Dehradun: In a major push toward energy conservation, fuel savings, and administrative reforms, the Uttarakhand Cabinet led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved 19 important proposals during a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat in Dehradun on Wednesday.
The Cabinet cleared several key measures including a 50% reduction in the vehicle fleets of the Chief Minister and ministers, implementation of a weekly “No Vehicle Day,” promotion of work-from-home culture, mandatory adoption of electric vehicles in government purchases, and new policies for rural development and tourism.
The decisions were taken amid concerns over global fuel supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for behavioral changes to conserve energy and resources.
Uttarakhand Government Announces Weekly ‘No Vehicle Day’
One of the biggest decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting was the introduction of a weekly “No Vehicle Day” across government functioning.
On this day:
- Government officials will be encouraged to work from home wherever possible.
- Video conferencing will be prioritized over physical meetings.
- Citizens will be encouraged to use public transport instead of private vehicles.
- Fuel consumption and unnecessary travel will be reduced.
The state government said the move is aimed at preparing for future energy challenges while promoting sustainable practices.
CM and Ministers’ Vehicle Convoys to Be Reduced by 50%
The Uttarakhand government has also decided to cut the size of vehicle convoys used by the Chief Minister and ministers by half.
The decision gained attention after Chief Minister Dhami arrived at the Secretariat with only a five-vehicle convoy, compared to the earlier eight to ten vehicles.
The step is being seen as a direct response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for fuel conservation and efficient resource utilization.
In another symbolic move, Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi reached the Secretariat riding an electric scooter to promote alternative energy and eco-friendly transportation.
Government Pushes Electric Vehicle Adoption
To reduce dependence on conventional fuels, the Cabinet approved several EV-focused initiatives.
Key EV Decisions
- Future government vehicle purchases will include at least 50% electric vehicles (EVs).
- The state plans to develop a large network of EV charging stations across Uttarakhand.
- A new Electric Vehicle Policy is expected to be introduced soon.
The government said these measures will help reduce carbon emissions and support clean energy goals.
AC Usage Restrictions and Energy Saving Measures
As part of a broader energy conservation campaign:
- Limited use of air conditioners will be promoted in both government and private buildings.
- Departments will increasingly rely on virtual meetings and digital communication.
- Private institutions will also be encouraged to adopt work-from-home systems where feasible.
The government linked these measures to ongoing global uncertainties including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, West Asia tensions, and disruptions in fuel and fertilizer supply chains.
Voluntary Land Consolidation Policy Approved for Hill Areas
The Cabinet also approved a new “Voluntary Chakbandi Promotion Policy” aimed at improving agricultural productivity in Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions.
Key Features of the Policy
- Ten villages will be selected in each district.
- Land consolidation will proceed where at least 75% of villagers agree.
- Dedicated Chakbandi Committees will be formed.
- Land-related objections must be resolved within 120 days.
The government believes the policy will make farming easier in hill areas and help utilize barren land more effectively.
Focus on Char Dham Yatra and Kumbh Preparations
The Cabinet also discussed:
- Traffic management during the Char Dham Yatra
- Pilgrim safety arrangements
- Infrastructure planning for the upcoming Kumbh Mela
The government is expected to introduce additional policy decisions related to tourism and religious travel management in the coming months.
Home Stay Rules Relaxed to Boost Tourism
To strengthen Uttarakhand’s tourism sector, the Cabinet approved changes to home stay regulations.
New Home Stay Provisions
- Operators can now run up to 8 rooms instead of the earlier limit of 6.
- Home stay licenses will be renewed automatically after online payment.
The government aims to improve ease of doing business in the tourism sector and encourage rural tourism.
Panchayat Building Funds Doubled
In another major rural development decision, the state government doubled financial assistance for Panchayat Bhawan construction.
- Earlier allocation: ₹10 lakh
- Revised allocation: ₹20 lakh
The move is expected to strengthen village-level infrastructure and governance.
Major Decisions in Health and Education Sector
Medical College Staff Relief
The Cabinet approved equal pay for equal work for 277 employees working at Government Medical College Srinagar.
Contract Faculty Appointments
To address faculty shortages in medical colleges:
- Contract appointments can now be approved at the Secretary level.
Minority Education Rules Approved
The Cabinet also approved the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Recognition Rules 2026 to ensure greater transparency in the recognition process.
Sports, Forensics and Administrative Reforms
Several other proposals also received approval during the meeting.
Key Decisions Include
- Creation of 16 posts, including Principal, for Lohaghat Women’s Sports College
- Creation of 15 new posts in the Forensic Science Department
- Outsiders can now be appointed as directors in energy corporations for better management practices
- Approval for the conclusion of the Assembly session
- Amendments to the Small Hydropower Project Development Policy 2015
Under the revised hydropower policy:
- Projects can now be allocated based on pre-feasibility reports instead of DPRs
- Performance security requirements have been reduced to zero
Nursing Recruitment Protest Remains in Focus
The Cabinet meeting was also closely watched due to the ongoing protest by nursing aspirants in Dehradun.
Candidates demanding year-wise recruitment have been protesting for more than 160 days. Political observers expect the government to take decisions soon regarding nursing recruitment and vacant posts.
Uttarakhand Government Signals Shift Towards Sustainable Governance
The decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting reflect Uttarakhand’s broader push toward sustainable governance, fuel conservation, green mobility, digital administration, and rural development.
The Dhami government has positioned these reforms as long-term measures to address future energy challenges while improving administrative efficiency and environmental sustainability.
