Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves 13 Key Decisions: Relief for Retired Agniveers, Floodplain Zoning Rules and State Bravery Awards for Children
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chairs Cabinet meeting in Haridwar; Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill and Fire and Emergency Services Bill to be introduced in the Assembly
Haridwar, October 12, 2026: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, met at the Mela Control Auditorium in Haridwar on Monday and approved several important proposals concerning infrastructure development, administrative reforms, public welfare, employment opportunities and the effective implementation of government programmes.
The Cabinet approved 13 key agenda items, including new recruitment rules for discharged Agniveers, the Mukhyamantri Rajya Bal Veerta Puraskar Yojana, the Uttarakhand Floodplain Zoning Rules, 2026, and proposals to introduce important bills in the state Legislative Assembly.
The decisions also covered the development of a traditional knowledge and research institution, monetisation of public assets, ease of doing business, fire and emergency services, rural water and sanitation programmes, and an affordable housing project in Haridwar.
Key Decisions Taken by the Uttarakhand Cabinet
1. Gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Central Government
The Cabinet expressed its gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for their continued support towards the overall development of Uttarakhand. Considering the state’s distinctive mountainous, border and strategic circumstances, the Cabinet also expressed its expectation of continued central assistance in line with the state’s development priorities and requirements.
2. In-Principle Approval for a Society to Develop the Madan Mohan Malaviya Oriental Research Institute
The Cabinet granted in-principle approval for the formation of a society to support the comprehensive development and expansion of the Madan Mohan Malaviya Oriental Research Institute at Rishikul in Haridwar.
The institute is proposed to be developed as a centre for yoga and meditation, Ayurveda studies and research, astrology and oriental studies, fine arts, Hindu studies and philosophy, and spiritual tourism.
The initiative aims to promote India’s traditional knowledge systems, ancient sciences, culture and modern research.
3. Amendment to the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Act
The Cabinet approved an amendment to Schedule III under Section 49 of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure (Development and Regulation) Act, 2023.
Under the approved proposal, 92 per cent of the proceeds generated through the disinvestment and monetisation of assets belonging to public agencies, local bodies, state public-sector undertakings and financially autonomous institutions will be provided to the respective public agencies.
The measure is intended to improve asset management, encourage efficient utilisation of public resources and accelerate infrastructure development.
4. Approval to Introduce the Second Uttarakhand Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill, 2026
To simplify commercial activities and promote ease of doing business, the Cabinet approved the introduction of the Second Uttarakhand Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, in the state Legislative Assembly.
The proposed legislation seeks to decriminalise minor offences, provide for civil penalties and administrative action in cases involving minor technical or procedural violations, and remove obsolete or unnecessary legal provisions.
The initiative aims to simplify regulatory procedures and reduce the unnecessary legal burden on citizens and businesses.
5. Uttarakhand Floodplain Zoning Rules, 2026 Approved
The Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Floodplain Zoning Rules, 2026, to regulate land use and development activities in flood-prone areas.
The rules will establish detailed procedures, standards and mechanisms for implementing the provisions of the Uttarakhand Floodplain Zoning Act, 2012.
The primary objective is to preserve the natural flow of rivers and protect lives, property and critical infrastructure from potential flood damage.
6. Approval to Convene the Third Session of the Fifth Legislative Assembly in 2026
The Cabinet approved the convening of the third session of the Fifth Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly for 2026. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been authorised to determine the date and venue of the session.
7. Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services Bill, 2026 Approved
The Cabinet approved the introduction of the Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services Bill, 2026, in the state Legislative Assembly.
Prepared in line with the Government of India’s Model Fire Service Bill, 2019, the proposed legislation seeks to revise the existing legal framework governing fire services.
The proposal takes into account the challenges arising from industrial expansion, rapid urbanisation, disasters and potential fire accidents. It aims to strengthen the state’s fire prevention, emergency response and related service arrangements.
8. New Recruitment Rules for Discharged Agniveers in Group C Uniformed Posts
The Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Horizontal Reservation Rules, 2026, for the employment of discharged Agniveers in direct-recruitment Group C uniformed posts under state services.
The previous rules, introduced in 2025, provided for 10 per cent horizontal reservation for discharged Agniveers, along with concessions relating to the maximum age limit and the physical efficiency test.
The new rules supersede the earlier framework and incorporate changes and concessions in accordance with the latest Central Government guidelines. The approved provisions include exemptions in the written examination and physical standards test.
The decision is intended to facilitate employment opportunities for discharged Agniveers in the state’s uniformed services.
9. Amendment to Financial Powers in the Culture Department
The Cabinet approved an amendment to the relevant provisions of Volume I of the Uttarakhand Financial Handbook concerning the delegation of financial powers.
Under the amendment, the designation of the Head of Department in the Culture Department will be changed from Director, Art and Culture Department, to Director General, Culture Directorate, Uttarakhand.
The change is intended to align the exercise of financial powers with the department’s administrative structure.
10. Continuation of 215 Posts under Swajal and the State Water and Sanitation Mission
The Cabinet approved the continuation of 215 posts under the Project Management Unit of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), Swajal and the State Water and Sanitation Mission from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.
The approved posts include 189 under Swajal and 26 under the State Water and Sanitation Mission.
The salaries and honorariums of the concerned personnel will continue to be paid by the State Water and Sanitation Mission, as before.
The decision is expected to ensure continuity in the implementation of rural water management and sanitation programmes.
11. Relaxation in Access Road Width for an Affordable Housing Project in Haridwar
The Cabinet approved a relaxation in the minimum prescribed access road width for a proposed affordable housing project in Sisona village, Bhagwanpur tehsil, Haridwar district.
The project is proposed on approximately 8.1169 hectares of land in accordance with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the housing policies of the Central and State governments.
For approval of the project’s layout plan, the prescribed access road width is 9 metres. Considering the availability of a 6-metre-wide road, the Cabinet approved a relaxation of 3 metres.
12. Correction of Khasra Number in Land-Use Conversion Order in Udham Singh Nagar
The Cabinet approved the correction of an erroneous khasra number in a government order concerning the conversion of 24,280 square metres of land from industrial to residential use in Bhauna Islamnagar village, Bajpur tehsil, Udham Singh Nagar district.
The order dated November 10, 2023, incorrectly mentioned Khasra No. 321/1A. The number will be corrected to Khasra No. 321/2A.
13. Mukhyamantri Rajya Bal Veerta Puraskar Yojana Approved
The Cabinet approved the Mukhyamantri Rajya Bal Veerta Puraskar Yojana to recognise and encourage courageous children in Uttarakhand.
Under the scheme, children who demonstrate exceptional courage, bravery, perseverance, human compassion and the ability to act calmly in difficult circumstances will be honoured.
The initiative aims to recognise extraordinary acts by children and inspire others through their examples.
Focus on Development, Governance and Public Welfare
The Cabinet’s decisions cover several key areas, including employment opportunities for discharged Agniveers, child welfare, flood-risk management, fire and emergency services, regulatory reforms and infrastructure development.
Other measures aim to promote India’s traditional knowledge systems, improve the management of public assets, maintain continuity in rural water and sanitation programmes, and facilitate affordable housing.
Together, these decisions reflect the state government’s focus on administrative efficiency, public welfare and development across Uttarakhand.
