Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Saturday unveiled a series of impactful decisions aimed at urban development, employment generation, and social welfare — ranging from upgradation of municipal bodies to enhancing welfare schemes for the elderly and economically weaker sections, job opportunities across different sectors, among others.

As per the decisions of the Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, upgradation of three Municipal Councils to Municipal Corporations, two Nagar Panchayats to Municipal Councils, and six new Nagar Panchayats were created, along with expanded urban local body jurisdictions.

Besides, the Cabinet also brought all elderly above 70 years under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana with an additional Rs five lakh annual health cover, while the widows, single destitute women, and divyang women with incomes below Rs 2.5 lakh were offered Rs three lakh for house construction.

Under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-Up Yojana-2023, the Government ensured a minimum Rs 50,000 monthly rent for e-taxis attached to government departments; while announces recruitment in different sectors.

Three New Corporations, 6 Nagar Panchayats

To strengthen urban infrastructure and governance, ensuring better facilities for residents, the Cabinet approved the upgradation of three Municipal Councils to Municipal Corporations and two Nagar Panchayats to Municipal Councils. Additionally, six new Nagar Panchayats will be established across the State, along with the inclusion of additional areas under the jurisdiction of various urban local bodies.

Enhanced Honorarium for Multi-Task Workers

The honorarium of Multi-Task Workers in the Public Works Department was increased from Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,000 per month — recognizing their essential contributions and providing much-needed financial relief to these workers. 

Expanded Healthcare and Welfare Initiatives

In a significant welfare measure, the Cabinet approved the inclusion of all elderly citizens above 70 years under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Furthermore, individuals in this age group registered under the scheme will receive an additional top-up health insurance cover of Rs five lakh annually. 

For widows, single destitute women, and divyang women with annual incomes below Rs 2.5 lakh, a provision of Rs three lakh for house construction under the HP Building and Other Construction Welfare Board was introduced. 

Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana will now extend its benefits to abandoned and surrendered children up to the age of 27 years. 

Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-Up Yojana 2023

The Cabinet approved this scheme to promote e-mobility by assuring a minimum Rs 50,000 monthly rent for e-taxis attached to government departments — an initiative expected to provide a boost to green technology while supporting start-ups in the state. 

Job Creation in Healthcare, Education, and Fisheries

Opening various job avenues for the state’s youth, the Government will fill the posts of 30 Senior Resident Doctors and 326 ancillary staff in Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur. A new police post will also be opened at the medical college, with seven posts to be created. Six posts will be created for the new Block Medical Office in Dehra, Kangra district; while four posts will be created for the upgraded Community Health Centre, Gumma, in Shimla district.

In education sector, MTech in Electrical Engineering (Electric Vehicle Technology) will be introduced at Government Hydro Engineering College, Bandla, Bilaspur, wherein three faculty posts will be created. A new diploma in Computer Engineering and the Internet of Things will be introduced at Government Polytechnic College, Hamirpur.

Also, 28 posts in the Fisheries Department and 25 posts of Assistant State Taxes and Excise Officers will be filled; while 10 posts will be created in the HP Rajya Chayan Aayog, Hamirpur. 

Support for Apple Growers and Horticulture Industry

The Cabinet also approved a letter of intent for M/s Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation to establish a winery at Parala, Shimla. This initiative is expected to provide remunerative prices to apple growers while generating employment for locals. 

Administrative Reforms and Decentralization

To decongest Shimla, the Cabinet decided to shift the office of the HP Building and Other Construction Welfare Board to Hamirpur.