In a major decision before the Assembly elections in the state later this year, the Himachal Cabinet on Thursday gave its nod to implement the scheme for revision of pay scales as per UGC for the teaching, personnel and academic staff only of the Universities and Colleges in the State.
Total financial implication of the UGC revised pay scales would be approximately Rs. 337 crore with effect from 1st January, 2016 to 31st March, 2022. The annual expenditure on this account will be approximately Rs. 113 crore for 2021-22 whereas for the remaining period of current financial year, the same would be Rs. 75 crore, a press statement said later.
The Cabinet held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also provided relief to the orchardists and fruit growers and gave 6 percent subsidy on purchase of package material i.e. cartons and trays sold through HPMC with effect from 15th July, 2022. The HPMC would be given a grant of Rs. 10 crore in this regard.
It gave its approval to reduce the minimum bus fare for the first two kilometers for stage carriages bus services in the State from existing Rs. 7 to Rs. 5 to facilitate the commuters in the State.
The Cabinet gave its approval to convert 452 posts of beldars in Jal Shakti Vibhag to Pump Operators and induct those Jal Rakshks who have completed 12 years or more regular service on 31st December, 2020 but do not fulfill the educational qualification.
The Cabinet gave its approval to engage 780 ASHA Workers under NHM, NUHM and Non-NUHM to facilitate the people of the State.
It also decided to create and fill up 164 additional posts of various categories for the newly constructed 100 bedded MCH Wing at Kamla Nehru State Hospital for Mother and Child Care Shimla to provide better health services to the mother and child. The Cabinet gave its approval to create and fill up 54 posts of different categories in Himachal Pradesh Local Audit Department.