Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday, approved the creation of a dedicated institutional structure for the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), originally constituted in 2022. Previously, the task force relied on police personnel on deputation.
Under the new framework, 22 new posts have been created at the state headquarters, including:
- 1 Deputy Superintendent of Police
- 2 Drug Inspectors
- 1 Inspector
- 2 Sub-Inspectors
- 4 Head Constables
- 8 Constables
- 2 Constable Drivers
The move is aimed at intensifying enforcement against drug trafficking and substance abuse across the hill state.
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Forest Workers to Receive Minimum Wages
The cabinet approved minimum monthly wages of ₹18,000 for 589 daily-wage workers employed by the Forest Department and Forest Development Corporation who were previously excluded. Out of a total of 893 workers, 304 were already receiving minimum wages, while the remaining employees will now come under the revised wage framework.
This decision reflects the government’s commitment to fair compensation and labor welfare.
ESI Health Services Restructured
The cabinet also approved new service rules under the Uttarakhand Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, Labour Medical Service Rules, 2026, creating 94 posts in the medical services cadre. This includes:
- 76 Medical Officers
- 11 Assistant Directors
- 6 Joint Directors
- 1 Additional Director
Earlier, the ESI structure comprised only 1 Chief Medical Officer and 13 Medical Officer positions. The restructuring aims to improve health services and strengthen medical administration under the state ESI scheme.
PMFME Scheme Extended in Uttarakhand
In alignment with the Centre’s extension, the cabinet approved the Chief Minister Micro Food Enterprise Upgradation Scheme to continue until March 31, 2026. Any future extensions granted by the Government of India will automatically apply to the state scheme, supporting small food processing enterprises across Uttarakhand.
Prison Law Amendments and Withdrawal of Bonus Bill
The cabinet approved drafting the Uttarakhand Prisons and Correctional Services (Amendment) Act, 2026, to redefine “habitual offenders” in line with Supreme Court directives and state laws. The bill will be reintroduced in the upcoming Legislative Assembly session.
State Government Focus on Governance and Welfare
With these measures, the Uttarakhand government has taken decisive steps to enhance law enforcement, labor welfare, healthcare administration, and enterprise development, reflecting a balanced focus on governance, social welfare, and economic growth.
