The Himachal Pradesh government has taken a series of transformative decisions aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure, promoting clean energy, strengthening local employment, and boosting tourism across the state. These initiatives were greenlit during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu , marking a significant step toward inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Key Highlights of Cabinet Decisions:
- 🚨 Emergency Response Centres to be set up in all 3,645 panchayats for faster disaster management.
- ☀️ Solar Power Promotion: Interest subsidies offered to promote solar energy and self-employment.
- 🌱 Green Panchayat Scheme: Installation of 500 KW solar plants in 100 panchayats with a revenue-sharing model .
- 👥 Local Recruitment Policy: Key government posts reclassified to prioritize Himachali candidates .
- 💼 Enhanced Benefits for Workers: Increased honorarium for Public Works Department workers .
- 🐄 Milk Incentive Scheme launched to support dairy farmers supplying to non-government cooperatives.
- 🏞️ Tourism Development: HP Tourism Development Corporation office shifted to Dharamshala .
Strengthening Disaster Resilience at Grassroots Level
A major highlight of the cabinet’s decision is the establishment of Panchayat Emergency Response Centres (PERC) in all 3,645 gram panchayats across the state. This move is designed to ensure swift and effective emergency response during natural calamities, safeguarding both lives and property.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to building a resilient rural ecosystem capable of handling crises efficiently.
Solar Energy Push for Rural Empowerment
To encourage clean energy adoption and create avenues for self-employment, the government approved interest subsidy schemes for setting up solar power projects:
- 🔹 A 5% interest subsidy will be provided on solar projects ranging from 100 KW to 1 MW in tribal areas.
- 🔹 A 4% interest subsidy will apply to projects between 250 KW and 2 MW in non-tribal regions.
This policy aims to reduce dependency on traditional energy sources while empowering entrepreneurs and communities through renewable resources.
Green Panchayat Scheme – Revenue Generating Solar Plants
As part of the broader Green Panchayat initiative , the government has approved an MoU between the Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA) and selected gram panchayats for the installation of 500 KW solar power plants in 100 panchayats .
Each plant is expected to generate approximately ₹25 lakh per month in revenue, distributed as follows:
- ✅ 30% to HIMURJA
- ✅ 20% to the State Government
- ✅ 40% to the respective Gram Panchayats
- ✅ An additional 10% allocated specifically for the welfare of orphans and widows
This not only supports local governance but also ensures social welfare through sustainable income generation.
Local Employment Boost Through Post Reclassification
In a bid to prioritize local talent, the cabinet approved the reclassification of pay matrix Level-11 posts from Group-B to Group-C , making them eligible only for bonafide Himachali candidates .
The recruitment process for these positions will now be managed by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog , aligning with existing Group-C norms. Previously, these roles were filled through the HPPSC , allowing pan-India applications.
Support for Frontline Workers and Dairy Farmers
The government also sanctioned an increase in the monthly honorarium of Public Works Department multitasking workers , from ₹5,000 to ₹5,500, benefiting around 5,000 workers .
Additionally, it approved the creation of 101 new posts across various categories in Police Lines in Dehra district .
Another progressive measure introduced was the Milk Incentive Scheme , offering a ₹3 per litre subsidy to farmers supplying milk to non-government dairy cooperative societies , disbursed directly via DBT .
Shifting Tourism Focus to Kangra
Aligning with its vision to decentralize administrative and economic activity, the government decided to relocate the office of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation from Shimla to Dharamshala .
This strategic shift reflects the declaration of Kangra as the Tourism Capital of the state and aims to ease congestion in Shimla while boosting regional tourism prospects.
Conclusion
These wide-ranging decisions reflect a focused effort by the Himachal Pradesh government to drive development through grassroots empowerment , environmental sustainability , and inclusive growth .
With these measures, the state is poised to build a more resilient, self-reliant, and equitable future for all its citizens.
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