The Uttarakhand government, in a significant cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, greenlit a series of pivotal policy decisions aimed at overhauling public healthcare, promoting clean energy, supporting cultural contributors, and simplifying business regulations. The wide-ranging approvals touch upon critical sectors from medical services to industrial development.
Healthcare System Overhaul and Incentives for Doctors
In a major restructuring of state health schemes, the cabinet decided to operate the Ayushman and Atal Ayushman schemes fully in insurance mode. The Golden Card scheme, however, will function in a hybrid model. Claims up to Rs 5 lakh will be settled via insurance, while those exceeding this amount will be processed under the trust mode. To keep pace with rising costs, the employee contribution for cashless medical treatment has been revised upwards from approximately Rs 250 to Rs 450.
Addressing a chronic shortage of medical expertise in remote regions, the cabinet approved a substantial incentive for specialist doctors. Those serving in hilly, difficult, and very difficult areas under the Provincial Medical and Health Services (PMHS) cadre will now receive a 50% additional allowance. This allowance, calculated as 50% of the minimum pay scale at the doctor's pay matrix level, will be a separate component and not considered for pension calculations.
Boost for Clean Energy and Support for Apple Growers
In an eco-friendly push, the cabinet slashed the value-added tax (VAT) on cleaner fuels. The tax rate on Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has been reduced from 20% to a mere 5%. This decisive cut is intended to encourage the setup of pollution-free industrial units across Uttarakhand.
Providing relief to horticulturists affected by natural disasters, the cabinet also formalized the procurement of apples from disaster-hit areas like Dharali and its vicinity in Uttarkashi district. The state's Horticulture and Food Processing Department will purchase Royal Delicious apples at Rs 51 per kg, while Red Delicious and other varieties (excluding Grade C) will be bought at Rs 45 per kg. Funds for this initiative will be released under the relevant announcement head.
Enhanced Pensions and Ease of Doing Business
Recognizing the contributions of its cultural elders, the cabinet cleared the Uttarakhand Elderly and Destitute Artists and Writers Monthly Pension (Amendment) Rules, 2025. This amendment doubles the monthly pension from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000, marking the first revision since 2010 and accounting for years of inflation.
To streamline business and construction processes, the cabinet approved self-certification by empanelled architects for low-risk buildings, such as single residential houses and small commercial structures, during building plan approvals. Amendments to the Uttarakhand General Industrial Development Control Regulations were also passed to simplify norms for industrial plots.
Other notable decisions include a revised staffing structure for the Uttarakhand Bamboo and Fiber Development Council, allowing 13 posts to be filled via open market recruitment. Amendments to the Uttarakhand Medical Education Service Rules, 2025, raise the appointment age for professors and associate professors from 50 to 62 years. Furthermore, the long-standing demand for "equal pay for equal work" for UPNL employees has been referred to a cabinet sub-committee for detailed examination.
