Prateeksha Thakur 
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has approved a series of major welfare and employment-related decisions during a cabinet meeting held amid the Panchayat election Model Code of Conduct. The announcements include ₹1500 monthly financial assistance for eligible women, approval for nearly 2500 government jobs, permission for 24-hour shops across the state and a new urban development project named “Him Chandigarh.”
The cabinet decisions are expected to impact women, government employees, teachers, traders, workers and unemployed youth across Himachal Pradesh.
Approves ₹1500 monthly assistance for women
In one of the biggest announcements, the Sukhu government approved its budget promise to provide ₹1500 per month to women belonging to eligible families with annual income below ₹2 lakh. The scheme is aimed at strengthening the financial condition of economically weaker women in the state.
The decision fulfils a major Congress election guarantee made during the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
24-hour shops allowed across Himachal Pradesh
To boost economic and commercial activity, the cabinet approved permission for shops to remain open 24 hours across Himachal Pradesh. The government believes the move will help trade, tourism and employment generation, especially in urban and tourist areas.
The decision is expected to benefit retailers, restaurants, tourism businesses and local markets.
Retirement age of Government college professors increased
The cabinet also approved an increase in the retirement age of government college professors. Reports emerging from the meeting indicate that the retirement age has been increased from 62 years, though the final implementation notification is still awaited.
The government said the decision will help students continue benefiting from experienced faculty members in higher education institutions.
‘Him Chandigarh’ smart city project gets approval
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet also approved the proposal to develop a new city named “Him Chandigarh” near Chandigarh. The project is being seen as a major urban development initiative aimed at planned urbanisation, housing expansion, investment and employment generation.
The government has reportedly approved land allocation for the proposed township project.
Cabinet approves 2500 government posts
In a major relief for unemployed youth, the cabinet approved recruitment for nearly 2500 posts in different government departments.
The approved vacancies include:
- 500 JOA IT posts
- 94 Craft Instructor posts in ITIs
- 105 Senior Resident Doctor posts
- 12 Clerk posts in Police Department
- 4 Assistant Public Relations Officer posts
- Around 1500 posts in the Education Department
Salary and honorarium hike for workers
The Sukhu cabinet also approved honorarium and wage hikes for several categories of workers and contractual staff across Himachal Pradesh.
Major decisions include:
- ₹1000 increase for sewing teachers
- ₹500 hike for Panchayat Chowkidars
- PWD Multi-Task Workers salary increased from ₹5500 to ₹6000
- ₹500 increase for Mid-Day Meal workers
- ₹500 increase for SMC and other Multi-Task Workers
300 Government schools to be upgraded to CBSE-level standards
The cabinet also approved a major education reform initiative under which 300 government schools in Himachal Pradesh will be upgraded with facilities similar to CBSE schools.
Royalty rate reduced from 7% to 1%
The Himachal Pradesh government also approved reduction in royalty rates from 7 percent to 1 percent. The move is expected to provide relief to the mining and construction sectors operating in the state.
Decisions taken during panchayat election code of conduct
The major cabinet decisions were taken while the Panchayat election Model Code of Conduct is in force in Himachal Pradesh. Due to election-related restrictions, the government did not hold an official press briefing after the cabinet meeting.
Several announcements may require approval from the Election Commission before implementation.
