Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Announces Extensive Relief and Development Measures Amidst Disaster Response

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Announces Extensive Relief and Development Measures Amidst Disaster Response

In a pivotal meeting chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet has rolled out a series of significant decisions aimed at addressing recent natural disasters and enhancing the state’s infrastructure and public services. The meeting, held in Shimla, focused on providing relief to families affected by the cloudbursts in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts, while also announcing key developments in healthcare, mining regulations, natural farming, and public services.

Comprehensive Relief Package for Disaster-Affected Families

The State Cabinet began the session by paying tribute to the victims of the devastating cloudbursts that struck the Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts on August 1, 2024. Recognizing the dire situation faced by the affected families, the Cabinet has sanctioned a robust relief package. Families whose homes were completely destroyed in these disasters will receive financial assistance for rental expenses, with Rs. 10,000 per month allocated for those in urban areas and Rs. 5,000 per month for those in rural areas.

Additionally, the government will provide free ration, LPG refills, utensils, and bedding for three months, covering the period from August 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024. To further support these families, an immediate financial relief of Rs. 50,000 will be disbursed to those severely impacted by the cloudbursts. This comprehensive relief package underscores the government’s commitment to aiding those affected by natural disasters and ensuring they receive the necessary support during these challenging times.

Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure

In a significant move to bolster healthcare services, the Cabinet approved the creation and filling of 462 posts across various categories at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. This expansion includes 14 posts for Medical Officers, four posts each for Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists, 300 posts for Staff Nurses, and several other positions essential for the smooth operation of the medical college.

Furthermore, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 489 posts in Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla and the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialty, Chamiyana. This includes 21 posts for Specialist Medical Officers at IGMC Shimla and seven posts for Super-specialty Medical Officers at the Chamiyana institute. These expansions are part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to enhance medical facilities and ensure accessible healthcare for all residents.

Reforms in Mining Regulations

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation, and Storage) Rules, 2015. These amendments aim to promote systematic, scientific, and sustainable mining practices within the state. Private lands suitable for mining can now be auctioned with the consent of landowners, who will receive 80% of the annual bid amount.

To address the growing demand for minerals, the use of machinery for mineral excavation in riverbeds is now permitted, with the depth of mining extended from one meter to two meters. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the removal of sand and gravel from agricultural fields up to a depth of two meters post-monsoon, categorizing this as a non-mining activity. These measures are designed to ensure sustainable mining practices while also contributing to the state’s economic growth.

Promoting Natural Farming through HIM-UNNATI Scheme

In a bid to promote natural farming, the Cabinet decided to implement the HIM-UNNATI scheme, which will adopt a cluster-based approach for the production and certification of chemical-free agricultural produce. The scheme aims to establish 2,600 agricultural groups, encompassing around 50,000 farmers across the state. The government will provide essential capacity-building training and financial assistance to these groups, thereby strengthening the farming community’s economy. Additionally, the scheme includes provisions for the procurement of natural farming wheat at Rs. 40 per kg and maize at Rs. 30 per kg, ensuring fair prices for farmers practicing sustainable agriculture.

Enhancing Public Services and Governance

The Cabinet made several decisions aimed at enhancing public services and governance in the state. Among these, the decision to reimburse official travel expenses for police personnel, jail officials, and H.P. Secretariat Security Service staff who avail concessional travel in HRTC buses stands out. This move ensures that these essential service providers are not burdened with out-of-pocket expenses while performing their duties.

The Cabinet also relaxed the 60:40 condition under the State Transport Policy, 2014, allowing for the re-allotment of 168 routes to private operators. This decision is expected to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure, particularly in remote areas.

In a move to enhance transparency and accountability, the Cabinet approved the notification of the Himachal Pradesh (Annual Performance Appraisal Report) Rules, 2024. These new rules introduce numerical grading for officer assessments, replacing the previous descriptive grading system. The updated system also enforces strict timelines for APAR completion, with a deadline set for December 31st each year.

Structural Reforms in Departments

The Cabinet approved comprehensive guiding principles for restructuring the State Taxes and Excise Department into two separate wings. This restructuring aims to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and boost revenue generation. As part of the reforms, Assistant Excise Officers and Excise and Taxation Inspectors will now be required to serve a minimum of three years in their respective wings, ensuring a more focused and specialized workforce.

The Cabinet also decided to bring the recruitment process for the post of Police Constable within the purview of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, ensuring a more transparent and merit-based selection process.

New Initiatives and Infrastructure Developments

To monitor waste management activities, the Cabinet approved the creation of an Environment Cell within the Directorate of Urban Development, along with five new posts in various categories. Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 12 posts of Assistant District Attorneys in the Prosecutions Department and approved the establishment of 12 new posts in the Jal Shakti Sub Division, Kanjiyan, and sections at Samirpur and Bhareri in Hamirpur district.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the creation of eight new posts for the newly opened Bharoli Sub Tehsil in Kangra district and five posts of Assistant Conservator of Forests in the Forest Department. To enhance law enforcement capabilities, six new posts were created for the newly established Police Post Galore in Hamirpur district.

These comprehensive decisions reflect the state government’s commitment to disaster relief, infrastructure development, and public service enhancement, ensuring that Himachal Pradesh continues on its path toward sustainable growth and improved quality of life for its residents.

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