Uttarakhand: Following the cabinet expansion, the Dhami Cabinet held its first full-fledged meeting today. During this meeting, the Dhami Cabinet approved 16 major decisions. Among these decisions, a resolution was passed to grant an interest waiver to judicial officers on the purchase of electric vehicles. Additionally, the Subsidy Recovery Act pertaining to the free electricity scheme was also approved.
- In the Public Works Department, consultancy projects exceeding ₹1 crore have been approved.
- In the Department of Justice, judicial employees will be able to avail of soft loans of up to ₹10 lakh at a nominal interest rate.
- Previously, the Forest Department mandated a minimum of 25 years of service for key administrative posts, whereas the Personnel Department required only 22 years; now, aligning with the Personnel Department’s norms, the minimum service requirement for administrative posts has been reduced to 22 years.
- In the Energy Department, the benefit of subsidies will be available only until March 31, 2025.
- In the Higher Education Department, a presentation was delivered regarding the premium for Swami Rama Himalayan University.
- In the Home Department, approval was granted for the implementation of new rules and regulations in 2025.
- The Home Department has formulated specific rules and regulations for the Uttarakhand Home Guards.
Following the implementation of the *Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita* (Indian Justice Code), the Home Department has authorized the engagement of experts to provide training. - In the Personnel Department, recruitment rules were previously established for the posts of Constable and Sub-
- Inspector based on an increased age limit; now, following a reduction in the age limit, a fresh opportunity will be provided to eligible candidates. This applies to personnel across the Police, PAC, Fire Services, and Platoon units.
- In the Secondary Education Department, a decision was taken to constitute a sub-committee to conduct a study regarding aided schools.
- In the Food and Civil Supplies Department, a procurement target of 2.2 lakh metric tonnes has been set for the state.
- Regarding the procurement of wheat and paddy, the State Government will contribute a *Mandi* (market) fee percentage equal to that currently being provided by the Government of India.
- Under the ‘Uttarakhand Veer Udyami Yojana’ and the ‘Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme’ (*Mukhyamantri Swarojgar Yojana*), a 10% target quota will be reserved specifically for ex-servicemen and former *Agniveers*; additionally, an extra 5% subsidy will be provided to this category.
- Under the Planning Department, the Cabinet has granted approval for the establishment of a ‘Think Tank’ within the SETU Commission.
- Approval has been granted for the prorogation of the Fifth Legislative Assembly Session.
