Himachal Pradesh cabinet led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu approved a massive recruitment drive creating over 4,300 positions across various departments while reversing the controversial higher grade pay notification that had sparked employee protests.
The cabinet formally withdrew the September 6 notification regarding higher grade pay for 89 categories of employees, addressing widespread concerns from government staff unions who had threatened agitations over potential salary reductions.
Major recruitment approvals
The cabinet approved hiring 1,602 consumer assistants for the HP State Electricity Board Limited to address staff shortages and improve customer services. Additionally, 1,000 T-Mate positions will be filled to strengthen the electricity department’s operations.
Other significant recruitments include 645 trainee patwaris under state cadre, 400 staff nurses as job trainees across medical colleges, 300 gram panchayat job trainees, and 200 medical officers as job trainees to strengthen healthcare services.
The cabinet also approved creating 38 assistant professor positions in cardiology, neurology, urology, and gastroenterology at medical colleges, along with 25 stenographer-typist positions in the state secretariat.
New administrative structures
Several administrative changes were approved to improve governance. A new sub-tehsil will be established at Saach in Pangi tehsil of Chamba district. Chadiyar sub-tehsil in Kangra will be upgraded to full tehsil status. The cabinet also approved reorganization of development blocks in Hamirpur district and creation of a new Jal Shakti sub-division at Harsi in Kangra’s Jwalamukhti area.
Education and healthcare initiatives
The cabinet approved implementing CBSE curriculum in 100 government schools from the next academic session. To strengthen healthcare infrastructure, 28 dialysis centers will be established across nine districts in model health institutions.
The medical officer cadre will be divided into general and specialist categories to provide specialized services. A Chief Minister Startup Scheme for the hospitality industry was launched to promote self-employment among locals, offering interest subsidies of 3-5% based on location.
Infrastructure and policy decisions
The cabinet extended the deadline for Kangra airport land acquisition by 24 months until June 3, 2026. Land lease periods for HIMUDA projects were extended to 80 years under amendments to HP Patta Rules 2013, aimed at providing affordable housing.
For adventure tourism safety, all registered tandem pilots must complete simulation paragliding safety courses by August 31, 2026. The cabinet also approved leasing land for 13 green hydrogen plants and solar-CBG power projects across the state.
Land lease for Sangya Chauling Association in Sanjauli, Shimla was extended for 40 years, while model sub-rules were approved to regulate planned construction activities in rural areas, particularly considering recent monsoon devastation.
The cabinet also allocated 10% of Local Area Development Fund annually for ‘Children of the State’ financial assistance and modified recruitment rules allowing candidates to submit affidavits for OBC, EWS, and BPL certificates with later document submission.
