Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, in a significant decision chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved the launch of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojna.’ This new initiative will provide eligible women between the ages of 18 and 59 with a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the scheme aims to economically empower women across the state. Approximately 3.5 lakh women have been identified as beneficiaries under this program. In addition to the direct financial aid, eligible beneficiary families will also receive 300 units of free electricity. This decision builds upon a previous enhancement, which saw the monthly financial assistance for women above 59 years of age increased from ₹1,050 to ₹1,500.
The cabinet meeting, held in Shimla, also saw several other key decisions aimed at development and reform across various sectors. A uniform policy for determining and revising rates for the sale of surplus raw water to neighboring states, government agencies, and industries was approved. An initial benchmark rate of ₹100 per 1,000 cubic feet will be applied to all current and future state projects, including inter-state water projects. These rates are subject to periodic revision, linked to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
To promote healthy lifestyles and combat drug abuse among the youth, the ‘Khelo Himachal Chitta Mukt Abhiyan-2026’ will be launched across all 12 districts of the state. This initiative seeks to engage young people in sports, fostering discipline and community participation.
Amendments to the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021, were also approved. Under the revised provisions, Central Public Sector Undertaking projects that have completed 40 years of operation will be required to provide 50 percent of their free power royalty to the state for the subsequent 10 years. Furthermore, these projects will be transferred to the state government free of cost after 50 years of commissioning.
The cabinet also addressed issues in the energy sector by canceling the allotments of 222 solar power projects due to prolonged non-implementation. Additionally, allotments for 13 hydroelectric projects with a capacity exceeding 25 megawatts have been canceled for non-compliance with policy provisions, while 20 other hydroelectric projects will be re-bid.
In the healthcare sector, the recruitment of 1,000 Rogi Mitras in the Health Department was approved to enhance the delivery of affordable and quality health services. The cabinet also gave its approval for the creation and filling of 561 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) in various government medical and dental colleges, as well as the Directorate of Medical Education, to improve the hospital management information system.
To support the transport sector, the subsidy for purchasing diesel buses under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-up Yojna was increased from 30 percent to 40 percent. A 50 percent subsidy for electric buses and a 40 percent subsidy for diesel buses with a seating capacity above 10 passengers were also approved for identified routes connecting Hamirpur bus stand with Dr Radhakrishnan Govt Medical College, Jolsapper, and IGMC Shimla’s new campus.
In the agricultural sector, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown ginger has been increased from ₹30 to ₹40 per kg. The cabinet also approved the creation of a Department of Geriatric Medicine, along with the creation and filling of related posts at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, and Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri Government Medical College, Nerchowk, Mandi.
The Chenab Times News Desk
