Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today gave its approval to the Development Policy Loan for procurement of World Bank loan for carrying various developmental activities in the state, to the tune of Rs. 800 crore (US$ 200 Million), out of which 90 percent would be out right grant and remaining 10 percent loan through Government of India. The Bank has sanctioned US$ 4,80,000 grant (100 percent) for carrying out studies, undertake skill study, planning and management of hydro power, improve capacity in the state to manage environment and resources; and to promote tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh. In addition to this government has already received Rs. 900 crore from the World Bank for road development.
It gave approval for Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for Regular, Adhoc, Contractual, Part Time and Daily Waged employees of Government departments, Boards, Corporations, Universities and Autonomous bodies on compulsory basis covering 2.75 lakh employees.
It approved Policy regarding carton and transport subsidy during the ensuing apple season for the year 2007-08, and approved carton subsidy at the rate of Rs. 2.00 per carton subject to a maximum limit of Rs. 2,400 for 1,200 carton boxes for the small farmers having 10 bighas or less land. The rate of Agro India Packaging Limited carton boxes fixed at Rs. 34.50 per carton and would be applicable from 1st April, 2007 to 15th December, 2007. It also nominated the agencies for supplying of cartons manufactured by the Agro India Packaging Limited which would be HPMC, HIMFED, HP Agro Industries Corporation, KINFED (for Kinnaur only). A target to manufacture 5.60 lakhs cartons has been fixed for Agro India Packaging Limited for the current season.
It further approved introduction of lumpsum luxury tax @ 30 percent occupancy for proprietors of hotels, except Corporate hotels. The lumpsum will be optimal. By this, the government expects greater tax compliance from burden of maintaining detailed accounts and undergoing detailed assessment. Besides these, the hoteliers will also be relieved of inspections by the Assessing Authorities. The existing luxury tax revenue is Rs. 16.50 crore out of which Corporate hotels have paid Rs. 8.13 crore i.e. 49 percent.
It approved upgradation of 10 existing Police Posts to Police Stations besides according approval for two new Police Stations alongwith necessary functional staff with a view to provide better and efficient law and order service to the people. The upgraded police posts are that of New Shimla, Sangrah in district Sirmour, Swarghat in district Bilaspur, Darang in district Mandi, Bhuntar and Brow in district Kullu, Nagrota Bagwan in district Kangra, Forsyth Ganj in district Kangra, Chintpurni in district Una, Sundernagar in district Mandi besides one more Police Station at Bagga in district Solan has also been sanctioned.
It also approved 2 to 3 Kanungo circles and 11 to 28 patwar circles for Chrgaon tehsil, 2 to 4 kanungo circles and 15 to 32 patwar circles for Rampur tehsil and one to two kanungo and 5 to 16 patwar circles for Nankhari sub-tehsil in district Shimla by reorganization of the same.
It approved relaxation of age limit for the post of Senior Scientific Advisor (Environment, Science and Technology) in the Department of Environment and Scientific Technologies.
It approved lease of land measuring 45 bighas and six biswas for 30 years for setting up of the Amity University at Dharamshala.
The Cabinet approved H.P.Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Rules, 2007; Amendment in the General Provident Fund (Central Services) Rules, 1960; Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the post of Private Secretary (Class-I Gazetted) in the office of Lokayukta.
It approved shifting of Police Training Academy/Police Training College, Daroh and training of NGOs to Sakoh near Dharamshala and Training School for constables at Daroh.
It sanctioned and created 1,063 posts of different categories in various departments of the state which includes 59 posts of various categories for the 100 bedded sub-divisional hospital, Nurpur, 66 posts of teaching and non-teaching staff for Government College, Seraj at Lamba Thach in district Mandi, 294 posts of teaching and non-teaching staff for the newly upgraded 14 senior secondary schools in the state, 67 posts of lecturers (school cadre) for DIETs, creation of 115 posts of various categories in the Public Works Department and its regularization, granted permission for 100 posts of Agriculture Development Officers and 300 posts of Agriculture Extension Officers in the Agriculture Department for filling up, 12 posts of various categories for the General Nursing Training School in Mahatma Gandhi Medical Services Complex, Khaneri, Rampur Bushahr to train the GNM and MPW (male and female), created one post each of Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary, one post of Senior Special Private Secretary and one post of Special Private Secretary and upgradation of one post of Junior Assistant to Senior Assistant and approved absorption of 20 clerks and 7 drivers in Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, absorbed 8 employees and protected their pay working in HP State Electricity Regulatory Commission; 8 posts of various categories in the State Information Commission, one post of actor in the Information and Public Relations Department. One post of chowkidar in the office of Deputy Director of Public Relations at Mandi.
