Dehradun:
The Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved six important policy decisions during its meeting held at the State Secretariat on February 11. The decisions focus on strengthening public services, improving employee welfare, enhancing law enforcement, and supporting the agriculture sector.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
COVID Bonus Amendment Withdrawn
The Cabinet decided to withdraw the proposal sent to the Central Government during the COVID period regarding changes in the Payment of Bonus Act related to bonus reduction.
94 ESI Doctor Posts Approved
To improve healthcare services under the Labour Department, amendments were approved in the Labour Medical Service Rules, 2006. This will allow recruitment and promotion of ESI doctors, with approval given for 94 positions.
Strengthening Anti-Drug Operations
The Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 22 new state-level posts for the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, which was established in 2022 to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.
Change in Habitual Offender Definition
Under the Prison Act, the definition of “habitual offender” has been revised. The state will now follow the definition prescribed by the Central Government to ensure uniformity.
Minimum Wage for Forest Workers
In a major relief for daily wage workers, 579 out of 893 workers in the Forest Department will now receive a minimum monthly salary of ₹18,000.
Fertiliser Support Scheme to Continue
The state government will continue its Chief Minister Micro Fertilizer Upgradation Scheme alongside the Central Government’s program, which is scheduled to run until 2025–26. The move aims to provide continued support to farmers and improve agricultural productivity.
Officials stated that these decisions are expected to improve governance efficiency, strengthen public welfare measures, and provide long-term benefits to workers, healthcare services, and the farming community across Uttarakhand.
