Shimla:The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved amendments to theSocial Security Pension Rules, 2010, redefining the term‘destitute’to include women who have been abandoned by their spouses and do not have independent sources of income.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired byChief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Under the revised provisions, abandoned women will now be eligible to receive financial assistance and benefits under government schemes meant for destitute women.
Officials said the amendment aims to provide social and financial support to women who are left without economic security after being deserted by their husbands.
Along with redefining the term “destitute,” the state government has also simplified thecertification process required to access welfare benefits. This step is expected to make it easier for eligible women to apply for financial assistance.
The government said the changes will ensure that vulnerable women receive support in a timely and transparent manner.
The cabinet also decided to invitepublic suggestions and objectionsregarding proposed amendments toRules 28, 87, 88, and 89 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Elections) Rules, 1994.
Under the proposed changes, panchayats that have remained reserved fortwo consecutive terms since the base year 2010will no longer remain reserved in the upcoming panchayat elections scheduled forMay 31.
The state cabinet also took several other important decisions aimed at development and governance.
40% of the Local Area Development Fundunder theSwaran Jayanti Energy Policywill be used to provide financial assistance tochildren of the state.
Approval was given tocancel 15 hydroelectric projectsthat failed to start operations despite receiving benefits under a one-time amnesty scheme.
The10-MW Small Hydro Electric Project at Pandohwill be allotted to theBhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), with the state receiving13% free power and an additional 5% share of generated electricity.
The cabinet also approved the recruitment of111 posts across several departments, including technical education, cooperation, education and public relations.
To boost the dairy sector, the government approved the creation of theRegional Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited at Dhagwar in Kangra district. The union will include milk producers fromKangra, Hamirpur, Chamba and Una districts, while theNational Dairy Development Board (NDDB)will oversee the management of the Dhagwar Milk Processing Plant.
Additionally, the cabinet approved expandingheli-taxi services between Chandigarh and Shimlafromthree flights per week to twelve flights per week, with operations scheduled twice daily for six days.
The state government also decided to release salaries of outsourced employees working under theJal Jeevan Mission in the Jal Shakti Departmentusing state funds after delays in the release of central government funds.
Another decision included granting an80-year land lease to the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA)by amending theHimachal Pradesh Lease Rules, 2013, which previously limited leases to a maximum of 40 years.
Officials said the cabinet decisions aim to strengthen welfare schemes, improve governance, and support development across the state.
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