IMPORTANT CABINET DECISIONS OF
THE STATE GOVERNMENT IN THE YEAR--- 2006
December 28, 2006 Following the Central Disaster Management Authority Act, 2005, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, in order to implement the directions to constitute the State Disaster Management Authority, decided in its First Meeting held in the New Vidhan Sabha Complex at Tapovan, near Dharamshala, to constitute the State Disaster Management Authority under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister and State Executive Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary.  The Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts shall be the Chairmen of the District Disaster Management Authorities.
  Cabinet sanctioned creation of 261 posts of different categories in various departments of the State Government which includes one post of  DLR-cum-Deputy Secretary Law, two posts each of Special Private Secretaries and Senior Private Secretaries in the HP Secretariat, 45 posts of Junior Engineers in Irrigation and Public Health Department, 89 posts of Junior Engineers in the Public Works Department, 20 posts of Excise and Taxation Inspectors, 102 posts of teaching and non-teaching categories in the Education Department.
  It decided to take over the G.G.D.S.D. College at Baijnath and D.A.V. College and Senior Secondary School at Daulatpur Chowk in district Una along with its staff.
  Approval was granted to Himachal Pradesh Ground Water (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) Rules-2006.  The Rules shall not apply over the traditional water wells.
  Cabinet decided to exempt the ethanol-blended petrol from all the provisions of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914.
December 20, 2006 Cabinet meeting approved the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill-2006, aimed at prohibition of conversion from one religion to another by use of force or inducement or by fraudulent means.
  Cabinet granted approval for creation and filling up of 2,931 posts of teaching and non-teaching categories of employees in newly opened, taken over degree colleges, senior secondary and high schools in the Education Department. 65 posts of teaching and non-teaching staff for the degree college announced for Barsar in Hamirpur district on 18th of December, 2006 has also been sanctioned beside equal number of posts for the degree college in Dharampur in district Mandi. It has also been decided to introduce commerce in every senior secondary school of the State and create commerce lecturers posts for teaching the same.
  Approved the Amendment in Section 167 of Code for Criminal Procedure by the State of Himachal Pradesh. Under the CRPC 1973 an accused person in custody has to be presented after every 15 days before the Magistrate for authorisation of the detention in custody and for each proceeding, trial and recording of evidences. With the amendment Under Section 167 it would obviate the wastage of manpower, avoid unnecessary state expenditure and minimize the chances of escape of the undertrials. Under new provisions the undertrials would be produced before the magistrates through video conferencing facilities while sitting in the Jail and carry the court proceedings as required under the law.
  It granted approval to the Amendment of H.P Judicial Rule, 2004 and fixed time table for conduct of Judicial Service Examinations. The applications would be required to be submitted by first week of March, scrutinized by 2nd week of March, preliminary examination held on first Sunday of April, results displayed by third week of April, main examination held on first week of May, results of written examination declared by first week of June, viva-voce held on second half of June and final results declared by first half of July. And the appointment letters would be required to be issued by the government by the second week of August of the concerned year. Additionally four posts, Joint Director-cum-Permanent Faculty Member with supporting staff for H.P. State Judicial Academy were also created for filling up.
  Cabinet approved 5th Amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Civil Services (Premature Retirement) Rules, 1976, and made it mandatory to the health department officers, especially doctors, to render either a minimum of 30 years of service or attain 55 years of age before they could apply for premature retirement by serving three months notice to the appropriate authority.
  It granted permission for the preparation of the list of below poverty line families for the 10th Five Year Plan.
  Council of Ministers granted permission for creation of 16 posts of dental mechanics and 14 posts of dental hygienists in the health and family welfare department, upgradation of 7 posts of Junior Coaches to that of Coaches in Youth Service and Sports Department.
  It decided to amend Rule 12.12 of Punjab Police Rules, 1934 ( As applicable in Himachal Pradesh) by inserting new Rule 12.12 A, in order to modify the recruitment procedure to give 50 percent weightage to the population with the remaining 50 percent weightage being given to the sanctioned strength of the constabulary of the various districts.
  It decided to constitute HP State Police Establishment/HP Range Police Establishment and HP District Establishment Committees in compliance of the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court with regard to police reforms in Central, State Government and Union Territories, pending appropriate legislations to the affect.
  It granted permission of merging the Fish Federation with the Fisheries Department and absorb all the 22 employees in the department while the fisheries activities would be continued by the primary cooperative societies as usual.
  The State Cabinet approved R&P Rules of Additiona1 Director of Education (Colleges), Research Officer (Class-II) Gazetted, Town and Country Planner (Class-II) Gazetted, Junior Engineer (Civil) HPPWD, Drivers.
December 5, 2006 Cabinet reviewed the decisions taken by it from 6th March, 2003 to 5th October, 2006, during which 1,350 decisions were taken out of which 1,328 implemented. The remaining cases requiring consent of the Government of India or under litigation etc. All the departments were also directed to expedite the implementation of the Cabinet Decisions by according top priority
  It also reviewed the progress of implementation with regard to the Election Manifesto which has been adopted the Policy Document of the State Government and directed all the departments to implement the same in letter and spirit.
  Approved identification of additional 2.32 lakhs BPL families in the State for Targetted Public Distribution System (TDPS) which included 2.08 lakh in rural areas and 24,000 in urban areas. Number of BPL families have been enhanced under the TPDS programme of the Government of India to further improve the nutritional status of families in the state.
  Approved setting up of the pithead Thermal Power Plant of about 500 MW capacity in the coal mine area itself after the allocation of the same by the Government of India.
  Approved the Urban Reform Agenda of Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JLNURM) for further submission to the Government of India for approval.
  Approved H.P. Town and Country Planning Act, 1977 (Special Amendment) Bill, 2006, relating to the grant of permission for acquisition of land by Special Area Development Authority to meet the emergent situations
  Also approved the proposal of Cooperation Department regarding framing of Himachal Pradesh Societies Registration Rules, 2006.
  Further approved the amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Standards and Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Rules, 2004, framed under Section 72 (1) of the Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act, 1985 (54 of 1985).
  Approved introduction of the H.P. Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2006, in the ensuing Vidhan Sabha Sessiion for replacing the H.P.Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2006, so promulgated to carry out necessary amendment in the H.P.Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, with regard to deletion of the two child condition in the Municipal Corporation elections.
  Approved separate Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the Government Dental Colleges from the existing Medical Education Services Rules, 1999 based upon the Dental Council of India norms.
  Approved the H.P.Private Universities Establishment and Regulation) Rules, 2006, recruitment and promotion rules for the Posts of Deputy Director (Legal) and Deputy Director Food and Civil Supplies, Assistant Controller (Offset Printing) Class-I, Gazetted.
  Approved upgradation of 4 posts of Senior Assistants to Superintendent Grade -II in the Fisheries Department.
  Cabinet sanctioned seven new vehicles one each for marketing committees of Chamba, Mandi, Kullu. Lahaul & Spiti and Presidents of District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums of Kangra, Shimla and Una besides two vehicles for State Forensic Laboratory, Junga.
November 25, 2006 Cabinet decided to provide three percent reservation to ‘Self Help Groups of Women Entrepreneurs’ in allotments of shops and stalls in the municipalities areas of the State, including Municipal Corporation, Shimla, by amending the Leasing out of the Stalls/Shops Constructed by the Municipalities in Himachal Pradesh Rules, 2001.
cabinet approved the proposal of handing over of the task of distribution of water through  Rural Water Supply Scheme to local gram panchayats on pilot basis i.e. 10 percent of the schemes to begin with. The expenditure for which will be borne by the 12th Finance Commission Grants under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP).
decided to exempt ground tax on vacant land, where construction activities are banned, owned by the people within the limits of Municipal Corporation, Shimla.
Approved the proposal of fixation of the rates of different species standing trees after the same were fixed in the year 1993-94. The new rates per cubic meter for Deodar will be Rs. 29,600, Kail 27,600, Fur and Spruce Rs. 13,200, Baan 18,000, Chil Rs. 10,600, Sheesham Rs. 10,100, Saal and Sain Rs. 8,200, broad leaved species such as Kokat, Eucalyptus etc. Rs. 3,200.
Granted sanction for creation and filling up of 546 posts of teaching and non-teaching categories for deployment in the 26 newly upgraded government senior secondary schools during the current financial year.
Cabinet granted approval for setting up of the Sugarcane Based Unit (Agro Based Unit) in district Una.
Approved the Himachal Pradesh Meter Taxi Scheme, 2006, to introduce metered taxi service in all the important tourist destinations Kullu, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamshala and Shimla within the radius of 40 kms. area of plying and fixed initial charge for 2 kms. at Rs. 60.
Approved delegation of various functional powers to the Chief Executive Officer, Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority.
Approved fixation of minimum fare at Rs. 2.00 in respect of Passenger Buses in Himachal Pradesh aimed at providing relief to the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation and private bus operators. Also approved grant of moratorium of three years to Himachal Pradesh Road Corporation for repayment of principal amount and interest thereupon of the loan of Rs. 67 crore.
Granted one time relaxation to the unemployed youth in essential educational qualifications in the recruitment procedure to the diploma holders to the posts of radiographers and pharmacists who have acquired educational qualification prior to the year 2001and were ineligible after the amendment in the recruitment and promotion rules to the above posts with a view to provide diploma holders more employment avenues.
Cabinet consented to reserve hydel projects upto 2 MW exclusively for Himachali entrepreneurs to encourage entrepreneurship amongst the educated unemployed youth of the State and make them partner in the progress of the State while they would also be given preference to undertake execution of the hydel projects upto the capacity of 5 MW.
Approved seven posts of physiotherapists for each district hospital in addition to the existing five posts thereby providing one post to each of the district hospitals in the State.
Approved creation of 73 posts and filling up of 77 posts drivers in Health and Family Welfare Department thereby providing driver to the entire fleet of 403 vehicles of the department.
The Cabinet sanctioned 37 posts for Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority for managing the functioning of the Authority effectively as also to curtail the codal formalities at different levels of administration.
Approved the nomenclature of the legal assistants in the pay scale of Rs. 6400-10640 to that of Law Officer.
November 14, 2006 The H P Cabinet in its meeting gave approval to Retention Policy to be implemented throughout the State decided to give approval to all those buildings constructed in Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat and Other Planning Areas, where deviation to the extent of 50% in the set-backs has been carried by charging composition fee. From First storey to 5th storey, the owner would have to pay fee @ Rs. 500 per Meter Square in Municipal Corporation limit, @ Rs. 400 per Meter Square in Municipal Council/ Nagar Panchayat and @ Rs. 200 per Meter Square in other parts of the State. These charges will be levied only on the deviated area.
The Cabinet decided that the buildings constructed without the approval of buildings plans will also be regularized on payment of above prescribed composition fee. In such cases, the persons concerned will have to pay additional lump sum amount for every storey constructed ranging from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 9000 per storey in Municipal Corporation area, Rs. 4000 to Rs. 8000 in Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat and Rs. 2000 to Rs. 6000 per storey for all other planning areas.
The Cabinet decided to regularize upto 5 storeys in the State. In core areas of Municipal Corporation Shimla construction upto 2 plus 1 would be regularized. It was also decided that roof constructed with zero height at eaves and 2.50 meter at centre and used for habitation purpose would be considered as a storey.
The Cabinet decided that residential buildings with convenient shops at any of the 5 storeys would be considered for regularization subject to provision for parking within the premises. For this composition fee would be charged at the rate of Rs. 800 per meter square in Municipal Corporation limit, @ Rs. 600 per meter square in Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayats and @ Rs. 200 per meter square in other parts of the State. The cut off date for regularization will be 30 June, 2006. Applications for of all cases under the Retention Policy will be allowed to be submitted upto 31 December, 2006 and all cases would be disposed before 31 March, 2007.
Decided that retention policies earlier approved by the State Government for Hiranangar (Fatechi Mohal) and Kreru Area of Shimla will be superceded by this new policy and a uniform retention policy will now be applicable in the entire State.
The Cabinet reviewed its old decision with respect to giving ownership rights to the owners of buildings in Bazar wards of Shimla and decided to reduce the charges of all such lands which are owned by the Government but are in possession of individuals given to the people concerned in Bazar ward from Rs. 2000 per meter square or 20% of the market value to Rs. 1,000 per meter square or 10 % of market value whichever is more.
  The Cabinet decided to regularize posts of 6150 daily wagers in PWD Department who have completed 8 years of services under regularization policy thereby regularizing as many as 13,182 daily wagers in the Department.
  The Cabinet decided to regularize the services of 5152 daily wagers in Irrigation and Public Health Department who have completed 8 years of service on 31.3.2004 thereby increasing the number of daily wagers regularized in IPH Department to 11832.
  The Cabinet decided that as far as possible the class IV employees of the Irrigation and Public Health and Public Works Departments would be appointed as posted in the same division.
  The Cabinet decided that technical staff of these departments will be posted within the Circle and other categories like Receptionists, Store Clerks, Work Inspectors and Surveyors would be posted throughout the State.
  The Cabinet decided to provide State guarantee for raising loans from NCDC worth Rs. 12.77 crore to HIMFED for construction of Controlled Atmospheric cold store at Rai in district Sonepat of Haryana.
  The Cabinet decided to regularize services of 24 adhoc Ayurvedic Medical Officers in Ayurveda Department.
The Cabinet decided to upgrade 18 posts of Ayurvedic Pharmacists to Chief Ayurvedic Pharmacists in the pay scale of Rs. 5800-9200 thereby increasing the total number of posts of Chief Ayurvedic Pharmacists to 70.
November 7, 2006 The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved  regularization of the 423 contract doctors which included 399 medical officers and 24 medical officers (Dental) who have completed the requisite minimum service up to the period of December 31, 2004.
The Cabinet approved uniformity in the contract rates to the faculty members of the Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Government Dental College, Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda  complex also granted permission for filling up of the 43 posts of ward attendants, Class IV in the medical colleges.
Approved the proposal of the Himachal Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (HPSIDC), of entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) for exploring the possibilities of entering into the joint venture of pre-feasibility studies for the energy requirements in industrial and other sectors to be met with gas supplies where the State Government would be the third party.  The gas supply would be supplementing the power supplies to the industrial sector and likely to be cheaper to the power tariff.
Decided to offer the work of construction of commercial complex, Subzi Mandi, Shimla, to private parties on Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.
The Cabinet approved the merger of the Vigilance and Enforcement Departments into a single organization to be called as ‘State Vigilance and Anti- Corruption Bureau’. With the merger the investigating officers from the rank of Assistant Sub Inspector to Superintendent of Police would be entitled for 15 percent allowance of the basic pay.
Approved the proposal of Cooperation Department regarding leasing out the Bir Cooperative Tea Factory Limited at Bir in District Kangra in favour of M/s The Malmira Estate Tea Private Limited, Kolkatta.
Approved amendment in the provisions of Rule 17 of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Rule, 2005, to exempt the Aviation Turbine Fuel purchased by the designated Indian carriers viz Indian Airlines, Air India, Jet Airways and Air Sahara. Also approved the grant of extension of time for filing up of the Annual Return for the year 2005-06 under the H.P. Value Added Tax Rules, 2005 from 31st October, 2006 to 30th November, 2006.
The Cabinet approved the amendment in the Appointment Policy of the ‘Primary Assistant Teacher (PAT) Scheme, 2003’incorporating reservation facilities.
  Approved the enhancement in the House Rent Allowance and Sumptuary Allowance of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the H.P. Administrative Tribunal to be effective from 1st April, 2004.
  Cabinet approved the amendment in the provisions of section 2(14) and 14 of the H.P. Municipal Act, 1994 doing away with the two-child norm in the Municipal Corporation Elections.  The same norms were applicable in the Panchayati Raj elections.
  The Cabinet decided that with a view to extend full state honour to the funeral of the veteran freedom fighters the State Government would bear all the expenses and funeral attended by the officer of  not below the rank of officers of Sub Divisional Magistrate/Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) on behalf of the State Government.
  The Cabinet gave its nod for creation of one post of lecturer in biology for government senior secondary school, Tissa, district Chamba, three posts one each of mali, chowkidar-cum-sweeper and sweeper for H.P. Vidhan Sabha at Dharamshala from internalization.
  The Cabinet decoded to revise the schedule of one and half year training, divided into six months for computer training and theory, six months for Mohal and six months for settlement training, of 375 under training Patwari candidates for mohals as well as settlement wings of the Revenue Department and amendment thereof in relevant Para(s) of the H.P. Land Record Manual.
  In compliance and in accordance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Cabinet approved constitution of the State Security Board under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister.  The prescribed minimum term would be of two years of the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Superintendent of Police and Station House Officer, unless it is found necessary to remain there perpetually following disciplinary proceedings and compelling public interest. It also approved to amend the Lokayukta Act to set up Police Complaint Authority to look into the complaints against police officers upto the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
  Approved the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the Post of Joint Director, Class-I, Gazetted in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Superintendent Grade-I (Class-I, Gazetted) in HP Institute of Public Administration, Junior Hydrologists ( Class-II Gazetted), Himachal Pradesh Ground Water (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) Rules, 2006, in the Irrigation and Public Health Department, Principal, B. Pharmacy College.
October 5, 2006

The Cabinet in its meeting decided to provide ownership rights to the residents of five revenue villages of Bazar Ward of Bara Shimla, Krishna Nagar, Lakkar Bazar, Baoileauganj and Bazar Ward of Chhota Shimla, to benefit 2,354 persons involving 2,296 khasra numbers, with total area measuring about 11.56 hectares, of the land in their possession within the limits of the Municipal Corporation, Shimla, as per the old revenue entries, where the State Government happens to be the owner on the land, on payment of 20 percent of the market value of the land or Rs. 2,000 per square meter, whichever is higher, or would be  required to surrender their right of possession to the State Government or Municipal Corporation, Shimla, on payment of equivalent charge by State Government or Municipal Corporation.

  The Cabinet approved the instructions issued by the Department of Personnel, Government of Himachal Pradesh, on dated 24.10.2002 and reviewed retrospectively to the extent that the word ‘adhoc’ mentioned in these instructions be substituted by the word ‘regular’ for filling up of the promotional posts on regular basis, especially where the same practice is being followed for making adhoc promotions as is followed for regular promotions.
  The Cabinet further approved the amendment in the notification issued by the Town and Country Planning Department on August 7, 2006, constituting the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) for Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh areas.  The Name of the SADA will now be Baddi-Batotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority instead of Special Area Development Authority.  The Chief Minister would be the Chairman of the Authority while the Minister-incharge of the Town and Country Planning, Urban Development and Industries Departments as its Members.  The Administrative Department of the Authority would be the General Administration Department and the Secretary GAD would also be the member of the Authority.
  The Cabinet sanctioned 89 posts of different categories in the Excise and Taxation, Education, Information and Public Relations Departments.  It included 82 posts of teaching and non-teaching categories in the newly upgraded schools at different places of the State, three posts of Excise and Taxation Officers in the Department of Excise and Taxation to be filled up by direct recruitment through the HP Public Service Commission and four posts of different categories for physically challenged persons to be filled up by direct recruitment in the Department of Information and Public Relations.
  The Cabinet approved the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Assistant Inspector General (Prisons).
  The Cabinet approved to take over the services of teaching and non-teaching staff of the Maharaja Sansar Chand Memorial Degree College, Thural  District Kangra under the State Government control.
September 25, 2006

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to provide subsidy to Domestic and Agricultural categories of consumers and Antodaya/BPL families, Other Domestic Consumers, to the tune of Rs 110 crore.    During the last year the subsidy of 88.51 crore was provided to the Domestic and Agricultural categories consumers. The decision would benefit over 30.04 lakh consumers of different categories. It would facilitate the socio- economic development of the domestic and agricultural consumers.

 

The cabinet also approved Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Superintendent Grade –II (Non-Gazetted) in the Department of home guard and Civil Defence. 

 

The cabinet  also approved amendment of the Municipal Committee Building Bye Laws, 1998.   It was also decided that every building in Shimla Town shall be required to be renovated at least once in three year and penal provision in case of default of  Rs. 500 and Rs. 50 per day has been made accordingly.

 

The cabinet also approved to give Rs. 1000 annually per child of destitute mother having two children under “Mother Terisa Asshaya Matri Sambhal Yojna” for up bringing of their children till their child/children attain the age of 14 years.  It was also decided to create two posts of Assistant Public Relations Officers one each Joginder Nagar, Sub-division in Mandi District and Dalhousie Sub-Division in District Chamba for facilitating the information services to the people of the area. The cabinet also decided upgradation of three posts of Junior Scale Stenographers in the pay scale of Rs. 4400-8100 in the Department of Animal Husbandry.

 

The cabinet also approved the matter to change the cadre of Class-IV categories from Divisional level to that of circle level in Irrigation and Public Health Department

The cabinet  also approved the name of M/s Lafarge Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai for setting up of Cement Plant based on Alsindi Limestone Deposits in Tehsil Karsog, District Mandi and M/s Jaiprakash Associates Ltd., New Delhi for setting up of Cement Plant based on Broh-Shind Limestone Deposits in district Chamba.

The cabinet approved amendment in HAS Rules 1973.  It decided to abolish the conditions of number of chances for HAS and Allied Services examination and raised the age limit from 34 to 35 years for direct recruitment (General Category). The usual relaxation for SC/ST category will be applicable. The State Government employees will get further relaxation over and above the age of 35 years.

The cabinet also approved that as pointed out by enquiry committee constituted by HPERC on Larji Hydro Project, the irregularities committed will be handed over to the vigilance department for further investigation.

The cabinet  also approved creation of 9 posts of different categories, upgrading of 3 posts of Personal Assistant to Private Secretary and change the of nomenclature of existing posts for the office of Lokayakata.

The cabinet approved setting up of Pithead Thermal Power Plant for generation of power in joint venture. The matter shall be taken up with the Government of India for allocation of Coal Mine for the said project, as per Government of India policy for allocation of captive coal blocks to developers for generations of electricity.

September 4, 2006 The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to amend the Town and Country Planning Rules, 1978, as a one time measure by incorporating periodic specific stop gap provision of one year, after the publication of the notification in the official gazette, in the Retention Policy to regularize the unauthorized constructions carried upto the period of 30th June, 2006, in the Planning and Special Areas within the limits of Municipal Corporation, Shimla, only, barring Green, Heritage and Core areas of Shimla town, to regularize the same after taking into consideration all related aspects on merit.  Owners having only one house in the specified area shall be required to apply to the competent authority on or before 15th October, 2006.
The Cabinet decided to sanction and fill up 2,673 posts of different categories in the Education, Animal Husbandry, Health, Social Justice and Empowerment departments.
Decided to convert the State Cadre of 4,215 male and 2,210 female health workers in the Health and Family Welfare Department into district cadre and change the cadre of class IV categories from divisional level to that of the circle level in Irrigation and Public Health Department.
The Cabinet also consented to permit change in the land use provisions and determined a fee Rs. 100 per square meter for hotel and medium scale industries and Rs. 200 per square meter for heavy and large scale industries to be charged by the Town and country Planning Department and the condition of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act, 1972, Section 118 of Revenue Act, shall be applicable as before.
Approval to purchase 24 vehicles in Irrigation and Public Health department and one vehicle also sanctioned for the newly opened Pandit Jawhar Lal Nehru Government Engineering College, Sundernagar, in district Mandi.
The Cabinet approved taking over of the SVSD College, Bhatoli, DAV College and Senior Secondary School, Daulatpur Chowk in district Una under Government control with immediate effect.
August 18,2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to distribute additional funds amounting to Rs. 1,92,59,342 to the 1984 Sikh riots victims of the State, based on the report of Justice Nanavati Commission and as recommended by Government of India. This amount shall be in addition to the amount already paid to the victims.
 
Re-configuration of Primary Education and Education Directorates into Elementary Education and Higher Education Directorates. As a result of the restructuring of the Elementary and Higher Education directorates 2,692 new posts of head masters will be created in the pay scale of Rs. 6,400-Rs.10,640 and to be designated as Junior Headmasters approved. The existing 1,172 posts of head masters shall continue as it is and designated as Senior Head Masters. 117 Senior Block Elementary Education Officers posts in the pay scale of Rs. 7,880-11,660 will be created additionally. Besides this 117 posts of Superintendents Grade I and II, one post of private secretary and nine posts of Section Officers (SAS) will also be created. The posts of Senior Head Masters has been proposed to be filled up from among the TGTs, C and V and Centre Head Teacher categories. The promotion avenues available to all the categories of teachers have been proposed to be retained till such time these cadres are in existence and in future the State Government has proposed to create a new cadre of Elementary Trained Teachers in the State.
 
A rate of Rs. 5 per quintal as export fee for the supply of the dried pine needle from the State Government forests thereby amending the list of minor forest produce approved.
 
An Endowment Fund of Rs. 12.5 crore in the first instance for the 'Pooja Archana', upkeep and miscellaneous activities of the village temples which lost its income after their lands were given to the tenants during the process of Land Reforms implementation in the State created
 
The first ever Policy for setting up of the Mobile Communication Towers. As per the policy, permission of the land owner and local bodies would be required before raising any structure, including mobile towers adopted. The tower owners would be required to pay reasonable fee to the appropriate bodies. In Municipal Corporation, Shimla, and Special Area Development Area (SADA), limits, the one time installation fee would be Rs. 20,000 per tower and annual renewal fee of Rs. 10,000 per tower would be required to be paid. In other urban areas one time installation fee of Rs. 10,000 would be charged, while the annual renewal fee per tower would be Rs. 5,000 while in rural, tribal and difficult areas the one time installation fee would be Rs. 4,000 per tower and renewal fee Rs. 2,000 per tower per annum.
 
A Committee on Encroachment Policy of the State Government to be headed by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh with Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary Law, Principal Secretary Forests as its members, which would submit its report at the earliest to the Cabinet Sub committee which after taking its view over the same would further forward with its recommendations to the Cabinet for final implementation
 
A amendment in Rule 25.1(2) of the Punjab Police Rules, 1934 (as applicable in Himachal Pradesh) empowering Non-Gazetted Officer Police Officer not below the rank of Assistant Sub Inspector to investigate into various cases of heinous crimes natured or under Special Acts to bring about efficiency in investigation approved process so that all such pending cases are investigated into and reported to the competent authorities to improve the rate of conviction in such cases.
 
The draft rules of the Ravi Watershed Development and Beas Watershed Development Societies for the implementation of the Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plants and compensatory afforestation schemes in Kullu and Chamba districts approved where hydel power projects construction work is in progress massive plantation was required to maintain the ecology of the area.
 
The Rules of Recruitment and Promotion of the Range Officers in the Forest Department approved and incorporate the increase in the upper age limit for direct recruitment from existing 26 years to 31 years with a view to provide more opportunities to the qualified forestry graduates of the State.
 
Filling up of 129 posts of firemen in the Department of Civil Defence on regular basis approved and also approved filling up of 26 posts of Mining Guards in the Industries Department.
August 5,2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to merge Special Area Development Authorities (SADAs) of Dhalli, New Shimla (Kasumpti) and Totu into the Municipal Corporation of Shimla. It was decided that there shall be hundred percent exemption of municipal taxes for the next two years from the date of notification of the merger.
 
The Cabinet decided to amend the entry No. 2 of the schedule appended to the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Rules, 2005, to ensure uniformity in the implementation of the same throughout the State for the benefit of the traders.
 
The Cabinet approved the full fledged Police Stations at Baddi and Barotiwala, in Nalagarh Sub-Division of District. The Police Station Barotiwala shall be retaining its status of Police Station besides Police Station at Baddi which has also been upgraded from Police Post to Police Station.
 
The Cabinet approved the proposal of amending the Himachal Pradesh Co-Operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2006.
 
The Cabinet approved hundred percent enhancement in the Tribal Allowance raising existing allowance of Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. The Cabinet approved Himachal Pradesh Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme-2006.
 
The Cabinet approved raising of loan of Rs. 12 crore from NCDC. The Cabinet also approved the proposal for recommending SEZ in Kangra and Una Districts. The Cabinet approved amendments in Journalists Welfare Fund Scheme-2002.
 
The Cabinet approved creation of 59 posts as per detail below:-
Education:- 5 posts of backlog of Diploma holders as DPEs for filling up posts of physically handicap - one; scheduled tribe - one; sports - one; scheduled caste - one and OBC - one.
Printing and Stationary:- One post of Assistant Controller Printing and Stationary.
Home (Prosecution):- 6 posts of District Attorneys; Deputy District Attorneys, Senior Scale and Junior Scale Stenographers and clerks.
Home:-3 Deputy District Attorneys for Shimla, Mandi and Kangra districts and seven posts of Assistant District Attorneys for other districts in the offices of the Superintendents of Police offices.
Health and Family welfare:- 24 posts of Medical Officers (Dental). Creation of five posts for Primary Health Centre, Barotiwala, Solan.
Town and Country Planning:- 5 Town and Country Planners, 3 Assistant Town and country Planners
  
July 25,2006
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet sanctioned creation and filling up of 1,568 posts of various categories in Education, Health, PWD, HIPA and HPSEB on regular and contract basis.
 
The Cabinet decided to conduct the elections of members of the District Planning Committee in every district from amongst the elected members of the Zila Parishad and Municipalities falling within their jurisdiction.
 
The District Planning Committees will consolidate the Plans prepared by the Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samities, Zila Parishad and Municipalities of their district and prepare a consolidated Draft Development Plan for the respective District for submitting the same to the Government for further action.
 
The Cabinet approved the Amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (General) Rules, 1997, by making the provision to debar the entry of migrant labourers, Workers and non-Himachali persons in the Pariwar Register of the Gram Panchayats.
 
The Cabinet approved the Himachal Pradesh Road Safety Activities Scheme, 2006, making provision to spend 25 percent of the total revenue generated through Compounding of offences under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, over carrying out road safety measures.
 
The Cabinet sanctioned allotment of 10,000 sq. mtrs land in Apparel Park-cum-Industrial Area, Katha Bhatoli (Baddi) in District Solan in the name of the Health and Family Welfare Department for setting up of 100 bedded ESI Hospital for providing the working class and industrial labourers in the area better health care facilities, which could contribute towards their efficiency.
 
The Cabinet agreed for creation of Irrigation and Public Health Sub Division for execution of augmentation of Water Supply Scheme to Solan Town from Giri river and another Sub-Division for execution of Sidhatha Medium Irrigation Project at Jawali in District Kangra.
  
July 6,2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to continue with the implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme for Apple for the year 2006 beginning from 1st August to 31st October, 2006 with a view to provide growers remunerative prices in various terminal markets and to check their exploitation by middlemen in the trade. Under the Scheme Fair, Average, Quality apple shall be procured at the rate of Rs. 4.25 per kg. in the apple growing area of the State in 60 kg crate/carton etc. and 2.5 percent extra fruits procured from the growers to meet out the evapo-transportation losses. Apple having minimum diameter of 51 mm will be procured and the fruits with punctured skin or bird damaged, infested with insects, pests, fungal diseases, ethereal sprayed, immature etc. shall not be procured. The HPMC and HIMFED would be the procurement agencies and procurements would be made from the orchardists possessing horticulture cards while no fruit shall be procured from the contractors.
 
The Cabinet decided to revise the rates of honorarium of the office bearers of the Panchayati Raj Institutions and Chairpersons of Zila Parishad would be entitled for monthly honorarium of Rs, 3,000, Vice Chairpersons Rs, 2,000, Members of Zila Parishad Rs 1,350, while Chairpersons of the Panchayat Samitis would be entitled for monthly honorarium of Rs, 1,500, Vice-Chairpersons Rs, 1,200 and Rs. 500 to the members of the Samitis. The Pradhans of the Gram Panchayats would be getting Rs, 1,000, Up-Pradhans Rs. 750 while the members of the Gram Panchayats would be eligible to draw Rs, 125 per sitting subject to the maximum of two sittings in a month. The decision has been taken as per the Budget Assurance made by the Chief Minister while presenting the Budget for the current financial year 2006-07 and would entail an annual expenditure of Rs. 2.5 crore over the State Exchequer.
 
The Cabinet decided to incorporate a provision in the Himachal Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, for making registration of domestic cattle mandatory and to entrust the work to the Gram Panchayats who have been authorized to impose penalty for contravention of the provisions relating to registration of the domestic cattle. The step has been initiated with a view to overcome the problem of stray cattle in the State.
 
The Cabinet further approved the financial bid of the IL & FS Infrastructure Development Corporation for the preparation of City Development Plan of Shimla Town under the Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission aimed at development of basic infrastructure in selected 63 cities of the country and Shimla being one of them.
 
The Cabinet approved introduction of the 'Mukhya Mantri Bal Udhar Yojna' in Himachal Pradesh as an Integrated Scheme for Children in need of care, protection and rehabilitation with immediate effect. Under the Scheme, efforts would be made to make such children self reliant after passing out from the Ashrams and an uniform pattern for incurring expenditure on each child taking shelter in the Bal/Balika Ashrams has been evolved keeping in view the over all requirements of the children.
 
The Cabinet also decided to introduce the 'Mukhya Mantri Kanya Daan Yojna' by renaming the earlier scheme known as 'Marriage Grant to the Destitute Girls/Women' with enhanced amount of the marriage grant from Rs. 5,100 to Rs. 11,001 with immediate effect.
 
The Cabinet approved the convertion of State Government Guarantee in favour of the Himachal Pradesh Financial Corporation for arranging loan worth Rs, 27.50 crore through Non-SLR Bonds and also to relax/waive off Guarantee fee and commitment charges for the said Guarantee.
 
The Cabinet approved cancellation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Himachal Pradesh and M/S Larsen Tourbo Limited subsequently transferred to M/S Limestone Deposits in District Chamba and cancellation of the Mining Lease and authorised to invite fresh applications for grant of area for mining lease under the provisions of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 for setting up of a Large Cement Plant based on Shind-Baroh Limestone Deposits in District Chamba.
 
The Cabinet approved the Detailed Project Report for setting up of Treatment Storage Disposal Facility and Common Effluent Treatment Plant (TSDF) and (CEPT) to be set up by Special Purpose Vehicle viz. Shivalik Solid Waste Management Limited and Doon Infrastructure Limited at village Shitalpur, Baddi in District Solan.
 
The Cabinet approved starting of Textile Technology Course in the Government Engineering College, Sundernagar, from the current academic session of 2006-07 and sanctioned a fund of Rs. 1204.35 lakh with the creation of 49 posts of teaching and non-teaching staff to be filled up in a phased manner on regular and contract basis.
 
The Cabinet accepted the proposal regarding grant of ex-gratia (in lieu of bonus) to the officers/officials of the H.P. State Civil Supplies Corporation.
 
The Cabinet also approved upgradaton of the Sharad Utsav of Una from District level to State Level and rename the same as Una Mahotsava besides declaring the Sair Fair of Arki in District Solan as District Level Fair.
 
The Cabinet sanctioned creation of 256 additional posts of different categories for Government Degree College, Sangrah, district Sirmour, Sanskrit Colleges, Labour and Employment Department etc. besides sanctioning 19 vehicles to the Block Development Officers for execution of the various developmental projects more effectively and for maintenance of regular mobility in the Developmental block to oversee the progress of the developmental projects. 18 more vehicles have also been sanctioned to various departments and Corporations for their more mobility and effective functioning.
  
June 24, 2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to provide carton subsidy of Rs. 4 per telescopic carton of 18-20 kgs., manufactured by the Agro Industries Packaging India Limited (AIPIL) and sold through its retail outlets besides HPMC, HIMFED, H.P.Agro Industries Corporation, to the small growers having orchards upto 10 bighas or less in their name. The maximum limit of subsidy on the packing cases of fruit will be Rs. 4,800 per orchard to be provided after completion of codal formalities. The subsidy on AIPIL manufactured cartons will be available to the small fruit growers of the State from 1 st April, 2006 to 15th December, 2006 and the sale price per carton shal be Rs. 30.50.
 
The Cabinet decided to continue with the procurement of mango fruits under marketing intervention scheme to be effective during the period beginning from 1 st July, 2006 to 15th August, 2006 under which the seedling mango shall be procured at the rate of Rs. 3.58 per kg. while grafted mango at the rate of Rs. 4.25 per kg. shall be procured by the HPMC, HIMFED and H.P.Agro Industries Corporation. It has been decided to open 26 collection centres in the State where mango shall be procured from the farmers possessing horticulture cards and no mango procured from the contractors and others involved in the trade.
 
Decided to constitute Special Area Development Authority for Nalagarh and Baddi Barotiwala Area (NABBDA) and approved amendment in Rule 67 and 68 of the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act whereby the Authorities shall have Chairman, Vice Chairman or Chief Executive Officer, or both, and members shall be appointed by the State Govenlment.
 
Cabinet consented to raising of loan to the tune of Rs. 60 crore by the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation for meeting out its liabilities and the State Govenllnent shall bear the principal and interest both.
 
Approved an Ordinance for Regulation of admission fee and providing reservations in the private medical education institutions in the State. Also approved to adopt a Policy for registration of private health institutions for treatment and reimbursement outside the State. Such institutions would be at par in medical standards with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, while others on the approved list of the Government of India would also be enlisted.
 
Cabinet approved enhancement in the rate of compensation from Rs. 1,875 to Rs. 5,000 in case of simple injuries caused to human beings by the wild animals. It also decided to include packing containers made of metals, S.O.Dyes (liquid forn) and acrylic binders etc. in the list of industrial inputs and packing material which shall be taxed at the rate of 4 percent under VAT provisions
 
Approved the Grant-in-Aid Rules to Parents and Teachers Association Rules, 2006, for detennining and regulating the reimbursement of expenditure incurred by the Parents and Teachers Associations, who made available teachers to schools and colleges for the purpose of improvement in the education of the students.
 
Cabinet approved Recruitment and Promotion Rules to the post of Block Medical Officers (Class-I Gazetted) and granted pennission to fill up the 75 posts of Medical Officers to the level of Block Medical Officers, a separate cadre of
 
Block Medical Officers, available in the Department of Health and Family Welfare, after completion of codal formalities, on the basis of Recruitment and Promotion Rules, with a view to provide medical officers more promotional avenues and strengthen the health network in the State.
 
It also sanctioned five posts of Deputy District Attorneys (Class-I-Gazetted) in the Prosecution Department of the State at the district headquarters at Shimla, Mandi, Kangra at Dharamshala, Solan and Bilaspur; nine direct posts of Inspectors, Grade-I, in Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department; 16 posts of constables for H.P.Police Band, in relaxation of the prescribed educational qualification aIId other recruitment 'conditions.
 
Decided to fill-up 548 posts of peon and sweepers on part time basis on a fixed remuneration of Rs. 1,100 per month for manning the Primary Health Centres and Civil Dispensaries of the Health and Family Welfare Department in a more effective way and facilitate the cleanliness in the health institutions in the State.
Sanctioned purchase of 15 vehicles by different departments
  
June 5, 2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved to regularize the services of 15,000 daily wage workers working in different departments who have completed qualifying daily wage service of minimum eight years and fulfill other terms and conditions required for regularization.
The Cabinet consented to establish a Finger Print Bureau in the State Police.
 
Approved regularization of the services of 10 daily wage warders in the Prison Department who have completed minimum prescribed services and other conditions required for regularization to strengthen the Prison Department.
 
Decided to relax the Recruitment and Promotion Rules of class IV employees in the Forest Department to pave the way for regularization of 63 daily wagers.
 
The Cabinet decided to lease out 191.08 bighas of land at village Majra Tehsil Nalagarh, district Solan for setting up of Treatment Storage and Disposal Plant and 30.08 bighas of land at village Sheetalpur, Baddi, Tehsil Nalagarh for setting up of Common Effluent Treatment Plant, for the industrial area.
 
Approved the proposal of filling up of four posts of assistant engineers (Mechanical) in the Irrigation and Public Health Department through direct recruitment.
 
The Cabinet decided to increase the number of livestock in various farms of Animal Husbandry Department.
Decided to purchase modem equipments for MILKFED activities in the State.
  
May 25,2006
The Cabinet in its meeting approved revision in the traveling allowance and daily allowance, transfer grant by giving 50 percent and hotel rent by 100 percent increase to the Government employees of the State and financial benefits worth Rs. 10 crore made available. Now the minimum daily allowance to a Government employee shall be Rs. 48 instead of Rs. 32 and maximum Rs. 180 instead of Rs. 120.
 
The Chairmen/Vice Chairmen would be entitled for drawing Rs. 6.00 per km. non existing applicable rate of Rs. 2.00 per km. outside the State and Rs. 2.50 per km. With in the State while their daily allowance has also been enhanced to Rs. 200 per day nom existing Rs. 150 per day. The Non-Official members of various Committees would also be entitled for Rs. 6.00 per km. reimbursement, which earlier was Rs. 3.00 per km. outside the State and Rs. 3.50 per km. With in the State. The Daily allowance of the members has also been increased to Rs. 180 nom existing Rs. 120, bringing them at par with the highest officer of the State Government, and the conveyance allowance has also been increased to Rs. 30 per day nom Rs. 20 per day. The total financial liability would be approximately of Rs. 10 crore per annum.
 
The Cabinet also approved Leave Travel Concession facility (LTC) for Bharat Darshan to those Government employees who are left with four year's or less service for superannuation and also approved 100 percent increase in the Tribal and Winter Allowance of the employees serving in the Tribal Areas of the State.
 
The Council of Ministers also approved the proposal of Enactment of Himachal Pradesh Societies Registration Act. by repealing Registration Act, 1860 and also approved the H.P. Agriculture and Horticulture Produce Marketing (General) Rules, 2006 and H.P. Agriculture and Horticulture Marketing (Financial) Rules, 2006. These Rules are under the H.P. Agriculture and Horticulture Produce Marketing (Development and a Regulation) Act, 2005
 
The Cabinet also approved the mechanism to be adopted by the Gram Panchayats to collect tax on minor minerals. The Panchayats would be authorized to charge Rs. 10 per truck and Rs. 5 per trolley on extraction and export of sand, stone and bajri in their area and Rs. 50 per truck on slates. The step is likely to benefit the Gram Panchayats in generating their sources of income.
 
The Cabinet decided to enhance the tendering limit to A Class contractors with no upper limit, B-Class, upto Rs. One crore; C-Class, upto Rs. 40 lakhs and D-Class contractors upto Rs. 10 lakhs
 
The Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to sign the Implementation Agreement (IA) between the Government of Himachal Pradesh and MIS Himalayan Ski Village Private Limited Company for execution of tourism-cum-Skiing Project at Manali in Kully valley
 
The Cabinet approved the amendment in Rule-4-A of the Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation Rules, 1974, to affect that the penalty of 25 percent on delayed payment of the tax.
 
The Cabinet gave its approval for adoption of the 'Himachal Pradesh Medicinal Plants Policy-2006' to exploit and promote the herbal potential of the State and make Himachal Pradesh a major herbal State of the country by the year 2025.
 
The Cabinet gave its approval for creation of a new Irrigation and Public Health Division at Nainidhar in District Sirmour through internalization of the staff from within the department
 
The Cabinet also approved the proposal for the continuation of the services of ten junior engineers appointed on contract basis in Irrigation and Public Health for the period of four years
 
The Council of Minister approved absorption of such employees of HP State Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation Limited on secondment basis in the Department of Industries against vacant posts of class-III and IV as are working in the offices.
 
The Cabinet further decided to fill up one post of Junior Hydro geologist by direct recruitment. The Cabinet also decided to fill the backlog of six posts of class IV reserved for handicapped persons in the Forest Department through direct recruitment.
  
May 10,2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to set-up 4 ICDS Projects, 436 ICDS circles and 10,894 Anganwari Centres, creating 22,240 new posts of different categories to man the new centres, which includes 4 additional posts of CDPOs, 12 posts of subordinate staff, 436 posts of supervisors, and 10,894 posts of Anganwari Helpers.
 
The Cabinet approved the New Power Policy of the State herein better coordination between the Government and project executors with interests of both the parties and people of the State has been protected.
 
The Cabinet granted approval to the amendments in the H.P.State Cooperative Societies Rules, 1971 and Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports (Amendment) Rules, 2006 with a view to regulate and promote aero sports in Himachal Pradesh and attract paragliders and operators from the world over to organize and operate such activities at the identified places in the State.
 
The Cabinet approved implementation of the Right to Information Rules, 2006, and authorized the Public Information Officers and Assistant Information Officers to accept fee in the shape of banker's cheque or demand drafts, payable in the name of the department or public authority to which the applications for seeking inspection or information is being made.
 
The Cabinet further approved the amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Tolls (Amendment) Ordinance, 2006, making provisions for the appeal, revision and refund in the Himachal Pradesh Tolls Act, 1975.
 
The Cabinet also approved amendment in the VAT provisions and relaxed the period of refund from existing two years to three months facilitating the traders of the State.
 
The Cabinet also approved to impart training of two years Ayurvedic Pharmacist Course to 300 candidates at Ayurvedic Pharmacist's Training Centres at Jogindenagar and Paprola besides reconsidering the admission criteria for entrance examination of the training programme.
 
The Cabinet further granted approval for creation of 150 posts of various categories for Model Central Jail, Kanda, Model Central Jai, Nahan and District Jail Dharamshala and Sub Jail, Una for more effective management.
 
The Cabinet approved setting up of a Large Cement Plant based on Ghumma-Rohana Limestone deposits in Tehsil Chopal of District Shimla, paving way for early execution of the project.
  
April 22, 2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved the Amendment of Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Himachal Pradesh, Rules, 1973, wherein fix term employment will be governed under fixed working hours, wages, allowances and other benefits which shall not be less than that of a permanent workman. It also provides for protective measures to be adopted against sexual harassment to women workers at work places.
 
The Cabinet approved the Fertilizer Policy of the State for the year 2006-07 and made provisions of Rs. 4.28 crore as transport subsidy to the farmers from the godowns to the sale points. The Policy aims at encouraging the farmers of the State to make maximum use of the fertilizers at par with the national norm of 97 kgs per hectare compared to 41 kgs. per hectare in the State. The Cabinet decided to include the tyre retreading industry in the list of incentives for the purpose of sales tax benefits as announced by the State Government vide Incentive Rules 1991, 1996 and 1999. It also decided to waive off the sales tax demand due from the tyre-retreading units as one time measure.
 
The Cabinet approved the establishment of a Government Engineering College at Sundernagar in District Mandi beginning with one Mechanical Degree course from the academic session starting from July, 2006, 54 posts of different categories had been created and adequate budgetary provisions made for filling up of the posts and creation of necessary infrastructure.
The Cabinet gave its nod to the hike in the fixed emoluments of the Veterinary Officers on contract from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 14,000 with effect from 1st April, 2006. The Cabinet also decided to create one post of Law Officer (Hindi) in the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat to strengthen the Legislation Cell of the Law Department of the State.
 
The Cabinet approved 22 posts in the State Information Commission for its smooth and effective functioning to provide people of the State facilities to avail of the provisions of the Right to Information Act. The Cabinet further approved 293 posts of teaching and non teaching categories in newly upgraded 45 high and middle schools allover the State during preceding year being made functional from current academic session.
 
The Cabinet also approved creation of 11 posts of Patwaris in Kangra, Hamirpur and Kinnaur districts with a view to strengthen the revenue services in these districts.
  
14th March, 2006
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decided to introduce Family Planning Insurance Scheme in the State based upon the Scheme adopted by the Government of India to supplement the existing Family Planning Scheme of the State Government
 
Cabinet approved creation of 29 dental mechanics and 29 dental hygienists for various dental clinics established in different Community Health Centres.
 
Approved Development Plan for Nahan Planning Area with a view to preserve the heritage of the town, its periphery and carry out future expansions in a planned manner.
 
Cabinet approved up gradation the post of Deputy Registrar in Himachal Pradesh Administrative Tribunal to that of Registrar Judicial and re-designation of the post of Registrar as Registrar Administration.
 
Approved various posts for judicial lock-up at Kalpa to provide foolproof security arrangements to the under trials and other prisoners.
 
Cabinet approved purchases of a number of vehicles for various departments in the tribal areas.
  
21st February, 2006
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved the amendment in Himachal Pradesh Passengers and Goods Taxation Act with a view to simplify the tax collection procedure.
 
Approved allotment of 402 MW Shongtong Karchham Hydro-Electric Project in district Kinnaur for implementation by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board.
 
Cabinet approved guidelines embodied in the Bill for Establishment of Private Universities in the State. It also approved Technical Education Policy with a view to encourage private participation in technical education of par excellence to the people.
 
Approved creation of one independent unit of Pediatrics in Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla and renaming the institution as Kamla Nehru State Hospital for Mother and Child.
 
Cabinet approved the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the posts of Executive Engineer (Mechanical) and a number of other categories of the officers and employees in different departments of the State Government.
  
6th Feb. 2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held at Dharamshala decided to authorize the Excise and Taxation Department to carry Annual Auction of the designated 33 multipurpose toll barriers all over the State for the next financial year 2006-07. The Cabinet decided that pending sales tax assessment in respect of 'C' and 'D' classes of works contractors be finalized by accepting only 2 percent Sales Tax deduction under Section 12-C of Himachal Pradesh General Sales Tax Act., 1968.
 
To give boost to the tourism the Cabinet decided to relax the Bar timing in the State tourism all round the year from the existing timings.
 
The Cabinet approved the Eco-Tourism Policy to give boost to the nature and adventure tourism in the State.
 
The Cabinet approved amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services Rules, 1973 and increased the promotion quota of the Tehsildars from the existing 22 percent to 30 percent to provide more representation to the revenue officers in the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services.
 
The Cabinet approved the revised Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Range Forest Officers and also decided to increase the number of posts from existing 241 to 297 with a view to provide Forest Officers more promotional avenues.
 
The Cabinet approved recruitment of 21 Assistant Engineers (Civil) in the Public Works Department.
 
The Cabinet approved the 34th Annual Report of H.P. Public Service Commission for the period from 1st April, 2004 to 31st March, 2005.
11th Jan. 2006
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held at Dharamshala decided that the feasibility report for the Express Highway between Una and Dharamshala and pre-feasibility report for the tunnel project at Swarghat would be prepared besides three tunnel projects for Shimla town would also be taken up expeditiously.
 
The Cabinet approved Rs. 21 crore short term infrastructure scheme for Baddi and Barotiwala towns in addition to long term project creation of medical, sewerage, hospital, police Station, bus terminal, electricity infrastructure and eco-treatment plant for Baddi area. It also directed the Town and Country Planning Department to set up a NOIDA type authority in Baddi region.
 
The cabinet approved forwarding of the application to the Govt. of India for setting up of special economic zone of Rs. 5047 crore project for the development of special economic zone in Kangra and Una districts over a period of five years.
 
The Cabinet also directed that State Special Economic Zone will be set up and legislation brought in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.
 
The Cabinet approved 162 posts of teaching and non-teaching categories in 12 Senior Secondary Schools. It also sanctioned 11 posts of various categories in the office of the Advocate General of Himachal Pradesh, 10 posts in Judicial Academy and 27 posts of Wardens in Model Central Jail, Kanda of Shimla district.
   

 
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