Shimla, April 17
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Friday approved a series of key decisions spanning agriculture, employment, healthcare, and administrative reforms.
In a major boost to farmers, the Cabinet enhanced the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops. Wheat MSP has been increased from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, maize from ₹40 to ₹50 per kg, and barley from Pangi Valley in Chamba district from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg. The MSP for raw turmeric has been significantly raised from ₹90 to ₹150 per kg, while ginger will be procured at ₹30 per kg.
To strengthen law enforcement and forest protection, the Cabinet approved the creation and filling of 1,000 posts of police constables and 500 posts of assistant forest guards. Notably, 50 per cent of forest guard posts will be reserved for Van Mitras.
Addressing staffing gaps, the Cabinet decided to engage retired revenue officials—including Naib Tehsildars, Kanungos, and Patwaris—on fixed remuneration for deployment in the Forest Department. Additionally, 10 legal consultants will be appointed across territorial circles.
In the healthcare sector, retired faculty members will be engaged as professors in new medical colleges to tackle the shortage of teaching staff across clinical and non-clinical streams, ensuring smooth functioning of these institutions.
Administrative restructuring was also approved, with the Jal Shakti Department’s divisional setup in Sirmaur district to be reorganised on a constituency basis for improved public service delivery.
To ensure timely pension disbursement, amendments will be made to Rules 10(2) and 10(3) of the Himachal Pradesh Social Security (Pension/Allowance) Rules, 2010.
The Cabinet also approved simplification of the fire NOC process to make it more streamlined and citizen-friendly, aiming to boost ease of doing business while enhancing fire safety compliance.
In a move to inspire youth, the state will engage Sanjay Kumar, Honorary Captain and Param Vir Chakra awardee, to motivate young people to join the armed forces from May 1, 2026.
Further, 71 small hydroelectric projects will be allotted to eligible independent power producers under the state’s Hydro Power Policy, 2006.
