Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved 25 proposals at its meeting on Thursday, October 22, ahead of the two-day Assembly session scheduled to begin at Gairsain on October 27.
The decisions cover changes to the state’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Rules, a one-time settlement scheme for pending stamp-duty cases, infrastructure approvals, education, sports and adventure tourism.
Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved an increase in the annual family income limit for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students seeking free coaching for competitive examinations, raising it from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh.
UCC Rules Amended to Address Implementation Issues
The Cabinet approved the notification of the Civil Code (Amendment) Rules, Uttarakhand, 2026, to implement provisions of the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand (Amendment) Act, 2026.
According to the reported decision, the changes are intended to address practical difficulties encountered during the implementation of certain provisions of the existing rules and correct clerical errors.
Uttarakhand introduced its Uniform Civil Code in January 2025. The state has subsequently undertaken amendments to its legal and procedural framework.
Free Coaching Scheme Expanded for SC/ST Students
The Cabinet approved a substantial increase in the income eligibility limit for the Social Welfare Department’s free coaching scheme.
The annual family income threshold has been raised from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh, potentially making more SC and ST students eligible for coaching support for competitive examinations.
The decision is intended to widen access to the scheme among students seeking preparation assistance for competitive tests.
One-Time Settlement Scheme for Pending Stamp-Duty Cases
The Cabinet approved a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme to facilitate the resolution of pending stamp-duty-related cases.
The scheme aims to speed up the disposal of cases, improve revenue collection and provide relief to parties facing interest and penalty liabilities.
According to report, approximately 3,600 stamp-duty cases were pending before Stamp Collector courts and the Board of Revenue as of the 2026–27 financial year.
Road and Bridge Approvals to Be Simplified
The Cabinet approved changes to the approval process for road and bridge construction projects handled by the Public Works Department (PWD).
Under the existing procedure, approvals for different components of the second phase of construction are granted separately. These components include hill-slope cutting, retaining walls, culverts and drains.
Under the revised system, the components will receive approval in a single stage.
The change is intended to facilitate the timely implementation of protective measures after hill-slope cutting and minimise damage to roads.
Uttarakhand Adventure Tourism Corporation to Be Established
The Cabinet approved the establishment of the Uttarakhand Adventure Tourism Corporation Limited to support the planned development of adventure and eco-tourism in the state.
The proposed corporation is intended to promote these tourism segments with an emphasis on organised, safe and sustainable development.
The decision comes as the state seeks to strengthen its tourism infrastructure and institutional framework for adventure-related activities.
Five Per Cent Passing-Marks Relaxation for Students with Disabilities
The Cabinet approved a five per cent relaxation in passing marks for students with disabilities appearing in examinations conducted by the Uttarakhand Board of School Education.
Under the approved provision, students covered by the decision will be considered to have passed after securing 28 per cent marks.
The move is intended to provide additional academic support to eligible students.
Other Key Decisions Taken by the Cabinet
The Cabinet also approved several proposals relating to education, sports, nutrition, public administration and welfare.
Key decisions include:
- District Institutes of Education and Training: All 13 DIETs in Uttarakhand will be restructured, with the number of sanctioned positions at each institute reduced from 48 to 44.
- PM Poshan scheme: Land will be allocated to the Annamrita Foundation in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts for establishing centralised kitchens to prepare cooked meals.
- One District, One Sport: The government approved the deployment of 14 head coaches, including one for each district and one at the Directorate of Sports. They will be appointed on three-year contracts and receive a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹1.45 lakh.
- Travel support for athletes: A proposal was approved to provide free travel on Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses to athletes who have received awards at the state or national level.
- Renewable energy agency: The pay scale of junior engineers at the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency will be upgraded.
- Welfare scheme: The maintenance grant scheme will be renamed the Mukhyamantri Ekal Nari Samman Yojana.
- Human Rights Commission report: The Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission’s annual report covering 2019–22, along with information on departmental action taken on its recommendations. The report recorded 16,388 cases, of which 15,075 had been disposed of.
The Cabinet also approved introducing a Bill in the upcoming Assembly session to amend the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, in line with amendments to the central GST law.
Separately, it discussed a proposal to amend the Uttarakhand Private Universities Act, 2023, concerning the requirement to deposit a permanent endowment fund with the state government for establishing private universities.
The decisions were taken ahead of the Assembly session at Gairsain, where the state government is scheduled to present legislative business and address matters concerning governance and public administration.
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