Is Shimla Set to Decongest as Tourism Office Moves to Dharamsala?

Shimla, June 28 (NationPress) In a bid to alleviate congestion in the capital of Himachal Pradesh, the Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, has approved the relocation of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s office to Dharamsala, located approximately 250 km away. This decision is in line with the designation of Kangra as the 'Tourism Capital' of the state, aiming to ease the population pressure on Shimla.

The Cabinet also sanctioned the reclassification of pay matrix Level II posts from Group B to Group C. Following this change, only genuine Himachali applicants will be eligible for these newly categorized Group C positions.

Previously, these roles fell under Group B, with recruitment managed by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, which accepted applications from across India. Now, the recruitment process will be overseen by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog, adhering to the protocols for Group C roles.

Additionally, the Cabinet has approved an increase in the honorarium for multi-task workers within the Public Works Department from Rs 5,000 to Rs 5,500 monthly, positively affecting around 5,000 workers.

A new milk incentive scheme is also being introduced for farmers supplying milk to designated non-government dairy cooperatives, offering a subsidy of Rs 3 per litre through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The Cabinet has also decided to create and fill 101 posts across various categories in the Police Lines of Dehra.

To promote self-employment and minimize reliance on traditional energy sources, the Cabinet has approved interest subsidies for solar power project establishment. A 5% interest subsidy will be available for solar projects between 100 KW and 1 MW in tribal areas, while a 4% subsidy will apply to projects ranging from 250 KW to 2 MW in non-tribal regions.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding between HIMURJA and selected gram panchayats to set up 500 KW solar power plants across 100 panchayats under the Green Panchayat Scheme. Each project is anticipated to generate around Rs 25 lakh monthly, with revenue distribution: 30% to HIMURJA, 20% to the government, and 40% to the respective gram panchayats. An additional 10% share will support orphan and widow welfare in the respective gram panchayat.

The Cabinet has also approved the establishment of Emergency Response Centres in all 3,645 panchayats to ensure timely responses to natural disasters, safeguarding lives and property.