Himachal changes norms for Van Mitra recruitment, eliminates 10-mark interview criteria 

Earlier, the Himachal Pradesh High Court had quashed the 10 mark personal interview criteria for hiring Van Mitras.

An official spokesperson, after the Cabinet meeting, said that the goal of the Van Mitra scheme is to strengthen local communities’ involvement in the protection, conservation, and development of forest areas. Van Mitras (friends of forest) receive incentives for maintaining and protecting plantations. “Men and women in the age group of 18 to 25 with matriculation and 10 plus as minimum qualification who are residents of Gram Panchayat/urban Local Body within the jurisdiction of the forest beat and have good physical and mental health are eligible to apply for the post,” it said.

The Cabinet also decided to create and fill up 150 posts of nursing personnel and create and fill six posts of Associate Professor and 10 of Assistant Professors in different departments of Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College and Hospital Medical College at Hamirpur.

“The appointments of associate and assistant professors will be made aiming at the launch of classes of various PG courses,” the spokesman said.

The Cabinet also decided to amend the Eco-tourism Policy 2017 to align with the recent amendments in the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 2023, aimed at promoting and developing eco-tourism activities in the state. The Amended Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 2023 exempts certain specified forest lands for activities like zoos and safaris, besides eco-tourism facilities, silvicultural operations and any other purpose specified by the central government.

To reduce reliance on fossil fuel vehicles, the Cabinet approved involving private players to expand the electric vehicle charging station network along the state’s six green corridors. Currently, 77 such stations are operational.

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of automated testing stations for vehicle fitness assessments, utilising advanced automated equipment. The aim is to set up five such stations to better serve the residents of the state.

The Cabinet also decided to transfer the administrative control of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to the Additional Director General (Home Guards and Civil Defence) to enhance its effectiveness during disasters and emergencies. Additionally, it also approved the deputation of Home Guards to the SDRF for a maximum period of two years to ensure its smooth operation.

It also approved the establishment of a new Police Post at Shinkula under the Keylong Police Station in the Lahaul-Spiti district with the creation and filling of six posts in various categories, the statement added.

The Cabinet sanctioned a new Sub-Divisional Police Officer’s office at Nadaun in Hamirpur district, along with the creation and filling of five posts across various categories and the establishment of a new Fire Post at Indora in Kangra district, with 13 posts to be created and filled up in various categories.

Shongtong-Karcham Power Project: Cabinet adopts panel’s recommendations

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Tuesday decided to accept the recommendations of a Cabinet Sub-Committee, headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, concerning the 450 MW Shongtong-Karcham Power Project, including the directive to the company to ensure project completion by the financial year 2026-27. The tender for the project was awarded in 2012 but the construction of the project was delayed due to several reasons and Chief Minister Sukhu had asked the company to complete the project by July 2025. Shongtong Hydroelectric Power Project would generate 1,579 million units of electricity annually worth Rs 1,706 crore.