Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a high-level Uttarakhand Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat today, where several important decisions and policy measures were approved. The meeting also discussed the upcoming state budget, which has been proposed with a 10% increase compared to the previous session, bringing it to approximately ₹10 lakh crore. The Chief Minister has been authorized to make further adjustments to the budget as needed. Due to the ongoing Assembly Budget Session, detailed cabinet decisions were not immediately briefed.
Major Uttarakhand Cabinet Decisions and Approvals
1. Creation of New Posts for Development Projects
- Thirteen new posts were created for the Uttarakhand Infrastructure and Industrial Development Board (UIIDB), including experts recruited from the open market, to implement projects under the Ganga and Sharda River Corridors, as well as development in the Balkandi-Belkedar region.
2. Higher Education Initiatives
- Expansion of the Mukhyamantri Higher Education Research Promotion Scheme to include 21 non-government aided colleges to promote research, innovation, and centres of excellence.
- Approval for the Swami Vivekananda Uttarakhand e-Library Scheme for higher education institutions, providing digital resources including e-books, newspapers, magazines, and research journals, with a nominal fee for students.
3. Forest Department and Urban Development Measures
- Amendments to the Uttarakhand Forest Department Survey Service Rules and Public Service Commission regulations for efficiency.
- Approval of posts for environmental engineers and hydrologists in all 11 municipal corporations under the Government of India’s Special Assistance Scheme.
4. Agriculture and Horticulture Policies
- Launch of the State-of-the-Art Apple Nursery Development Scheme 2026 to boost high-density apple plantations, reduce imports, and generate local employment.
- Implementation of the Silent Farming Policy 2026 to promote honey production and diversify agricultural income sources.
5. Education and Nutrition Schemes
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- Regularization of special teachers working on ad hoc or contractual bases in schools.
- Expansion of the Mukhyamantri Bal Poshan Abhiyan and Mukhyamantri Mahila Poshan Yojana to include new nutritional materials for children aged 3–6 and pregnant/lactating women.
6. Judiciary and Governance Reforms
- Approval of the 24th Annual Report of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission.
- Establishment of a new State Bench in Haldwani for the GST Appellate Tribunal.
- Creation of 14 new posts for High Court and District Courts, including Court Managers.
- Formation of additional Fast Track Special Courts for POCSO and rape cases in Vikasnagar, Kashipur, and Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar districts.
7. Legislative and Regulatory Measures
- Approval of the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Bill 2026 to address practical challenges in its implementation.
- Amendments to the Uttarakhand Shops and Establishments Act (2017) to encourage investment, improve efficiency, and allow private enterprises greater operational flexibility.
- Promulgation of the Uttarakhand Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill 2026 to streamline compliance, reduce regulatory burdens, and promote ease of doing business.
8. Infrastructure and Public Service Enhancements
- Creation of a Steering Committee and Project Management Unit for Strengthening Public Financial Management for Improved Service Delivery in collaboration with the World Bank.
- Approval of water supply and treated water reuse projects under the World Efficient Water Supply Programme.
The Uttarakhand Cabinet ’s decisions underscore the state government’s focus on development, governance reforms, digital initiatives in education, agricultural diversification, and enhanced infrastructure, while ensuring transparency and efficiency in public services.