The Himachal Pradesh government has approved a policy for the regularisation of certain encroachments on government land, addressing humanitarian concerns of landless families and marginal farmers who currently occupy government land for residential, agricultural, and horticultural purposes. This policy has been formulated in compliance with directives from the Supreme Court of India and has been forwarded to the central government for final approval.
Cabinet Decisions Led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
During a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the government also agreed to reconsider claims for compassionate appointments that were previously rejected by various departments. As a one-time measure, the most genuine rejected cases will be re-examined with necessary relaxations.
Agriculture Loan Interest Subvention Scheme
The cabinet decided to introduce the Agriculture Loan Interest Subvention Scheme for farmers whose land is up for auction. Under this scheme, the government will bear 50 percent of the interest liability on eligible agricultural loans up to Rs 3 lakh, benefiting 6,356 farmers across the state.
Health Sector Recruitment
In a major boost to healthcare, the cabinet approved the filling of 300 posts of Medical Officers and 250 posts of Class-IV/Multi Task Workers in the Department of Health and Family Welfare. Additionally, it approved the recruitment of 200 staff nurses and 162 other positions, including 76 Operation Theatre Assistants, 36 Radiographers, and 50 Lab Technicians Grade-II. The cabinet also decided to create and fill 75 posts of assistant professors in various departments across different medical colleges in the state.
Enhancement of HIMCARE Scheme
The health insurance coverage under the HIMCARE Scheme has been enhanced by shifting to an insurance mode. Under the revised arrangement, eligible beneficiaries will receive health insurance cover of Rs 7 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, up from the existing coverage of Rs 5 lakh.
