Cabinet Decisions
 IMPORTANT CABINET DECISIONS OF
THE STATE GOVERNMENT IN THE YEAR--- 2009
27th June,2009 Aimed at speedy exploitation of the hydel potential available in the State, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today, decided to allot 256 Self Identified Hydro Electric Projects with capacity ranging upto 5 MW, aggregating to 431 MW of hydel power to Himachalis fitting into eligibility criteria of the Power Policy of the Government of Himachal Pradesh which shall generate vast employment and self employment avenues to the youth of the State as also developing entrepreneurship amongst them. Additionally 16 projects of 67.10 MW capacityhave been approved for allotment to Non-Himachalis. The unsuccessful applicants shall be informed individually with the reasons for rejection of their proposals.
  Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the Meeting.
  It decided to procure seedling and grafted varieties of mango fruits @ Rs. 4.58 and Rs. 5.25 per kg respectively under the Market Intervention Scheme during the year ,2009 with a view to provide fruit growers remunerative price of their produce in various terminal markets as also to check exploitation by middlemen in the trade. The Scheme will be implemented in the State with effect from July 1, 2009 to August 15. 2009 and procurement agencies for the operation would be HPMC, HIMFED and HP Agro Industries Corporation. 34 mango fruit procurement collection centres will be set up leaving option open for opening more centres on need basis. It directed the concerned authority to remove all discrepancies experienced during the preceding year in implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme for the year 2009.
  It approved creation of separate Revenue District in Baddi with a view to provide all related facilities to the industrialists in Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh industrial area at their door steps and sanctioned 13 posts of different categories to start the functioning on priority.
  It decided to regularise the services of contingent employees working in various departments who have completed a minimum of eight years of service on 31st March, 2008 to bring them at par with rest of the regular employees of the concerned departments.
  It decided to constitute Himachal Pradesh State Water Management Board with a view to manage water resource development and distribution in the entire State. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh will be the Chairman of the Board .
  In fulfillment of the promise made with the people of Himachal Pradesh it has been decided to reintroduce ‘Prashashan Janta Ke Dwar’ programme in each District.
  It approved Solar Passive Building Design Regulation for inclusion in the Integrated Development Scheme of Town and Country Planning Act, 1978, to motivate people incorporate solar passive designs into their building plans to save and conserve energy.
  It also approved Kasauli Area Development Scheme for planned and systematic development of the area for future implementation. The New Plan shall maintain the premier character of Kasauli, as a major tourist destination and sustainable habitat of local population. The Development Plan has been prepared for the revised Planning Area, known as Greater Kasauli Planning Area. It envisages upgradation of Parwanoo-Kasauli-Garkhal-Dharampur road to act as Circular Road besides constructing Garkhal Bye-Pass, Bus Stand, parking lot near Garkhal Bazaar Chowk, a petrol pump, Community Hall and Stadium have also been proposed.
  It decided to grant domicile Himachali Certificate to the person who are living permanently in the State for the past minimum period of 15 years by restoring the position which was in practice prior to November 11, 2004.
  It approved deployment of 23 surplus employees of the Agro Industries Packaging India Limited on secondment basis in the Department of Technical Education initially for a period of one year. Sanctioned 5 posts of Offset Printers for the HP Government Printing Press, Shimla
  It consented to lease additional 3-18 bighas of land for 40 years to construct 3 MW HEP to M/S Mangalam Energy Development Company Private Limited at the rate of rupees one lakh per bigha as one time lease money whereafter a token monthly lease money of Re. 1.00 shall be payable.
  It granted permission to set up stone crusher unit to M/S Longjian Road and Bridge Limited Company executing road widening project of Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti-Rohru near Chhaila in tehsil Theog, district Shimla in relaxation of the norms fixed by the State Government for project specific use only.
  Cabinet also reviewed all its decisions taken in the earlier meetings and took stock of the implementation by different departments. All departments have been directed to implement the same in letter and spirit in a time bound manner.
18th June,2009 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to conduct a consolidated examination, once a year, to carry recruitment for major categories such as Assistant Engineers, Civil/Mechanical and Electrical through HP Public Service Commission and for Clerical Grade Examination, for the posts of Stenographers, Junior Engineers, Civil/Electrical/Mechanical, through HP Subordinate Services Selection Board .  The Cabinet further decided to  simplify the application procedure for recruitment to such categories of posts  in various departments of the State Government.  Henceforth applicants shall be required to apply on a plain paper and  self certify the eligibility facts and forward the same to the concerned authority without enclosing copies of their testimonials.  The practice will save unnecessary expenditure being incurred on photostat and procurement of certificates from different agencies for attachment with the application. Successful candidates shall be required to produce their documents in original at the time of personal interview.  Online application shall also be entertained.  The concerned departments will send their requisition to the designated recruitment authority HP Public Service Commission and HP Subordinate Services Selection Board  by 31st of December every year, and the recruiting agencies shall release schedule of examination in advance for the year.
  With a view to strengthen the horticulture sector it has been decided to bring apple and mango crops under Insurance Cover to protect the interests of the horticulturists in the State.  The Scheme shall be implemented as Pilot Project in Jubbal, Rohru, Theog, Narkanda and Chirgaon Developmental Blocks of district Shimla and Ani Sub-Division of District Kullu for Apple crop and Nurpur, Indora, Nagrota Surian and Fatehpur Developmental Blocks in district Kangra for Mango crop.  It will cover about 25 to 30 percent of the horticulture area of the State initially.
  In pursuance of the Budget Speech of the Chief Minister, it has been decided to enhance the promotion quota of class IV employees of the State Government to class III posts  from existing 10 percent to 30 percent and carry recruitment through competitive examination for enhanced 20 percent quota to such posts through HP Subordinate Service Selection Board from amongst the class IV employees fulfilling eligibility criteria.  The present provision of filling up  while the 10 percent posts by promotion  shall continue.
  Cabinet approved Power Disposal Policy of the State Government.  It has been decided that where capacity enhancement of  HEP is more than 20 percent and total capacity, including enhancement, is 5 MW or above, the mode of disposal of power will be that the Royalty to State shall be payable on pro-rata basis throughout the year. HPSEB/Government of Himachal Pradesh shall have the first right of refusal of entire power generated during the period from 1st November to 31st March, every year, after deducting the royalty to the State during this period.  During remaining months of the year, the IPP will have open access to sell the power.  In case of  capacity enhancement of more than 20 percent and the total capacity of the project remains below 5 MW, power will be purchased by HPSEB/State Government as per provisions of MOU/IA.  Where the State Government has decided to invite open competitive bids for self-identified projects between 5 MW to 25 MW and also all other projects in this category, wherever there is a allotment through competitive bidding process, as per provisions of State Policy and Electricity Act, open access  will be provided.
  It approved allocation of 90 MW Miyar HEP in Miyar Valley of Udaipur Sub-Division of district Lahaul and Spiti in favour of M/S Moserbaer Project Private Limited, New Delhi on receipt of Up-front Premium deposit of Rs. 18 crore from the company.
  It decided to  allot 2.5 MW Uhal Small Hydro Electric Project in district Mandi to M/S ARHM Power Projects, Chandigarh and re-allocate  5 MW Koot Small Hydro Electric Project in district Shimla to M/S Yadalapatti Agro Products Limited, Guntur, AP.
  It has been agreed in principle that the State Government shall be providing infrastructure  i.e. roads, electricity and water etc. for construction of ropeways at different identified sites to upgrade the tourism infrastructure in the State.
  It consented to provide Community Health Centre level health care facilities at the Temple Complex of Shree Naina Devi in district Bilaspur, during  Festival times.
  It has been decided to formulate Himachal Pradesh State Training Policy with a view to upgrade the skills of the State Government employees. Periodic Training Programmes shall be organised by all the departments and upto one percent of the budgetary provisions of Salary Head will be  earmarked for Training Programme to achieve the objective.
  It approved the recommendations of the Service Committee of the HP Board of School Education and agreed to create one post each of Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Computer Assistant Programmer for filling up the same from amongst the eligible Board employees.
  It consented to continue deployment of 14 clerks in Social Justice and Empowerment Department on secondment basis by making provision in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the posts.
  It approved to fill up by  outsourcing  6 posts of Clerk-cum-Data Operators in the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation. 
   
6th June,2009 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided that every Minister of the State shall be reviewing his departmental progress on monthly basis, including that of 20-Point Programme Implementation, and carry surprise checking of various ongoing departmental activities while on tour.  Secretary concerned shall also be required to carry similar duties.  It has been decided to make one Secretary level senior officer overall in-charge of one District to look after the entire functioning, targets and achievements under different programmes in the respective District by holding regular video-conferencing and visiting the places periodically.  With a view to inculcate the spirit of competitiveness comparative assessment of the achievements under 20-Point Programme shall be carried to determine the District getting First Position.  Decisions aim at giving renewed momentum to the pace of uniform and balanced development in the entire State and deliver benefits to the  targetted groups under different programmes.
  Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the meeting.
  It approved award of World Bank Funded, Rs. 142,22,03,821 project, under State Road Project, for widening and strengthening of  71.735 kms. long portion of  Kumarhatti-Sarahan-Nahan road to M/S Som Datt Builders Private Limited, New Delhi.
  It approved Policy for empanelment of private ayurvedic medical institutions set up within the State of Himachal Pradesh for a period of two years for treatment and reimbursement of medical expenses to the state government employees.
  It agreed to revise the fleet strength in Himachal Pradesh Police to 860 besides sanctioning additional 7 LMV and 25 HMV/MMV for 4th India Reserve Battalion under Police Modernisation Programmme to ensure efficient mobility and  handling of law and order duties by police personnel within their jurisdictions all over the state.
  It consented to grant one time relaxation in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of Health Educators to carry 100 percent recruitment of 21 Health Educators under various Central and external aided projects e.g. National Health Mission, Mother Child Scheme, RCH and GTZ etc. programmes by promotion only,   from amongst the eligible feeder category of trained  Health Supervisors who have acquired necessary educational qualification from recognised training institutions by availing study leave.
  Cabinet approved creation of 20 posts of different categories for 40MW Renuka Dam Project and 60 MW Tidong-II Projects being executed by the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation with a view to time bound completion of both the projects.  Corporation has also been authorised to purchase 2 diesel vehicles for  its senior executives.
  It approved new Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the Ayurvedic Pharmacists in the Department of Ayurveda.
  It approved the draft of Himachal Pradesh Financial Rules, 2009, for notification by cancelling the Himachal Pradesh Financial Rules, 1971 and Himachal Pradesh Budget Manual, 1971.
  With a view to encourage private participation in setting up of globally recognised quality vocational educational institutions in the State, it has been decided to issue ‘letter of intent’ in favour of Hydro Carbons Education and Research Society, New Delhi for setting up of Private University in the State.
  It also approved the ‘First Statute’ of Eternal University, Baru Saheb, in District Sirmour.
  It granted permission to create a post of Chairman, State Press Advisory Committee.
  It approved State Level Festival status to Lohri Mela of heritage village Pragpur in district Kangra.
29th May,2009 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to launch and extend National Health Insurance Scheme to rest of the 10 districts as well from current financial year, 2009-10, covering entire State, and provide Smart Card based cash less health insurance cover of Rs. 30,000  to each of the 2,98,291 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.  The Scheme shall be funded by Centre and State on 75:25 ratio basis and beneficiary shall not be required to pay any premium. Critical patients shall be entitled to insurance cover of Rs. 1.00 lakh to meet surgery, cancer, heart problem, plantation surgery and neuro surgery etc. expenses, while insurance cover of Rs. 10,000 shall be available to mother and child in delivery cases.  Beneficiary shall also be entitled to draw Rs. 100 per visit to hospital subject to Rs. 1,000 at the maximum.  It has been decided to create separate National Health Insurance Scheme Organisation consisting of representatives from different departments of the State Government to function as Nodal Agency for successful implementation of the programme.
  Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the meeting.
  It approved Model Relief and Rehabilitation Policy for implementation to compensate the people affected by setting up of Cement Plants in the State.  Hence forth land for project shall be transferred or acquired at mutually agreed price between the company and land owners, or, if acquisition under Land Acquisition Act is required, compensation will be given as per prevailing market rate with additional compensation for built-up structures.  Each project affected family rendered houseless shall be allotted free of cost built up house site measuring 150 square meters and 80 square meter plot with built up plinth area to each nuclear family. Alternately other options shall also be available to the project affected families.
  It has been made mandatory to provide each project affected, houseless and landless, family a monthly subsistence allowance, equivalent to 25 days minimum agricultural wages (@ Rs. 125 per day i.e. Rs. 37500 per annum for one year from the date of displacement, besides nuclear family not benefitted with direct or indirect employment to get equal to 750 days minimum agricultural wages or Rs. 1.00 lakh, whichever is higher.  Rs. 50,000 shall be paid additional for construction of cattle sheds to the cattle owner families; Rs. 20,000 for shifting of man and material; 100  free cement bags and 50 additional at half  the price; at least one person per nuclear family to be employed; skill upgradation of the affected families for suitable jobs; scholarships to the students; 70 percent employment to the local people at all level; shopping complexes to be constructed and allotted to affected families; petty project contracts; free medical treatment besides creating quality infrastructure to facilitate the rehabilitation of the families.
  It consented to strictly implement the H.P.Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995 and impose complete ban over the use of plastic and its products from 15th  August, 2009 immediately after the notification to the effect is issued.  No shop-keeper, stockist, trader, retailer and vendors dealing in plastic bags of different sizes and other disposable items like plastic cups, glasses and plates will be allowed to carry on with their marketing activities after the notification of banning the same.  Organisations involved in spreading the non-biodegradable garbage  will be fined Rs. 5,000  and individual Rs. 1,000 after the ban is imposed.
  It approved Community led Assessment, awareness, Advocacy and Action Programme for Environment Protection and Carbon Neutrality in Himachal Pradesh by implementing a Plan through M/S Development Alternatives, New Delhi,  for coming three years for which Rs. 3 crore provision shall be made by the State Government and rest to be funded by the HP State Pollution Control Board.
  It approved creation of a separate Directorate to undertake Health Regulation and Safety  Hospital Management Services more effectively and deliver people quality and prompt services in a more professional manner.
  It approved transfer of 11-43.08 hectares of land at Mohal Bhoi, Tehsil Shahpur, district Kangra, in favour of Border Security Force Battalion at market rate of Rs. 1,23,45,264  paving the way for creation of basic infrastructure required for setting up of the Battalion.
  It approved filling up of 9 posts of clerks on contract basis in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs; creation of four supernumerary posts of Kanungo in Revenue Department; 3 posts of drivers in the Forest Department from amongst the surplus pool of HP State Forest Corporation.
  In compliance to the order of HP State Administrative Tribunal it further approved conversion of 32 part time Revenue Chowkidars into Daily Wagers who have completed 10 years regular service on 31st of December, 2003 w.e.f. 27.2.2004.
  In view of the filling up of the vacancies of Medical Officers (Dental) it has been approved to relax the Recruitment Policy of the State Government of carrying recruitment on 50 percent batch-wise and 50 percent direct through open competition process and provide opportunity to the BDS doctors who have passed out long ago.
20th May,2009 The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided that the Department of Environment and Scientific Technology shall prepare a detailed proposal, after identification of the  industrial projects within the State using  polluting traditional manufacturing techniques and not observing the laid down pollution control standards, to check emission of greenhouse gases under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and motivate them to incorporate modern environment friendly technical devices into their projects to  maintain best environmental conditions in the project areas, failing which such projects shall be liable to pay Carbon Tax for degrading the environment and the same shall be imposed after getting it examined at different levels and obtaining the consent of the Cabinet.
  Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the meeting.
  Cabinet  approved extension of incentive of concessional rate of CST @ 1 percent for all the Industrial Enterprises beyond 31st March, 2009 till 31st March, 2013 or till the time the CST is phased out by the Government of India.
  It approved bringing VAT under HP Value Added Tax Act, 2005 over the Canteen Store Department (CSD) items, including IT products, at par with that of Punjab and Haryana States, benefitting serving and ex-servicemen  It approved amendment in Mukhya Mantri Kanyadaan Yojna, 2006, to make the same more flexible and benefit maximum eligible girls under its provisions by enhancing the eligibility income criteria from existing Rs. 7,500 per annum to Rs. 15,000 and authorise the District Welfare Officers to disburse the financial benefits after obtaining the financial approval of the Director, Social Justice and Empowerment.
  It decided to give final notice to the parties which have been allotted Hydro Electric Projects and failed to deposit the Upfront Premium.  All such companies will be required to deposit the Upfront Premium by 15th June, 2009, failing which the allotments made shall be deemed to have been cancelled.
  It approved filling up of 26 vacant posts of different categories under ICAR Projects/State Scheme on co-terminus basis in CSK Agriculture University, Palampur; carry direct recruitment to  9 posts of HP Forest Service Officers in two years; fill up vacancies of 3 Inspectors, Weights and Measure on contract basis in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.
  Cabinet decided to frame Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (Garnt-in-Aid) Rules, 2009 to provide grant-in-aid to the HP State Legal Services Authority.
  It decided to empower the Divisional Forest Officers to enter into agreement with the Mid Himalayan Watershed Development Project with regard to Bio Carbon Project implementation.
  It decided to provide forest land under the control of State Forest Department to the HP State Forest Development Corporation Limited on a token lease of Rs. 1.00 per annum to set up  Sale Depots  and  carry on with their timber sale activities conveniently.
  It consented to engage 32 revenue chowkidars as daily wagers who have been provided relief by the Hon’ble High Court and shall be eligible to retire after attaining the age of superannuation.
  It decided to upgrade the posts of  Lecturer  to  Senior Lecturer in each of the 9 polytechnics of the State under the control of the Department of Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training Department, in compliance to the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh. 
  It agreed to issue ‘Letter of Intent’ in favour of Gopi Bai Foundation Trust, Kota (Rajasthan); K.D.Education Trust (Registered), New Delhi; Sri Sai College of Engineering and Technology (Society), Badani (Pathankot)  for setting up of Private Universities in the State to provide international standard educational infrastructure to the students in the State.
  It consented to engage the services of surplus class IV employees of the Agro Industrial Packaging India Limited (AIPIL) to fill up 2 vacancies of Chowkidars in the Department of Environment, Science and Technology below 45 years of age.  In case no eligible employees is found the Department shall carry contractual direct recruitment to fill up the vacancies.
  It approved framing of fresh Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of School Cadre Lecturer in place of the rules notified in the year 1973 by the Department of Higher Education.
20th Mar.,2009  The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today approved  The Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Ordinance, 2009, banning ragging within or outside the premises of an educational institution.
  Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the meeting.
  The Ordinance provides that ragging shall be cognizable, non-bailable and with the permission of the Court compoundable offence.  Any student convicted of an offence under the Ordinance shall be expelled from the educational institution and shall not be eligible for admission in any other educational institution for a period of three years from the date of such expulsion.   Such offenders shall be punished with imprisonment upto three years, or fine of upto Rs. 50,000, or both.
   Whenever any student, or, as the case may be, the parents or guardian or a teacher of an educational institution, or an office-in-charge, make a complaint of ragging in writing to the head of the respective educational institution, he shall be required to enquire into the same within twenty four hours of the receipt of the complaint, in addition to intimating his higher authorities, and if prima facie, it is found true, suspend the student found guilty and in case the complaint received is unfounded he shall intimate the factual position in writing to the complainant.
  Any failure on the part of the institutional disciplinary authority or negligence, or deliberate delay in lodging the First Information Report with the local police, shall be construed to be an act of culpable negligence and shall attract punishment upto one year imprisonment or fine upto Rs. 10,000, or with both; while the Head of  the Educational Institution or In-charge shall also be punished for a term which may extend upto  two  years  or  with  fine  which  may  extend  upto  Rs. 25,000, or with both, for failing to implement the provisions of the Ordinance to check ragging in respective educational institution.
  The Cabinet approved setting up of ‘Aman Kachru Memorial Trust’ with a corpus of Rs. 50 lakh, to provide scholarships to meritorious students and to undertake activities amongst students, in particular, civic society in general, to institutionalize zero tolerance to ragging.
  It decided to direct all the Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Director Elementary Education and District Welfare Officers to inspect all NGOs, especially, where hostels are being run, to ensure that quality of living standard is being maintained and that they are working for the achievement of the objectives for which the NGO has been set-up.
11th Feb.,2009  The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to engage  1,355 Grameen Vidya Upasaks on contractual salary equivalent to JBT teachers from 1st April, 2009 onwards and award them special JBT Certificate after providing training during the vacations of the academic sessions of  2009-2010 and 2010-2011 to qualify as trained JBTs.
  Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the meeting.
  To deal with the monkey menace and check their further population increase, the State Cabinet decided to set up 4th Monkey Sterilization Centre at Una to carry sterilization of the monkeys in the area and save crops of the farmers. The Tutikandi Centre has already successfully sterilized 3,747 monkeys in the town till date. Sastar Centre in district Hamirpur  shall get functional from 10th March, 2009 and Gopalpur Centre in district Kangra will start functioning from May this year.    One Swaraj Mazda vehicle has also been sanctioned for the Forest Department to carry Monkey Sterilization  activities at Sastar in district Hamirpur more effectively.
  It approved contractual salary of the Ayurveda Medical Officers  (AMO)  being appointed through Rogi Kalyan Samities on the analogy of National Rural Health Mission. An AMO shall be eligible to draw a contractual salary of Rs. 16,000 per month for serving in the rural areas of the State; Rs. 18,000 for serving in Kinnaur district (except Pooh Tehsil and Hang Rung Sub-Tehsil), Bharmour in district Chamba, Chhota and Bara Bhangal  in district Kangra; Rs. 20,000 for posting in the entire district of Lahaul and Spiti, Pooh Tehsil and Hung Rung Sub-Tehsil of District Kinnaur, Dodra-Kwar area in district Shimla. Appointees serving in urban areas shall continue getting existing emoluments.
  It has been decided to launch Mahila Gram Panchayat Swasthaya Sahayaka Scheme in the State with a view to strengthen the health services network in the rural areas of the State and also generate employment avenues to the rural educated women at their door steps.  In the First Phase 1,172 Mahila Gram Panchayat Swasthaya Sahayaks shall be engaged.  The Scheme will be extended to all the Gram Panchayats in the State in a phased manner.
  It has been decided to convert EGS Instructors/Voluntary Teachers, who have completed four years of service and possess plus two educational qualifications into Grameen Vidya Upasaks Cabinet approved allotment of 25 projects of 0-2 MW, totalling 26.95 MW capacity, and 4 others of 2-5MW, aggregating to 13 MW, for allotment to State Domiciled applicants with a view to develop entrepreneurship amongst the educated unemployed youth of the State.
  It approved enhancement in the Social Security Pension of the Ex-Servicemen and their Widows, who otherwise are not availing  pensionary benefits under any of the Centre and State Government Plans,  from existing Rs. 200 to Rs. 330 per month from January, 2009, and shall benefit 2,055 persons in the State.
  It also decided to recruit another 25  Ayurvedic Medical Officers (AMOs) on contract basis through respective Rogi Kalyan Samitis over and above 150 already approved for appointment.
  It approved creation of 4  post of Professors one each  in the  departments of Paediatrics, Pathology, Ophthmology and CTVS to fulfill the requirement of Medical Council of India to start admissions to 100 additional seats of MBBS on the Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
  It approved New Policy for serving GDOs to take admission into Post Graduate Degree and Diploma Courses in the Government Medical Colleges of the State.  50 percent of the seats shall be filled up on All India Quota basis while out of  remaining 50 percent  quota at the discretion of the State Government, 66.66 percent shall be filled up from amongst the serving GDOs and 33.33 percent  under  Direct Admission Quota  respectively in a phased manner.  For the academic session 2009-10 the ratio between GDOs and Direct Quota shall be 66:33; 2010-11, 70:30; 2011-12, 80:20; 2012-13, 90:10;  and from 2013-14 onwards it would be on 95:5  percent basis for GDOs and direct quota respectively.  Service condition for serving in tribal, difficult, backward and rural areas shall be mandatory to the serving GDOs to take admission in the PG courses.  To qualify for admission a GDO shall be required to have served in Pangi Sub-Division of District Chamba, entire district of Lahaul and Spiti, Pooh Sub-Division of district Kinnaur ( Pooh Tehsil and Hang Rung Sub-Tehsil)  and Dodra Kwar Sub-Division of district Shimla for at least two years;  entire district Kinnaur (except Pooh Tehsil and Hang Rung Sub-Tehsil) and Bharmour Sub-Division of district Chamba for at least three years; Developmental Block Chopal, Chohara (except Dodra Kwar area), Sangrah, Shillai, Karsog, Seraj, Ani, Tissa, Salooni, Jubbal Kotkhai and Bara Bhangal area in Baijnath Sub-Division for at least four years; entire State except the above stations and Municipal Limits of Shimla, Solan, Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Notified area for five years and six years service in the Municipal area of Shimla, Solan towns and Notified area of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh area.
  Cabinet granted one time relaxation in essential educational qualification in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules, of 12 daily wage workers in HIMUDA to regularise them on Work Charge basis.
  It consented to continue the upgraded 98 posts of Head Constables of Executive Clerical Cadre to the various higher grades in the Police Department of the State.
  It also granted permission to advertise 5MW Kunkli HEP in district Chamba on BOOT basis to the private entrepreneur to undertake execution on competitive bidding norms.
  It approved draft enactment of Himachal Pradesh Municipality Disclosure Bill, 2009 with a view to improve local governance, including accountability and transparency in Municipal Administration to implement the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)  in the State.
  It granted permission to merge Shimla Forest Division (Urban) with Shimla Forest Division (Regional) and Shimla Wild Life Division.
  It approved purchase of two vehicles for Rural Development Department for the Block Development Officers of Narkanda in district Shimla and Indora in district Kangra for more mobility and effective monitoring the developmental projects within their jurisdiction.
  It also amended the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Clerks (Class-III Non-Gazetted) in the Department of Public Works to carry 70 percent recruitments directly on contract basis and 20 percent by limited competitive examination from within the departmental class IV eligible candidates.
  It agreed to issue Letter of Intent in favour of Manav Bharti Charitable Trust, village Laddo, Tehsil and District Solan to set up University in the Private Sector.
  It also renewed the State Guarantee over the Cash Credit Limit of Rs. 60 lakh  in favour of Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation Limited for next five years.
3rd February,2009

 

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held at Dharamshala granted approval to regularise the services of 248 daily wagers fulfilling eligibility criteria for respective posts in the Department of Ayurveda, completing 8 years of regular service, as on 31st March, 2008, in consonance with the Regularisation Policy of the State Government.  It has also been decided to convert 131 part time workers completing 10 years of regular service, as daily wagers. 
  Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the meeting.

 

  It approved issuance of No Objection Certificate in favour of Shivalik Education Welfare Society, Shimla, for admitting 100 students in B.Sc. Nursing Course and another 100 students for General Nursing Midwifery (GNM) course, besides permitting Vardhman Education Society, Nalagarh, to admit 40 students to B.Sc. Nursing Course additionally.  The decision aims at private participation in skill upgradation endeavour of the State Government to man the health institutions.
   It also accepted the compliance report in respect of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering, New Delhi, paving the way to establish Engineering University in the Private Sector in the State.
   It approved transfer of 4 hectares of land in Mohal Bhoi, in tehsil Shahpur, district Kangra to raise the Border Security Force Battalion, in favour of BSF; 0-82-87hectares of land in Fati Burua Mohal in district Kullu in favour of Baba Prakash Puri Anjni Mahadev to construct temple and Sarai Bhawan at an annual lease basis.
   It approved appointment of two drivers in the Deputy Commissioner office, Chamba, on contract basis; one post of Reader-cum-Ahalmad and two clerks for the office of State Information Commission.
28thJanuary,2009 Cabinet in its meeting held here last evening decided to cancel allotment of 7 Small Hydro Electric Project for not complying to the terms and conditions laid down in the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the State Government by the IPPs, forfeit their earnest money and bank guarantee for not starting the project construction work within the prescribed time frame.  The projects include Machhad-I, 3 MW; Machhad-II, 2 MW; Koot, 5 MW;  in district Shimla;  Anu, 2 MW; Chennari, 3 MW and Bakhli, 4.5 MW; in district Mandi; and Moujhi-III, 2.5 MW in district Kangra.  It has also been decided to re-advertise the above projects to invite fresh proposals.
  It approved bringing of 14,766  new old age, widows, handicapped and lepers, under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme from 1st April, 2008, thereby raising the number of such beneficiaries in the State to 2,52,048 and disburse them Rs. 105 crore annually as pensionary benefits.  New pensioners shall be disbursed arrears worth Rs. 4.5 crore for 10 months of the current financial year and pay the same from coming month onwards alongwith old beneficiaries.
 

It also decided to rationalise various posts/institutions in Animal Husbandry Department of the State with a view to give boost to animal husbandry activities and accordingly upgrade 25 existing Veterinary Dispensaries to that of Veterinary Hospitals/Central Veterinary Dispensaries, besides opening of 2 new Veterinary Hospitals, 15 Veterinary Dispensaries and 2 new Semen Banks in the State thereby generate employment and self employment avenues at the door steps of the rural youth.

 

It consented to grant permission for setting up of 23 B.Sc, Nursing and General Nursing Midwifry (GNM) courses in private sector with intake capacity of 400 in B.Sc. Nursing and 960 in GNM Courses to meet the skilled manpower to man health institutions in a professional manner.

 

It decided to regularise the services of 14 school cadre contract lecturers and teachers who having completed 8 years of service, as on 31.1.09 and 31.3.09 respectively.

  It also consented to regularise the service of 122 contract JBT teachers in Elementary Education Department, who have completed  8 years of regular service as on 31st March, 2008, by granting relaxation in the plus two educational qualification condition to the graduate teachers.
 

Cabinet approved Policy Guidelines regarding processing and allotment of Self Identified Hydro Electric Projects and decided that the Department  shall not accept any Self Identified Project till June, 30, 2009 and decide all previously received cases finally at its own level by this date.  Allotment letter shall contain the condition that HPSEB shall have right to First Refusal for the power generated from all projects, except where the IPP intends to use it for captive consumption within the State of Himachal Pradesh.

 

It approved introduction of Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Repeal Bill, 2009, during the ensuing HP State Legislative Assembly Budget Session, with a view to maintain autonomy of the Associations in the State. The reason for repealing the Sports Act. 2005, and introducing the aforesaid Bill thereof was that the same was not meeting its purpose as out of 42 Associations registered with H.P.Sports Council, only 21 Associations had got themselves registered under the Act.  The Act was subject to opposition by the Indian Olympic Association and the same had directed the National Federations not to allot National Championships to those States that have brought such legislation.

  It consented to lease out 179 kanal land in village Chheb near Kangra for 99 years on token lease fee of Re. 1.00, to pave the way for the construction of the National Institute of Fashion Technology campus.
 

It further decided to grant an amount of Rs. 36.40 lakh for additionality as 10 percent State Share for Panchayat Yuva Krida Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) Scheme for the current financial year aimed at promoting sports culture areas and motivate exponential growth in number of high performing sportspersons.

 

It decided to amend the Industrial Policy of the State by incorporating Bio-Technology as leading industry and provide various incentives, except exemption in the electricity charges.  It has also been decided to adopt liberal attitude for transfer of industrial plots/sheds  in consonance with the Industrial Policy.

 

It approved creation of 36 posts of teaching and non-teaching categories to man the newly upgraded Senior Secondary Schools, Somnachni and Khunachi in Chachiot area of district Mandi and Siddhpurdhar in Jwali area of district Kangra.

 

It granted permission to fill up 3 vacancies of teachers on contract basis in the newly upgraded Government Middle School, Rain Galu, in district Mandi to cater to the educational needs of the students; one post of driver in the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department by secondment from surplus pool of the HP State Forest Corporation.

 

Cabinet granted permission to fill up 15 posts of Civil Judge (Junior Division) in Subordinate Courts in the State.

 

It further decided to make provision of educational qualification as Matric in the appointment of constable in the Police Department, reserved for Ex-Servicemen, and further amend Rule 12.10 of Punjab Police Rules, 1934, to incorporate qualification provisions accordingly.

 

It approved the draft H.P.Electricity (Duty) Bill, 2009, to be presented in the Himachal Pradesh State Legislative Assembly to repeal existing H.P. Electricity (Duty) Act, 1975.

  It granted approval to the amendment in the Permission Rules of the Core, Green and Heritage zones under Shimla Planning Area.
 

It approved incorporation of Himachal Pradesh Lift Rule, 2008 into the Himachal Pradesh Lift Act, 2007.

   
17thJanuary,2009 The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today granted approval to allot 13, Hydro Electric Projects to IPPs (Independent Power Producers),  having total capacity of 1,583.50 MW.  This will fetch Rs. 316.70 crore as Upfront Premium to the State Exchequer besides additional incentive of free power, over and above the mandatory 12 percent free power, ranging between 13.13 to 26.11 percent in consonance to the provisions of the New Power Policy of Himachal Pradesh.  Projects include  Riyoli/Dugali 420 MW; Saili, 320 MW; Duggar 236 MW; Saach Khas 149 MW; Miyar and Khoksar 90 MW each; Tingret 81 MW; Mane Nadang 70 MW; Lara 60 MW;  Kuling Lara 40 MW; Siyul 13 MW;  Kilhi Bahal 7.5 MW;  and Shalvi 7 MW.
  It decided not to charge any Upfront Premium from the State Domiciled IPPs, upto 5 MW,  in view of the  development of entrepreneurship amongst the educated youth of the State in power sector.  However, they will be required to provide free power to the State as per the Power Policy provisions.  The Cabinet  okayed allotment of 27 Self Identified Hydro Electric Projects with total capacity of 81.90 MW  in Private Sector on BOOT (Built, Own, Operate and Transfer) basis.
  .It also permitted execution of 19 Small Electric Hydro Electric Projects, having capacity of 76.30 MW, under State Sector by HIMURJA which includes, Kothi Stage-II 1.5MW, Lower Sumez 3 MW, Tauhuk 3 MW in district Kullu; Sechigad 3.8 MW, Kareri 5 MW, Supin 5 MW, Tangnu 5 MW, Sundru 5 MW in district Shimla; Chanju Mehad 5 MW, Tanger Bhaled 5 MW, Chakka 5 MW, Kihan 5 MW, Mehled 4 MW and Hared 4 MW in district Chamba; Upper Neogal 5 MW in district Kangra; Sarogi 2.2 MW, Nakathana 2.1 MW in district Mandi; Jhaneti 2.5 MW in district Sirmour and Rupi (Tikada) 5 MW in district Kinnaur.
  It also approved Amendment in Chapter V, Clause XIII of the Hydro Power Policy-2006, for its more effective implementation
   It granted approval for filling up 50 posts of  medical specialists in anaesthesisa, gyanaecology, general surgery and ortho surgery in various health institutions, barring Shimla town, on contract basis through respective Rogi Kalyan Samitis with a view to provide people of the area specialised medical services near to their homes.  It has also been decided to grant Rs. 5,000 as additional incentive over and above  contractual salary to such medical specialists.
  It sanctioned purchase of 6 campers and 7 bolero on replacement basis for Hydrology Project-II of Irrigation and Public Health Department for more effective functioning and mobility by the field functionaries of the department.
  It granted approval to introduce one additional Diploma Course in Civil Engineering in Government Polytechnic, Ambota, district Una from next academic session and sanctioned four new posts of instructors in the discipline.
  It approved amendment in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officers in the Department of Ayurveda, Himachal Pradesh, in pursuance of the Recruitment Policy of the State Government to carry  50 percent batchwise and 50 percent direct recruitment.
  It approved renaming of Government Degree College, Reckong-Peo in district Kinnaur  as Thakur Sen Negi Government Degree College, Reckong-Peo.
 

 

9thJanuary,2009 The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today  approved the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan for various hydro electric projects being executed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited  aimed at providing best package to each of the project affected family by improving their quality of life in the project area through better infrastructure, sustainable income, better skills and generally contribute to and be a part of the development of the area and the people; to create good will for the organization for long term relationship; to ensure that rights of individual and society, particularly those belonging to the weaker sections of the society, are adequately protected; creating employment opportunities for local people through various self-employment schemes or indirect employment in project activities, as also deliver prompt assistance to the  local people in extreme hardships. The Plan shall be got prepared on socio-economic baseline for each project through independent surveys beside providng 100 units free power every month to each of the project affected families for 10 years.  The landless shall be entitled to draw Resettlement Grant ranging between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 2.5 lakh as one time relief in addition to the compensation of the land. Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities shall be developed to rehabilitate the project affected families.  Free medical facilities shall be made available to the project affected families.  Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families, if settled outside the district, shall be entitled to avail  additional resettlement grant of 25 percent.
  It approved Consumer Awareness Policy aimed at creation of mass awareness about the consumer rights by constituting State/District Level Consumer Protection Councils to launch awareness campaigns from time to time.  The Policy shall be implemented by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department all over the State.
  It granted approval for restoration of 0.85MW Roolang Small Hydro Electric Project in  district Mandi with the condition that the executing company shall furnish security charges as per Hydro Power Policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA besides pay extension charges @ Rs. 10,000 per MW per month for obtaining the Techno Economic Clearance from HP State Electricity Board.
   
2nd January,2009 The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to name ‘Micro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Project’ of Rs. 198.09 crore  as ‘Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojna’, for implementation from current financial year which would be completed in next four years period.  Scheme aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks, boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes.  Scheme aims at bringing about 20,000 hectares of land under the fold of irrigation facilities and save irrigation water ranging from 25 to 50 percent, beside increasing crop yield in quality farm produce.
  Cabinet decided to repeal Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act, 2005, in order to maintain the autonomy of the Associations in the State and  keeping in view the opposition of the Indian Olympic Association for the same and  approved promulgation of  H.P. Sports (Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Associations) repeal Ordinance 2008.
  It decided to merge the State Gazeteer office with Art Language and Culture Department by transferring the technical staff their and adjust non-technical staff in Disaster Management Cell.
  It decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers on batchwise basis subject to maximum of five years,  redressing the long outstanding demand of the unemployed BAMS candidates.
  It decided to lease 139-6-5 bighas of land alongwith with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal, Tehsil Sadar of District Mandi in the name of Employees State Insurance Corporation to pave the way for opening of Medical College and Hospital, on token lease money of Re. 1/- for construction of building and other infrastructural activities over the same.
  It approved payment of grant-in-aid to the officials of the HP State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited for the financial years of 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08, thus redressing their long pending demand.
  It further decided to increase the cadre strength of Inspector Grade-I from existing 81 to 83 in Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.
  It decided to fill up one vacant post of Additional Director of Agriculture and upgrade the post of Divisional Engineer (Soil Conservation) to Superintending Engineer (Soil Conservation) in view of strengthening the department and carry agricultural activities more vigorously besides 40 posts of different categories in the Engineering Wing for smooth functioning of the department.
  It also sanctioned total 5 posts, i.e 2 posts of Vedacharya and 3 posts of Jyotishacharya for Government Sanskrit Colleges in the State.
  .It approved Amendment/Repeal in Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Head of Department (Computer Engineering) in the Department of Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training.
  It approved amendments in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Assistant Engineer (Electrical), Class-I (Gazetted) in HP Public Works Department.
  It approved amendment in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Private Secretary (Gazetted Class-I) in the Department of Election and consented to recruit 9 Election Kanungo and  18 clerks on contract basis as per the provisions in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the same.
  It also approved filling up of two posts of drivers in Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) Bhatiyat and Ghumarwin on contract basis.
  It also approved amendment in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Joint Director (Health) in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
  It granted permission to lease the Government land in favour of M/S Himachal Sorang Power Private Limited to pave the way for construction of 100MW Hydro Electric Power Project at Sarang in district Kinnaur at the rate of Rs. 1.00 lakh per bigha, per year, to be paid in advance to the Government by the company.
  It further approved enhancement in the Block Government Guarantee in favour of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation, Delhi, without levying of guarantee fee and commitment charges.
  The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet also approved in the remuneration/honorarium to the members of HP State Commission for Backward Classes and Members of HP State Women Commission @ Rs. 600 per sitting or Rs. 10,000 per month, whichever is higher.

 
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