Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare Amid Fiscal Challenges
Shimla: In a significant announcement, the Himachal Pradesh cabinet has provided reassurance to state employees and citizens by confirming that the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and all existing welfare programs will continue uninterrupted, despite the central government's decision to discontinue the revenue deficit grant (RDG). The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, addressed multiple critical agendas aimed at maintaining stability and enhancing governance.
Continuity of Schemes and Employee Benefits
A government spokesperson emphasized that employees will continue to receive their dearness allowance, and key initiatives such as HimCare, Sahara, and the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) will proceed without disruption. Recruitment processes will also move forward as planned. The Chief Minister directed all ministers to scrutinize wasteful expenditures to ensure efficient use of resources.
Approval of New Policies and Budget Session Plans
The council of ministers approved the Toll Tax Barrier Policy 2026-27, with a base value of approximately Rs 180 crore, and the Excise Policy 2026-27. Notably, the excise policy introduces e-auction of liquor vends for the first time in the state, aiming to enhance transparency in the process. The cabinet also endorsed the governor's address, scheduled for February 16, marking the commencement of the initial phase of the three-day budget session.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan indicated that the budget will be presented in March, with the exact date to be finalized soon. The agenda for the second phase of the budget session remains undetermined, and a break of nearly two weeks will follow the first phase before proceedings resume.
Expansion of Welfare and Healthcare Initiatives
In a move to support women and children, the cabinet extended 26 weeks of maternity leave to female home guard volunteers. Amendments to the 'Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana' will provide financial assistance to daughters of widows pursuing professional courses in government institutions, including a monthly rent allowance of Rs 3,000 if hostel facilities are unavailable.
The 'Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp Yojana' received approval to improve nutrition for children under six years, expectant women, and lactating mothers. Additionally, the marriage grant for persons with disabilities was increased to Rs 2 lakh for those with over 70% disability and Rs 25,000 for those with 40–70% disability.
Creation of Posts and Educational Reforms
The cabinet sanctioned a total of 1,689 posts across various departments. Key approvals include 1,066 posts for proposed CBSE schools, comprising 150 positions each for Sanskrit, physical education, music, and drawing teachers, to be filled through the Rajya Chayan Aayog. It also decided to merge 31 boys' and girls' schools into co-educational institutions.
Other post creations include 190 junior engineer (civil) positions, 151 junior office assistant (IT) roles, 40 pharmacy officer posts, and 150 assistant staff nurse positions in the health and family welfare department. The establishment of drug testing laboratories at Nurpur, Baddi, and Una was approved, along with 36 associated posts. Additional sanctions include 30 radiographer posts, 10 food safety officer positions, eight safai karamchari posts in the high court registry, five welfare organiser roles in the sainik welfare department, and three junior office assistant (IT) posts in the revenue department.
Major Healthcare Infrastructure Upgrade
A substantial investment of Rs 1,617.4 crore was approved to modernize medical colleges, super-speciality hospitals, and Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans. This project aims to strengthen healthcare services and provide affordable, quality treatment within the state. Modern equipment will be procured for the Mother and Child Hospital at Kamla Nehru Hospital in Shimla, Civil Hospitals at Sundernagar and Nurpur, Regional Hospital Una, a 50-bed critical care block at Bhoranj Civil Hospital, and the district integrated public health laboratory at Bilaspur.
Departments of immunohaematology and blood transfusion will be established at Dr YS Parmar Medical College in Nahan. A state-wide biomedical equipment management program will ensure equipment maintenance, patient safety, and hospital efficiency.
Other Key Decisions and Sports Development
The cabinet approved the formation of a sub-committee, chaired by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh with Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani as a member, to draft the HP State Lottery (Regulation) Rules, 2026. In sports, approvals were granted for a Boys' Volleyball Sports Hostel at Govt Senior Secondary School in Chopal, Shimla; a Girls' Kabaddi Sports Hostel at Govt Senior Secondary School in Shillai, Sirmaur; Girls' Boxing at Thakur Ram Lal Sports Hostel in Jubbal, Shimla; and a Handball Sports Hostel at Morsinghi, Bilaspur. The sports hostel at Luhnu in Bilaspur will expand its capacity from 80 to 100 beds.
