In a decisive move to ensure social equity and address pressing public concerns, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu approved the introduction of Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation in the upcoming Urban Local Bodies elections. The decision aims to empower backward communities by ensuring their political representation. To implement this, the Cabinet approved the constitution of a Backward Classes Commission that will collect and analyse population data before the reservation roster is finalized.
The Cabinet further recommended to the Governor that the Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha be convened from August 18 to September 2, 2025. As part of its commitment to supporting youth employment, a one-time relaxation of two years in the upper age limit has been granted to candidates applying for the TGT and JBT competitive exams conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog.
In a landmark welfare decision, the government announced a reservation of one seat per course for orphans in all government, government-aided, and private technical institutions, including ITIs, polytechnics, engineering, and pharmacy colleges. This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to the most vulnerable segments of society.
To reinforce health infrastructure in remote and tribal areas, the Cabinet approved the appointment of 290 additional ASHA workers, ensuring timely access to essential health services for marginalized communities. In legal staffing, five posts of Law Officer (English) and two of Law Officer (Hindi) will be filled in the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat.
Recognizing the unique needs of tribal development, three Research Officer posts will be created and filled at the Integrated Tribal Development Project offices in Bharmour, Pangi, and Spiti. In light of the devastation caused by torrential rains across the state, the Cabinet approved financial relief for displaced families through rent support. Affected families residing in relief camps will receive monthly assistance via Direct Benefit Transfer—Rs. 5,000 in rural areas and Rs. 10,000 in urban centers—for a maximum of six months.
To prevent illegal activity at manufacturing sites, two Home Guards will be posted at each distillery, bottling, and brewery unit. Each plant will also be assigned a State Taxes and Excise Officer with mandatory rotation within districts. To raise revenue and regulate mining, the Cabinet approved the auction of 10 minor mineral quarries in Kangra and the re-auction of 11 quarries in Bilaspur, expecting revenue generation of Rs. 18.82 crore and new employment opportunities.
In a significant move to promote tourism and investment, the Cabinet established the Tourism Investment Promotion Council under the Chief Minister’s chairmanship to expedite clearance of projects involving investments exceeding Rs. 50 crore. Each case will be processed within 30 days, marking a major shift toward ease of doing business.
To regulate concessions in public transport, the Cabinet approved the issuance of the HIM BUS CARD by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to eligible beneficiaries. Further, Phase-II of the Himachal Pradesh Sadbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme, 2025, will be launched for three months beginning September 1, targeting resolution of around 30,000 tax-related cases, including VAT cases on petroleum products up to FY 2020-21.
The Cabinet also introduced a one-time legacy policy to regularize unregistered construction equipment vehicles. Owners can legalize their vehicles by paying a one-time tax and 50 percent of the due penalty in lump sum within three months from notification. The policy is expected to benefit at least 2,795 vehicle owners.
The Cabinet also accepted the recommendations of a subcommittee led by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani to repurpose vacant government buildings. A nodal agency will now allocate such spaces to departments and corporations requiring office infrastructure, making optimal use of existing government assets.
In Solan, the Cabinet decided to unify water tariff rates under Jal Shakti Vibhag across the Municipal Corporation, benefiting thousands of residents by removing pricing inconsistencies. It also approved the exclusion of Stadium Amatar and Panchayat Ghar Bela of Ward 8 from the Municipal Council of Nadaun in Hamirpur district.
Lastly, in a move expected to expand state revenue streams, the Cabinet gave a nod to initiate the operation of lotteries in Himachal Pradesh.
The slew of policy decisions reflects the Sukhu government’s commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and responsive administration, aiming to tackle social disparities, environmental crises, and economic revival in a comprehensive manner.
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