Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its Meeting held here today decided to provide 8 kgs. of wheat/wheat flour and rice per person to all ration card holders residing in tribal and backward areas (Dodra Kwar area of district Shimla and Bara Bhangal area of district Kangra), in relaxation of the norms of Public Distribution System of providing 35 kgs., of ration per family per ration card holder during the period of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the Meeting.

Cabinet approved ‘Protsahan Chhatravriti Yojna’ for all categories of students traveling a distance of over 5 kms., daily to attend government schools from their permanent residences. Every eligible student covering a distance of 5 to 8 kms., daily will be eligible to get scholarship of Rs. 200 per month while others travelling over 8 kms. to get Rs. 300 scholarship per month. The Scheme is likely to benefit 22,500 students. It also granted approval for the policy to take over all 95 percent government aided private schools or staff under government control subject to fulfillment of the stipulations therein.

It approved hike of Rs. 300 in the monthly remunerations of the Tailoring/Embroidery Teachers serving at gram panchayat level centres, by increasing the same from existing Rs. 1100 to Rs. 1400 per month benefiting 2095 teachers in the State.

It approved the recommendations of the Committee constituted to determine the transportation rates for ACC, Brmana, Gujrat Ambuja Cements, Darlaghat, JP and Ambuja Cements, Nalagarh and approved transportation rate of Rs. 27.20 per quintal for initial distance of upto 40 KMs and Rs. 68 paise per quintal for every additional kilometer beyond 40 KMs. distances.

Cabinet decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub-Committee to give its recommendations with regard to carrying amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Rules, 1975. Gulab Singh Thakur, PW and Revenue Minister will be the Chairman of the Committee while Ravinder Singh Ravi, IPH Minister, Kishan Kapoor, Industries Minister, Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Health Minister, Jai Ram Thakur, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister and Mahender Singh, Transport Ministers will be its Members and Financial Commissioner (Revenue) will be Secretary of the Committee.

Cabinet approved amendment in the Part Time Water Carrier Recruitment Policy 2009 to fill up 966 vacancies in Higher and Elementary Education Department on monthly remuneration of Rs. 1200. It has been decided to include BPL also with SC/ST/OBC and constitute selection committees under the Chairmanship of concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

It approved the recommendations of the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Principal Secretary (Transport) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh to give its recommendations on use of Red/Blue lights on vehicles and decided to also allow Additional Commissioner and Joint Commissioner of Income Tax to use red light on their vehicles.

Cabinet approved in principle financial model, concession period, bidding parameter and RFP for construction of bus stands under PPP mode. It approved amendment in planning upcoming ISBT Complex at Tuti Kandi, Shimla. It approved bifurcation of Librarian Cadre and approved Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Librarian (College) Cadre and Librarian, Public Library (State Cadre).

It approved fresh rules for Lecturers (College Cadre) in Government Sanskrit Colleges under Higher Education Department of the State by releasing the existing Recruitment and Promotion Rules.

It approved amendment in Common General Direct Recruitment and Promotion Rule for the posts of Steno-Typists (Junior Scale) and Stenographers (Senior Scale) in different departments of the State Government.