Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Friday approved the land acquisition and compensation plan for families affected by the Kangra airport expansion on Friday. At the same time, the Cabinet sanctioned the state’s share of capital costs for constructing the Bulk Drug Park in Haroli, Una district, and greenlit the tender process.

The Cabinet also rationalized the Zero Electricity Bill scheme, limiting subsidies to ‘One Family One Meter’, and excluding high-ranking officials and income tax payers, emphasizing equitable resource distribution.

The Cabinet also extended the Shimla Development Plan to encompass additional green areas, including Retreat, Mashobra, Band Tukda Andri, and others, reinforcing environmental conservation efforts. In a nod to administrative efficiency, the pending results for Junior Office Assistant posts (post codes 903 and 939) were delegated to HP Rajya Chayan Aayog Hamirpur for final declaration.

Significant strides were made in education and public safety. The Cabinet approved the creation and filling of 486 Lecturer Physical Education posts and 157 Principal School Cadre posts. Additionally, 245 Special Educator positions were sanctioned to support children with special needs, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive education. The Home Department saw a boost with the creation of 53 fire officer posts and 60 police personnel posts for heliport deployment, enhancing emergency response capabilities.

To ensure smooth functioning, the Cabinet approved 30 new posts for HP Rajya Chayan Aayog Hamirpur and 30 JOA (IT) posts in the Public Works Department. The cadre strength for Block Development Officers was increased to 123 with 27 new posts.

Education received further attention with the regularization of 18 Grameen Vidya Upasaks as Junior Basic Teachers, honouring their dedication and compliance with the National Council for Teachers Education norms. A new Department of Cardiology was established at Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, with key medical positions created for its operation.

The Cabinet also prioritized consumer affairs and revenue departments, approving direct recruitment for two District Controller posts and restructuring the cadre system for Patwari, Kanunago, and Naib Tehsildar roles.

Employee welfare was addressed with the introduction of a three percent annual emolument enhancement for staff at Aryabhatta Geo-Informatics and Space Application Centre and the provision of up to 730 days of child care leave for female government servants caring for children with significant disabilities.

Recognizing the contributions of educators, the 'Himachal Pradesh State Award for School Teachers Scheme, 2024' was launched. A State Fund for the welfare of persons with disabilities was also established, reflecting the government's inclusive policy approach. Additionally, the premature release of 16 life-term prisoners was recommended to the Governor.

In transport, the HP Motor Vehicles Rules, 1999, were amended to mandate the submission of purchase receipts for BIS-certified protective headgear when registering two-wheelers. A ropeway from taxi parking to Baba Balak Nath Temple in Hamirpur was approved to aid pilgrims, and the procurement of advanced medical equipment, including PET and Spect Scan Machines for IGMC Shimla and Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, was sanctioned.

The MoU for operating daily flights between Shimla and Dharamshala was also extended, ensuring consistent air connectivity.