In a significant cabinet meeting held on Wednesday at the state secretariat, the Uttarakhand government, led by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved 16 crucial decisions across various sectors including law, transport, education, and urban development.
Among the most notable changes was the amendment to the Religious Freedom Act, which introduces stricter penalties for forced conversions, including provisions similar to the Gangster Act. The punishment under the amended law can now extend up to 14 years of imprisonment.
Key Highlights of the Cabinet Decisions
- Stricter Law Against Forced Conversion
- The Religious Freedom Act has been amended to impose harsher penalties. Now, strict provisions similar to the Gangster Act will be applicable. Forced religious conversions will be punishable with up to 14 years in jail.
- Demarcation of Forest Boundaries
- The Forest Department will carry out fresh demarcation of forest areas. Committees will be formed at the state, district, and tehsil levels to oversee the process.
- 10% Reservation for Agniveers
- Agniveers will now receive 10 percent horizontal reservation in all uniformed services within the state.
- Pantnagar Airport Expansion Approved
- The state government has agreed to provide Rs. 22 crore to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for airport expansion. Additionally, GST and royalty expenses will be borne by the state.
- Recruitment Through Outsourcing on Regular Posts
- Approval has been given to the Health and Medical Education Department to recruit staff through outsourcing, even on regular posts. A committee under the Chief Secretary will review and extend this decision to other departments.
- Amendment in Rural Development Service Rules
- The cabinet approved changes in the service rules of the Rural Development Department.
- Amendment in Panchayati Raj Act
- The state government approved an amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act, which governs rural local bodies.
- Approval to PIU in UKPDC
- The cabinet approved a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in the Uttarakhand Project Development and Construction Corporation.
- Reservation for Service Sector in MSME
- Five percent of plots and sheds in mini industrial estates will now be reserved for the service sector under the MSME framework.
- Land Valuation for Lakhwar Dam Project Affected
- The value of land for people affected by the Lakhwar Hydroelectric Project will be determined based on land rates in Tehri district.
- Uttarakhand Science and Technology Policy Approved
- A new policy to promote science and technology has been approved.
- Approval for Municipal Body Single Member Commission
- The cabinet approved the establishment of a Single Member Commission for municipal bodies.
- Service Rules for Rural Development Department Amended
- Further changes were made to improve the structure and efficiency of the Rural Development Department.
- Revival of Cooperative Institutional Service Board
- Approval was given to revive the Uttarakhand Cooperative Institutional Service Board under the Uttarakhand Cooperative Society Act.
- GST and Royalty for Pantnagar Airport Expansion
- In addition to the funding, the cabinet approved GST and royalty payments to facilitate the expansion.
- Approval of Science and Technology Innovation Policy
- The cabinet also cleared the Science and Technology Innovation Policy to encourage innovation and research in the state.
A Comprehensive Step Toward Development
Chief Minister Mr. Dhami said the decisions reflect the government’s commitment to law enforcement, employment generation, industrial growth, and technological advancement. The stricter stance on forced conversion has been particularly welcomed by officials, who say it aims to preserve religious freedom and social harmony in the state.
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