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HP Cabinet Decisions Oct 24, 2019: I&PH Department Renamed, Approved Three Policies, Filling up Various Posts
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting was held on October 25, 2019. The Cabinet, as one of the decisions today renamed Irrigation and Public Health Department as ‘Jal Shakti Vibhag’.
Statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would be set up at Shimla and Manali in Kullu district, the Cabinet approved.
The Cabinet agreed to transfer the forest land of Animal Husbandry Department at Mohal Ching Dharmana, Patwar Circle Anti, Tehsil Jubbal in Shimla district in favour of Shrimadbhagwadgeeta Prachar Avam Jan Jagran Sabha, Nankhari in district Shimla for setting up of Gausadan.
The stipend of Interns of MBBS/BDS in all government medical/ dental colleges in Himachal was increased from Rs. 15000 to Rs. 17000.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to increase the income limit for getting employment on compassionate grounds in the government sector from Rs. 2.25 lakh to Rs. 2.50 lakh per annum.
The Cabinet gave its approval to convert all the part-timers completing eight years of uninterrupted services on 31 March 2019, and 30 September 2019, as daily wagers including part-time water carriers in the education department.
HP Cabinet Approved Creating/Filling Up Following Posts
- Filling up six posts of Extension Officers (Industries) in the Industries Department on a contract basis.
- Creation of 23 posts of different categories for proposed Fire Sub Station at Jhanduta in Bilaspur.
- Filling up 15 posts of Assistant Professors of different faculties in Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College Nerchowk, Mandi through H.P. Public Service Commission on a regular basis.
- Creating and filling up three posts of Tehsildar in the Public Works Department.
- Filling up three posts of Planning Officer in Town and Country Planning Department in relaxation of R& P Rules.
- Filling up nine posts of skilled grafters in the Horticulture Department through direct recruitment on a contract basis.
- Filling up four posts of Platoon Commanders in Home Guards and Civil Defence Department.
- Filling up 13 posts of Election Kanungo in State Election Department through direct recruitment on a contract basis.
- Filling up 34 posts of different categories in Himachal Pradesh Technical University.
The Cabinet approved the Affordable Housing Policy, 2019. The purpose would be to address problems related to housing for the urban poor including slum rehabilitation and redevelopment and to promote mixed housing development in all new housing projects
The Cabinet approved revised guidelines for Tourism Department for issuance of Essentiality Certificates under the provisions of Rule 38(a)(3) (f) of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Rules in cases where non-agriculturists wishes to purchase land in the State for setting up of tourism units. The promoter will have to submit a Preliminary Project Report of Tourism Project for which the Essentiality Certificate is required to the Director, Tourism, who will assess the land required for the tourism project.
Five Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts in Bilaspur, Solan, Kullu, Shimla and Nurpur in Kangra district would be established for facilitating and treatment of affected people, the Cabinet decided.
The Cabinet approved the HP AYUSH Policy, 2019, under which AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries would be upgraded, and incentives would be given for prospective investors in AYUSH and Wellness Sector.
The Fiscal Incentives under HP AYUSH Policy, 2019 for Investors Are:
- Capital subsidy on Ayush Therapy unit at the rate of 25 percent of the Fixed Capital Investment with a ceiling of Rs.
- One crore excluding cost of land, the interest subvention of 4 percent on term loan with a ceiling of Rs. 15 lakh per annum,
- Net SGST reimbursement at the rate of 75 percent for seven years,
- Incentives for initiatives in power saving,
- Environmental conservation and for women entrepreneurs, recruitment assistance will be provided in giving employment to Himachali bonafide besides this, lease rental subsidy and rebate on stamp duty will be given to selective investible projects.
It also gave its nod to new IT, ITes and ESDM Policy, 2019 to attract ITeS and ESDM companies. Infrastructure would be prepared to the suitability of IT, ITeS and ESDM industry requirements.
A Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) would be formed to regulate and promote real estate sector Himachal. About 46 posts of different categories including Chairman and Members to manage the Authority would be created for this body.
For Himachal’s traditional handloom, handicrafts and artisans, the State the Cabinet approved ‘Mukhya Mantri Gram Kaushal Yojna’ in the State.
The Cabinet gave its approval to merge technical staff of H.P. State Education Society in Public Works Department and Irrigation and Public Health Department in one time relaxation in the R&P Rules for the posts of Assistant Engineer, Civil, Junior Engineer, Civil and Junior Draftsman.
It decided to create five posts of different categories in Sub Divisional Election Offices, Indora and Dheera in Kangra district and Sub Divisional Election Office Pangi in Chamba district.
It also decided to provide fortified wheat flour to all the ration card holders including NFSA categories (AAY, BPL and Priority Households) to reduce dietary deficiencies across population groups.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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