Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Wednesday approved 11 key proposals in a significant meeting aimed at strengthening employee welfare, boosting agriculture, easing business norms, and improving healthcare and infrastructure across the state.
The decisions reflect the government’s focus on economic relief, social security, and administrative reforms, with special emphasis on healthcare services, farmers’ welfare, and ease of doing business.
Major Cabinet Decisions
Tax Relief on Natural Gas
In a major relief measure, the Cabinet approved a reduction in VAT on natural gas from 20 percent to 5 percent, a move expected to benefit industries and consumers alike.
Support for Apple Farmers
To provide relief to growers in disaster-affected areas such as Dharali and nearby regions, the Cabinet fixed procurement prices for apples. Royal Delicious apples will be procured at ₹51 per kg, while other Red Delicious varieties will fetch ₹45 per kg.
Enhanced Pension for Artists and Writers
The monthly pension for artists and writers was doubled from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000, reinforcing the state’s commitment to cultural preservation and creative communities.
Ease of Doing Business and Industrial Reforms
Under central guidelines for ease of doing business, the Cabinet approved provisions allowing low-risk residential and small commercial buildings to get maps approved through empanelled architects.
Additionally, ground coverage limits for MSMEs and industrial units were increased, providing a boost to industrial development.
Structural changes were also approved in the Bamboo and Fibre Development Council, including engagement of technical staff through outsourcing or contract-based arrangements.
Healthcare and Employee Welfare Boost
Pension for Work-Charged Employees
Work-charged employees of the Irrigation and Public Works Departments will now be eligible for pension benefits.
Health Insurance Reforms
The Ayushman and Atal Ayushman schemes will now operate fully in insurance mode, while the Golden Card scheme will follow a hybrid model. Claims up to ₹5 lakh will be settled through insurance, while higher claims will be paid under trust mode.
Medical Education Reforms
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Uttarakhand Medical Education Service Rules, raising the retirement age of Professors and Associate Professors from 50 to 62 years. New super-specialty service departments were also approved.
Four new posts were sanctioned for the Swami Ram Cancer Institute, Haldwani.
Doctors’ Incentives and Pay Parity
Specialist doctors working in remote and extremely remote areas will receive an additional 50 percent allowance, benefiting around 300 doctors.
The issue of equal pay for equal work concerning 277 employees at Srinagar Medical College has been referred to a Cabinet sub-committee for further examination.
Strengthening Governance and Public Services
Overall, the Cabinet decisions underscore the Uttarakhand government’s intent to improve public services, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, support farmers and cultural workers, and create a more business-friendly environment while ensuring social security for employees across departments.
