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Himachal Revises Compassionate Employment Policy, Cancels 172 Small Hydroelectric Projects, Permits Night Shifts for Women in Commercial Establishments
SHIMLA| 31 July 2025 – The Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, today approved significant amendments to the Compassionate Employment Policy, alongside measures to expand nursing education, promote gender equality in workplaces, and advance infrastructure development.
The revised Compassionate Employment Policy increases the annual family income eligibility limit from ₹2.50 lakh to ₹3 lakh. Widows, parentless applicants under 45, and dependents of government officials who died on duty will now receive priority for appointments. To address limited vacancies, the Cabinet approved a one-time relaxation of the 5% quota for compassionate appointments to accommodate eligible candidates.
Nursing Education Expansion
To bolster healthcare education, the Cabinet increased the B.Sc. Nursing seats at Sister Nivedita Government Nursing College in Shimla from 60 to 100. It also approved a new B.Sc. Nursing College at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda, with an annual intake of 60 seats and the creation of 27 posts across various categories.
Gender Equality in Workplaces
In a move toward gender equality, the Cabinet permitted women workers in shops and commercial establishments to work night shifts from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Women employees will also receive maternity benefits as mandated under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
Infrastructure and Resource Management
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals Rules, 2015, allowing contractors engaged in road cutting to use generated material for captive purposes during reservoir project maintenance. Leftover raw or finished materials will be auctioned by a designated committee.
To facilitate the expansion of Kangra Airport, the Cabinet extended land acquisition proceedings under the Right to Fair Compensation Act, 2013, until August 16, 2026. Additionally, it approved the draft Development Plan for the Dhaulakuan Majra Planning Area in Sirmaur district to promote sustainable economic growth while preserving natural resources.
Hydroelectric Project Reforms
The Cabinet cancelled 172 small hydroelectric projects below 5 MW under HIMURJA due to prolonged construction delays, with plans to re-advertise them. A uniform 12% free power royalty, plus an additional 1% for the Local Area Development Fund, will apply to future projects up to 5 MW. Additionally, 22 hydroelectric projects above 5 MW, lacking signed implementation agreements, were cancelled, with a deadline of August 5, 2025, for others to respond to notices. A committee was formed to negotiate out-of-court settlements with 14 project developers for refunding upfront premiums without interest.
Aviation and Administrative Decisions
The Cabinet extended the Memorandum of Understanding with Alliance Air Aviation Ltd. for Shimla–Dharamshala–Shimla flights from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. It also reorganised the Patwar Circle Naleti in Kangra district, merging areas of Mahal Masot and Balahar with Patwar Circle Garh under Tehsil Paragpur.
A Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, was formed to oversee the development of a 300-acre Medical Device Park at Nalagarh, with a report due within two months.
Addressing Drug Abuse
The Cabinet reviewed a detailed presentation by the Excise and Taxation Department on drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh, discussing challenges and ongoing efforts to combat the issue.
These decisions reflect the state’s focus on inclusive employment, education, gender equality, and sustainable development while addressing administrative and infrastructural needs.
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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