Uttarakhand Cabinet approves 11 major decisions including cashless healthcare, equal pay for UPNAL employees, pension hike for artists, incentives for doctors in remote areas, and more for better governance and public welfare.
The Uttarakhand Cabinet convened today and approved 11 major proposals aimed at improving governance, public welfare, and employee benefits across the state. Among the key decisions, the issue of equal pay for UPNAL employees performing similar work has been referred to the Uttarakhand Cabinet Sub-Committee for review.
Key Decisions from the Uttarakhand Cabinet Meeting
Finance: The Cabinet approved a reduction in VAT on natural gas from 20% to 5%, providing significant relief to consumers and businesses.
Agriculture: In disaster-affected areas including Dharali, the government has fixed apple prices at Rs 51 per kg for Royal Delicious and Rs 45 per kg for Red Delicious varieties to support farmers.
Culture: Monthly pensions for artists and writers have been increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000, strengthening cultural support in the state.
Housing: Under the Ease of Doing Business framework, low-risk and small commercial buildings can now have building plans approved by empaneled architects, simplifying compliance procedures.
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Industrial Development: Coverage for MSME and industry units has been expanded. Additionally, the Bamboo & Fiber Development Council will now outsource technical staff instead of hiring UPNAL employees, with 13 positions being filled via contract or outsourcing.
Healthcare & Insurance: Both Ayushman and Atal Ayushman schemes will operate in 100% insurance mode, with Golden Cards running in hybrid mode. Claims below Rs 5 lakh will be processed under insurance mode, while higher claims will be handled via trust mode. Employee contributions have been adjusted according to inflation, increasing from Rs 250 to Rs 450.
Public Works: Work-charged employees in the Irrigation and Public Works Departments will now be eligible for pension benefits.
Medical Education & Services: The Cabinet approved amendments to the Uttarakhand Medical Education Service Rules, raising the retirement age of Professors and Associate Professors from 50 to 62 years. Special departments have been created for Super Specialty Services. The Swami Ram Cancer Institute in Haldwani will see the creation of four new positions.
Equal Pay Implementation: At Srinagar Medical College, 277 employees performing similar work will benefit from equal pay, a matter now sent to the Cabinet Sub-Committee for further action.
Incentives for Remote Area Doctors: Doctors working in difficult and extremely remote areas will receive an additional 50% allowance, benefiting approximately 300 medical professionals.
The Uttarakhand Cabinet emphasized that these decisions will enhance transparency, improve employee welfare, strengthen governance, and promote overall socio-economic development in Uttarakhand.
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