Himachal Cabinet Raises MSP for Wheat and Maize Significantly
Synopsis
In a crucial decision, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has raised the minimum support prices for wheat, maize, and other crops, aiming to enhance farmer benefits and boost rural income. The meeting also addressed staffing needs in various departments and streamlined processes to improve public services.
Key Takeaways
MSP Increase: Wheat MSP increased to Rs 80/kg, maize to Rs 50/kg.
New Jobs: 1,000 constable and 500 Assistant Forest Guard positions created.
Legal Support: 10 legal consultants to be engaged in Forest Department.
Timely Pensions: Amendments made for social security pension disbursement.
Hydroelectric Projects: 71 projects allocated to eligible independent power producers.
Shimla, April 17 (NationPress) In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, convened on Friday to announce an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for various crops. The new MSP for wheat is set to rise from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg, while maize will see an increase from Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg. Additionally, the price for barley from the Pangi Valley in Chamba will increase from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg, raw turmeric will go up from Rs 90 to Rs 150 per kg, and ginger produced through natural farming will be priced at Rs 30 per kg.
The Cabinet also approved the creation of 1,000 posts for Constables in the Police Department. Alongside this, 500 positions for Assistant Forest Guards will be established within the Forest Department, with 50% of these posts reserved for Van Mitras.
Moreover, the Cabinet has decided to hire eight Naib Tehsildar, 20 Kanungo, and 44 Patwaris from retired officials of the Revenue Department on a fixed remuneration basis to support the Forest Department's efforts.
To further bolster the Forest Department, the Cabinet will engage 10 legal consultants across ten territorial circles. In response to a critical shortage of faculty, retired professors will be recruited in new medical colleges to ensure that both clinical and non-clinical specialties are adequately covered.
Additionally, the Cabinet plans to reorganize the administrative structure of the Jal Shakti Department in Sirmaur district based on constituency lines to enhance public service delivery.
In a bid to ensure timely disbursement of social security pensions, amendments will be made to Rules 10 (2) and (3) of the Himachal Pradesh Social Security (Pension/Allowance) Rules, 2010.
The Cabinet also approved a streamlined process for obtaining fire no-objection certificates, aimed at promoting ease of doing business while reinforcing fire safety protocols.
To inspire youth to join the Indian Armed Forces, the Cabinet will engage Captain Sanjay Kumar, a Paramveer Chakra Awardee, starting May 1, 2026.
Finally, the Cabinet has allocated 71 small hydroelectric projects to independent power producers who meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the Hydro Power Policy of 2006.
Point of View
The government is taking steps that could significantly benefit both farmers and the community at large. Such measures are essential in fostering a sustainable agricultural economy and improving public service delivery.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new MSP for wheat in Himachal Pradesh?
The minimum support price for wheat has been increased from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg.
How many new constable positions will be created?
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to create 1,000 new positions for constables in the Police Department.
What changes are being made to forest department staffing?
500 new positions for Assistant Forest Guards will be created, with a 50% quota for Van Mitras.
Who is Captain Sanjay Kumar?
Captain Sanjay Kumar is a Paramveer Chakra Awardee who will be engaged to encourage youth to join the Indian Armed Forces.
What are the new fire certificate regulations?
The Cabinet has approved a simplified process for obtaining fire no-objection certificates to enhance public safety and ease of doing business.
