Dehradun, August 7: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government held a significant cabinet meeting that focused on public welfare, rural economy, labor rights, education, judicial infrastructure, sports, tourism, drinking water, and industrial development. The details were shared with the media by the Director General of Information and Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, Banshidhar Tiwari, during a press briefing.
The cabinet approved the transfer of approximately 30 hectares of forest land from a total of 73 hectares available in the Lamachaur area of Haldwani for the construction of a High Court complex.
Additionally, the cabinet expanded the scope of the state sector’s cattle breeding scheme to include general category farmers. Beneficiaries will now have the option to purchase both cows and buffaloes. The unit cost for livestock has been increased from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000. Scheduled caste and tribe beneficiaries will receive a subsidy of up to 90%, while the general category will receive 60%. This initiative is expected to benefit around 2,128 farmers in the first year, aiding rural economy, self-employment, and curbing migration.
The cabinet also decided to implement the Uttarakhand Wage Code Rules, 2026 under the Wage Code, 2019. This includes crucial provisions such as minimum wage, double payment for overtime, monthly salary by the seventh day, digital payments, and equal pay for equal work for men and women.
To enhance the educational environment for meritorious students from scheduled castes and tribes, the cabinet approved the operational guidelines for hostels managed by the Social Welfare Department, ensuring better accommodation, food, and comprehensive development.
In a move to promote eco-tourism, the cabinet amended the structure of the High-Powered Committee (HPC), incorporating senior officials from the Forest Department to strengthen environmental protection, herb management, waste control, and better coordination with local communities.
The cabinet decided to bring an ordinance to amend the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, in line with amendments made by the central government, ensuring that the state’s tax system remains updated with national laws.
For the smooth operation of the Uttarakhand Sports University in Golaapar (Haldwani), the cabinet approved 122 regular positions along with necessary technical and support roles through an outsourcing arrangement, providing athletes with modern sports facilities and quality training.
Considering the interests of the Bengali-origin scheduled caste community in the Dineshpur and Shaktifarm areas, the cabinet decided to nominate members from this community to the operating committee of the assistance fund.
In compliance with Supreme Court directives, the cabinet will amend the Uttarakhand Cooperative Societies Rules, 2004, to remove discriminatory provisions related to leprosy and replace them with provisions concerning mental disabilities as declared by the court.
The cabinet also decided to implement the government’s protocol for commissioning rural drinking water schemes and transferring them to village panchayats and village water and sanitation committees.
The Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation Service (Amendment) Rules, 2026 will be implemented, introducing a written examination of 100 marks for scalar positions, making the recruitment process more transparent and aligned with the commission’s selection system.
A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to extend the Ganga Expressway from Meerut to Haridwar, which is expected to boost religious tourism, industrial investment, trade, and employment.
The cabinet also decided to implement the Uttarakhand Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. This includes provisions for timely resolution of industrial disputes, recognition of trade unions, formation of grievance redressal committees, and clear processes for strikes and lockouts, along with a labor re-skilling fund.
These cabinet decisions aim to strengthen the rural economy, increase farmers’ incomes, protect labor rights, improve facilities for students, expand sports and judicial infrastructure, promote eco-tourism, enhance drinking water management, and provide new directions for industrial and infrastructural development. The state government’s goal is to accelerate public welfare, transparent administration, job creation, and inclusive development.
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