Cabinet Decisions
 IMPORTANT CABINET DECISIONS OF
THE STATE GOVERNMENT IN THE YEAR--- 2009
26 Dec, 2009 Cabinet decided to shift Government Nurses Training Centre, Dharamshala, to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital, Kangra at Tanda so as to make it a Centre of Excellence, keeping in view the latest educational and training facilities available in campus.
It approved filling up of 50 vacancies of clerical cadre in HP Secretariat through direct recruitment; 14 posts of drivers in Deputy Commissioners offices in the State on contract basis; creation of two posts of Junior Scale Stenographers and two posts of Peons in Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Board.
It approved amendment in H.P. Allotment of Government Residences (General Pool) Rules, 1994.
 
9 Dec, 2009  Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved adoption of recommendations emerged during the wrap up of National Conference on Forestry Solutions: Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation of the Impacts of Climate Change, held from November 19 to 21, 2009, at Shimla, as State Document, to formulate a State Action Plan for Forestry, which shall be a road map for the HP Forest Department for implementation in the State.
It granted approval to the revised food norms under National Programme of Mid Day Meal in State owned educational institutions by enhancing the expenditure from Rs. 1.93 per meal to Rs. 2.50 at Primary stage and from Rs. 2.75 per meal to Rs. 3.75 at Upper Primary stage.
It approved release of revised pay scales to the left out categories of the HP State Electricity Board from January 1, 2006.
It decided to extend the time period for vesting the HP State Electricity Board into corporate entity by another six months from December 15, 2009.
 It sanctioned creation of 134 posts of drivers on contract basis and 134 posts of Bus Sahayaks on 3.50 percent commission basis for the buses which shall be plying in the State under Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission.
It approved Policy on Evaluation of educational institutions of the State Government and Government aided Educational Institutions, based upon the results of the HP Board of School Examinations making Heads of the Institutions and teachers of the concerned educational institutions accountable for poor results.
It  approval proposal for the launch of the ‘Polythene Hatao – Paryavaran Bachao’ campaign to be launched throughout the State from December 21 to 27, 2009.
It granted approval for a Project for the Development and Exploitation of Fish from Thein Dam and fill up  functional vacancies through internalization.
 It decided to take over the services of  teachers and staff of the Chander Dhar Guleri  Degree College, Haripur (Dehra) which has recently been taken over by the State Government under its fold. who fulfill the Recruitment and Promotion Rules requirements of the given category
It granted approval to the draft Himachal Pradesh Urban Rent Control (Amendment) Bill, 2009, for presenting the same in the forthcoming HP State Legislative Assembly Session. 
 It consented to remove discrepancies in the recruitment procedure to determine merit of  Pharmascists in Health and Family Welfare Department.
 
4 Dec, 2009

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to continue with the Market Intervention Scheme in the interest of the fruit growers of the State and assist them in getting remunerative price for their produce in various terminal markets and also check their exploitation at the hands of middlemen.  The State Government has decided to  procure B and C Grade Kinnow, Malta, Sangtra citrus fruits @ Rs. 5.85 per kg. and Rs. 5.25 per kg. respectively and Galgal fruit @ Rs. 4.15 per kg.  The Scheme will be implemented in the State w.e.f. December 4, 2009 to February 15, 2010.  Procurement agencies for the operation shall be HPMC, HIMFED and HPAIC through 52 citrus fruit procurement centres.

It authorised the HP State Electricity Board to implement the revised pay scales to its employees w.e.f. 1st January, 2006.
It approved setting up of Himachal Pradesh Technical University at Hamirpur and agreed in principle to grant loan for starting the University and also sanctioned 37 posts of different categories to make the University functional.
It approved launching of Centrally sponsored Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan for classes from 9th to 12th standard in the State.
It decided to enhance the monthly remunerations  of 66  contractual Medical Officers in the Health and Family Welfare Department from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 26,250 for GDOs and from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000 for Specialists.  The decision would  also benefit 279 medical officers appointed under Rogi Kalyan Samitis.
It granted permission to fill up 68 vacancies of  Veterinary Officers on contract basis at a fixed (pre-revised)  remuneration of  Rs. 14,000 per month in Animal Husbandry Department.
It approved  creation and filling up of one post of System Analyst and one post of Programmer in the Computer Cell of the Excise and Taxation Department by adopting the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of  Information Technology and Social Justice and Empowerment Departments.
It granted permission to engage 9 drivers on contract basis from HP Ex-Servicemen Corporation, Hamirpur for deployment in the Hydrology Project of IPH Department.
 Cabinet approved creation of six posts of different categories in Public Works Department for deployment in the Land Acquisition Unit of National Highway Authority Office at Solan to undertake speedy execution of four-laning project between Parwanoo and Solan.
It decided to bring about a legislation in the forthcoming HP State Legislative Assembly Session under Himachal Pradesh Hindu Religious Institution and Charitable Endowment Act, 1984, to dispose off the gold and silver donated by devotees in the notified religious shrines of the State.
It approved re-location of the HP PWD Sub Division, at its original station at Tanda which  had earlier been shifted to the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kangra.
It granted approval for opening of Soil Conservation Sub-Section at Kupvi, in Shimla district to facilitate the farmers of remote Kupvi area.
It approved draft Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Smoking and  Non-Smokers Health Protection Repeal Bill, 2009 and Himachal Pradesh Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institution (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property), Bill, 2009 for presenting the same in the HP Legislative Assembly.
It decided to re-advertise Sumta (104 MW), Rashil (102 MW), Tandi (104 MW) and Patam (60 MW) and invite fresh bids from the IPPs.
It also decided to re-advertise 130 MW capacity Sumte Kothang HEP for execution by inviting bids as per the New Power Policy of the State Government.
It decided to impose a penalty of Rs. 280,69,97,974 equal to the up-front premium  and interest thereon amount,  upon the allottee M/s Brakel Corporation NV , of 960 MW Jangi-Thopan-Powari HEP in district Kinnaur.
It has been decided to issue show cause notice to the Ski Village Project executing Company to explain the reasons for not fulfilling various mandatory requirements pointed out by the State Government.
It approved transfer of government operative Gau-Sadans at Khajjian in district Kangra and village Jaghana in Tehsil Arki in district Solan alongwith the land measuring 100 bighas to Nagani Mata Gaudham Samiti, Khajjian and Gopal Sansrakshan Samiti, Jaghana, respectively.
 It decided to return 1 kanal 5 marla land to its owners who had donated the land for construction of Primary Health Centre at mohal mouja Mahalata in tehsil Bhoranj in district Hamirpur, free of any incumberances, including registration fee and  stamp duty.
It decided to transfer 6-98-12 hactares of land in Mohal Barnoh, Tehsil and District Una and 9,265.21 square meters in mauja up-mohal Station Ward Bara Shimla, in favour of Youth Services and Sports Department, for sports promotion and infrastructure creation activities.
It sanctioned four light and 7 medium motor vehicles for the more efficient mobility and maintenance of law and order conditions in favour of HP Police Department, two Boleros to Labour and Employment Department on replacement basis.
It approved Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Assistant Registrar (Class-I Gazetted) in HP State Consumer Redressal Forum.
 
 23 Nov., 2009 The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today approved financial benefits  to the contractual employees in line with the revised pay scales  and decided to provide emoluments to contractual employees working in different departments of the State Government equal to minimum of the pay band plus grade pay, of the specific category, with effect from December 1, 2009.
It decided to follow the recommendations of Provident Fund Regulation and Development Authority for Management of  New Contributory Pension Scheme on the analogy of the Government of India and other States and link the same with the market trends  so as to ensure maximum interest gains to the contributing employees.
It granted approval for establishment of a Bio-Technology Park on PPP  Model at Aduwal (near Nalagarh) in district Solan, at an estimated cost of Rs. 200 crore and generate employment to approximately 500 persons. It authorised the concerned department to invite bids from the private developers for setting up of proposed Bio-Technology Park and agreed in principle to release State share of Rs. 14 crore for the basic infrastructure development, i.e. road, power, water, site development, clearances and civil infrastructure for BT Incubator etc..
It  approved creation of 539 posts of Helpers for  539 Mini Aanganwadi Centres and 138 additional posts of Aanganwadi Workers and  138 posts of Helpers  to man 138 new Aanganwadi Centres in the State with a view to strengthen the Integrated Child Development Services network for delivery of  efficient services and  implementation of the nutrition programme to the children and lactating/pregnant mothers all over the State.
Cabinet approved renewal of the contract period of the 64 Dental Medical Officers upto March, 2010 and to simultaneously start the recruitment process afresh to fill up  vacancies through designated recruitment agency.
It approved upgradation of the Nagar Panchayats, Nagrota Bagwan, Baddi, Ghumarwin, Manali and Rohru to Municipal Councils and also upgrade the posts of Secretaries to Executive Officers.
It consented to fill up vacancies of Director (Electrical), Director (Civil) and Director (Finance) in the HP Power Corporation Limited.
Himachal PradeshIt approved Energy Conservation Measures such as CFLs/LEDs/T-5 tubes for commercial, non-domestic and institutional services having consumption of 20 KV and above  for street lighting in urban areas and make solar water harvesting system in all 50 bedded hospitals/nursing homes, hotels etc. mandatory within a time frame of one year.
Himachal PradeshIt decided to name the reservoir of Renuka Dam Project as ‘Bhagwan Parshuram Sagar’, the local presiding deity.
It approved the Draft Himachal Pradesh Excise Bill, 2009, for introduction in the coming Winter Session of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
It decided to permit ‘Dudharu Pashu Sudhar Samiti’, Solan,  to conduct Veterinary Training Courses in private sector.
It granted approval to shift 15 posts of different categories, declared surplus with the closing down of the Cattle Breeding Farm, Kamand, in district Mandi to other various veterinary institutions and offices as per their requirement.
It approved enhancement of Authorized Share Capital from Rs. 5 crore to Rs. 10 crore in favour of HP Minorities Development and Finance Corporation.
It approved Amendment in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of Deputy Director (School Cadre).                                                       
 
 9 Nov., 2009  Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to adopt revised Health Insurance Scheme for Handloom Weaver under Handloom Weaver Comprehensive Welfare Scheme aiming at financially enabling the weaver community of the State to access the best of healthcare facilities. 16,000 weaver families shall be brought under its cover during current financial year.  The beneficiary shall be eligible to spend upto Rs. 7,500 per annum on their treatment in any of the hospitals/clinics, as outdoor patient, while as indoor patient, in any of the enlisted hospitals of the State Government the upper limit shall be Rs. 15,000 per annum.  Beneficiaries shall be contributing only Rs. 95.20 as annual premium for availing health insurance cover while the rest of the premium shall be borne by the State Government.
Cabinet decided to recommend convening of the  Winter Session of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly at Dharamshala from December 14 to 21, 2009.
It also moved a resolution to condole the death of the bus accident victims which took place at Haripur in district Kangra recently and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls, strength to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss and wished speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.
It approved Amendments in ‘River/Stream Bed Mining Policy Guidelines for the State of Himachal Pradesh, 2004’ to grant permission for extraction of sand, stone and bajri for open/free sale in the river/stream beds falling in Government land through auction/tender, whereas mining lease for the same purpose shall be granted only in private land.  Provided that neither auction shall be done nor mining lease for open sale of mineral shall be granted in border areas like Nalagarh Sub-Division and Kasauli Tehsil of district Solan; Chakki Khad and Neugal Khad in district Kangra; and Seer Khad passing through the districts of Bilaspur and Hamirpur, where there are chances of over exploitation of river/stream beds and illegal transportation of mineral outside the State.  Other border areas shall also be included on the basis of study being conducted.  Leases for free sale upto area measuring 5 hectare for a period of upto 5 years in areas shall be granted in private land subject to the condition that no bounders/cobbles/hand broken road ballast shall be allowed to be transported outside the State.
Cabinet decided to re-advertise projects Dugar (236 MW); Kilhi Bahl (7.5 MW); Mane Nadang (70 MW); Lara (60 MW); Tingret (81 MW);  Kuling Lara (40 MW) and Suil (13 MW) HEP by inviting fresh bids as per the provisions of the latest Power Policy of the State Government.
In order to curb frequency of road accidents it has been decided to make licensing regime more stringent and all the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. 1988and Rules are to be  implemented in letter and spirit before issuance of driving licenses.  To curb reckless driving, violation and non-adherence of time table by the stage carriage operators offences shall be compounded under Section 192-A of the Act which provides for penalty ranging between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000.
Cabinet accepted the recommendations of the Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Board with regard to claiming of free power royalty from the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) of Small Hydro Projects upto 5 MW capacity, as per the revised Power Policy of the State in cases where its Implementation Agreements are yet to be entered into.  IPPs who have not started  work on their projects so far  shall be closely monitored and  reviewed beside  show cause notice issued so that non-serious IPPs allotments could be cancelled.
It granted permission for conduct of Common Entrance Test for admission to 1,923 seats for  2 Year JBT Course/Session 2009-11. 
It granted approval to renew the Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme to provide insurance cover to all the government employees upto Rs. 2 lakh.
It decided to invite Expression of Interests  as per the survey conducted by M/s RITES for construction of ropeways from Neugal to  (Kandi) Palampur and Shah Talai to Deoth Siddh.
It approved  revised guidelines for setting up of Universities in the private sector in the State as per the amended guidelines.
It approved amendments in the H.P.State Guest Rules to make it in tune with the changing requirements.
It decided to lift ban on seating capacity of maxi cab imposed earlier which shall now be permitted to ply vehicles with sitting capacity upto 12 instead of 9 plus 1 allowed earlier.
Cabinet approved filling up of 20 posts of constables on regular basis on compassionate grounds from amongst the  dependents of deceased police personnel who have died in harness and  2 posts of stenographers in the Department of Labour and Employment.
 
 12 Oct., 2009 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today approved pensionary benefits to all its pensioners/family pensioners employees with effect from  1st January, 2006, on the analogy of the revised Pension Rules of the Government of India.  Revised pension will be payable from October, 2009 to be paid from November, 2009.  The decision would benefit 97,300 pensioners and 15,200 family pensioners in the State who will be getting additional annual financial benefits to the tune  of Rs. 340 crore  while Rs. 1,100 crore shall be  spent  on their pension arrears. It also decided to release two DA instalments due to the pensioners at the rate of 6 percent from January, 2009 and 5 percent from July, 2009, in cash, and deliver them additional  financial benefits worth Rs. 120 crore per annum on this account.  Thereby the pensioners in the State would be getting financial benefits worth Rs,560 crore.
It approved Himachal Pradesh Civil Services (Revised Pay) (First Amendment) Rules, 2009, to implement the recommendations of the 5th Pay Commission, as applicable in Punjab State, in which the employees reaching at the maximum of the pay-band shall be placed in the next higher pay-band and get benefit of one additional increment at the time of such placement.
It approved draft Timber Distribution Rights Rules, 2009, for public notification to invite objections and suggestions of the public in the light of Hon”ble High Court orders dated 3rd September, 2009. In the draft Rules the Timber Distribution to the right holders has been rationalised keeping in view various Court orders, the need for increase in green cover, and environmental necessities as well as the genuine demands of the right holders.
It granted permission to award widening and improvement of  39.173 kms. stretch of Ranital-Kotla section of the Mubarakpur-Dehra-Ranital-Kotla road and 26.280 kms. portion of Bhawarna-Lamba Gaon stretch of Bhawarna-Lambagaon-Jaisinghpur road to Valecha-Dilip JV between  M/s Valecha Engineering Limited, Mumbai and M/s Dilip Buildcon, Bhopal,  at a cost of Rs. 62,66,80,579/-. and Rs. 56,07,17,428/- respectively.
It granted permission to fill up five vacancies of the Excise and Taxation Officers by promotion out of its feeder category of Excise and Taxation Inspectors by granting one time relaxation in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the same.
It granted permission to the Department of Ayurveda to purchase three  vehicles and Industries Department to purchase one new vehicle for more effective mobility and monitoring of its developmental programmes.
 
 30Sept., 2009
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today took a Policy Decision to convert the services of all the  part-time workers in different Government Departments, Boards and Corporations into daily wagers who have completed 10 years of continuous part-time service as on March 31, 2009.  This decision of the State Government would benefit  about  3,000  part-time workers.
It decided to regularise the services of 563 daily wagers who fulfill eligibility criteria, as per the norms laid down by the State Government for regularisation purposes, besides having completed the prescribed regular service of eight years upto March 31, 2008 in the Irrigation and Public Health Department by creating 31 new posts in the class IV category and filling up 532 existing vacancies  in the department.
It consented to elevate 872 Panchayat Sahayaks, who have satisfactorily completed eight years of service on 31 March, 2008 and fulfill all other eligibility conditions,  to the posts of Panchayat Secretaries on contract basis who shall be paid contractual salary of Rs. 4,680 at par with other contractual Panchayat Secretaries.
It approved up-gradation of two posts of Deputy Secretary to Joint Secretary and creation of one post each of Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary  in the Department of Law with a view to strengthen the department and clear all pendancies.
It approved relaxation in educational qualifications to pave the way for regularisation of 26 daily wagers in the Department of Forest against the existing vacancies.
It decided to delegate powers under Article 299 of the Constitution of India to the Chief Executive Officer, Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and other relevant documents proposed to be executed between the State of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab for construction of access controlled express-way connecting Baddi Industrial Area with Mohali in Punjab.
It also approved Policy Guidelines under Forest Conservation Act, 1980, for making recommendations for obtaining forest clearances for different developmental projects.
It agreed to grant one month extention to M/s CESC Limited allottee of 104 MW Lara Sumta Project; M/s ABG Shipyard Limited allottee of 102 MW Rashil,   104 MW Tandi and 126 MW Bardang Projects; and M/s Surya Pharmaceuticals Limited allottee of 60 MW Patam Project to deposit the up-front premium amount with the State Government.
It approved fresh Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of District Controller, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (Class-I Gazetted) in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
Cabinet directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) to examine possibility of amending the HP Ceiling on Land Holding Act, 1972 to permit sale of Tea Gardens lands in cases of genuine hardship.
 
 18Sept., 2009 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided  to waive off the agriculture loan recovery under ‘Taccavi Loan’ and ‘Loan for Soil Conservation/ Land Development’ pertaining to the year 1950 and 1960,  from 43,485 small and marginal farmers of the State, amounting to Rs. 4,95,89,019                            (Rs. 2,10,821,133.57 principal amount and Rs. 2,85,06,885.78 interest amount upto July, 2009). 
It granted approval for introduction of Emergency Medical Response and Transportation (EMR&T) system in the State by forming a Society and enter into a contract with the Special Purpose Vehicle to be formed by the successful bidder.  There will be a network of 100 to 150 ambulances, stationed at appropriate places all over the State and Emergency Response Centre  equipped with necessary information technology hardware and software to support the system.  The project is likely to cost Rs. 20 crore with recurring expenditure of upto Rs. 15 crore annually.
It decided to permit generation of 8 MW electricity by ACC Limited at Gagal Cement Works, Barmana, district Bilaspur,  based upon Waste Heat Recovery System of kiln pre-heater and cooler exhaust gases of Gagal-I and Gagal-II, at a cost of Rs. 71 crore, strictly under the provisions of the Electricity Act.
It approved constitution of Urban Transport Management Society for plying of buses under the supervision of HP State Road Transport Corporation  under Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urgan Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
It decided to have an optional subject of Urdu and Punjabi classes from 6th to 8th standard in 100 schools each.  It was further decided to grant Rs. 250 as monthly honorarium to the trained serving teachers for teaching Punjabi and Urdu,   and in other schools where trained teachers are not available Rs. 70 per period shall be paid to those teachers who have proficiency in teaching  these  optional languages.
It approved amendment in the guidelines for recruitment of Aanganwari Workers and Aanganwari Sahayikas with a view to adopt more transparent recruitment process and provide ample opportunities to the vulnerable sections of the society.
It approved recruitment of 64 Dental Doctors on contract basic through Rogi Kalyan Samitis.
 Cabinet consented to engage additional manpower of 87 employees of different categories on contract basis  for better supervision under NREGA works.
It approved disposal of Agro India Packaging Industries Limited plant machinery on completion of all codal formalities.
 
 9 Sept., 2009
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to add 2000 MW additional power capacity in Thermal and Gas Sectors out of which 1500 MW shall be attempted by getting coal blocks in the name of the State Government and remaining 500 MW through share under Ultra Mega Power Projects in addition to tie up for gas based projects in the State. It decided that Gyspa and Khab Projects will be developed under State Sector and efforts shall be made to get Khab Project declared as a project of National Importance. 
It granted permission to HIMURJA for inviting open bids, from private players to execute 54 identified Small Hydro Electric Projects ranging between 0.40 MW to 5 MW capacity aggregating to about 134 MW capacity, in different areas all over the State. 30 Projects upto 2 MW capacity will be exclusively reserved for Himachali entrepreneurs as per the Power Policy of the State Government, while they shall be given preference in bidding for execution of other 24 projects beyond 2 MW capacity as well
It approved allotment of Suil (13MW) to M/S MBD Limited; Saach Pass (149 MW) to M/S L&T Power Development Limited.  It also approved that in respect of HEPs, namely Reoli Dugli (420 MW); Dugar (236 MW); Kilhi Bahl (7.5 MW); Mane Nadang (70 MW); Lara (60 MW); Tingret (81 MW); and Kuling Lara (40 MW), where H1 price has not been matched, the 2nd highest bidder (H2) of each project be asked to confirm their price bid quoted in their original bid. 
It also decided to re-advertise the Khoksar (90 MW) HEP in view of very low price bid of H2.
It approved provision of an additional one percent free power by the on going and new Hydro Electric Projects, over and above the free power, to be provided to the State, for the Local Area Development Fund under the New Central Hydro Power Policy, 2008.  Accordingly, the already commissioned Hydro Electric Projects would also be required to provide one percent additional power to the Local Area Development Fund.
It approved Guidelines for Management of Local Area Development Fund (LADF) in respect of Hydro Electric Projects.
It approved filling up of 100 posts of different categories in Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation on secondment basis from surplus pool of the State Government/HP State Electricity Board.
Cabinet approved promotion of  Smt. Sanjo Devi, Forest Guard to the post of Deputy Forest Ranger, in relaxation of  the condition of five years service, for  her winning Gold Medal in National Women Sports Tournament-2008.
It consented to the merger of Nahan Foundry alongwith all assets and liabilities with Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation.
It granted permission to bring lump-sum rate of VAT on brick kilns at par with neighbouring State of Punjab by amending Section 63 of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005.
It granted permission to Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to forward its requisition to the HP Subordinate Services Selection Board, Hamirpur, for filling up of 12 posts of Inspector Grade-I on contract basis, each year during the year 2009 and 2010; creation of 11 posts of different categories and one post of Assistant Controller (Finance and Accounts) on Secondment basis in the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.
It approved creation and recruitment of two additional members in the Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Board, Hamirpur.
It decided to reduce VAT on washing soap, excluding detergent in all forms, from existing 12 percent to 4 percent.
It decided to include the Liquor Industry in the Negative List of Enterprises not entitled for any exemption/concessions of tax.
It approved the lowest tenderer under National Competitive Bidding, M/S NKG Infrastructure Limited, New Delhi, for undertaking construction of 23 Kms. long Draman (Shahpur)-Sihuta Section of the Shahpur-Siunta-Chuwari-Jot-Chamba-Bharmour road at a cost of Rs. 43,01,69,180.
It approved relaxation in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Principal (School Cadre) to pave the way for promotion from amongst the feeder category of Headmasters who have completed less than two years term as Headmaster.
It approved Development Plan of State Data Centre by the State Information Technology Department at Mehli on Shoghi-Junga road.
 
 30th July, 2009 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, which met here today, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, to take stock of the prolonged drought conditions in the State and decided to declare all the 12 districts of the State as drought affected. It decided to summon drought damage report from the field and submit detailed memorandum to the Government of India for compensation under drought relief measures.
  The State has been experiencing deficient rainfall since the month of October, 2008 to July, 2009.  Reports, based upon the ‘Special Girdawari’ ordered in February, 2009, have been received from the Deputy Commissioners, reporting loss of crop ranging upto 96 percent in the entire State.
State has so far received a sum of Rs. 21.22 crore   only, as part payment of the first instalment of Rs. 42 crore,   of the Calamity Relief Fund,  which has been fully utilised by  disbursement to the Deputy Commissioners and various departments for taking corrective measures to deal with drought conditions in respective districts at the field level.  Rs. 7.40 crore have been spent during the period upto July, 2009 over providing subsidy on transporation of water through tankers to water scarce areas.  Rs. 1.20 crore has also been released for the same purpose recently.
 Rs. 16.34 crore have been released to Irrigation and Public Health Department through Deputy Commissioners for drilling of additional hand-pumps in the water scarce areas.  Additionally Rs. 4.02 crore have been released to meet the expenditure on transportation subsidy to farmers. Rs. 5 crore have been released to Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to subsidise the agricultural inputs.
In view of gravity of the prolonged drought conditions in the State, the Cabinet decided to sanction Rs. seven crore, out of its own resources, to meet the contingency of drought.  It also decided to remit the land revenue of the farmers for Rabi and Kharif crops.
 
 27th July, 2009 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to continue with the implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme to procure ‘Fair and Average Quality Apple’ during current crop season with a view to ensuring remunerative prices of the produce to them in various terminal markets of the country and ensure that they are saved from the exploitation at the hands of middlemen.  It has been decided to procure ‘Fair Average Quality Apple’ @ Rs. 5.25 per kg. from the growers from August 1 to October 31, 2009.  HPMC and HIMFED shall be the procurement agencies and the fruit shall be procured direct from orchardists only possessing Horticulture Card.
It decided to launch a new Scheme with private participation aimed at increasing the green cover in the State distributing about 4 lakh free plants to the land owners for carrying plantation over their private land during current financial year.  The Department of Forests shall be the implementing agency of the Scheme.
The Cabinet decided to revise the period of stay from 15 years to 20 years for a Non-Himachali to qualify for obtaining bonafide Himachali Certificate.  Cabinet took note of the wrong propaganda being carried by some vested interests to create misunderstanding amongst people by linking the issue of bonafide Himachali Certificate with the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972 provisions, which was totally wrong and contrary to the spirit behind the decision taken.  It clarified that even among bonafide Himachali only those are eligible for purchase of land who are agriculturists by profession and rest have to go through the laid down procedure for purchase of land in the State.
It has been decided to set up a separate Society under the Societies Registration Act, to manage Employees State Insurance  (ESI) operations under the State Government in order to overcome the current shortcomings in implementing the ESI Scheme in the State.
It has also been decided to continue with the supply of refined oil alongwith other subsidised essential commodities under subsidised Public Distribution System to all the ration card holders of the State.
Cabinet decided to create one Forest Circle at Hamirpur covering Una, Dehra and  Hamirpur Forest Divisions and also to bring some areas of Mandi Division under its operational jurisdiction.
It approved transfer of 585.75 square meters of government land in Changer area of Bilaspur Sadar to pave the way for construction of Polyclinic at Bilaspur to cater to the health services requirements of ex-servicemen and their wards in the area.
Cabinet decided to simplify the Shimla Road Users and Pedestrians (Public Safety and Convenience) Act, 2008, in public interest, with a view to liberalise the process of granting passes for plying vehicles on the sealed and restricted roads of the Shimla town and make the same more people friendly.
It granted permission to fill up 30 posts of Excise and Taxation Inspectors in the Department of Excise and Taxation through direct recruitment out of which 15 posts shall be sent to the HP Subordinate Services Selection Board   during current financial year and remaining 15 will be filled up during next financial year.
It decided to re-engage the services of 19 coaches on contract basis in the Department of Youth Services.                      
 
 18th July, 2009

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to extend maternity benefits to all categories of women employees under Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, who are not covered under CCS (Leave) Rules thereby bringing all the women employees under the ambit of its provisions.

  It decided to float tenders to invite open bids from private players to design, develop, build an Information Technology Park as Green IT Hub of world class over an area of 65 acres of government land at Waknaghat in district Solan with an estimated investment of Rs. 460 crore and generate employment to about 25,000 educated unemployed youth of the State.  Financial capability and experience shall be the criteria for determination of the eligibility of the bidder.  State Government shall be acting as facilitator and provide external infrastructural facilities only. All precautionary steps would be ensured to protect interests of local people.
Cabinet accepted the recommendations of the HP Subordinate Services Selection Board to appoint 224 candidates as Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) Non-Medical (NM) in the Department of Education
It consented to grant permission to 139 SCVT (State Council for Vocational Training) Centres on the recommendations of the Director of Technical Education and Vocational Training, to conduct courses in Hotel Management, Mass Communication, Travel and Tourism, Pump Operation, Marketing and Advertising, Motor Winding, Beautician, LMV Driver cum Maintenance Mechanics, Multi Purpose Mechanic, Plumbing and Sanitation, Textile Technician, Textile Dyeing and Printing.  Each Centre shall be conducting not more than four of the above courses at a time.
Cabinet approved draft Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Bill, 2009 and Himachal Pradesh Excise Bill, 2009 for presenting the same in the coming Monsoon Session of HP Vidhan Sabha.

Based upon the recommendations of the Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Board it allowed open access to all the IPPs throughout the year.  For Small Hydro Electric Projects up to 5 MW concessional royalty will be available only if power is sold to HPSEB or its successor entity.

Cabinet decided to permit execution of 40 MW Baggi Hydro Power Project by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) with the condition that State shall get 12 percent free power as royalty in addition to 15 percent of actual energy generated at bus bar tariff.  BBMB would have to engage 30 percent of HPSEB staff at all executive level on deputation and implement rehabilitation and re-settlement scheme in accordance with Relief and Rehabilitation Policy for Power Projects of Government of Himachal Pradesh.

The Cabinet approved to allow time extension of 30 days to the executors of  Seli (320 MW); Kuling (40MW); Mane Nadang (70MW); Lara (60MW), Kilhi Bahl (7.5 MW), Siul (13MW)  and Dugar (236 MW) to deposit upfront premium.  It has further been decided to allow all eligible bidders to match the highest bid to undertake execution of Saach Khas  (149MW) and Reoli Dugali (420MW) HEPs.

It approved creation of two posts of faculty members in State Institute of Rural Development on secondment basis; one post of Block Development Officer in Rural Development Department on supernumerary basis; 13 posts of Statistical Assistants in Agriculture Department on contract basis.

It decided to promote 48 work inspectors and surveyors possessing diploma in civil engineering in the Irrigation and Public Health Department against the vacant posts of Junior Engineers by granting one time relaxation in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules. 

The Cabinet approved to enhance the State Government Block Guarantee from Rs. 5.00 crore to Rs. 8 crore in favour of National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation, Faridabad and from Rs. 6.00 crore to Rs. 10.00 crore in favour of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation, New Delhi.

It approved opening of two new toll barriers at Nanakpur, Kalu Jhanda Madala Road ( at Madala Chowk) and Rampur Jaggi Truck Union, Barotiwala Road, (near Truck Union) on the escape routes of district Solan for collection of toll under the Himachal Pradesh Tolls Act, 1975.

It has been decided to prepone training programme for Grameen Vidya Upasaks from 2010-11 and 2011-12 to 2009-10 and 2010-11.

The Cabinet approved opening of sub-jail at Nurpur in district Kangra.

It sanctioned purchase of 12 vehicles for Chief Judicial Magistrates on replacement basis; 9 vehicles for Block Development Officers for effective monitoring of the developmental schemes at the grass root level; one motorboat for Police Department for discharging its law and order related duties more effectively.
 
9th July,2009

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved that the Stamp Duty and Registration Fee, chargeable on the instruments of assignment of debt by Financial Institutions chargeable as Conveyance executed in favour of Asset Reconstruction Company constituted under Section 3 of the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (Act No. 54 of 2002) and registered under the Companies Act, 1956 (Act No. 1 of 1956) by the Department of Non-Banking Supervision, Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai, be reduced and fixed to a maximum of Rs. 1.00 lakh as Stamp Duty and a maximum of Rs. 25,000 as Registration Fee.

 

It has been decided to constitute Cabinet Sub Committee to consider the proposals of setting up of medical colleges in public-private-participation basis in Una and Hamirpur and recommend the same to the State Cabinet for final approval.

It decided to withdraw the Himachal Pradesh Education Department (Exemption from Applicability of maximum age limits for direct recruitment in class-III Teaching Services) Rules, 1987, with immediate effect.

It sanctioned additional Rs. 10 lakh for Aman Satya Kachru Memorial Trust.

It has been decided to frame Streamwise distribution formula for  admission to B.Ed. courses in private B.Ed. educational institutions in the State.  Once counselling has been started, no change in distribution of seats will be allowed.  Change, if any, shall be applicable for next academic session.  Academic schedule shall be framed by HP University keeping in view working days, period of examination and admission etc. alongwith teaching practice.  Minimum eligibility condition to admission shall be 50 percent in Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.  Fee structure shall be rationalised.  Upper age limit for admission shall be same as declared by the HP University.  Out of total strength of 100 seats 50 shall be for Art/Commerce, 25 for Medical and 25 for Non-Medical candidates.

It approved inclusion of Wushu and Korf Ball in the categories of sports enlisted for providing 3 percent reservation to the outstanding sportspersons in direct recruitment to various posts in government and public sector undertakings.

It has been decided to create Engineering Cells under Rogi Kalyan Samitis initially in IGMC, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda and all the district hospitals of the State for the maintenance and upkeep of hospital buildings.

It decided to absorb two compilers-cum-assistants deployed in District Gazetter office in the Disaster Management Cell.

It granted permission to fill up one post of Professor (B.Pharmacy) (Class-I Gazetted) in Technical Education Department for its B.Pharmacy College; 2 posts of Veterinary Pharmascists in Wild Life Wing of Forest Department on secondment  basis from State Animal Husbandry Department; 4 posts of different categories under Disaster Management Programme in HP Institute of Public Administration.

It granted relaxation in educational qualification to  7 employees of different categories of Agro Industries Packaging India Limited before deployment in Health and Family Welfare Department against the available posts in respective cadres on secondment basis for a period of one year.

It approved rationalisation of the staff of HPPWD Mechanical Division and  Sub-Division at  Dharamshala and approved deployment in Mechanical Sub-Division at  Palampur. It decided to shift the HPPWD Sub-Division, Tanda to Kangra to take up the infrastructure development activities of the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

It approved amendment in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of  Senior Mountaineer and Avalanche Rescue Instructor (Class-II Gazetted) in Atal Behari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali and granted approval to the Rules for the post of  Deputy Director (Statistics) (Class-I Gazetted) in the Department of Rural Development.
 
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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