In view of the upcoming Panchayat elections and Assembly by-polls, the Harish Rawat cabinet has taken more than 20 decisions but most of the decisions are related to four districts — Pithoragarh, Almora, Uttarkashi and Dehradun. Of these, two districts — Almora and Dehradun will face by-polls and if Harish Dhami vacates his seat then Pithoragarh district would also witness polling.
As per the cabinet decisions- State Government would promote cultivation of organic finger millet in Pithoragarh district; raise the compensation amount for the tour operators, who lost their vehicles during disaster; State Government would pay three percent commission, which was earlier being paid by sugar mills, to the sugarcane committee and promotion of paddy seed cultivation in two places i.e. Someshwar of Almora district and chinyalisaur of Uttarkashi district.
Cabinet has also abolished the Government order of AYUSH department. As per the earlier GO officials were getting three assured career promotion i.e. 8:18:24 during their service but now they will get three promotions i.e. 10:18:24. Cabinet has also decided that employees, who were promted and received a hike in salary, will have to return their withdrawn inflated salary.
Now onwards the High Court and District Court would make fresh recruitments against their Class IV vacancy. As per the Sixth Pay Commission it was mandatory to recruit class IV employees through outsourcing but judiciary department was facing inconvenience and so cabinet has made amendments and judiciary will make fresh recruitments against their vacant post of class IV. To ensure timely execution of PMGSY, the cabinet has empowered Rural Development Department, which was executing projects with the help of employees on deputation but were unable to take action against faulting officials, to take disciplinary action in case of minor mistake and special punishment will be taken by their parent department.
Cabinet has decided to establish Rath Development Authority for the promoting Pabo and Thalisain regions of Pauri district. Taking cognisance of the adverse condition of tour operators, whose vehicles were stuck under debris due to the June disaster and are unemployed, cabinet has increased their compensation amount. Now their drivers and helpers will also get compensation from the State. Even doli owners, who ferry pilgrims on their shoulder, will get Rs 10,000 compensation while earlier it was mere Rs 5,000. Cabinet has increased the limit and now one person can claim compensation for upto 10 dolis.
Cabinet has declared Chakrata, Munsyari, Mori, Joshimath and Dharchula as cultural heritage sites so now these areas will be developed by the cultural department.
For the promotion of private education institute in hill areas, cabinet has constituted a committee, which will give their recommendation to the Government in next cabinet meeting. Cabinet has also constituted a committee led by Additional chief secretary, who give their recommendation about how to nationalise Peyjal Nigam and Jal Sansthan department.
Cabinet has also decided to separate SC and ST Commission. Now both SC and ST will be governed under separate department heads. To expedite the execution of Government projects, which were getting delayed due to lengthy procedure for the sanctioning of departments budget, cabinet has decided to allocate funds from Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF). Once the department gets their own budget then they will have to repay the advance money to the CMRF.
Cabinet has also decided to establish subordinate service selection board through ordinance and will also challenge the decision to ban hydro power projects in Supreme Court. For this state would hire private lawyer. Cabinet has also increased the compensation amount for the acid attack victim. Now Government will pay Rs three lakh while it was mere Rs 1.5 lakh earlier. Even few roads, which are supposed to be laid by BRO, will be made by State Government. Cabinet has also eased the norms for Nagar Panchayat for Naugaon.