The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, held at Dharamshala on Friday , has approved a pilot study on cannabis cultivation. This study will be conducted jointly by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture, Nauni, with the Agriculture Department serving as the nodal agency to evaluate and recommend a future road map.
During the Cabinet meeting several key decisions were made:
- Relief Package for Disaster-Affected Families
The special relief package introduced for disaster-affected families in 2023 will now be extended to those impacted by the fire incident in Tandi Village, Kullu district. Affected families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive Rs 7 lakh each, along with monthly financial assistance of Rs 5,000 until June 2025. - Robotic Surgery Equipment
The Cabinet approved the procurement of machinery and equipment for robotic surgeries at Chamiyana (Shimla) and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. The total cost of the procurement is Rs 56 crore. - Kullu Ropeway Project
A ropeway between the Kullu Bus Stand and Peej paragliding point has been approved to boost tourism in the area. - New Appointments and Infrastructure Updates
- Approval was granted to fill nine posts of Block Development Officers (BDOs).
- The Public Works Department (PWD) National Highway Circle Shahpur will be reorganized with the creation of two new divisions at Nankhadi and Kholighat, along with the Kharahan Section.
- Motorbikes for State Taxes and Excise Department
To ensure better enforcement and conduct surprise checks, the Cabinet approved the purchase of 100 motorbikes for field offices of the State Taxes and Excise Department. - Renaming of Educational Institutions
The Cabinet approved the renaming of the following institutions:- Government College Seema (District Shimla) as Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College Seema.
- GGSSS, Sports Hostel (Girls), Jubbal as Ram Lal Thakur GGSSS, Sports Hostel (Girls), Jubbal.
- Government College Khad (District Una) as Mohan Lal Dutt Government College Khad.
