The tradition of the State Cabinet giving sops ahead of the election continued in the latest that was held on Wednesday. It has been learnt that the State Cabinet has declared that those working for five years since recruitment as casual workers would be made regular. There are decisions too that caters to the interests of the wage earners, guest teachers and several other sections of the society.
As per the decision, the employees who have been working since December 31, 2011 will be regularised. The decision would make around 7000 above category employees happy. However, things imply that the regularisation process will be initiated after the next Government assumes charge following the election.
The Cabinet has taken a decision of the status of the guest teachers too, saying that they will not be removed with the Cabinet having approved short- term teachers service selection rules. Moreover, the Cabinet affirmed that the guest teachers would be given preference in the process of teachers’ recruitment.
Keeping in view the upcoming Assembly election, the Cabinet has increased the MSP of sugarcane by Rs two higher than the UP MSP. Now, liquor would be cheaper at CSD canteen and para military canteen.
The newly appointed chief secretary S Ramaswami while addressing to the media on late Wednesday night said that the Cabinet has taken decisions on as many as 32 issues. He also informed that the state government has waived off stamp duty for Self- Help Groups (SHG) for taking loan for agriculture and others. “So long, they were paying seven percent stamp duty, but now the duty has been waived off by the Cabinet. Now Cable TV operators and the owners of DTH connected hotels would not pay entertainment tax. To give boost to the aviation sector, the Cabinet has reduced VAT on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) by six percent which means now they will pay only one percent VAT in place of the earlier seven percent. Cabinet has also approved shifting of ward VII and they will be rehabilitated in Khurpataal. Uttarakhand housing and urban development authority has been strengthened with unorganized sector being merged in it. Cabinet has also approved the demands of the agitating Aaganwadi workers. Now they will be promoted upto the post of supervisor and the age limit of 42 years has been abolished,” CS said.
CS also said that the Cabinet has also approved financial support for the state sportspersons who have represented the international and the national sports arena. “Now, the noted players will also get promotional allowances per month. Those who participated in Olympic will get ` 7500 per month in place of ` 1000 per month they used to get earlier and medal winners will get ` 10000 per month,” he said.
“Even the daily wagers and contractual workers under MNREGA would get five percent annual hike in their wages. Bhagirathi River Valley development Authority’s administrative head would be under the housing department while earlier they were under planning department. Unbranded honey has been made free from tax and branded honey will have to pay five percent VAT to the state government,” he said.
CS further said that the recommendations of the Cabinet sub- committee constituted to address Srinagar Chauras and Tehri getting affected due to hydro power projects have been approved by the Cabinet.
“The Cabinet has expressed displeasure over the working style of GVK hydro power company and has empowered Chief Minister to take legal action against the company. Cabinet has also amended the act of Bandrinath temple committee. With this amendment, the now government can nominate 10 members and 10 associate members in the committee. Cabinet has also approved the programme meant to celebrate Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar anniversary on December 6 during which the state government would organize debate completion in the schools,” Ramaswami said.