Faced with a financial crunch, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet today approved new guidelines for the requisition of vacancies, the selection process, and the issuance of appointment offers across various government departments where requisitioning has already been completed.
While the Council of Ministers, in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine these aspects for future appointments, authoritative sources indicated that the government may reclassify appointees in different categories as ‘probationers’ or ‘trainees’ for two years—removing the term ‘contract’. This move would potentially exempt the government from providing benefits typically associated with such appointments.
In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved the shifting of the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department from Shimla to the CPD KFW Project Office building in Dharamshala, Kangra district. Simultaneously, the CPD KFW Project will be relocated to the vacated premises of the Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Dharamshala.
According to an official spokesperson, the Cabinet also approved the relocation of the District Jail from Mandi to a newly constructed facility at Nerchowk. The existing premises in Mandi will be converted into an Open Jail for women inmates, with the Cabinet sanctioning the creation and filling of requisite posts for its functioning.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the conversion of part-time Class-IV workers to daily wagers, provided they have completed seven years of continuous service as of March 31, 2025.
The Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog has been authorised to determine the examination fees for recruitment tests conducted by the body.
In a move to regulate unplanned development, the Cabinet decided to prepare development plans for the Shri Chintpurni Special Area (Una district), Sarahan Special Area (Shimla district), and the Bhota Planning Area (Hamirpur district). These plans aim to control unregulated growth of rural settlements and unchecked commercial development along national highways and in rural settlements.
To strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the filling of 81 posts of Medical Officers, including 68 Casualty Medical Officers and 13 specialists across other categories. These appointments will support emergency services, trauma centres, blood banks, and tertiary cancer care facilities in government medical institutions.
It also approved the recruitment of 11 Subject Matter Specialists in various Krishi Vigyan Kendras to enhance agricultural extension services.
The spokesperson said the Cabinet sanctioned the construction of a commercial complex comprising two high-rise buildings (14 and 17 storeys) at Mohal Chotta Shimla, Dehat Shimla. This project is aimed at meeting the city’s growing administrative and commercial infrastructure needs, with modern amenities and ample parking.
Further, the Jal Shakti Vibhag has been designated as the service provider on behalf of Panchayats for the implementation and maintenance of drinking water schemes under the 15th Finance Commission.
The Cabinet also approved the transfer of 21-09 bighas of land at Mauja Changar Palasiyan to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for the expansion of AIIMS Bilaspur under Phases II and III—free of cost.
Lastly, the Cabinet withdrew the earlier notification regarding the upgradation of Nagar Panchayat Sunni to a Municipal Council in Shimla district.
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