Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, convened a meeting to deliberate on eight major issues, resulting in several key approvals aimed at boosting urban development, public welfare, and administrative efficiency.
Tribute to Senior Leader Divakar Bhatt
The Cabinet began the session by paying homage to Divakar Bhatt, a senior activist of the statehood movement and former Cabinet Minister, who recently passed away. A two-minute silence was observed in his memory, recognizing his pivotal contributions to the state’s formation and growth.
Major Decisions Taken
Dehradun Metro Project:
The Cabinet considered the proposal for the Metro Neo project in Dehradun, with recommendations from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs reviewed to guide project planning and execution.
Increased Compensation for Wildlife Attack Victims:
Relief for human casualties caused by wildlife attacks has been raised from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh, as per the “Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund Rules, 2024,” providing greater financial support to affected families.
Additional Posts in Prosecution Services:
To strengthen the state’s legal framework, 46 new Assistant Public Prosecutor posts were sanctioned for Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital, adding to the 91 existing posts created since the state’s formation.
Women Night Work in Shops and Establishments:
Conditional permission has been granted for women employees to work night shifts (9 PM to 6 AM). Adequate safety measures will be ensured, and women must provide prior written consent before being assigned to night work.
Amendments to Shops and Establishments Act:
The Cabinet approved amendments through the Uttarakhand Shops and Establishments (Employment Regulation and Service Conditions) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. Changes to sections 1(2), 8, 9, and 19 of the 2017 Act aim to reduce administrative burden, improve operational flexibility, and encourage investment, while safeguarding employee rights.
Financial Reports and Approvals:
The Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board’s 2024-25 financial activities and sanctioned the placement of UJVNL Ltd.’s 2022-23 annual financial report in the upcoming Assembly session.
Implications and Significance
These decisions reflect the government’s focus on urban modernization, public safety, women empowerment, and efficient governance. The increase in wildlife compensation provides better support to affected families, while the Metro project is expected to enhance urban transport in Dehradun. Additional posts in prosecution services will improve legal administration, and labor law amendments aim to facilitate investment, increase workforce flexibility, and enhance productivity.
