Shimla: Inter-state electricity selling rates having fallen drastically from about Rs 7 to about Rs 2.50 to Rs 3 per unit over the last seven years has impacted setting up of new hydropower electric projects in the Himachal Pradesh as the government today cancelled ten small hydro projects that were allotted to independent power producers (IPP).
Presided over by chief minister Virbhadra Singh, the cabinet today cancelled Lower Kalm (1.5 MW) project the Binwa-II (4.5 MW), Chaunda (2.40 MW), Sailan (1.50 MW), Baleni- Ka- Nala (2 MW),Joiner- II (3 MW), Chakka (1.50 MW), Shirir (1 MW), Jakhi (1.50 MW) and Nera (1.60 MW), a cabinet spokesman stated.
All these projects that were allotted to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) were cancelled because they had failed to execute them on time, stated the cabinet spokesman.
The cabinet approved taking over of services of more than 6300 teachers recruited under the Parents Teachers Associations and were being given salary’s from the state exchequer as grants in aid.
The cabinet also approved a proposal to regularize the services of about 2100 Para teachers who had completed 10 years of continuous service in the education department. Honorarium for 3500 primary assistant teachers was enhanced to Rs 8900 per month.
The cabinet gave its approval to memorandum prepared by the state government for presenting before the 14th Finance Commission.
It approved ‘Himachal Pradesh Mineral Policy-2013 to regulate mines and minerals in the State. It will facilitate the mining activities under the laid provisions thereby checking the illegal mining and would safeguard the requirements of local people for bonafide use.
Cabinet approved to procure sugar from open market as per the recommendations of State Level Purchase Committee constituted for the purpose.
creamy layer for Other Backward Classes (OBC) to be considered under the purview of reservation was enhanced to Rs. 6 lacs from earlier ceiling of Rs. 4.50 lacs.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.
