Uttarakhand Cabinet Greenlights Major Administrative Reforms and Welfare Measures
The Uttarakhand state cabinet, in a significant meeting held on Wednesday, approved a comprehensive package of decisions spanning law enforcement, labor welfare, and administrative reforms. These measures are set to strengthen the state's governance framework and address long-standing issues affecting various departments.
Formalizing the Anti-Narcotics Task Force Structure
In a crucial move to bolster the fight against drug trafficking, the cabinet formally approved the creation of 22 dedicated posts for the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). This specialized force was originally established in 2022 but has been operating with police personnel on deputation until now. According to Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, this marks the beginning of a separate, permanent structure for the force.
The newly sanctioned posts include:
- One Deputy Superintendent of Police
- Two Drug Inspectors
- One Inspector
- Two Sub-Inspectors
- Four Head Constables
- Eight Constables
- Two Constable Drivers
This formal staffing will enhance the ANTF's operational capacity and provide dedicated resources to combat narcotics-related crimes across the state.
Wage Enhancement for Forest Department Daily Workers
In a major relief for daily wage employees, the cabinet decided to implement a minimum salary of Rs 18,000 for 589 workers employed by the Forest Department and Forest Development Corporation. Currently, only 304 of these workers receive this minimum pay. The decision follows recommendations from a cabinet sub-committee specifically constituted to examine this issue.
The total workforce of daily wage employees in these departments stands at 893 individuals. This wage enhancement is expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of forest workers who play a vital role in environmental conservation efforts.
Restructuring of Employees' State Insurance Medical Services
The cabinet promulgated the "Uttarakhand Employees' State Insurance Scheme, Labour Medical Service Rules, 2026," creating a new organizational structure for medical officers and higher positions under the ESI scheme. The revamped structure will include 94 posts, comprising:
- 76 Medical Officers
- 11 Assistant Directors
- 6 Joint Directors
- 1 Additional Director
This represents a substantial expansion from the previous ESI cadre, which consisted of just one Chief Medical Officer and 13 Medical Officers. The restructuring aims to improve healthcare delivery for employees covered under the state insurance scheme.
Extension of Micro Food Enterprise Scheme
Recognizing the importance of supporting small-scale food businesses, the cabinet approved the extension of the Chief Minister Micro Food Enterprise Upgradation Scheme until the financial year 2025-26. This initiative provides crucial support to local food entrepreneurs, helping them modernize their operations and compete in the market.
Prison Rules Amendment Aligned with Supreme Court Directive
The cabinet further approved the drafting of the Uttarakhand Prisons and Correctional Services (Amendment) Act, 2026. This legislative move comes in response to a Supreme Court directive requiring states to align their definition of "habitual offenders" in prison rules and model prison manuals with state legislation.
The amendment bill will be reintroduced in the upcoming session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, ensuring the state's prison regulations comply with judicial guidelines and national standards.
Withdrawal of Pandemic-Era Bonus Bill
In a final significant decision, the cabinet chose to withdraw the Payment of Bonus (Uttarakhand Amendment) Bill, 2020. This bill was originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and contained provisions that allowed minimum bonuses to employees only if the employer had allocable surplus.
With pandemic-like circumstances no longer prevailing, and considering objections raised by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment along with the bill's lack of presidential approval, the state government decided to withdraw the legislation from the Legislative Assembly. This move reflects the changing economic landscape and labor requirements in the post-pandemic era.
These comprehensive cabinet decisions demonstrate Uttarakhand's commitment to strengthening law enforcement, improving worker welfare, and ensuring administrative systems remain responsive to both judicial directives and evolving economic conditions.
