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HP Cabinet Decisions: Nod to Extend Engagement of SMC Teachers, Modify Penalties/Fines for Vehicles, Amend Mukhya Mantri Swavlamban Yojna
Shimla-Apart from giving nod to carry out amendments in Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994 and Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Elections Rules, 2012, to carry out this year’s elections on party symbols, the Cabinet also gave its nod to the Governor’s Address to be delivered during the budget session of H.P. Vidhan Sabha.
The Cabinet gave its approval to the proposal to modify penalties/fines under Section 210A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, as well as to specific authorities competent to compound the offences under Section 200 of the Act.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to extend the engagement of 2555 SMC teachers already engaged under SMC teachers Policy in Elementary and Higher Education Departments for the academic session 2021-22.
The Cabinet gave its approval to provide government land on a lease basis at the rate of one rupee per month for a period of 99 years in Mauja Dhaulakuan Tehsil Paonta Sahib district Sirmaur measuring 122-08 bighas in favour of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni at Dhaulakuan for the establishment of Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station for the benefit of the farmers.
It gave its consent to construct additional accommodation at Rest House Sundernagar in Mandi district at a cost of Rs. 3.90 crore to provide better boarding and lodging facilities to the employees and the general public during official tours.
The Cabinet also decided to extend the Special Land Acquisition Unit at Nalagarh in Solan district and also engage staff on a re-employment/ fixed emoluments basis for one year from 1st January 2021, as the land acquisition work in the stretch of Baddi-Nalagarh road length of 18 kilometres under Project Director NHAI Shimla was being done by Land Acquisition Collector Nalagarh.
The Cabinet gave its consent to rename Government Senior Secondary School Manoh in Hamirpur district as ‘Shaheed Ankush Thakur Government Senior Secondary School, Manoh’ as a mark of respect to the Galwan martyr Ankush Thakur.
The Cabinet decided to implement Mukhya Mantri Krishi Kosh Scheme for Farmer’s Producer Organizations (FPOs)-2020 for providing incentives, concessions and facilities for eligible FPOs of the State. Under the Scheme, FPOs could avail seed money upto 30 percent of the total project cost with a maximum ceiling of rupees six lakh or one and half times of equity raised by the FPOs, whichever was less. The Scheme would also ensure Credit Guarantee Cover for Bank Loan, Interest Subsidy etc.
It gave its approval to transfer land comprising in Khasra No. 60 situated at Mohal Bazar ward Chhota Shimla, which is presently under possession with Police Department, in the name of Municipal Corporation Shimla to shift the existing two shops of the Corporation to Khasra No. 60 so that widening of Sadbhawana Chowk could be undertaken to ease out the situation of traffic congestion on Chhota Shimla to Kasumpti road.
The Cabinet gave its consent to provide reservation of one seat in ANM or B.Sc. Nursing Courses for eligible widows below 45 years of age in each Nursing Institute of the State.
It gave its approval for amendment in Mukhya Mantri Swavlamban Yojna 2019 to reduce the burden of loan on the entrepreneurs and the subsidy would be deposited in the term loan account of the borrower and would be adjusted only after three years. Now after disbursement of 1st instalment of loan by the bank under the scheme, the General Manager, GIC would approve the subsidy amount in two instalments of 60 percent initially and 40 percent after the unit commences commercial production/operation and physical verification of the unit has been done. The remaining 40 percent subsidy amount would be released within 15 days of the verification.
The Cabinet gave its nod to fill up 12 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) in the Prosecution Department on a contract basis through direct recruitment.
It also gave its nod to fill up:
- Four posts of Deputy Superintendent of Police on regular basis through direct recruitment.
- Eight posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) in Geological Wing of Industries department on contract basis.
- One post of Manager DIC in the Industries Department on contract basis through direct recruitment.
- Two posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) in the Information Technology Department on a contract basis.
- One post of Assistant Director, Factories (Chemical) on contract basis in the Labour and Employment Department.
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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