Key Points

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved shifting the state tourism office from Shimla to Dharamsala to reduce congestion in the capital. Only local candidates will now qualify for reclassified Group C government jobs. Farmers and solar energy projects will receive financial incentives, while PWD workers get a pay hike. The move aligns with Kangra’s new status as the state’s tourism hub.

Key Points: Himachal Shifts Tourism Office to Dharamsala to Decongest Shimla

  • Tourism office moved to Dharamsala to ease Shimla congestion
  • Job recruitment now restricted to Himachali candidates for Group C posts
  • Solar power projects to get 4-5% interest subsidy
  • Honorarium increased for 5,000 PWD workers
3 min read

To decongest Shimla, Cabinet permits shifting of tourism office to Dharamsala

Himachal Cabinet approves relocating tourism office to Dharamsala, introduces job quotas for locals, and boosts solar energy incentives.

"This decision aligns with Kangra being declared the ‘Tourism Capital’ of Himachal Pradesh. – Government Spokesperson"

Shimla, June 28

To decongest the Himachal Pradesh capital, the Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, on Saturday gave permission to shift the office of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation to Dharamsala, some 250 km from here.

The government said the decision aligned with the declaration of Kangra as the ‘Tourism Capital’ of the state and aims to help decongest Shimla city.

The Cabinet also approved the reclassification of pay matrix Level II posts from Group B to Group C.

With this decision, only bonafide Himachali candidates will be eligible to apply for these reclassified Group C posts.

Earlier, these posts were categorized under Group B, and the recruitment was conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, which allowed applicants from across the country.

Post-reclassification, the recruitment process will be handled by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog in accordance with the procedures applicable to Group C positions.

It also approved to enhance the honorarium of multi-task workers of the Public Works Department from Rs 5,000 to Rs 5,500 per month, benefitting 5,000 workers.

The Cabinet also decided to introduce a milk incentive scheme for farmers supplying milk to eligible non-government dairy cooperative societies, under which a subsidy of Rs 3 per litre will be provided to producers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

It decided to create and fill 101 posts of various categories in Police Lines of district police of Dehra.

To encourage self-employment and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, the Cabinet approved the provision of interest subsidies for the establishment of solar power projects.

Under this initiative, a 5 per cent interest subsidy will be provided for solar projects ranging from 100 KW to 1 MW in tribal areas, while a 4 per cent subsidy will be extended for projects with capacities between 250 KW and 2 MW in non-tribal regions.

It also approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding between HIMURJA and selected gram panchayats for the installation of 500 KW solar power plants in 100 panchayats under the Green Panchayat Scheme.

Each project is expected to generate revenue of approximately Rs 25 lakh per month. A total of 30 per cent of the earnings will go to HIMURJA, while 20 per cent to the government and 40 per cent to the respective gram panchayats.

An additional 10 per cent share will be allocated to the specific gram panchayat for the welfare of orphans and widows. Also the Emergency Response Centre in each 3,645 panchayats got the Cabinet approval to ensure effective response in the event of natural disasters to save the human lives and properties.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move but what about the employees who will have to relocate? 250km is a big distance. The government should provide proper relocation packages and housing facilities for them.
A
Arjun K
The solar power initiatives are brilliant! Himachal leading the way in renewable energy. The revenue sharing model with panchayats is innovative - especially the 10% for orphans/widows. More states should adopt this!
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Sarah B
As a frequent visitor to Shimla, I welcome this decision. The city has become too crowded. But I hope they improve infrastructure in Dharamsala too - better roads, more hotels, and proper tourist facilities needed.
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Vikram M
The job reservation for Himachali candidates is a double-edged sword. While it helps locals, it might reduce competitiveness. Government should ensure merit isn't compromised in the recruitment process.
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Kavya N
Rs.500 increase for PWD workers? That's just Rs.16/day extra! With rising prices, this is too little. Government should be more generous with our hardworking laborers who maintain our roads and infrastructure.
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Michael C
The milk incentive scheme is a smart agricultural policy. Rs.3/liter subsidy through DBT will directly help small farmers. More such farmer-friendly policies needed across India!

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