Cabinet Decisions
 
 IMPORTANT CABINET DECISIONS OF
THE STATE GOVERNMENT IN THE YEAR--- 2010
25 November 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its Meeting held here today decided to provide free appropriate transport facility to the students travelling daily to their educational institutions to study on foot, covering a minimum distance of 8 kilometers.  It granted approval to adopt new parameters with regard to upgradation of Government Middle and High Schools.  To upgrade a Middle School to High School the  feeder school must have enrolment of atleast 25 students at middle standard and minimum walkable distance of 3 kms. from the nearest High School.  To upgrade the Government High School to Senior Secondary School feeder High School must have enrolment of atleast 40 students at Matric level with minimum of 5 kilometers of distance from the nearest Government Senior Secondary School.
It decided to continue implementation of Market Intervention Scheme for procurement of citrus fruits viz. Kinnow, Malta, Sangtra  and procure B and C Grade citrus fruits @ Rs. 5.85 per kg. and Rs. 5.25 per kg. respectively and Galgal fruit @ Rs. 4.15 per kg during the intervening period of December 1, 2010 to February 15, 2011 to benefit the growers with remunerative prices in various terminal markets and also check their exploitation at the hands of middlemen and traders.  HPMC, HIMFED and HP Agro Industries Corporation would be authorized procurement agencies to operate through 53 Collection Centres.
It granted approval to re-designate 297 Panchayat Sahayaks as Panchayat Secretary who have successfully completed prescribed eight years of service on March 31, 2010, on contract basis, on monthly contractual amount of            Rs. 7,810.
Cabinet approved streamlining of the procedures of planning permissions and rationalization of the procedure of regulation of building maps approved in municipal areas and decided to constitute a Single Umbrella Committee, instead of individual committees, for considering building plans of Core, Restricted and Heritage areas of Municipal Corporation, Shimla.  However, in case of Heritage area the Single Umbrella Committee will approve the maps on the recommendations of the Heritage Advisory Committee.  The Committee shall meet at least once in a month for approval of the maps.
With a view to simplify the map approval process in rest of the State, empanelled Registered Architects would be designated authorities to approve building plans/maps as per regulations and bye laws etc.  However, Special Area Development Authority will be empowered to check any such plan submitted by the Registered Architect to verify the authenticity of such plan.  In case of breach of law by the Architects, penal action will be taken against them.
The House owners, who have constructed their buildings without mandatory planning permission, but have followed the planning norms, will be allowed to submit their building plans for composition by paying an amount equal to 10 times of the normal planning permission fee.
It authorized the Department of Information Technology to enter into  Supplementary Agreements for operating Common Service Centres ‘Lok Mitra Kendra’ through M/s Zoom Developers in Kangra Division, M/s Tera Soft and GNG in Shimla and Mandi Divisions to provide people various facilities to the common man through them.
It approved opening of Primary Health Centre at Panjai, District Mandi and Chakmoh in district Hamirpur and upgradation of Primary Health Centre, Darlaghat in district Solan, Mandap in district Mandi, Sainj in district Kullu to Community Health Centres and Health Sub-Centre, Sharda in Mashobra Block of district Shimla and Palchan in district Kullu to Primary Health Centre and fill up vacancies of medical and para-medicals through internal rationalization and peons from amongst the surplus pool of the employees created by the Government. 
It approved changes in Regulation in Shimla for according Planning Permission and Change in Land Use and decided to reduce size of plot from 250 sq. meters to 200 sq. meters with reduction in the front and set back from 3 meters to 2 meters.
It approved shifting of Irrigation and Public Health Sub-Division, Tarsooh in Bassi Division of district Bilaspur operating under Changer Medium Irrigation Scheme alongwith its staff to Jukhala in the same district and rename it as Irrigation and Public Health Sub-Division, Jukhala.
It approved leasing of 80.53 hectares of Government land in favour of Baba Balak Nath Temple Trust for 99 years on a token lease fee of Re. 1.00 per month to construct Gau Sadan in Mouja Dhatwal, district Hamirpur to provide shelter to the astrayed animals in and around the area.
It approved The Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and 2nd Amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Tax on Entry of Goods into Local Area Act, 2010.
It granted approval to lease out Trekkers Hostel at Haripur Dhar in district Sirmour for a period of three years initially.
It approved draft of The Himachal Pradesh Anatomy (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and Amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Municipalities Act, 2010 to incorporate provisions of direct election to the posts of Presidents and Vice-Presidents in various Municipalities in the State and place the same before the HP Legislative Assembly during its Winter Session.

It approved 2nd Amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 2010 and Amendment in Section 35-A of the Himachal Pradesh University Act.

It approved new Recruitment and Promotion Rules of Principal, Rajiv Gandhi Government Ayurvedic College, Paprola.
18 November 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its Meeting held here today decided to  amend Himachal Pradesh Land Preservation Rules, 1983 and Himachal Pradesh Forest Produce Transit (Land Routes) Rules, 1978, to denotify ‘Bamboo’ from the list of classification of the tree grown on private land by removing the prohibition or restriction on felling of the same and allow its regulation according to three year felling programme framed by concerned Divisional Forest Officer after obtaining approval from the Conservator of Forests concerned.  It will go a long way in uplifting the financial aspects of the bamboo growing farmers.  Poplar, Eucalyptus, Albizzia, Bahunia, Willow and Mulberry are already in the list of exemption.
It granted approval for filling up of 746 posts in Health and Family Welfare Department with a view to strengthen the health services and medical education network and included 416 posts of Female Health Workers, 53 Trained Midwives, 21 posts of Radiographers and 256 posts of Nurses on contract basis.
It approved constitution of Cabinet Sub-Committee under the Chairmanship of the Revenue Minister and consisting of Horticulture Minister, Health Minister and Transport Minister as its Members to examine and give their recommendations with regard to changes in Town and Country Planning Rules.
It approved authorization to Lok Mitra Kendras in the State to issue copies of ‘Jamabandi’ to the public on demand by charging Rs. 5 per page for issuing such copies.  The common man will now have an alternation option to procure copy of ‘Jamabandi’ from Lok Mitra Kendras besides from the local Parwaris.
It granted approval to procure Bid Security Deposit in the shape of  irrevocable Bank Guarantee in place of Demand Draft/Banker’s Cheque from the IPPs bidding for various HEPs in the State with a view to encourage greater participation as also in fulfillment of the demand raised by the bidders in this respect.
It decided to revert back to the old system of concessional travelling by State Police Personnel and Jail Department, of the rank of constable to inspector, in Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses and enhanced the amount of recovery from existing Rs. 80 to Rs. 110 per month in lieu of the facility.
It decided in principle to rehabilitate 82 families of Nathpa village affected due to land slide at village Saak Kanda of district Kinnaur.
Cabinet granted approval to the amendment of the Private Universities (Regulation and Establishment) Bills in respect of Chitkara University, Eternal University, Baddi University of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Manav University, Arni University and Indus International University established in Himachal Pradesh in the private sector thereby bringing about uniformity in regulatory provisions of all such private universities established in the State.
It approved leasing of 3-07-90 hectares of land in Mohal Gurpala, Mouja Bathu in tehsil Haroli of district Una for 99 years to construct Electrical Sub-Station, in favour of HP State Electricity Board Limited at a lump sum lease amount of Rs. 36,99,610 followed by a token lease money of Re. 1/- per month.
It also approved leasing out of 335.15 square meters of land in Up-Mohal Krishna Nagar in Shimla town for 25 years in favour of Shri Guru Singh Sabha, Shimla, on lump-sum lease amount of Rs. 35,18,848 followed by Re. 1/- per month as token lease money  for rest of the lease period for construction of Community Centre and Car Parking.
It sanctioned creation of one post of Deputy Advocate General  at Shimlaon tenure basis.
It approved regularization of 7 daily wagers fulfilling eligibility criteria against the posts of clerks and 3 daily wagers against the posts of peons who have completed combined eight years of service in the HP Agro Industries Packaging India Limited  and in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
It approved draft Himachal Pradesh Taxation (On Certain Goods carried by Road) Amendment Bill, 2010, The Himachal Pradesh Tax on Entry Goods into Local Area (Amendment) Bill, 2010, The Himachal Pradesh Passengers and Goods Taxation (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and Himachal Pradesh Pre-Emption Act-2010 for laying in the forthcoming Winter Session of HP Legislative Assembly at Tapovan, Dharamshala.
It approved deployment of dedicated Engineering Staff in the PWD Sub-Division for early completion of the construction work of the Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Engineering College, Sundernagar.
It granted permission for construction of Public Works Rest House at village Thachi in Bali Chowki Sub-Tehsil of district Mandi.
It approved Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Superintendent Grade-II in the Himachal Pradesh Backward Commission.
9 November 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today expressed concern over the inadequate and delayed supply of the fertilizers, LPG and kerosene oil by the Government of India and adopted an unanimous Resolution to request the  Central Government to supply fertilizers on demand basis to the State on priority, in view of the ensuing cultivation season, speed up the supply of LPG and restore the kerosene quota to the State.
It decided to enhance the limit of expenditure to the  post of President and Vice-President of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats from Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 40,000 respectively by amending the Himachal Pradesh Municipal (Election)  (Amendment) Rule, 2010 and further decided to keep the post of Vice-President in Municipal Councils un-reserved.
It approved regularization of 30 daily wagers in the Department of Rural Development who have completed a minimum of eight years of service against the existing vacancies of class III and IV in the department.
It granted approval to free and concessional travel facilities by permitting free travel facilities in the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses to the personnel of State Police and Prison Department on voucher basis on the analogy of Punjab State.
With a view to encourage higher bidding, the Cabinet decided to allow the IPPs 100 percent merchant sale of its power without any condition of State Government’s right of First Refusal.
It approved development of parking-cum-commercial complex identified near Old Subzi Mandi at Palampur on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode on revised terms and conditions.
 
27 October 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to recommend to the Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly to convene Winter Session of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly at Tapovan, Dharamshala from December 6 to 9, 2010.
It approved amendment in the Procurement Policy of medicines and other material by Rogi Kalyan Samitis and decided that Samitis would be providing free medicines to the eligible categories of outdoor patients subject to availability of budget under disease pattern and actual evaluation of the demand to be determined by the respective Samitis.  Members of the BPL Families, accidental and emergency patients and patients without any attendant would be eligible to draw medicines as per the Policy of the State Government.
It decided to deliver the benefit of land for house building in rural and urban areas and  include member of the family eligible for allotment of two biswa of land in rural areas and one biswa of land in urban areas for construction of houses who are likely to  inherit less than the above limit land from their ancestors, while their father is living,  with a view to bring newly eligible people under the fold of the Scheme and also extend date for receipt of applications from eligible persons from 5th October, 2010 to 31st December, 2010 to provide opportunities to more eligible people to apply.
It approved amendment in Himachal Pradesh Social Security (Pension/Allowances) Rules, 2010 enhancing total income of the beneficiary from all sources from Rs. 17,000 to Rs. 24,000 to bring more old, widows, handicapped, destitute women and single women under the fold of the Scheme.
It decided to carry mandatory reforms in the Power Sector by constituting Himachal Pradesh Load Dispatch Society under the Power Department.
It approved extension in the date of filing Annual Returns for 2009-10 under Section 63 of the H.P.VAT Act, 2005 from October 31, 2010 to November 16, 2010, to provide traders more time to file their papers with concerned authorities.
It also approved amendment in HP Tax on Entry of Goods into Local Area Act, 2010.
It approved Amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Apartment and Property Regulation Act, 2005 so as to make it more transparent and pragmatic for effective implementation.
It further approved New Policy for procurement of medical equipments, electronics, non-electronics, chemicals and linens etc.  for various State Medical, Ayurvedic Colleges, Dental Clinics, Ayurveda and Allopathic Health Institutions. 
It approved extension of six months in the contractual period of 64 Dental Medical Officers working in various health institutions in the State.
 
19October 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its Meeting held here today decided to Constitute Cabinet Sub Committee under the Chairmanship of Revenue Minister and consisting of Irrigation and Public Health, Industries, Health and Transport Ministers at its Member to consider and make recommendations regarding change of lease hold land into free hold land.  Principal Secretary (Revenue) will be its Member Secretary.
It decided to direct all Deputy Commissioners to make necessary arrangements to  organize ‘Janata Mandi’ on every Sunday within their jurisdiction at designated places in the town,  down to sub-division level,  to provide local farmers platform to sell their produce.  The decision is in fulfillment of the Election Manifesto of the Government.
It decided to set up Automobile Testing Centre at Taradevi near Shimla to carry annual inspection of motor vehicles as required under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, in association with Automobile Research Association of India after getting the same approved by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and National Highways.
It decided to open Driving Training School in Jamsahi and Paplog Parwar Circles, in Sarkaghat sub-division of district Mandi, equipped with modern facilities, at a cost of Rs. 24.50 crore as such training schools have been proposed to be opened at Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Nahan, Kullu, Una, Nalagarh, Dharamshala and Solan, out of which some schools have already started imparting training to the youth to provide them systematic training in hill driving.
It decided to follow the reservation roaster in direct recruitment of the Junior Engineers in Panchayat Samitis on the basis of Approved Policy of the State Government and amend notification issued to this effect by the government earlier.
It approved amendment in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of Deputy Director (Class-I Gazetted) in the Department of Economics and Statistics.
 
11October 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to introduce Biometric Smart Card Scheme, after successful experiment in district Una for replication in rest of 11 districts of the State, for  disbursement of  Social Security Pension to all 2,67,282 beneficiaries through nationalized banks to ensure transparency and efficiency in the delivery system.
It approved guidelines for management and up-keep of the upcoming Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bhawans in every assembly segment of the State to facilitate the community activities and decided to hand over the management and up-keep of the same to the local Gram Panchayat and in case local Gram Panchayat declines to take over, the responsibility of  the same will be handed over to the registered local society, preferably society consisting of scheduled caste members.  The State Government has decided to construct Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bhawan in each of the 68 assembly segments.
It decided to handover the operation of existing fleet of 75 buses in Shimla town under Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) to Transport Department of the State and frame policies under JNNURM for Advertising and Parking etc. by November, 2010, with a view to deliver commuters efficient transport facilities within the capital town.
It decided to amend the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act-2005 and Rules to provide e-filing facility of returns and e-payment of tax by dealers and include Hydraulic Mobile Pick and Carry Cranes under Capital Goods category.
It also approved upgradation of Junior Scale Stenographers in Rural Development Department to Senior Scale Stenographers. 
It also decided to take over 95 percent government  aided private High School, Takarla in district Una and Kamla Nehru Girls High School, Kunihar in district Solan under Government control.
It approved Recruitment and Promotion Rules for direct recruitment of Driver, Chowkidar and Peon. 
27september 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today approved Himachal Pradesh Para-Veterinary Council Bill – 2010 aimed at establishment of Para-Veterinary Council in the State and to regulate the practice by Para-Veterinarians and Para-Veterinary Institutions.
So far there is no such legislation to regulate the services of Para-Veterinary practitioners in the State, hence the Council will be meeting the requirements.  Council will be responsible for regulating and controlling the conduct of Para-Veterinary practitioners/Institutions and register them, maintain live register and to prescribe a code of ethics for regulating the professional conduct of such practitioners as also initiate action against them in case of any negligence on their part.
It approved leasing out of 126.17 bighas of land at Mauja Kanduwal, Baddi, on token lease @ Re. 1/- per square meter per annum for 30 years after depositing a lump sum payment of  Rs. 28,61,760 for setting up of Common Effluent Treatment Plant at Baddi under the Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme in favour of Special Purpose Vehicle in the name of M/s Baddi Infrastructure Limited.
It approved filling up of 10 posts of ‘A’ Grade Naib Tehsildars in Kangra and Mandi Divisions for carrying revenue.
18september 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to provide 8 kgs. of wheat/flour per person every month during the intervening period of July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 in all tribal areas of the State and difficult areas of Dodra Kwar in district Shimla and Bara Bhangal in district Kangra in relaxation of the norm of 35 kgs. of quota per family.
It has been decided to authorize Secretary/Executive Officer/Assistant Commissioners of Urban Local Bodies of Urban Areas viz. Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, or Nagar Panchayats, as the case may be, to issue Ration Cards within their respective jurisdiction, and countersigned by the President/Chairperson/Mayor of the concerned Urban Local Bodies (in case of elected Urban Local Bodies)  and Inspector, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, in Cantonment Board Area within their respective jurisdiction, and, if the Urban Local Body is defunct, the Ration Cards shall be issued by the Officer/Official of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department authorized for the purpose by the concerned Controller.  In Rural Areas, the Ration Card shall be issued by the Secretary/Panchayat Sahayak of the concerned Gram Panchayat and countersigned by the Pradhan of the concerned Gram Panchayat in their respective jurisdiction and if the Panchayat is defunct, the Ration Cards shall be issued by the Officers/Officials of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department  authorized for the purpose by the concerned Controller.
It granted permission to fill up 258 posts of Pharmacists in the Department of Health and Family Welfare on contract basis as per existing Recruitment and Promotion Rules on the basis of 50:50 by direct recruitment and bach-wise basis through Rogi Kalyan Samities in the Department.  It decided to give one time relaxation in education qualification of all such matriculates/higher secondary part –I qualified with science subjects who have successfully acquired diploma in pharmacy before September 12, 2001.
 It approved regularization of services of the 11 contract teachers completing eight years of service in different District Institute Education Training..
It consented to attachment of local Government Health Institutions for clinical and practical training purposes of B.Sc./GNM students in some of the existing private institutions to meet the mandatory requirements of Nursing Council of India.
Cabinet decided to exempt wards of officers/employees engaged in security services of the country from production of  Himachali Domicile Certificate for seeking admissions in various Vocational Educational and other institutions  under the control of Technical Education Department within the State.
It approved arrangements for the sale of State power share through Power Trading Corporation of India for sale at competitive rates in the open market, both against equity participation as well as free power entitled in various Hydro Electric Projects
It approved Himachal Pradesh (Forest Police Stations) Rules, 2010 for effective implementation in checking of smuggling of forest wealth, illegal forest felling and to protect the forest wealth.
9 September 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its Meeting held here today decided to bring about uniformity in the vacations and academic session in all Government educational institutions in the State. The cabinet also approved revised vacation schedule in all Summer and Winter closing educational institutions in the State aggregating to 52 days in total and to be made applicable from the next academic session.  Monsoon Break of 22 days would be applicable to all the summer closing educational institutions, except in the district of Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti,  from July 20 to August 10 every year and six days Festival Break to start from four days ahead of Diwali Festival while Winter Break to start from 1st January   to 24th January every year.  In Kullu district the Monsoon Break will be of 22 days from July 20 to August 10 and Festival Break of six days to start from one day before Dussehra Festival and  24 Winter Break to starting from 1st January shall end on January 24 every year.  For Lahaul and Spiti District 42 days Summer Break will start from July 17 and end on August 27 while 10 days Dussehra Break to start one day before Dussehra Festival.

 In Winter Closing Schools 15 days Monsoon Break will be between July 27 to August 10 and six days Festival Break to start four days ahead of Diwali Festival while Winter Break to start from 1st January to 31st January every year.  Kinnaur, Pangi and Bharmour Tribal Areas shall also be governed under the schedule as applicable to Winter Closing Schools elsewhere in the State.

It granted approval to introduce ‘Himachal Ki Lok Sanskriti Aur Yoga with ‘Himachal Ke Vir Sainikon Ki Gathayen’ in the educational curriculum at elementary stage between 6th to 8th standards.
It approved Amendment in the Hydro Power Policy-2006 to facilitate power producers in obtaining Techno Economic Clearances more conveniently and  carry evacuation of power in optimal manner.
It consented to create 32 posts of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors for Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda to man Super Speciality Departments under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna and to meet the requirement of the Medical Council of India.
It approved continuation of 20 upgraded posts of Assistant Engineers in Public Works Department in its different wings, upto 31st March , 2011. 
It approved construction of a Circuit House at Willy Park in Shimla.
It approved transfer of 13 Gram Panchayats from the jurisdiction of Police Station Renuka Ji  and hand over the same to Police Station Sangrah in district Sirmour.
It also approved amendment in the Oustees Plot Allotment Rules at New Township, Bilaspur with a view to protect the interests of the left out oustees of Bhakra Dam.
27 August 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its Meeting held here today decided to introduce skill upgradation   programmes aimed at  specific training to unskilled and skilled manpower in the specialized fields of Agro Based Industry, Light Engineering, Hydro-Electric, Hospitality, Construction, Pharma Sectors and any other need based sectors initially in selected 17 Industrial Training Institutes of the State for a duration of 3 to 6 months under PPP Mode by Indian Institute of Skill Upgradation (IISD) in conjunction with Confederation of Indian Industry  (CII) in view of the projected Technical Skill Gap of 4.5 lakh by year 2017.  Certification of the Courses would be done jointly by Board of Technical Education, Himachal Pradesh, CII and IISD to ensure recognition and employment in the related industries.  Fee structure would will be determined by the State Government. On full operation this programme would produce an additional 12,000 to 15,000 skilled manpower annually. 
It decided to introduce Health Insurance Scheme Award  (Swasthya Bima Yojna Puruskar) under National Health Insurance Scheme to reward 137 Gram Panchayats which have achieved the target of cent percent issuance of Health Smart Cards in their respective panchayats.  Ghoshal Gram Panchayat in Lahaul valley achieved 100 percent target and will get a cash award of Rs. 50,000; Yur Nath Panchayat which achieved 96.77 percent target to get Rs. 25,000 and Demul Panchayat to get Rs. 10,000.  Rajpura and Kolka Gram panchayats of district Chamba to get Rs. 37,500 each  while Bhatiyan gram panchayat to get Rs. 10,000 as cash prize.  Remaining 131 gram panchayats of 10 districts will also  get cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each.
It decided to bring 102 additional gram panchayats in Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una, Kullu, Chamba, Solan and Sirmour districts  under the fold  of ongoing Mid Himalayan Watershed Development Project, thereby increasing the number of beneficiary gram panchayats to 704,  revise project cost to Rs. 510 crore and also extend the project period by three years.
It sanctioned 155 posts of Ayurvedic Medical Officers in the department of Ayurveda  on contract basis and also enhance the upper age limit for recruitment from 45 to 52 years.
Cabinet approved connecting Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration with all the Developmental Blocks in the State with Video Conferencing facility.
It sanctioned setting up of Community Health Centre at Shri Naina Devi Jee to cater to the medical services requirements of the visiting devotees to the prominent shrine and also restructure the Community Health Centre at Gawandal in district Bilaspur to strengthen the health services network in the area.
It approved adoption of Sister Nivedita Government Nursing College, Shimla for the Nursing College being run in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
It sanctioned two posts of computer operators through outsourcing in the Department of Tribal Development for its offices in districts of Chamba and Kangra to benefit the tribal population residing in non-tribal areas.
It approved fresh Recruitment and Promotion Rules for post of Joint Controller (Weights and Measures) in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
 
9 August 2010

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to further strengthen the health network in the State by deploying medical officers in all of the health institutions in a phased manner and decided to recruit 150 more Medical Officers (General) on regular basis through HP Public Service Commission and also decided to disburse locational incentives to 63 contractual  Medical Officers on the analogy of Rogi Kalyan Samities.

It granted permission to create and fill up 18 posts of teaching and non-teaching categories of employees to man the newly upgraded Government Senior Secondary Schools at Saryanj in district Solan and Ghaini in district Shimla.

It approved filling up of 10 vacant posts of Warders in the Prison Department through direct recruitment process.

It consented to upgrade two posts of Senior Assistants to Superintendent Grade-II in HP State Subordinate Services Selection Board.

It decided to permit Rogi Kalyan Samities to operate proposed Jan Aushadhi Stores by outsourcing the dispensing staff at its own level.

It decided to rationalize the remuneration structure of the Advocate General and other tenure functionaries in his office.

It approved Himachal Pradesh Judicial Officers (Pay Allowances and Conditions of Service) Act, 2003 (Act No. 13 of 2003) – Amendment Bill, 2010.

It approved the Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Cow Slaughter (Amendment) Bill 2010.

It sanctioned purchase of 10 light motor vehicles to State Police Department under Police Modernization Programme to field functionaries for frequent mobility to maintain law and order in respective areas.

It approved the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions (Regulatory Commission) Bill, 2010 so as to regulate the functioning of all higher educational institutions in the private sector and to ensure quality education to the students.

It approved the Report of Comptroller General of India relating to District Sirmour for the period of 2004-09 to lay the same in the ensuing Monsoon Session of HP State Legislative Assembly.

It approved Amendment in the Recruit and Promotion Rules of Law Officer Class II (Gazetted) in the Department of Animal Husbandry; Superintendent Grade I in the Department of Economics and Statistics.              
 
27 july  2010

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today granted permission for the development of a Biotechnology Park over an area of about 35 acres at village Aduwal near Nalagarh in district Solan, on Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model, attracting an investment of Rs. 200 crore and generating employment to about 500 persons.  The Park shall consist of Biotechnology Incubation Centre to be  housed over an area of about 1.07 acre and Biotechnology Industrial Cluster to be developed by private promoter/developer over an area of about 31.93 acres, while it will be contributing significantly towards skill upgradation, technological improvement and capacity building of the youth of the State.

It approved Implementation Agreement (IA) for Small Hydro Electric Projects of upto 5 MW capacity and Revised Time Schedule for achieving various milestones for projects of over 5 MW capacity by the Independent Power Producers (IPPs).  Implementation Agreement will have to be signed within two months of the submission of the Detailed Project Report which has to be submitted within 30 months from the date of Project Implementation Agreement (PIA)  ( 36 months for projects in Lahaul & Spiti district) and extension upto one year to be allowed subject to payment of extension fee of Rs. 10,000 per MW per month.  Freezing of components would start within 12 months from signing of PIA/MOU with provision for extension of upto 12 months on payment of fee of Rs. 10,000 per MW per month.  Techno-Economic Clearance (TEC) will have to be obtained within 18 months of the signing of IA with extension period of 6 months on payment of fee of Rs. 10,000 per MW per month.  The construction work will have to be started within 24 months from the date of signing of IA or 30 months if extension of six months obtained for securing TEC.  No further extension beyond the proposed extensions shall be considered. In case the Project Developers fail to meet the prescribed milestones within the proposed extensions, the allotment will be cancelled.  The Project Developers shall be required to deposit the extension fee immediately after the Policy comes into force.

It granted approval to the amendment in Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1999, Rule-69-B and fixed Special Registration Fee for choice vehicle numbers.  0001 registration mark will be available on payment of Rs. 75,000; 0002 to 0009 on payment of Rs. 50,000;  0010 to 0100 on payment of Rs. 35,000 and 0101 to 9999 on payment of Rs. 20,000.

It granted permission to fill up 25 posts of Forest Range Officers on contract basis.

Cabinet approved Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission Report for the period from 1st April, 2008 to 31st March, 2009 to be laid in Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.

It approved free residential accommodation to the Wardens of Medical Colleges and Dental Colleges of the State within the campus.

It approved amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Legal Services Rules, 2004; Himachal Pradesh State Judicial Services Authority Rule, 1995 Recruitment and Promotion Rules of District Youth Services and Sports Officers.

 
 19 july  2010

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its Meeting held here today decided to recommend to the Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, to convene Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, from August 17 to 23, 2010.

It decided to introduce ‘Chief Minister’s Rain Water Harvesting Award’ with a view to motivate Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)/ Gram Panchayats/ Urban Local Bodies/ Institutions/Corporate Sector and Individuals to actively involve themselves in adoption innovative practices for ground water recharge programme, roof top rain water harvesting and artificial recharge through people’s participation in creating mass awareness in all water harvesting related issues. The First Prize shall consist  of Rs. 1.00 lakh, Second Prize of Rs. 75,000 and two Third Prizes of Rs. 50,000 each. There shall be three awards of Rs. 25,000 at Zonal Level and total number of prizes shall be 12.

It approved the Revised Bid Document and Notice Inviting Proposals (NIP)for the Hydro Electric Projects above 5 MW.  It was decided to  advertise the 18 Hydro Electric Projects of more than  5 MW capacity having total installed capacity of 1,357.5 MW.  The Projects approved for advertising are Suil (13 MW); Kilhi-Bahl (7.5 MW); Cho Tundah (9 MW); Danchho (12 MW); Tanger Chanju ( 9 MW); Dugar ( 236 MW);  Purthi (300 MW); Tingret ( 81 MW); Lara Sumta ( 104 MW); Rashil (102 MW); Tandi (104 MW); Patam ( 60 MW); Sumte Kothang ( 130 MW); Teiling ( 94 MW); Shangling ( 44 MW).  Jobrie ( 12 MW); Nesang ( 10 MW) and Malana-III ( 30 MW) which are Self Identified Projects will also be advertised in which the identifier can also  participate as open bidder alongwith others.   The Self Identifiers offering their bid will have to match with the highest quote in case their respective bids are above 70 percent of the highest bidder for the project so as to avail the preferential right over the projects identified by them for execution.

It granted permission to the concerned authority for signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Government of India and NABARD in respect of Short Term Rural Cooperative Credit Structure with a view to revive and rehabilitate Short Term Rural Cooperative Credit Structure (STCCS) by providing one time financial assistance, based on eligibility criteria laid down in the package, ensure institutional, legal and regulatory reforms to minimize state control and allow more functional autonomy to STCCS.

It has been decided to constitute a Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Ishwar Dass Dhiman, Education Minister, Shri Narender Bragta, Horticulture and Technical Education Minister, Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Health Minister, Smt. Rajwant Sandhu, Officer on Special Duty, Shri Avay Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary and Shri Ajay Tyagi, Principal Secretary, Finance, and Shri P.C.Dhiman, Principal Secretary Health as its Members while Dr. Srikant Baldi, Principal Secretary Education will be its  Member Secretary.  The Committee shall make its recommendations over the draft Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions (Regulatory Commission) Bill 2010 by the first week of August, 2010.

It granted permission for recruitment of 39 Block Engineers to oversee and monitor execution of MNREGA Projects at Block Level and ensure its completion within the stipulated period of time.

It approved regularization of 16 Vidya Upasaks of Karsog Education Block of district Mandi as Junior Basic Trained teachers with immediate effect.

It sanctioned 7 vehicles for the Additional District and Session Judges in different districts of the state alongwith 7 posts of drivers to be filled up on contract basis.

 
   9  july  2010 The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today approved amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Lease Rules to make it more stringent and to provide relief in really genuine cases.  It has been decided not to allot government land wherever suitable private land is available.  Provision had been made to provide government land only for Government Universities and not to private Universities.  It has been decided to grant lease for purposes recognized by Himachal Pradesh Government as developmental activity only.  Earlier land to companies was allotted at the rate of  18 percent of the highest market value or double the 5 year average, whichever is less, but henceforth it will be chargable on the amount whichever will be higher and the provision will also be applicable to petrol pumps and godowns.  In case the leased land is not put to use within two years of its allotment, the same shall be resumed by the Government and lease money charged ten times of the lease money as penalty.  For the private educational institutions, other than primary and middle schools, the earlier provision of 5 percent  of the latest highest market value or double to the average of market value of last five years, ‘whichever is less’ has been replaced by ‘whichever is high’.  Procedure for applying, processing and granting the lease has also been rationalized and made more clear.
It decided to request National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to issue ‘No Objection Certificate’ in favour of  private JBT Institutes in the State which fulfill the prescribed norms of NCTE until the number of trainees reaches 4,000 so that adequate number of trained teachers are available to take up teaching assignments in different government educational institutions in the State.
It decided to pay handling charges @ Rs. 1.95 per kg to the designated agencies for the procurement of apple under Market Intervention Scheme during 2010 season and to provide 10,000 MT of procured apple to HPMC for processing purposes free of cost
It granted sanction for setting up of four Industrial Training Institutes at Sandhol and Bhadrota in district Mandi, Tikkar in district Shimla and Ghumarwin in district Bilaspur.
achalIt granted approval for providing State Government guarantee for borrowing of Rs. 16.05 crore by HP Financial Corporation through Non SLR Bonds. Cabinet granted approval to the parole security/surety bond which shall not exceed Rs. 2.00 lakh with minimum of Rs. 1.00 lakh in cases of prisoners convicted of offences under the Indian Penal Code or the other laws punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment for 5 years and above.  In cases of other convicts the amount of security bond and the surety bond shall not exceed Rs. 1.00 lakh with minimum of Rs. 50,000.
It decided to authorize the Department of Animal Husbandry to carry the selection process of 900 Veterinary Pharmacists to be trained under ‘Arogya Pashudhan Programme’ of the State Government under the supervision of the department as per the prescribed norms.
It granted approval for filling up of seven posts of different categories in Himachal Pradesh High Court; one post of System Analyst and one post of Programmer in Excise and Taxation Department through DOEAC; one post of Radiographer and one post of Laboratory Technician  in the department of Animal Husbandry to be filled up through HP State Subordinate Services Board on contract basis.
It also decided to transfer 765 sq. meters of land in the name of Sainik Welfare Department for construction of Indian Ex-Servicemen League Himachal Pradesh building at Dharamshala.
30 June 2010 Himachal Pradesh Government has been implementing Market Intervention Scheme for Mango  producers with a view to ensure minimum price in the terminal markets for their produce and save their exploitation at the hands of middlemen.  Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to procure ‘seedling’ and ‘grafted’ varieties of mango fruits @ Rs. 4.58 and @ Rs. 5.25 per kg. respectively during  the period from July 1 to August, 15, 2010.  HPMC, HIMFED and HP Agro Industries Corporation have been designated as procurement agencies.  34 fruit procurement centres will be made functional in different mango growing belts and more centres shall be considered for opening on demand basis.  Procurement agencies shall be entitled to get Rs. 1.30 per kg. as handling charges.
Permission has been granted by the Cabinet for setting up of Pithead Power Plant by Himachal EMTA Power Limited (HEPL) a joint venture of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and Eastern Minerals & Trading Agency (EMTA), on getting a coal pithead allocated by the Union Ministry of Coal in West Bengal, to generate 660 MW thermal power by investing about Rs. 4,000 crore over the project.  The proposed Plant will supplement the hydro power generation potential under exploitation in the State and meet increasing demand of power consumers
It granted approval for starting of efficient ambulance services under Emergency Medical Response and Transport System for the benefit of prospective mothers and patients and enter into PPP Agreement with the Emergency Management and Research Institute, Hyderabad.
It sanctioned 25 posts of teaching and non-teaching categories for setting up of Himachal Pradesh Technical University.
Permission has been granted to start two additional courses during next academic session, 2010-11, in Civil Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering courses in Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Engineering College, Sundernagar, and sanctioned creation of 10 posts of different teaching and non-teaching categories.  
Cabinet approved amendment in Rule 69-A of Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1999, deleting category ‘Goods Carriages’ from the regime of composite fee prescribed in the State Rules.  Under the New National Permit Scheme truck owners shall be required to deposit permit fee of Rs. 15,000 with respective Regional Transport Officer and transport goods all over the country, instead of three states permitted earlier, for one year without any hassle.  There is provision of depositing permit fee in cash or online.
It decided to amend the Hydro Power Policy, 2006, to make it more flexible and facilitating to the small hydro power producers.
It granted permission to expand the jurisdiction by of Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats of Mandi, Solan, Palampur, Nahan, Nalagarh, Sarkaghat, Rewalsar and Arki to bring urbanising villages under its control.
It decided to make functional Primary Health Centres at Chhatri in district Mandi and Naina Tikkar in district Sirmour.
It approved leasing out of government land to Rural Self-Employment Training Institutes (RSETI)  operated by Committees constituted by the Banks under Rural Development Department in the districts of Mandi, Kullu and Una on a token lease of Re. 1.00 per annum for 33 years.
It also approved amendment in the Transport Policy-2004 to carry rationalization of the uneconomic routes being operated by Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation.
It approved Himachal Pradesh Electricity (Duty) Amendment Ordinance, 2010.
18 June 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today granted  approval for filling up 13 posts of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors in different disciplines keeping in view the  seats enhanced in MBBS from 65 to 100 and Post Graduate Seats from 39 to 70 in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla from forthcoming academic session and also ensure  specialized medical services to the people.
It approved setting up of a Permanent Lok Adalat  at Una.
It granted approval for promotion of 28  Camp Clerks redesignated as Junior Stenographers in Excise and Taxation Department to the posts of Excise and Taxation Inspectors by granting one-time relaxation in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the feeder categories.
It approved issuance of an Ordinance for making Amendment in the Schedule of H.P.Judicial Officers (Pay and Conditions of Service) Act, 2003 for releasing the revised pay scale to the Judicial Officers of the State.
It approved recruitment of Medical Officer (Dental) on the basis of 50 percent batch-wise and 50 percent by direct recruitment in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
It decided to exempt Multiplexes coming into commercial operation between the period of 26th May, 2007 to 25th May, 2012 from payment of Entertainment Duty/Tax for a period of 5 years as per the Provisions of the Industrial Policy, 2004.
A Mobile Van fitted with all Laboratory Testing facilities for on the spot diagnosis of ailments of domestic animals and providing animal health care facilities to the farmers of district Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Bilaspur and Hamirpur, has also been sanctioned  and shall be placed under the charge of Animal Health Care Diagnosis Laboratory, Mandi.
 
9 June 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to raise an independent State Industrial Security Force for effective maintenance of  law and order in the industrial areas of the State and generate employment to 1024 educated unemployed youth.  In all 1,180 employment opportunities have been generated in different departments of the State Government.
It approved revised pay scale to the Work Charged Employees of HP State Electricity Board from January 1, 2006 benefitting 1,347 Work Charged Employees of the Board.
ItIt decided to set up a separate Police Post for Sawra Kuddu Hydro Electric Project and provide required manpower through internalization.
It approved constitution of Negotiation Committees for private negotiations at district level for acquisition of land by the Irrigation and Public Health Department to execute various drinking water, irrigation and sewerage schemes, under the Chairmanship of concerned Deputy Commissioner/Additional District Magistrate consisting of SDM/Tehsildar, Superintending Engineer as Members of the Committee and Executive Engineer as Member Secretary.
It decided to fill up 71 posts of pharmacists in Health and Family Welfare Department on contract basis; creation and filling up of  64 posts of different categories in newly upgraded Government Middle Schools in the State on contract basis.
It approved filling up of 2 posts of Commandant on regular basis, 4 posts of Company Commander and 10 posts of Havildar on contract basis in the Department of Home Guards and Civil Defence; 2 posts of Deputy Director Sainik Welfare and 3 posts of Welfare Organizer in Sainik Welfare Department on contract basis.
It granted approval for re-designation of 3 posts of Assistant Director Animal Husbandry as Assistant Director (Project) for deployment at district headquarters at Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Una; re-designation of 3 posts of Veterinary Medical Officer as Senior Veterinary Medical Officers for deployment at Sub-Divisional Veterinary Hospitals at Paonta Sahib, Sunder Nagar and Nurpur besides re-designation other 4 Veterinary Medical Officers working in Sub-Divisional Veterinary Hospitals at Jaisinghpur, Banjar, Padhar and Dodra Kwar as Senior Veterinary officers.
It approved revised Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern of newly created Directorate of Energy.
It approved amendment in Himachal Pradesh Social Security Pension Act, 1997 to adopt New Himachal Pradesh Social Security (Pension/Allowances) Act, 2010 to raise annual income limit in individual case from existing Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 9,000 and in   family   cases  from existing Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 15,000.
Cabinet approved issuance of Senior Citizen and Handicap Certificates through Lok Mitra Kendras under Social Security (Facilities to Senior Citizens), Act, 2002  besides granting approval to amendment in Himachal Pradesh Maintenance of Parents and Dependants  Act, 2001 to make it more practical.
It approved construction of six girls hostels for 50 girls each in educationally backward blocks and operate the same for the benefit of girl students in Shillai Block of district Sirmour; Salooni, Tissa, Mehla and Pangi Blocks of district Chamba.
It decided to revise the Licensing fee in respect of Supervisor’s Certificate of Competency, Wireman Permit and Licensed Electrical Contractors and extend the validity of the same.
It approved clubbing of Homte (10.5 MW) and Wanger (24.1 MW) in district Kinnaur into one integrated scheme having capacity of 24.6 MW subject to the condition that payment of Upfront Premium @ Rs. 20 lakh per MW with additional royalty of 3 percent as per the Himachal Pradesh Power Policy provisions.
It also approved Guidelines for change of location/elevation after the allotment of power projects for execution with the prior approval of the State Government.
It approved uniform extension fee at the rate of Rs. 10,000 per MW from all Independent Power Producers (IPPs) instead of graded .
It approved issuance of Notification under Section 131, Clause-2 of the Electricity Act, 2003, re-vesting Assets and Liabilities etc. from the State Government to the HP State Electricity Board Limited and Himachal Pradesh Transmission Corporation Limited by protecting the interests of its employees.
It decided to authorize Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India to collect Stamp Duty chargeable on various instruments prescribed under the Companies Act, 1956, on behalf of the Government of Himachal Pradesh through MCA 21 System.
It approved Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Principal Private Secretary (Gazetted, Class-I) in HP Secretariat.
It decided to extend the term of Shahnehar Project IPH Division and its Sub-Divisions upto March 31, 2011 for completion of project work on priority.
It approved partial modification in New Admission Policy of the State Government to Post Graduate Degree/Diploma Courses in the Government Medical Colleges in the State.
It decided to develop a parking slot near old Subzi Mandi in Palampur under Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mode.
26 May 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today, decided to  further strengthen the Animal Husbandry Sector by implementing another ambitious ‘Mukhya Mantri Arogya Pashudhan Yojna’ aimed at expansion of  animal health care network in rural areas and generate skilled manpower to man veterinary dispensaries in the State by recruiting 800 Veterinary Assistants for training, in addition to 100 others already trained, to fill vacancies in 1,150 left out Gram Panchayats where veterinary dispensaries have been targetted to be opened in a phased manner during next three years. The decision will supplement the NABARD funded Rs. 300 crore ‘Doodh Ganga’ Project which is under implementation in the State and liberal financial assistance was being provided to targetted 10,000 Self Help Groups, especially women SHGs. The SHGs are being provided   loan upto Rs. 3 lakh at a very low rate of interest to buy high milch yielding species of animals to give boost to their economy and find self employment avenues for themselves at their door steps.
Taking cognizance of the reports appearing in a section of press with regard to malfunctioning of one of the private Nursing Institute at Palampur and complaints being received by the State Government about similar other training institutes in different parts of the State, the Cabinet, taking serious note decided to re-inspect all educational, vocational and health training institutes in the State and  to ensure that mandatory infrastructural facilities were  made available to the trainees there.  If any irregularity is found in any of such institutions strict action would be taken, as per the legal provisions, against the Member of the Committee, recommending ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) to sanction the Centre and responsibility fixed against the errants.
It decided to implement the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India issued with regard to the recommendations of Justice Padamanabhan Committee on release of revised pay scales to the Judiciary Officer of Subordinate Courts and decided to implement the same in favour of Judicial Officers of Subordinate Courts in the State from 1st  January, 2006.
Cabinet decided to adopt a New Policy with a view to motivate young medical professionals to join State Health Services in large number, ensure them job security and carry regularization of contractual medical officers appointed by Rogi Kalyan Samitis of different health institutions in the State.  Under new provisions each medical officer appointed on contractual basis, by any Rogi Kalyan Samiti, shall be inducted into State Medical Services on contract basis after successful completion of three years of service where they shall be required to serve for another three years, thereby completing six years service on contract basis in all, to qualify for regularization as regular Medical Officers of the State Cadre. 
It was decided to regularize the services of 66 Medical Officers, who have successfully completed six years of contractual service in different health institutions all over the State.
It approved creation of 18 posts of Mining Guard on contract basis and filling up of 57 posts of different categories on contract basis which includes 36 posts of Mining Guards, to be filled up out of surplus pool, 2 Technical Assistants, 5 Mining Officers, 4 Mining Inspectors, 3 Assistant Mining Inspectors, to strengthen the Geological Wing of the Industries Department and to check unscientific and illegal mining in the State; 2 posts of District Public Relations Officers/Information Officers in the Department of Information and Public Relations, 5 posts of Steno-Typists in the Department of Forests.
It has been decided to transfer the authority of organizing District Level Fairs and Festival in the State by the local bodies in future with a view to ensure local participation and upholding the local culture and traditions during such events to the optimum and further decided to declare Janmashtmi Mela, Yula-kanda Bhagwain in village Yula, Tehsil Nichar and Guru Chhan Gayad Mela in village Rarang in district Kinnaur, as District Level Fairs.
It approved addition and expansion of existing accommodation in Circuit Houses of Mandi, Hamirpur, Rest Houses at Thural in district Kangra, Talai in district Bilaspur and Samirpur in district Hamirpur with a view to create more space for boarding and lodging at such places.
It decided to shift the office of Superintending Engineer (North) HIMUDA from Shimla to Hamirpur keeping in view to monitor the progress in the developmental projects being executed by HIMUDA in lower area of the State.
It approved the Memorandum of Agreement to be signed between the Department of Youth Services and Sports and M/S Ambuja Cements for providing funds to the tune of Rs. 4 crore for the construction of a Sports Stadium at Dharamshala and with M/S ACC Cements for providing funds to the tune of Rs. 4 crore for construction of Sports Stadium at Hamirpur.
 
19 May 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to create Common Service Centres through 3,366  Lok Mitra Kendras being established by the Department of Information Technology all over the State for the benefit of services through e-governance to the common masses for registering their grievances under e-Samadhan portal by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 4 through Lok Mitra Kendras to meet the connectivity, computing infrastructure and manpower efforts of Lok Mitra Kendras
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to create Common Service Centres through 3,366  Lok Mitra Kendras being established by the Department of Information Technology all over the State for the benefit of services through e-governance to the common masses for registering their grievances under e-Samadhan portal by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 4 through Lok Mitra Kendras to meet the connectivity, computing infrastructure and manpower efforts of Lok Mitra Kendras
It decided to accept the recommendations of the Atwal Committee constituted by Himachal Pradesh University and implement the decisions of the Executive Council of the HP University with regard to step-up benefits to the senior employees of the University. 
It approved Mahrishi Markendeshwar University (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2010, paving the way for setting up of the University in private sector.
It approved creation and filling up of 3 posts of different categories in the Science, Technology and Environment Council; granted permission for filling up of 9 posts of different categories and creation and filling up of another 6 posts in HP State Environment Pollution Control Board
It decided to revive the post of Principal Private Secretary in Himachal Pradesh Secretariat with a view to generate additional avenue of promotion to the feeder cadre.
It approved expansion in the field operations for the post of Secretary to the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Further in compliance to the orders of  the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, it has been decided to create one supernumerary post of Senior Entomological Assistant in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
It sanctioned one INNOVA, three Maruti Eco Cars and one motor bike for Himachal Pradesh High Court and three Maruti Swift Cars for presiding officers of Fast Track Courts at Ghumarwin, District and Sessions Judge, Kinnaur at Rampur and Kangra at Dharamshala.
 
10 May 2010 It approved Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to establish Model Schools on the analogy of Kendriya Vidyalaya in five of the backward education blocks, Tissa, Mehla, Salooni and Pangi  in Chamba district and Shillai education block in Sirmour district where the female literacy rate is below 46.13 percent and sex ratio is above 21.59.
 It approved creation of 381 posts of different categories for newly notified 38 Government Senior Secondary Schools in different parts of the State.
It approved Nine-Point ‘Environment Protection Code’ for implementation through all educational institutions in the State which shall be required to administer the  pledge to students and teachers in the  morning prayers daily.
It decided to advertise 54 small and mini HIMURJA identified hydro electric projects aggregating to generating 132 MW power,  besides self identified hydro electric projects in different places in the State to exploit the entire hydel potential available in the State and with a view to encourage entrepreneurship amongst the youth of the State. It also adopted revised criteria for Evaluation of Small Hydro Projects of 1 MW to 5 MW capacity
It granted  extension in time period of Implementation Agreement to 33 Small Hydro Electric Projects and extension in completion period to 23 others  as one time measure for Small Hydro Electric Projects.
It decided to allot 15 self identified  mini and micro hydro electric  projects of below 3 MW capacity to different eligible  Himachali entrepreneurs, to generate  12.71 MW power.  
It approved enhancement in the authorized share capital of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited from existing Rs. 370 crore to Rs. 400 crore.
It accepted the proposal to recommend release of margin money by NCDC, New Delhi, amounting to Rs. 20 crore to HIMFED through Himachal Pradesh Government and Rs. 2.00 crore in favour of The Lahaul Potato Growers Co-Operative Marketing and Processing Society Limited, Kullu.
It approved amendment in Fisheries Rules 1979 to facilitate anglers with option of annual license fee or daily fee, in different lakes and rivers of the State, to give boost to tourism promotion activities in such identified areas.
It decided to create one post of Joint Secretary and fill up three posts of Deputy Secretary in HP Board of School Education by upgradation of posts of feeder category from amongst the eligible candidates, to establish and manage the State Open School in the State.
It also decided to fill up three posts of Law Officer in HP Secretariat.
It approved Amendment in the  Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the posts of Assistant Engineer (Civil) (Gazetted Class-I) in the Departments of Irrigation and Public Health and Public Works Department and also of Deputy Director in the Atal Behari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali.
 
27 April 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to requisition the services 482 ‘Bus Sahayaks’ on commission basis to sell tickets to passengers in HRTC buses within and outside the State. The Cabinet also decided to fill up the vacancies of bus conductors in HP Road Transport Corporation. The decision will generate employment to the local educated youth.
It decided to introduce E-stamping system for collection of stamp duty on pilot basis in the districts of Shimla and Solan which shall be extended to rest of the State in a phased manner.  Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited approved as Central Record Keeping Agency by Government of India shall be the authorized agency to sell stamp papers electronically.
It decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub Committee under the Chairmanship of Revenue Minister and Education Minister, IPH Minister, Industries Minister and Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Ministers as its members, to study the proposed Amendment in Himachal Pradesh Lease Rules, 1993, and submit the report to the State Cabinet in next meeting.
It approved development of 6 identified spots in different parts of the State by private developers for construction of Five and Seven Star Hotels and Resorts to facilitate the ‘High End Tourists’ with quality tourism infrastructure.  The proposed locations are at Baddi in District Solan, 15 Miles at Baragaon, Manali in district Kullu, Suketi in district Sirmour, Jhatingri in district Mandi, Shoja in Banjar Block of district Kullu and Bilaspur, where best located land patches ranging between 3 bighas to 380 bighas are available for development where investment ranging between Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 300 crore is estimated.  It will generate vast employment and self employment to local youth.
It also decided to introduce Minimum Wage Act, 1948 in private sector as well to pay  daily wages to the labourers @ Rs. 110 to bring them at par with rest of the labourers getting same daily wages.
It approved development of identified parking slots under PPP mode at Sanjauli, Chhota Shimla,  Lift and authorized Municipal Corporation Shimla to enter into agreement with selected parties.  It would help in decongesting the town of increasing number of vehicles and facilitate visitors with parking facilities within the town.
 Cabinet decided to bring about a legislation to do away with the impractical pre-independence ‘Haq-Chuharam’ practice in forest circles of  district of Kangra and Bilaspur and govern the same under prevailing practice in rest of the State.
It decided to take over the control and assets of Child Development Project Office, Gagret, being managed by Ankur Welfare Association, Gagret, and decide about taking over the services of the staff on case to case basis.
It decided to denotify Baba Nahar Singh Mandir (Dholra) in Bilaspur initially for one year period during which the devotees to the shrine and developmental activities shall be carried as usual and the same shall be monitored by Deputy Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bilaspur.
It granted permission to fill up 77 posts of different categories in the Fire Department and engage services of 132 Home Guard Volunteers on Shift Duty basis, besides filling up of 4 vacancies of Sub Fire Officers on regular basis and authorize the Head of the Department to complete  recruitment process.
It decided to engage 25 TTC qualified students of St. Bede’s College, Shimla, against the posts of JBT on contract basis in the Department of Elementary Education.
It sanctioned  7  posts of different categories in Himachal Pradesh High Court out of which one post of Peon shall be on co-terminus basis on contract basis.
It also approved regularization of  daily wager 14 helpers by re-designating the posts as Pump Operator Helper who fulfill eligibility criteria for regularization in Irrigation and Public Health Department.
It  approved absorption of 8 AIPIL employees working on secondment basis in the Horticulture Department in the same department with immediate effect.
It approved creation of 3 tenure posts to regularize daily wage employees of Municipal Corporation, Shimla.
It sanctioned two posts of drivers for Regional Forensic Laboratories at Mandi and Dharamshala on daily wage basis.
It took cognizance of the Compliance Report of Maharishi Markandeshwar University Trust, and directed the authorities to take into consideration the recommendations made by the Committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Technical Education) in its meeting held on 9th April, 2010 for mentioning the same in the Letter of Intent to be issued to the University.
It approved the construction plan of two hostels for married doctor’s in Lakkar Bazar, Shimla.
It approved Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Deputy District Attorney (Gazetted Class-I) in Prosecution Department; Private Secretary in the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation and amendment in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of Assistant Architect (Class-I Gazetted) in Public Works Department.
 
13 April 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to lift ban on general transfers of all the categories of employees and officers in all the departments in the State, from April 16, 2010 to May 31,2010Proposals/Applications of intending employees shall be received by the concerned heads of the departments between April 16 to May 5, 2010, which shall be processed by concerned authorities between May 6 to May 20, 2010 and final transfer order issued between May 21 to May 31,2010. The ban on general transfers will be re-imposed from June 1, 2010, whereafter no transfer or adjustments requests will be entertained. The Minister Incharge of their respective departments shall be competent to order transfers of their employees of all categories from Class I down to Class IV level. All the Heads of the Departments shall adhere to the outer limit of transfer of their employees, which will not exceed six percent of the total existing strength of concerned department.
Cabinet approved exemption in Registration Fee and Stamp Duty on Education Loans borrowed from approved financial institutions of the State i.e. Nationalized Banks, Cooperative Banks, Regional Grameen Banks and other private banks, upto Rs. 7.50 lakh, for Small and Marginal Farmers and Horticulturists.
The Cabinet also decided to alleviate the status of Senior Lecturers and Lecturers of State Ayurveda Department from Class-II Gazetted to Class-I Gazetted.
It granted permission to HP State Subordinate Services Selection Board to fill up eight vacancies of clerks on contract basis.
 
25 Feb 2010 The Cabinet today gave approval for filling up of 47 posts of Trained Graduate teacher (TGT) Arts, 47 posts of TGT Non-Medical, 47 posts of O.T. and 47 Post of Drawing Master on regular basis besides 47 posts of part time Water Carrier in Elementary Education Department for 47 newly upgraded Middle Schools so as to make these functional.
The Cabinet also approved setting up of School Management Committees under Free and Compulsory Education Act-2009. These committees will ensure Parents and Teachers involvement in the Management of the Schools and in achieving the objective of free and compulsory education under the Act to the children including universalization of elementary education under National Education Policy.
The Cabinet gave approval for opening of Nursing College in Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, so as to impart training in M.Sc. (Nursing), B.Sc. (Nursing) and Post Basic B.Sc. (Nursing).
The Cabinet approved to upgrade the post of Assistant Professor, Community Medicine to that of Associate Professor, Community Medicine in I.G.M.C., Shimla.
The Cabinet approved extension of monetary benefit to the BAR Awardees of Distinguished Services Awards at par with the BAR Awardees of Gallantry Awards of the Armed Forces for those who have got similar Distinguished Services Award twice. This carries cash award as well as annual annuity. For “Sarvotam Yudh Seva Medal” cash award of Rs.7000 and annual annuity of Rs 3000, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal cash award of Rs. 5000 and annual annuity of Rs. 3000, Yudh Seva Medal cash award of Rs.3000 and annual annuity of Rs.3000, Param Vashisht Seva Medal cash award of Rs. 15,000 and annual annuity of Rs.5400, Ati Vashisht Seva Medal cash award of Rs.7000 and annual annuity of Rs.4800 and for Vashisht Seva Medal cash award of Rs.3000 and annual annuity of Rs.3000 will be given.
The Cabinet also approved filling up one post of Director in Directorate of Sainik Welfare Department.

The Cabinet also gave approval for the purchase of 10 new Light Motor Vehicles for Police Stations and Sub-Divisional Police Offices and 6 Medium Motor Vehicles for Quick Response Teams (QRTs), 20 Motorcycles and one Fire Tender for Police/ Fire Departments under scheme of modernization of State Police Forces so as to ensure smooth functioning of Police Department in the state.

The Cabinet gave approval to the Abhishi   Educational Society, Ner Chawk, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh to establish technical colleges under affiliation to H.P. technical University instead of setting up of University as requested by it. Similar approval was given to K.C. Social Welfare Trust Nawanshahar for setting up of technical colleges under affiliation to the H.P. Technical University instead of University as requested by it.  
The Cabinet approved the regularization of contractual Junior Engineer of Panchayat Samitis who had completed 8 years of service in respective Zila Parishads in Panchayati Raj Department.
The Cabinet also approved regularization of seven daily waged workers in the Printing and Stationery Department, who have completed 8 year of regular service as on 31 March, 2008.
ItThe Cabinet gave approval for filling up one post of Photo Type Setter Operator, six posts of Fly Boy Offset, three posts of Copy Holders and one post of Mechanic (Electric) besides filling up of 10 posts of Press Daftaris, six posts of Binding Machine Assistants and two post of Press Majdoors from the surplus pool.
 
08 Feb 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved launching of Flagship Anti Hail Gun and Radar System in the State in hail prone fruit growing areas, initially on pilot basis in district Shimla, by establishing Weather Radar System at Khara Patthar. The system will cost Rs. 3 crore initially and three Anti Hail Guns will be installed by the franchise of world renowned specialist company Newton Systems International, USA in India, M/S Siri Global Aviation Consultants, and make the same functional to the satisfaction of the authorities and horticulturists. The system is likely to save the fruit crops, especially apple, from hail storms as the State had suffered an estimated loss of Rs. 105.37 crore in the year 2007-08 and Rs. 228.10 crore during the year 2008-09. The Flagship Programme is likely to protect the crops of hail prone belt horticulturists and further strengthen their economy.
It decided to enhance the honorarium of 27,747 cook-cum-helpers ranging between Rs. 100 to Rs. 400 to uniformally Rs. 1,000 per month from February 1, 2010, with a view to provide such workers better financial incentives for the services they render to the young students under Mid Day Meal Scheme in all the government educational institutions in the State. The Aanganwari Workers and Water Carriers doing additional job of Cook-cum-Helper will be required to give their option for it.
It approved filling up of 417 posts of different categories for upgraded 42 high and 30 senior secondary schools so as to make these functional on priority by carrying rationalization of the department.
It gave consent to recruit 12 drivers in the department of Agriculture on contract basis with a view to make field functionaries of the department mobile to visit farmers in the villages and solve their various farm related problems instantly.
It approved appointment of Shri Naveen Kumar son of Shri Rattan Chand and Shri Praveen Kumar son of Shri Joginder Singh in Himahal Pradesh Police as a Special Case, in relaxation of recruitment rules, keeping in view their exemplary service rendered in saving lives of five drowning persons in a boat accident occurred in river Beas at Harsipattan, and saving three persons in Baner khad in Bainjath respectively.
It approved filling up of one post of Assistant Professor (English) in Dr. Y.S.Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry on contract basis.
It observed that as trials on assessing the harmful effects of Bt. brinjal on human health, environment and ecology have not yet been conclusively conducted. However, BT brinjal will not be introduced in the State for the time being.
Cabinet further observed that the entire issue of BT brinjal and genetically modified seeds is a very sensitive issue and until and unless satisfactory answers to various questions pertaining to these are not found, the State Government will not promote it.
It granted approval for leasing out the toll barriers under HP Tolls Act, 1975, to private agencies for the financial year 2010-11 to the Department of Excise and Taxation by enhancing the security amount from 1.5 percent to 5 percent of the total lease amount; sureties percentage enhanced from 15 to 25 percent of the total lease money while other terms and conditions of the lease will remain as before.
It decided that final recommendations of the High Power Committee on Temples, constituted by the State Government to suggest measures to be adopted for management of affairs of religious shrines, be first considered by the Manifesto Cabinet Sub-Committee.
It further decided to transfer Hotel Deoth Siddh in district Bilaspur to Baba Balak Nath Temple Trust which will deposit the full and final amount with the State Exchequer in one installment.
It approved to authorize the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation to invite expression of interests to lease out the Trekkers Hut at Haripurdhar in district Sirmour thereby motivating local educated youth to involve themselves in adventure tourism promotion activities to generate employment and self employment.
It approved opening of one Veterinary Dispensary at Shalwad in Gram Panchayat Kanaun in district Kullu and fill up the post of Beldar-cum-Water Carrier from amongst the surplus pool of the State.
It also approved Procedures and Conduct Rules of Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Board.
 

27 Jan 2010

 

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved ‘Himachal Pradesh In-depth Study of Road Accident Scheme, 2009’ with a view to expeditiously find out the causes of the road accidents and to deliver necessary relief to aggrieved parties. It has been decided to constitute Permanent Road Accident Committee under the Chairmanship of Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the concerned Sub-Division where accident takes place while Assistant Engineer (Mechanical) and Inspector/Sub-Inspector of Police shall be its Members.  The Committee shall conduct the in-depth inquiry of the accident and submit the report to the concerned Regional Transport Officer within a fortnight, who shall be taking action as envisaged in the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

It granted permission to recruit 93 Forest Guards on contract basis in Forest Department to strengthen the forest vigilance network and to check forest smuggling more effectively.

It granted approval to fill up 13 vacant posts of Civil Judge (Junior Division) by direct recruitment and 11 posts of ‘Acharya’ in different Government Sanskrit Colleges of the State on contract basis.

It approved filling up of one post of Research Officer (Class-I) in State Rural Development Institute by deputation; one post of Naib Tehsildar for Shimla Division and two posts for Mandi Division through HP Public Service Commission; four posts of Assistant Public Relations Officers in the Department of Information and Public Relations; one post of Boat Man on contract basis in Atal Behari Vajpayee Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute, Manali and creation of one post of Superintendent in the office of State Commission for Backward Classes.

It also granted approval to re-fix the promotion quota of Tehsildars and Non-Tehsildars at 27 and 23 respectively to HP Administrative Services, subject to fulfillment of other eligibility requirements in respective parent departments. It further approved to extend eligibility to the feeding cadre after one promotion also in the department.

In compliance to the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India it granted approval to adopt a Policy to deal with encroachment cases relating to construction of religious shrines on government land in the State.

It decided to enlist 37 herbal and aromatic species of vegetation in Himachal Pradesh Agriculture and Horticultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation), Act, 2006 with a view to encourage its cultivation and marketing besides generating employment and self employment avenues to the rural youth at their door steps.

It approved amendment in the Model Relief and Rehabilitation Policy of HP Power Corporation Limited

It consented to enhance the Authorized Capital of Mahila Vikas Nigam from Rs. 5.00 crore to Rs. 10.00 crore.

It approved creation of Zonal Office of Public Works Department at Hamirpur for more effective monitoring of the developmental projects in the region.

It approved naming the Kalpa Sports Stadium in district Kinnaur after late Shri Dev Raj Negi, former MLA and name the same as ‘Dev Raj Negi Sports Stadium’.

It approved amendment in Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1999, thereby doing away with the provision of automatic cancellation of the permit of vehicles not renewing their permits for three months after expiry date.

It approved amendment in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Director of Health Services.

It sanctioned purchase of a fire tender by HP Fire Services Department.

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet unanimously decided to recommend convening of the Budget Session of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from March 2 to April 13, 2010, to the Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.

 
8 Jan, 2010

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved leasing out of land in favour of Rural Development Department for 33 years on an annual token lease payment of Re. 1.00 for setting up of Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) in Kangra, Solan and Hamirpur districts of the State.

It also approved leasing out of Government land, measuring 96.02 bighas, in Mauja Kahlog, in tehsil Kandaghat, district Solan in favour of Patanjli Yogpeeth Trust, Haridwar, Uttrakhand, for development of Herbal Research Centre, cultivation of various medicinal herbs as also to give boost to Health Tourism in the State, for 99 years.

The Cabinet granted permission to convert 22 posts of Beldar (Pump Operator and Helper) into Pump Operator Helper in the Department of Irrigation and Public Health.

It granted permission to fill up 4 posts of Youth Coordinators in the Department of Youth Services and Sports on contract basis; 2 posts of Statutory Officers in Chaudhary Sarvan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, Palampur.

It agreed to revive the post of Deputy Director (Statistics) (Class-I Gazetted) in the Department of Animal Husbandry.

 
2 Jan, 2010 Himachal Pradesh Cabinet granted approval to regularize the services of 125 daily wage workers in Irrigation and Public Health Department, on the basis of length of service, who have completed prescribed minimum of eight years of continuous service.
It approved conversion of  eight Women Industrial Training Institutes at Kullu, Deegal, Palampur, Kasauli, Chopal, Jwali, Hamirpur and Dharamshala into co-educational institutions with a view to introduce emerging trades into its skill upgradation curriculum.
It accepted recommendations of Tree Authority Committee and permitted felling of dried up and fallen trees besides lopping some of the standing green trees within the  limits of the Municipal Corporation, Shimla.
It decided to open 2 new Veterinary Dispensaries at village Shalkhar and Telangi in district Kinnaur.
It decided to grant affiliation to Kaya Kalp Himalayan Research Institute for Yoga and Naturopathy, Palampur, for yogic and naturopathic treatment to the serving and retired government employees of the State.
It also decided to grant permission to the Education Department to construct Science Block for Government Senior Secondary School, Lalpani, Shimla.
 

 
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