Cabinet Decisions: Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting today granted exemption on payment of stamp duty and registration fees on loans to agriculturists/horticulturists of the state on their mortgage deeds, to be executed with financial institutions, like Nationalized Banks, Co-operative Banks, Regional Development Banks, Gramin Banks and Private Banks on raising of loans not exceeding the amount of 10 lakhs.
Allotment of Gondhla (144MW) and Yangthang (261MW) HEPs to M/s Moser Byer India Limited and M/s Gammon India Limited respectively for bidding highest upfront premium at 193,54,50,000 for the projects has also been issued while it was decided to re-advertise the Bardang (114MW); Tandi (150MW); and Rashil (150MW) hydro electric projects under the Revised Power Policy of the Government. The Cabinet also proposed construction of eight vital tunnels at different places in the state aimed at streamlining traffic for funding of 1,852.96 crores to the 13th Finance Commission in order to construct a total length of 16.860 kms of tunnels in the first phase.
It also approved a rate of 5.25 per kg for ‘Fair Average Quality Apple’ by increasing the same by Re. 0.50 per kg under the Market Intervention Scheme for current apple season and the scheme will be implemental with effect from 21st July, 2008 to 31st October, 2008. HPMC and HIMFED will act as the procurement agencies for operation and the produce thus would be procured only from orchardists possessing horticulture card in all 242 procurement centers set up in apple growing areas, as a measure to protect the interests of the fruit growers of the state and ensuring them remunerative returns at different market terminals in the country. The cabinet approved ‘H.P.Stamps Franking Impression Rules, 2008’ for introduction of the system initially in the 33 pilot offices with a view to modernize the existing system of payment of stamp duty. Sanction has been accorded for filling up of 282 posts of various categories in different departments. It also approved the capacity increase in the HEPs with revised capacity not exceeding 25MWs in respect of the executors which have already deposited the upfront premium amount with the state government.
In order to widen and strengthen the 15.39 kms long Jahu-Kalkhar section of road, the Cabinet approved award of 33.50 crores. It approved the Memorandum of Association and Article of Association in respect of the Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited while approving transfer of government land measuring 130 hectare for construction of Karchham-Wangtoo Hydro Electric Project in district Kinnaur, on one time lease of Rs. 1.00 lakh per bigha basis, in favour of Jaypee Karchham Hydro Corporation, whereafter a token lease money of Re. 1.00 per bigha per year will be chargeable.
It approved to grant benefits and allowances to the members of the Subordinate Judiciary including, retired Judicial Officers/Pensioners, based upon the Shetty Commission Reports, as approved by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India with retrospective effect, i.e. from 1st January, 1999. Cabinet decided to consider applications of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers, for land allotment on merit, in the forest area, under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
