Dehradun
A meeting of the Uttarakhand State Cabinet was held on Wednesday, February 11, at the Secretariat in Dehradun under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. During the meeting, the Cabinet approved six important proposals related to the Labour, Home, Forest, and Agriculture departments.
Key Decisions Taken in the Cabinet Meeting
1. Withdrawal of the COVID-era Bonus Amendment
The Cabinet decided to withdraw the amendment proposal related to the Payment of Bonus Act that had been sent to the Central Government during the COVID period regarding bonus deductions.
2. Approval for Recruitment of ESI Doctors
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Labour Medical Service Rules, 2006, under the Labour Department. This will clear the way for the recruitment and promotion of ESI doctors. A total of 94 posts have been approved.
3. New Posts for Anti-Narcotics Task Force
Under the Home Department, approval was given for the creation of 22 new state-level posts for the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, which was formed in 2022 to strengthen action against drug-related crimes.
4. Amendment in the Prison Act
The Cabinet approved a change in the definition of “habitual offender” under the state’s Prison Act. The state will now adopt the definition provided by the Central Government.
5. Relief for Daily Wage Workers in the Forest Department
Out of 893 daily wage workers in the Forest Department, 579 workers will now receive minimum wages. They will be paid a minimum salary of ₹18,000 per month.
6. Continuation of Micro Fertiliser Support Scheme
The Cabinet decided to continue the state’s Chief Minister Micro Fertiliser Upgradation Scheme along with the Central Government’s scheme under the Agriculture Department, which is valid until 2025–26.
The decisions are expected to strengthen administrative efficiency, improve employee welfare, enhance law enforcement, and support farmers across the state.
