no eligible candidate is left out.
In another move highlighting the government’s focus on healthcare and medical education, the Cabinet gave its nod to increase the number of B.Sc. Nursing seats at the Sister Nivedita Government Nursing College in Shimla from 60 to 100. To address the growing demand for trained nursing professionals in the region, the establishment of a new B.Sc. Nursing College was also approved at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, Kangra. The new college will admit 60 students annually and will be supported by the creation and recruitment of 27 staff positions across various categories, ensuring both quality training and efficient management.
Emphasizing gender equality in employment, the Cabinet allowed women employees to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments from 7 PM to 7 AM. This step, intended to empower women economically and professionally, will be complemented by strict adherence to the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, ensuring every woman working in such establishments receives full maternity entitlements.
To boost industrial growth, the Cabinet constituted a sub-committee under Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan to steer the development of the proposed 300-acre Medical Device Park at Nalagarh. The committee has been tasked with presenting a comprehensive report within two months, signaling urgency and prioritization of industrial investment in the health sector.
Taking steps towards sustainable mining practices, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2015. Under the new framework, contractors involved in road-cutting or de-silting operations for reservoir projects will be permitted to use the extracted material for captive use. Surplus materials, including both raw and finished stocks, will be auctioned as per state-prescribed procedures, ensuring accountability and transparency in resource utilization.
In the aviation sector, the Cabinet also decided to extend the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alliance Air Aviation Ltd. The MoU pertains to the operation of flights on the Shimla–Dharamshala–Shimla route and will now be valid until June 30, 2026, effective from July 1, 2025. This extension underlines the state’s focus on enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism potential in the hill state.
Addressing the stagnation in the hydropower sector, the Cabinet approved the cancellation of 172 small hydro projects under 5 megawatts allotted by HIMURJA where no construction activity had taken place for a prolonged period. These projects will now be re-advertised for fresh bidding. A uniform free power royalty of 12 percent has been set for all upcoming hydro projects up to 5 MW, along with an additional one percent royalty dedicated to the Local Area Development Fund, aligning project development with local community interests.
For hydroelectric projects above 5 MW where Implementation Agreements had not been signed, the Cabinet cancelled 22 such allotments issued earlier by the Directorate of Energy. Developers of the remaining projects have been given a deadline of August 5, 2025, to respond to pending notices, after which further action will be decided. Additionally, a dedicated committee will be formed to negotiate out-of-court settlements with 14 project developers to refund the principal amount of upfront premiums paid earlier, though no interest will be applicable on such refunds.
In an infrastructural boost to aviation, the Cabinet approved a one-year extension under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, to facilitate land acquisition for the Kangra Airport expansion project. The new deadline now stands as August 16, 2026, giving authorities ample time to complete the necessary formalities without risking legal or procedural hurdles.
On the urban planning front, approval was granted for the draft Development Plan for the Dhaulakuan Majra Planning Area located in Sirmaur district. The plan envisions a balanced approach to development by conserving the natural beauty and ecological wealth of the area while promoting sustainable economic activities.
Further administrative restructuring was undertaken with the reorganization of the Patwar Circle Naleti in Kangra district. Areas of Mahal Masot and Balahar from Tehsil Dehra will now be merged with the Patwar Circle Garh under Tehsil Paragpur, improving administrative efficiency and geographical alignment.
The issue of rising drug abuse in the state was also brought into focus with a detailed presentation made to the Cabinet. The report highlighted the growing challenges and trends related to substance abuse and underlined the ongoing efforts by the Excise and Taxation Department in combating the menace through policy, enforcement, and public awareness.
The multi-dimensional decisions taken in this Cabinet meeting reflect Himachal Pradesh’s shift toward responsive and people-centric governance. From compassionate employment policies to energy reforms, gender inclusion in the workforce to expanding healthcare education and regional infrastructure, the state is setting a transformative agenda aimed at balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking development.
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