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New Relaxations in Corona Curfew in Himachal: Read What’s Permitted, What’s Not

Shimla-Corona Curfew in Himachal Pradesh would continue along with the guidelines/ SOPs issued from time to time but additional relaxations have been added. The decisions to allow more relaxation in curfew came in the HP Cabinet meeting held on June 22, 2021. The Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has also issued a new notification regarding the same.
While some of the relaxations would come into force from June 23, others would be applicable from July 1.
Earlier, the Cabinet had decided that there will be no requirement of an e-pass for entry to the State from July 1st. However, the government changed its decision later and said the system would end from June 23.
Though the health experts and the Centre government has issued repeated warnings of the third wave predicted to arrive within the next 7-8 weeks, the HP government has decided to throw open state borders without any restriction or monitoring. At the same time, the Centre government has today written to affected states over the new variant – Delta Plus – a matter of greater concern.
Based on the recent findings of INSACOG, the Union Health Ministry has alerted and advised Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh regarding the Delta Plus variant of COVID19 being found in some districts in these States.
INSACOG has informed that the Delta Plus Variant, currently a Variant of Concern (VOC), has increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells, and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response.
Monoclonal antibodies are artificial antibodies that mimic the activity of our immune systems.
The ministry today informed that this new variant has been found in 80 countries including India.
Despite this, the State government didn’t consider it necessary to monitor visitors from the states affected by the Delta Plus variant through e-pass or RTPCR report.
It’s pertinent to mention that in wake of its failure to provide relief to the worst-hit tourism industry, the state government was under huge pressure from the hoteliers and stakeholders in the tourism industry to waive off restrictions on tourist entry into state for the remaining peak tourist season.
Also Read: Read Eight Reliefs That Himachal’s Devastated Tourism Industry Seeks from HP Govt
Corona Curfew Relaxations to Come into Force in Himachal From June 23
- All markets, malls, shops etc. are allowed to open up to 8 PM.
- There will be no restriction on the timings of pharmacies/chemist shops and they will remain open as per their normal operating hours.
- Restaurants/dhabas/other eateries & bars are permitted to now remain open upto 10 PM.
- All social academic/ entertainment/ cultural/ political and other congregations including marriage celebrations and functions are permitted with up to 50% of the capacity, subject to a maximum of 50 persons in indoor built-up/covered areas.
- In open spaces, gatherings will be allowed with a ceiling of a maximum of 100 persons.
- Gathering in Funerals/Cremations are allowed upto 50.
- All cinema halls, entertainment parks, theatres & auditoriums, assembly halls, clubhouses, golf courses and gymnasiums are allowed to open up to 10 PM with 50% capacity.
- Sports Complexes are permitted to open for sports activities including outdoor sports activities except for contact sports (Spectators will not be allowed).
New Curfew Relaxation from July 1, 2021
- All offices of the Government Department/ PSUs/ local bodies/autonomous bodies including the H.P. Secretariat will operate with 100% attendance from 01.07.2021 (FN).
- Medical colleges, Ayurvedic colleges, Dental colleges, Nursing and Pharmacy colleges are already allowed to. Engineering colleges/polytechnic and ITIS will also be allowed to reopen from July 1st
- Detailed guidelines & SOPS in this regard will be issued by the Department of Technical Education, Himachal Pradesh. All other educational, training, coaching institutions etc. will continue to remain closed till further orders.
- Religious places/places of worship are allowed to open from July 1 for darshan only with the condition that they follow requisite SOPS issued by the Department of Language, Art and Culture, Himachal Pradesh. No kirtan, bhajan, jagratas etc. will be permissible.
- Inter-State movement of public transport buses/contract/stage carriages will be allowed from July 1st with 50% of the registered seating capacity as per SOPS issued by the Department of Transport, Himachal Pradesh.
General Directives for COVID Management
The following General Directives for COVID-19 Management shall be strictly followed throughout the State:
- Face coverings/ Masks: Wearing of face cover/ mask properly is compulsory in public places, shopping areas/ shops/ markets/ malls and workplaces; and in public & private transport.
- Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet in public places
- Spitting in a public place will be punishable with a fine, as prescribed under laws, rules or regulations.
- Consumption of paan, gutka, tobacco, and similar products in a public place is prohibited.
- Proper ventilation of closed spaces to be ensured.
News
Kotkhai Custodial Death Case: CBI Court Sentences IGP Zaidi, 7 Other Policemen to Life Imprisonment

SHIMLA – A special CBI court has convicted and sentenced Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zahur Haider Zaidi and seven other policemen to life imprisonment in connection with the 2017 custodial death case of 29-year-old Suraj Singh.
CBI Public Prosecutor Amit Jindal argued for exemplary punishment, emphasizing the gravity of the crime.
After considering the arguments, CBI Special Judge Alka Malik sentenced the eight police personnel to life imprisonment.
On January 18, the accused were found guilty under Sections 302, 330, 348, 218, 195, 196, 201, and 120B of the IPC in connection with the custodial death of suspect Suraj Singh. However, the court acquitted former Shimla SP DW Negi.
The incident occurred on July 18, 2017, when Suraj Singh, an accused in the alleged gang rape and murder of a minor girl in Kotkhai, Shimla district, died in police custody. The CBI investigation revealed that Suraj Singh was tortured and murdered by police personnel.
The court convicted Zaidi, who was the then Inspector General of Police, along with seven other policemen, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Manoj Joshi, Sub-Inspector Rajinder Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector Deep Chand Sharma, Head Constables Mohan Lal, Surat Singh, and Rafee Mohammad, and Constable Ranjit Sateta.
CBI public prosecutor Amit Jindal stated that the court sentenced the eight convicts to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on them. The accused were convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including murder, voluntarily causing hurt to extort confession, and wrongful confinement to extract confession.
News
HP Cabinet Decisions: Approves Pilot Study on Cannabis Cultivation, Seema College Renamed as Raja Virbhadra Singh Govt. College

Shimla-The State Cabinet, in its recent meeting held at Dharamshala in Kangra district, made several key decisions across various sectors.
Cannabis Cultivation Study:
The Cabinet approved a pilot study on cannabis cultivation, which will be jointly conducted by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Kangra and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture in Solan. The study aims to evaluate the potential of cannabis cultivation and recommend future actions. The Agriculture Department will serve as the nodal agency for this initiative.
Disaster Relief for Tandi Village:
The Cabinet extended the special relief package for disaster-affected families to those impacted by the fire in Tandi Village, Kullu. Under the package, families with fully damaged houses will receive Rs. 7 lakh, those with partially damaged houses will receive Rs. 1 lakh, and families who lost cowsheds will receive Rs. 50,000. Additionally, monthly rental assistance of Rs. 5,000 will be provided to affected families until June 30, 2025.
Robotic Surgery Equipment Procurement:
The Cabinet approved Rs. 56 crore for the procurement of state-of-the-art machinery and equipment for robotic surgery at AIMSS Chamiyana in Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, Kangra. The approval follows a model similar to AIIMS New Delhi, aimed at enhancing medical facilities.
Forest Department Order Amendment:
The Cabinet amended the Forest Department’s previous order to allow the extraction of berberis roots (Kashmal) until February 15, 2025. Furthermore, it permitted the transportation of forest produce extracted from open spaces prior to January 4, 2025, until February 15, 2025, in line with the HP Forest Produce Transit (Land Routes) Rules, 2013.
Ropeway Project and Transportation Improvements:
The Cabinet approved the establishment of a ropeway between Kullu Bus Stand and Peej Paragliding Point. Additionally, it sanctioned the procurement of 24 air-conditioned super luxury buses for the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to improve passenger services.
Rural Development and Infrastructure Reorganization:
Nine posts of Block Development Officers will be filled in the Department of Rural Development. The Cabinet also approved the reorganization of the PWD National Highway Circle in Shahpur, creating two new divisions, Nankhadi and Kholighat, and the Kharahan Section.
State Taxes and Excise Enforcement:
To enhance enforcement, the Cabinet approved the allocation of 100 motorbikes to field offices of the State Taxes and Excise Department for surprise checks and improved monitoring.
State Cadre Posts:
The Cabinet decided to bring the posts of Drivers, all Class-III and Class-IV posts in District Collector (DC) offices, and staff members in the offices of the three Divisional Commissioners, Director of Land Records, Revenue Training Institute (Jogindernagar), Directorate of Consolidation of Holdings (Shimla), and the Settlement Offices in Kangra and Shimla under the State Cadre. This move aims to standardize governance and improve administrative efficiency.
Educational Institutions Renamed:
The Cabinet approved the renaming of several educational institutions. Government College Seema in Shimla will now be known as Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College Seema. GGSSS Sports Hostel (Girls) Jubbal will be renamed Sh. Ram Lal Thakur GGSSS Sports Hostel (Girls), Jubbal, and Government College Khad in Una will be renamed Mohan Lal Dutt Government College Khad.
News
HP Cabinet Decisions: Eligibility Criteria for BPL List, Special Task Force to Combat Drug Abuse & Other Decisions

Shimla-The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, in its meeting held on Thursday, approved the inclusion of the following families in the BPL list:
- Families with no adult members between the ages of 18 and 59.
- Women-headed families.
- Families whose head has a disability of 50 per cent or more.
- Families that worked for at least 100 days under MNREGA in the previous financial year.
- Families whose earning members are suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy, thalassemia, or any other condition resulting in permanent disability.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a Special Task Force to combat drug abuse and dismantle drug trafficking and organized crime networks in the state through a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.
Additionally, the Cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance to amend Schedule 1A of the Indian Stamp Act of 1899. This amendment will facilitate the levy of a uniform stamp duty rate of 12 per cent on transfer and lease transactions secured under Section 118(2)(H) of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, with prior approval from the State Government.
The Cabinet approved a ban on the felling of trees, except for Safeda, Poplar, Bamboo, and Khair (for sale), in accordance with a ten-year program.
The Cabinet reiterated its request to the Government of India to adopt a 90:10 funding formula for the power component of the Kishau Multipurpose Project, similar to the formula adopted for its water component. Alternatively, the Cabinet proposed providing a 50-year interest-free loan for the entire amount payable by the State Government for the power component under the Inter-State Agreement.
It approved the establishment of a 1 MW Green Hydrogen Project in Nalagarh, to be executed by HPPCL.
The Cabinet sanctioned the imposition of Green Energy Development Charges for Pumped Storage Projects. A charge of ₹2.5 lakh per MW per year will be levied for the first 10 years after the project’s commissioning, increasing to ₹5 lakh per MW per year thereafter.
Approval was given to introduce the Himachal Pradesh Sadbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme 2025 to resolve pending cases, litigations, and arrears under subsumed enactments such as VAT, CST, Entry Tax, etc.
The Cabinet decided to designate the area surrounding the Tara Devi Temple in Shimla district as a Green Area.
It approved the creation and filling of 10 Junior Office Assistant (IT) posts for the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, Shimla.
The Cabinet selected the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, to conduct computer-based tests for the recruitment of Group-C posts through the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog, Hamirpur.
Approval was granted for creating the Block Primary Education Office at Rohnat by bifurcating the existing Block Primary Education Office at Shilai in the Sirmaur district.
The Cabinet decided to transfer three-gram panchayats — Matyal, Kudal, and Dhadol — from Development Block Lambagaon to Development Block Baijnath in Kangra district to serve the residents of these areas better.
The Cabinet approved the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority Land Pooling Policy-2025.
It also approved the establishment of the Himachal Pradesh State Water Informatics Centre to collect data from domain-specific bodies, develop new databases, and disseminate comprehensive water-related information.
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