Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh's Cabinet has given its nod to a host of historic policies and initiatives in a cabinet meet. Amongst these, the initiatives include the construction of a global class township near Chandigarh and the implementation of a large-scale disaster risk reduction scheme.
Among the most celebrated approvals is the one for a township at Shitalpur in the Baddi sector of the Solan district. The cabinet cleared the acquisition of 3,400 bigha of land to be allocated to the state housing department, with the acquisition of more private and forest land being considered to enable the acquisition. Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan stated that the new township would be set up with the latest infrastructure and facilities to ensure the encouragement of organized growth in the region. A sub-committee of the cabinet has been assigned the mandate of considering the growth opportunities and the suggestions made by the sub-committee have already been accepted.
Apart from the above, in the cabinet meeting, the cabinet also discussed boosting the medical services sector. Certain approvals were also given regarding the establishment of 600 assistant staff nurses in government-run medical institutions, and also the appointment of 53 assistant professors and 121 posts of different categories in medical colleges. Moreover, incentives in the form of 20% basic pay shall be provided to teaching doctors in the form of Doctorate of Medicine (MD) or Master of Chirurgiae (MCh).
Other important areas such as education and skill development are given priority. The cabinet approved the establishment of a University of Multidisciplinary Institute of Innovation, Skill, Technology, Entrepreneurship, & Research at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district, with the adoption of a public-private partnership concept. The proposed university aims to produce a digitally competent human resource with innovative ideas as per the developmental plans of the state.
In the sphere of disaster management, the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Project was sanctioned in partnership with the French Development Agency. This five-year project, which costs ₹892 crores, is set to improve natural disaster preparedness in the state.
The cabinet has also adopted measures for enhancing transparency in the real estate business. The proposed amendments to Rule 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Rules, 2017 were agreed upon concerning quicker approval of proposals, disclosure by developers about particulars of proposed projects, status of land, layout plans, and facilities, and improved dispute settlements in the RERA regime.
There were other concerns raised regarding rural development and means of livelihood. This was done through the promotion of the “Pastoralists Employment in Himalayan Ecosystems for Livelihoods (PEHEL)” social initiative. PEHEL promotes sustained production of small ruminants and the development of the Himalayan shepherd community.
To support the dairy sector, the cabinet approved the establishment of milk processing plants at Nahan, Nalagarh, Mohal, and Rohru, along with bulk milk chilling infrastructure at Jalari, Jhalera, Karsog, and Pangi. MILKFED and the National Dairy Development Board have been authorized to implement these projects. Additionally, a cash credit limit of ₹60 crore has been sanctioned to HP MILKFED Limited to meet increased working capital requirements due to rising milk procurement costs for 2025–26 and 2026–27.
Other approvals include the adoption of a Functional Equivalence Model (FEM) for faculty positions across government engineering colleges, amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Land Preservation Act, 1978 to regulate the felling of dried chir trees, and reforms in the Rajiv Gandhi Laghu Dukandar Sukh Kalyan Yojna for urban small shopkeepers.
The Cabinet also announced schemes for inclusive social welfare, including the expansion of Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Yojna to children of disabled or single surviving parents and gave approval for projects related to resilient livelihoods. It further approved shifting headquarters of Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Backward Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala, and opening of a Drug De-addiction Centre at Malot, Indora in Kangra district.
In the energy sector, the Cabinet gave its nod for the remapping of equity share in SJVNL projects, including the Nathpa Jhakri and Rampur Hydro Power Station, for their possible sale through the state energy department. It also gave amendment approval to the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy 2021 for the extension of free power royalty benefit at a reduced uniform rate for projects with signed implementation agreements up to 25 MW.
Such multi-sectoral approvals also reflect the commitment of the state government to the holistic approach to development, which covers planning, health care, education, rural livelihoods, and disaster management. This will make Himachal Pradesh poised for the right growth in the ensuing years.
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