Dehradun: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a series of significant proposals aimed at accelerating development across multiple sectors. The meeting, held at the state secretariat in Dehradun, cleared around 17–18 major decisions impacting education, transport, forest management, mining, and social welfare.
These reforms signal the government’s intent to streamline administration, improve public services, and prepare for major upcoming events like the 2027 Kumbh Mela.
Major Push for Kumbh 2027 Preparations
The Cabinet introduced key administrative changes to fast-track preparations for the Haridwar Kumbh 2027:
- Projects up to ₹1 crore can now be approved directly by the Mela अधिकारी
- Projects up to ₹5 crore will be cleared by the Garhwal Commissioner
- Projects above ₹5 crore will require state-level approval
This decentralization is expected to reduce delays and speed up infrastructure development for the mega religious event.
Reforms in Madrasa Education System
A major decision was taken to integrate madrasa education into the mainstream:
- Classes 1–8: Recognition through district-level committees
- Classes 9–12: Mandatory affiliation with the state education board
With around 452 madrasas in the state, this move aims to standardize education quality and ensure better regulatory oversight.
Recruitment and Transparency Measures
To improve fairness in government hiring:
- Waiting list (merit list) validity limited to one year
- A standard operating procedure (SOP) will ensure uniformity across departments
Additionally, recruitment rules in the forest department have been revised:
- Forest Ranger (Daroga) qualification raised from Intermediate to Graduate
- Age limits set at:
- 21–35 years (Forest Daroga)
- 18–25 years (Forest Guard)
Transport Sector Gets Major Upgrade
The Cabinet approved the purchase of new buses to strengthen public transport:
- Approval for 250 new buses
- Adjustment in earlier procurement: 100 buses increased to 109 due to GST reduction
Other changes include:
- New uniform rules for enforcement drivers aligned with police standards
- Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Rules 2026
These steps aim to improve efficiency and public convenience.
Support for Ex-Servicemen and Legal Aid Expansion
The government expanded access to free legal services:
- Ex-servicemen will now receive free legal aid
- Acid attack victims also included under the scheme
- District Sainik Welfare Officers added as members of legal service authorities
This move strengthens social justice and support systems.
Forest Policy and Livelihood Initiatives
Two major forest-related decisions were approved:
- Bee-keeping (Apiculture) Policy to promote livelihood in forest-border areas
- Aim to reduce human-elephant conflict through sustainable practices
Given that nearly 70% of Uttarakhand is forest land, this policy is expected to generate employment while supporting conservation.
Education Sector Sees Multiple Reforms
Several steps were taken to improve education:
- Approval of Sanskrit Education Service Rules 2026, enabling promotions for 62 posts
- Recruitment rules finalized for special education teachers
- Expansion of research promotion scheme to 21 aided private colleges
These reforms aim to strengthen both school and higher education systems.
Changes in Mining and Tax Policies
The Cabinet also approved financial and regulatory changes:
- Mining royalty increased from ₹7 to ₹8 per quintal
- VAT on excise reduced from 12% to 6%
These adjustments are expected to boost revenue while balancing industry growth.
Relief for Contractors and Employees
Key administrative relief measures include:
- Tender limit for ‘D’ category contractors increased to ₹1.5 crore
- Creation of pending Differently-abled (PwD) posts in Public Works Department
- Continued discussion on pension benefits for work-charge employees
These steps aim to support small contractors and address employment-related concerns.
The latest Cabinet decisions reflect a broad governance strategy focused on infrastructure development, administrative efficiency, education reform, and social welfare. With preparations for Kumbh 2027 underway and structural reforms across departments, the Uttarakhand government is positioning itself for faster, more inclusive growth.
Read also: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Approves ₹16 Crore for Development Projects and Disaster Relief
