Himachal Cabinet Approves Key Policy Amendments and Development Projects

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved significant changes to the Compassionate Employment Policy, enhancing eligibility income limits and prioritizing widows. It also sanctioned new nursing colleges, relaxed quota rules, expanded night shifts for women workers, and introduced amendments for hydro projects and mineral regulations.

In a pivotal meeting on Wednesday, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, enacted comprehensive amendments to the existing Compassionate Employment Policy. Significantly, the annual family income threshold was elevated from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, ensuring a broader coverage. Widows and orphans below 45, along with dependents of deceased government officials, have been prioritized for these appointments.

The Cabinet further relaxed the five percent quota constraint for such jobs by allowing a one-time leniency in cases of vacancy scarcity. Simultaneously, it authorized an increase in nursing seats from 60 to 100 at the Sister Nivedita Government Nursing College and established another nursing institution at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Kangra.

In a progressive move, the law was amended to permit women workers to undertake night shifts in commercial settings while maintaining gender equality directives. Additionally, maternity benefits, as outlined in the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, were extended to women employees. Expansive new developments include approvals for a Medical Device Park at Nalagarh and revisions to mining and mineral management regulations.

The session addressed ongoing hydro projects under HIMURJA, cancelling non-progressive ones and revoking delayed ones above 5 MW, offering a time frame until August 2025 for compliance submissions. Enhancements to the Kangra Airport expansion plans, focus on sustainable development in Sirmaur district, and strategic realignments in Kangra's administrative zones are also on the agenda.

There was an emphasis on combating drug abuse issues, detailed in a presentation made by the Excise and Taxation Department, highlighting state efforts towards mitigation.(ANI)