Uttarakhand's Dhami Government Approves 12 Proposals in Cabinet Meeting
Uttrakhand: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, held a significant meeting in Dehradun on Wednesday, taking several major decisions beneficial to the public. A total of 12 proposals were approved, including tax exemptions on electric and hybrid vehicles, employment for environmental workers, the Badrinath Master Plan, benefits under the old pension scheme, and the creation of new positions in the subordinate service selection commission. These decisions will directly impact the state's citizens, youth, environment, and tourism development.
Tax Relief on Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Aiming to promote environmental protection and green mobility, the Uttarakhand government has included hybrid vehicles within the existing tax exemption for electric vehicles. This means that hybrid vehicles will now also be exempt from motor vehicle tax. This is expected to boost the sale of electric and hybrid vehicles in the state. The Cabinet approved this proposal from the Department of Transportation. It was also decided that subsidies for petrol, diesel, CNG, and battery-powered vehicles will now be kept in the SNA account. However, this facility will only be available for vehicles with a maximum price of ₹15 lakh.
Jobs for Environmental Workers, Fostering a Culture of Respect
The decision has been made to provide regular employment to 859 environmental workers employed under the Urban Development Department in 2013, under the quota for dependents of deceased employees. This decision will not only create a respectful environment for those engaged in sanitation work but will also strengthen the urban sanitation system. The government's decision is considered a significant step towards social equality and job creation.
Badrinath Master Plan Approved, New Dimension to Pilgrimage
The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved four significant schemes proposed by the Tourism Department. The most prominent is the Badrinath Master Plan. Under this plan, projects like 'Shesh Netra', 'Lotus Wall', 'Sudarshan Chowk', and 'Pre and Reverse Culture' will be undertaken. These developments will provide better amenities to pilgrims visiting Badrinath Dham and promote religious tourism. This plan is a significant step towards reshaping the state's tourism map.
Coordination between New and Old Pension Schemes
The Cabinet also approved a proposal from the Finance Department. This ensures that employees who served under the old pension scheme and are now working under the new scheme will receive benefits from their previous service added to the new pension scheme. This will provide relief to employees who were previously deprived of pension benefits due to service changes.
Steps to Strengthen the Justice System
The Cabinet also decided that under the Indian Penal Code, the forensic science laboratory will now be recognized as a departmental head. This will bring greater transparency and efficiency to the judicial investigation process. Furthermore, the creation of 12 new positions in the Human Rights Department was also decided upon, which will expedite departmental work.