Himachal women domestic workers to receive Rs 1,500 monthly pension

Shimla

In its second consecutive meeting, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, made several key decisions aimed at improving the welfare of the state's residents. The Cabinet approved the inclusion of women domestic workers under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behana Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna, providing them with a monthly pension of Rs 1,500. To qualify, women must have worked as domestic help for at least 100 days, and their daughters over the age of 21 are also eligible.

Additionally, the Cabinet raised the minimum support price (MSP) for naturally grown crops. The MSP for wheat was increased from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kg, while maize MSP rose from Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kg. The MSP for naturally grown raw turmeric was set at Rs 90 per kg, and barley from Pangi block in Chamba will be priced at Rs 60 per kg. Pangi was also declared the state's first natural farming subdivision.

The Cabinet further approved the allotment of 422 stage carriage routes to private operators, which will improve transport services and create self-employment opportunities. To address parking and congestion issues, it was decided to open unused basement floors for parking, with penalties for misuse.

In healthcare, new departments for nephrology, neurology, and gastroenterology will be established at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College in Hamirpur, with 118 posts created to support the facilities. A new Jal Shakti Vibhag division will open in Sujanpur, and several other initiatives were approved to enhance healthcare and tourism in the state.