Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved 10 key proposals during its latest meeting, taking several important decisions related to education, infrastructure, employment, tourism, finance, and administrative reforms.
Among the most significant decisions, the Cabinet approved the discontinuation of the budget provision for grants to Arabia Madrasas from the financial year 2027-28, following the implementation of the Uttarakhand Minority Education Act. The meeting also approved the declaration of Uttarakhand as a Fully Literate State, along with several welfare and development measures.
Uttarakhand Cabinet Ends Grants for Arabia Madrasas from FY 2027-28
One of the most notable decisions taken by the Cabinet was to abolish the grant-in-aid budget for Arabia Madrasas from the 2027-28 financial year.
The move follows the implementation of the Uttarakhand Minority Education Act, under which the state government has decided to discontinue financial assistance to these institutions.
Uttarakhand Declared a Fully Literate State
The Cabinet also approved the proposal to officially declare Uttarakhand as a Fully Literate State.
The decision was taken after the state’s literacy rate crossed 98%, marking a major milestone in the state’s education sector and literacy mission.
Relief for UPNL Employees
In a significant relief for UPNL (Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited) employees, the Cabinet extended the cut-off date for the “Equal Pay for Equal Work” policy.
The cut-off date has been revised from November 12, 2018, to August 15, 2024, allowing a larger number of employees to become eligible for the benefit.
PMU Approved for Overseas Employment Cell
To strengthen employment opportunities abroad, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a Project Management Unit (PMU) for the state’s Overseas Employment Cell.
The proposal also includes the creation of seven new posts to ensure efficient functioning of the initiative and improve overseas employment services for the youth.
Akshaya Patra to Provide Mid-Day Meals in Srinagar
Under the PM Poshan Scheme, the Cabinet approved a proposal allowing the Akshaya Patra Foundation to supply cooked meals through a centralized kitchen for government schools in Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal).
Students from Classes 1 to 8 will receive freshly prepared mid-day meals under the scheme.
Insurance Support for Horses and Mules on Char Dham Route
The Cabinet approved an insurance support scheme for horses and mules operating on the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage routes.
Under the new arrangement:
- The state government will bear 20% of the insurance premium
- The remaining 80% will be paid by the animal owners
The decision aims to improve animal welfare while supporting those dependent on pilgrimage-related livelihoods.
International Himalayan Car Rally Gets Approval
To promote adventure tourism, the Cabinet approved the organization of an International Himalayan Car Rally in Uttarakhand.
The event is expected to attract around 50 international vehicles, helping showcase Uttarakhand as a global adventure tourism destination.
Tender Rates Increased for Road Projects
The Cabinet approved an increase in PWD road project tender rates.
The decision was taken considering the rise in international crude oil prices, largely driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have increased construction costs.
Amendments to Prison Rules Approved
The Cabinet also approved amendments to:
- Uttarakhand Prison Rules
- Prison Subordinate Service Rules
The changes are aimed at improving prison administration and enhancing operational efficiency within the state’s correctional system.
Additional Time for Statehood Agitators in UKSSSC Recruitment
The government granted additional time for certificate verification to Uttarakhand statehood movement activists and their dependents seeking benefits under the 10% reservation in UKSSSC recruitment examinations.
The decision is expected to ensure that eligible candidates are not deprived of reservation benefits due to procedural delays.
Five New Posts Approved in Agriculture Department
The Cabinet approved the creation of five specialist posts at the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP) under the Agriculture Department. The move is intended to strengthen research and development in aromatic and medicinal plants and support agricultural diversification in the state.
Other Major Cabinet Decisions
The Cabinet also approved several additional proposals, including:
- Transfer of 14.857 hectares of land to the under-construction Nanhi Pari Frontier Technology Institute at Madhdhura in Pithoragarh.
- Approval of the Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
- Granting Seventh Pay Commission benefits to 68 regular employees of the Uttarakhand State Warehousing Corporation.
- Creation of posts for concurrent audit of the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027.
- Approval of the Uttarakhand Finance Service (Amendment) Rules, 2026 and creation of two new posts in the Finance Audit Cell.
- Directions to the Chief Secretary to constitute a committee for granting land ownership rights to residents of Babu Gram, Chauvan Bagga, and Bindukhatta.
