Shimla, March 7: In a significant administrative session chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh cabinet on Saturday approved an overhaul of the Panchayati Raj Act to reset long-standing reservation patterns. The new directive mandates that panchayat seats reserved for the same category for two consecutive terms since 2010 will be opened to other categories in the upcoming May elections. Revenue Minister Jagat Negi stated that the previous system hindered electoral opportunities for various groups, and the amendment aims to ensure a more equitable distribution of representation.
The cabinet also introduced critical social reforms by amending the Social Security Pension Rules. Under the new guidelines, the definition of ‘destitute’ has been broadened to include women abandoned by their husbands who lack independent income, streamlining their access to state benefits. In the energy sector, the government cancelled 15 hydroelectric projects that failed to begin operations despite being granted amnesty. Meanwhile, a 10 MW project at Pandoh was allotted to the Bhakra Beas Management Board, with the state securing 13% free power and a 5% share.
Infrastructure and employment also received a boost, with heli-taxi sorties between Chandigarh and Shimla increased from three to 12 per week. To resolve pending labor issues, the cabinet decided to use state funds to pay Jal Jeevan Mission employees who had not received salaries for several months. Minister Negi maintained that this move was necessary due to the withholding of central funds. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned the recruitment of 60 junior assistant professors and various sports coaches, alongside the establishment of a state-level sports center of excellence in Kharidi.
