Himachal Pradesh Government Moves Forward with Panchayat Elections and Key Initiatives
The Himachal Pradesh government has made a firm decision to conduct elections for local bodies across the state. This includes 3,577 gram panchayats, 90 panchayat samitis, and 11 zila parishads. The state cabinet aims to complete this process before the April 30 deadline set by the high court.
Election Preparations Begin
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh to start preparations immediately. The government will not challenge the high court's January 9 judgment. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan explained that the tenure of current panchayat representatives ends on January 31. The cabinet reviewed how neighboring states handled delayed elections legally.
Revival of Air Connectivity
The cabinet also approved a significant move to restore air services. Alliance Air Aviation Limited will operate 46-seater aircraft on the Delhi-Shimla-Delhi and Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla routes seven days a week. The Delhi-Shimla route has been suspended since September 2025.
Minister Chauhan stated that the route was not economically viable for airlines. To address this, the state government will provide viability gap funding of approximately Rs 30-32 crore. This funding will ensure regular operations and improve connectivity for residents and tourists.
Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion
In a major push for healthcare, the cabinet decided to establish a cancer care center at Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College in Hamirpur. The plan includes creating 11 new departments within the center and filling all necessary posts.
Additionally, the government approved the construction of eight new blocks at AIIMS Bilaspur. This expansion will strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the region. The cabinet also amended the senior resident doctor policy. It now provides a 66.66% quota for in-service GDOs and MOs, with 33.33% for direct candidates.
Nutrition and Food Testing
The government plans to establish four new laboratories for nutritional profiling. These labs will be located in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan districts. The existing composite testing laboratory at Kandaghat in Solan district will also receive upgrades. All required posts for these facilities will be created and filled.
Policy Amendments and New Initiatives
The cabinet approved several policy changes. The age limit for assistant staff nurse posts was revised from 18 to 45 years. Candidates from SC/ST and other eligible categories will receive a five-year age relaxation.
The government adopted the national policy on geothermal energy. This move aims to explore and develop untapped geothermal resources in Himachal Pradesh. The Directorate of Energy will serve as the nodal agency for implementation.
Hydroelectric Projects and Job Creation
Four hydroelectric projects with capacities up to 25 MW received approval for allotment. These include the 6 MW Khauli-II, 24 MW Malana-III, 21.9 MW Manalsu, and 18 MW Dhancho projects. Successful bidders will take over after the tendering process concludes.
The cabinet also approved filling numerous vacant posts across departments. This includes 11 posts of assistant commissioner for state taxes and excise, 11 posts at the residential institute for mentally challenged children in Hiranagar, and 11 posts in the disaster management cell.
Revenue and Sports Development
Six tehsildar posts in the revenue department will be filled. Retired revenue officers will be re-engaged on fixed remuneration to clear pending cases. Four junior engineer posts in horticulture will be filled as job trainees in the public works department.
For sports development, four posts will be created and filled for the Volleyball Sports Hostel at Bhareri in Hamirpur district.
New Cess and Social Welfare
The cabinet approved an ordinance to levy an 'Orphan and Widow Cess' on petrol and high-speed diesel. This cess will be applied at the point of first sale in the state. The government stated it will not burden consumers but will provide adequate funds for welfare schemes.
Amendments to the Social Security Rule of 2010 will ensure time-bound disbursal of pensions to beneficiaries.
Tourism and Industrial Growth
A 4.3-km-long Naddi Zipline Project near Dharamshala received approval. With an estimated cost of Rs 7.41 crore, it will become Asia's longest zipline upon completion. The project aims to boost tourism in Kangra district.
The cabinet also decided to extend the Himachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Policy of 2019 until March 31, 2026. This extension promotes sustainable industrial development, enhances ease of doing business, and attracts investment.
Additional Decisions
Other decisions include taking over the Institute for Children with Special Abilities in Dhalli, Shimla. The cabinet approved SOPs for recruiting crèche workers and helpers. A new ice skating rink in Shimla also received the green light.
To regulate revenue officers, the cabinet approved the Himachal Land Revenue Rules of 2025. These rules cover appointments, duties, emoluments, and punishments for village officers.
