Debt ridden Himachal restarts State Lottery while also approving 92 Lakh Mercedes for the Governor in it’s Cabinet Meeting

In a significant move after nearly 25 years, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to restart the state-run lottery. The decision was taken during the state cabinet meeting held on Thursday, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The primary aim of reviving the lottery is to generate a new stream of revenue for the state.

Alongside this decision, the cabinet also approved the implementation of OBC reservation in upcoming urban local body elections. To facilitate this, accurate data on the OBC population will be collected, and a dedicated Backward Classes Commission will be formed.

Monsoon Session and Examination Relaxation

The cabinet resolved to recommend to the Governor the convening of the Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from August 18 to September 2, 2025. The session will include 12 sittings.

In a relief to candidates who appeared for TGT and JBT recruitment exams conducted by the now-disbanded Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission, the cabinet granted a one-time relaxation of two years in the upper age limit.

Reservation for Orphan Students and Health Workforce Expansion

To support orphaned students, the cabinet approved one reserved seat per course for them in all government and private technical institutions, including ITIs, polytechnic colleges, engineering, and pharmacy institutes.

Additionally, to strengthen health services in remote and tribal regions, approval was granted for the recruitment of 290 additional ASHA workers.

Administrative Approvals and Disaster Relief

The cabinet also approved the recruitment of 5 Law Officers (English) and 2 Law Officers (Hindi) in the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat. Three new posts of Research Officers were sanctioned for the Integrated Tribal Development Project offices in Bharmour, Pangi, and Spiti.

In view of the recent heavy monsoon rains, the government has approved rental assistance for affected families: ₹5,000 per month in rural areas and ₹10,000 per month in urban areas, for a period of six months.

Home Guards to Be Deployed in Liquor Production Units

To prevent illegal activities at liquor manufacturing units, the cabinet decided to deploy two Home Guards each at 21 distilleries, bottling plants, and breweries. Their salaries will be paid by the respective companies. One State Taxes and Excise Officer will also be appointed at each facility to monitor compliance.

Utilization of Vacant Government Buildings

The cabinet accepted the recommendations of a sub-committee headed by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, which proposed the phased and productive use of all vacant government buildings. The committee also recommended the appointment of a nodal agency for this purpose.

Water Tariff Reforms and Other Civic Decisions

In a move to streamline service delivery, the cabinet approved aligning the water tariff rates in Solan Municipal Corporation with those of the Jal Shakti Department. This change will benefit thousands of water consumers in the area.

The cabinet also approved removing Amatar Stadium and the Panchayat Ghar area of Bela from Ward Number 8 of the Nadoun Municipal Council in Hamirpur district.

New Vehicle for the Governor

In another notable decision, the cabinet approved the purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle worth ₹92 lakh for the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan stated that the current vehicle is over five years old, prompting the need for a replacement.