Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Key Reforms for Governance and Development

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended his greetings to the people of the state on the eve of the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima.

Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Rules, 2026, paving the way for the implementation of parking charges across the state.

In preparation for the Kumbh Mela-2027, the Cabinet sanctioned infrastructure development works in Haridwar, including roads and related civic amenities.

An initial allocation of Rs 31 crore has been approved, with Rs 5 crore earmarked under the first phase and an additional Rs 5 crore allocated for pending works from the previous state government's tenure.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission Rules, 2026, introducing changes in the selection process for certain posts.

The revised framework aligns recruitment procedures with state government policies and includes provisions related to fees and free services.

In a push to industrial growth, amendments to the Industrial Development Policy, 2023, were cleared, with financial assistance ranging between Rs 7 crore and Rs 8 crore to be provided under the scheme.

A significant revenue-related decision includes increasing VAT on excise items from 60 to 65 per cent.

Additionally, under the revised excise policy, duty on liquor made from domestic grains has been raised from Rs 20 to Rs 21 per bulk litre, while the minimum age for consuming low-alcohol beverages has been fixed at 18 years.

On the administrative front, the Cabinet approved filling 250 vacant posts in the Forest Department and increased sanctioned posts in the Disaster Management Department from 100 to 109 in view of rising workload.

Approval has also been granted to make the new department, the Uttarakhand Emergency Services, fully operational.

In the education sector, the Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand School Education Campaign 2025, aimed at strengthening government schools and improving education quality in private institutions.

Under the scheme, each school will receive Rs 12 lakh, and provisions have been made for hostel facilities in remote areas.

The state government also outlined measures for regulation and recognition of madrasas, including mandatory approvals for higher classes.

Under the Finance Department, funds have also been approved for school safety infrastructure, including boundary walls, electrification, and fire safety systems.

In line with the Centre, the state approved a 28 per cent Dearness Allowance for its employees under the seventh Pay Commission.

The Cabinet also cleared the creation of 117 guest teacher posts under the Shiksha Mitra scheme.

The Uttarakhand Sanskrit Education (Teachers' Cadre) Service Rules, 2025, were also approved, enabling recruitment to 62 posts that had remained vacant due to the absence of formal rules.

The Cabinet also cleared recruitment for 107 long-pending vacant posts in the Cane Development Department and approved reappointment and honorarium for retired personnel on a contractual basis, in line with court directives.

In taxation reforms, the minimum turnover threshold under the GST composition scheme has been increased from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.

Promoting sports, the Cabinet approved incentives and government jobs for medal-winning athletes and extended financial assistance of Rs 2,000 per month to emerging players, including women athletes, under a state scheme.

Addressing long-standing land disputes, the Cabinet approved a "No Man Policy" for forest boundary demarcation based on natural features, which is expected to bring clarity to nearly 70 per cent of forest areas in the state.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dhami extended his greetings to the people of the state on the eve of the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima.

The Chief Minister said, "The message of non-violence, compassion and peace given by Mahatma Buddha is a priceless treasure for the entire humanity. Lord Buddha's teachings inspire people to remain committed to moral values and duties in life, while emphasising goodwill, universal welfare and unity without discrimination."

He added that these ideals continue to remain relevant for all mankind.

- IANS