The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Sunday unveiled a series of crucial initiatives aimed at driving social welfare, economic growth, and sustainable development across the State. Key decisions include the launch of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana’ to support vulnerable women and children, a 50 percent subsidy for purchasing e-taxis under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start-Up Yojana, the reduction of free power royalty slabs to ease financial pressures on entrepreneurs, and substantial investments in public safety, education, and healthcare infrastructure.
Support for Widows and Destitute Women
One of the major decisions was the implementation of ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana’ — a welfare scheme designed to support widows, destitute women, divorced women, and disabled parents in raising and educating their children. Under this scheme, eligible children will receive a monthly grant of Rs 1,000 to cover their educational, health, and nutritional needs until they turn 18. Additionally, the scheme provides financial assistance for higher education, covering costs for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and vocational courses, including hostel fees.
Promotion of Eco-Friendly Transportation
In line with its commitment to sustainable development, the Cabinet approved a 50 percent subsidy for the purchase of e-taxis under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start-Up Yojana-2023. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote eco-friendly transportation in the state. Eligible candidates can avail of this subsidy within three months after depositing a 10 percent margin, with UCO Bank designated as the nodal bank for loan sanctioning. The loans, offered at an interest rate of 7.9 percent per annum, aim to make electric vehicles more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs, contributing to the reduction of the state’s carbon footprint.
Educational Reforms
Recognizing the importance of early education, the Cabinet approved a six-month age relaxation for students already enrolled in nursery, LKG, and UKG during the 2023-24 academic year, allowing them to advance to the next grade.
Public Safety and Infrastructure Improvements
The Cabinet took decisive steps to enhance public safety by approving the establishment of new police offices and posts across the State, including a Sub-Divisional Police Office at Dadasiba, a police post at Alampur, and the upgradation of Police Posts at Sansarpur Terrace and Moin to full-fledged Police Stations in Kangra district. These initiatives are expected to improve law enforcement and response times, thereby enhancing public safety in these regions.
Additionally, the Cabinet decided to increase the monthly charges for concessional travel in HRTC buses from Rs 110 to Rs 500 for police personnel up to the rank of inspector, jail officials, and security guards of the HP Secretariat, reflecting the Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its employees.
Infrastructure Developments in Water and Power Sectors
In another significant move, the Cabinet approved the opening of a new Jal Shakti Vibhag Circle at Dehra in Kangra district, along with new sub-divisions and sections in Khad, Una district. This expansion is aimed at improving water management infrastructure in these regions.
Furthermore, the Cabinet reviewed and revised the free power royalty slabs from 20 percent, 30 percent, and 40 percent to 12 percent, 18 percent, and 30 percent, respectively. This reduction in royalty rates is expected to provide substantial relief to entrepreneurs in the power sector, encouraging further investment and growth.
Healthcare Enhancements
The Cabinet also focused on improving healthcare services by approving the filling of Assistant Professor positions in the ENT and Psychiatry departments at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Government Medical College, Nahan. The procurement of three TESLA MRI machines for IGMC Shimla, AIIMS Chamiyana, and Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, was also approved, along with the provision of electric vehicles for emergency services at AIIMS Chamiyana and IGMC Shimla, boosting the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
Key Cabinet Decisions:
· Free Power Royalty Slabs: Reduced to 12%, 18%, and 30% for entrepreneurs
· E-Taxi Subsidy: 50% subsidy with 7.9% loan interest under new scheme
· Sukh Shiksha Yojana: Rs 1,000 monthly grant for children of widows and destitute women
· Age Relaxation: Six-month extension for nursery to UKG students to advance grades
· Travel Charges Increase: HRTC concessional travel fees raised to Rs 500 per month
· New Police Units: New police office and upgrades in Kangra district
· Fire Post Opening: New fire post in Ubadesh area, Shimla
· Healthcare Boost: New MRI machines and emergency vehicles for hospitals
