Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Key Decisions on Higher Education, Tourism, Employment, Financial Reforms and Forest Regularisation
Dehradun:
The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Friday approved a series of significant proposals aimed at accelerating the state’s overall development. The decisions span higher and school education, tourism, financial administration, employment generation, forest conservation, administrative reforms and governance, with the objective of strengthening infrastructure, improving public service delivery and creating greater opportunities for the people of the state.
14.857 Hectares of Land Approved for Expansion of Frontier Institute of Technology in Pithoragarh
The Cabinet approved the transfer of 14.857 hectares of land to the Department of Technical Education for the expansion of the under-construction Nanhi Pari Frontier Institute of Technology at Madhdhura in Pithoragarh. The institute will be developed in accordance with AICTE norms and will include academic buildings, hostels, faculty residences, modern laboratories, an auditorium, sports facilities and other world-class educational infrastructure to promote quality technical education in the border region.
New River Rafting and Kayaking Rules to Enhance Tourist Safety
To strengthen adventure tourism safety, the Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The revised regulations introduce stricter safety standards for operators and incorporate penal provisions against those violating prescribed norms, ensuring safer and more organised adventure tourism across the state.
Akshaya Patra Foundation to Provide Mid-Day Meals in Srinagar
Under the PM POSHAN Scheme, the Cabinet approved the engagement of the Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide freshly cooked mid-day meals to students from Classes I to VIII in selected schools through its centralised kitchen at Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal. The initiative aims to improve nutrition, attendance and learning outcomes among school children.
Seventh Pay Commission Benefits for State Warehousing Corporation Employees
The Cabinet approved the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations for 68 regular employees of the Uttarakhand State Warehousing Corporation. The government clarified that the decision would not impose any additional financial burden on the state exchequer, as the corporation will bear the expenditure from its own resources.
Two New Posts Approved for Kumbh Mela 2027 Audit
To ensure transparent financial monitoring during Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027, the Cabinet approved the creation of two posts—one Technical Expert and one Senior Audit Officer—for conducting concurrent financial audits during the event.
Amendment to Uttarakhand Finance Service Rules
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Uttarakhand Finance Service Rules to remove anomalies related to promotions. The changes are expected to facilitate a smoother and more transparent promotion process through the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission.
Finance Audit Cell to be Strengthened
To enhance financial oversight and accountability, the Cabinet approved restructuring of the Finance Audit Cell, including upgradation of existing posts, changes in recruitment sources and the creation of two additional posts to improve the state’s financial audit mechanism.
PMU Approved for Overseas Employment Cell
To support overseas employment opportunities for Uttarakhand’s youth, the Cabinet approved the formation of a seven-member Project Management Unit (PMU) for the Overseas Employment Cell established at the Skill Hub in Sahaspur under the Department of Skill Development and Employment. The unit will facilitate training, counselling and placement assistance for youth seeking jobs abroad.
Cabinet Reviews Compliance with Supreme Court Directions in Reserved Forest Cases
The Cabinet reviewed compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions concerning the reserved forest areas of Bapugram, Chauvan Bagga and Bindu Khatta in Rishikesh. The Council of Ministers provided policy guidance for further action and directed the Chief Secretary to initiate the process for the regularisation of these villages in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives and applicable legal provisions.
Budget Head for Arabia Madrasa Grant Scheme to be Discontinued
The Cabinet approved the proposal to discontinue the budget head for grants to Arabia Madrasas from the financial year 2027–28 as part of the state’s revised minority education framework. Under the new system, only institutions recognised by the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority will be permitted to operate.
Decisions Expected to Boost Development and Good Governance
The Cabinet stated that these decisions will strengthen higher and technical education, improve school nutrition, promote safe tourism, enhance financial governance, create new employment opportunities, streamline administrative systems and facilitate lawful resolution of long-pending forest settlement issues. The government believes these measures will contribute significantly to inclusive development, efficient governance and public welfare across Uttarakhand.
