Uttarakhand Cabinet Takes Far-Reaching Decisions to Boost Green Energy, Industry, Healthcare, and Social Welfare
Dehradun:
The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved a series of significant policy decisions aimed at promoting green energy, strengthening industrial development, enhancing healthcare services, supporting cultural practitioners, and improving ease of living and ease of doing business in the state.
VAT Reduced on Natural Gas to Promote Clean Energy
In a major push towards environmental protection and clean energy adoption, the Cabinet approved a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from 20 percent to 5 percent.
The decision aligns with Uttarakhand’s vision of promoting pollution-free industrial units under various industrial development schemes while also creating scope for long-term tax revenue enhancement.
Disaster-Affected Apple Growers to Receive MSP Support
The Cabinet approved the Chief Minister’s announcement for procurement of apples from Dharali and surrounding disaster-affected areas of Uttarkashi district.
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Royal Delicious apples will be procured at ₹51 per kg
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Red Delicious and other apple varieties at ₹45 per kg (excluding Grade-C apples)
Procurement will be undertaken by the Horticulture and Food Processing Department, with funds allocated from the approved budget.
Monthly Pension for Elderly Artists and Writers Doubled
To preserve Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage and provide social security to senior artists and writers, the Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Elderly and Destitute Artists and Writers Monthly Pension (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
Under the amendment, the monthly pension has been increased from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000, considering inflation and rising living costs since the original rules were enacted in 2010.
Major EoDB Reform in Building Plan Approvals
Under the Government of India-sponsored Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) initiative, the Cabinet approved self-certification of building plans by empanelled architects for low-risk buildings, including single residential houses and small commercial structures.
Builders will submit all required documents, including SC-1 and SC-2 forms, along with applicable fees, certifying that the building falls under the low-risk category. This reform is expected to significantly reduce approval timelines and compliance burdens.
Amendments Approved to Industrial Development Regulations
To further strengthen industrial growth and MSMEs, the Cabinet approved the promulgation of the Uttarakhand General Industrial Development Control (Amendment) Regulations, 2025.
The amendments aim to simplify compliance, enhance transparency, and improve ease of doing business. Notably, ground coverage limits for MSME and industrial units have been increased.
Restructuring of Bamboo and Fiber Development Council
The Cabinet approved restructuring the organizational framework of the Uttarakhand Bamboo and Fiber Development Council.
A revised structure comprising 13 professional and technical posts will be filled through open market recruitment or outsourcing, ensuring timely execution of projects and availability of specialized expertise.
Pension Relief for Work-Charged Employees
In a major relief to work-charged employees of the Irrigation and Public Works Departments, the Cabinet decided to include their work-charged service period for pension calculation.
Ayushman Bharat and Golden Card Schemes Revamped
The Cabinet approved operational changes in state health insurance schemes:
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Ayushman and Atal Ayushman schemes will now operate in 100% insurance mode
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Golden Card Scheme will function in hybrid mode, where:
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Claims up to ₹5 lakh will be processed through insurance
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Claims above ₹5 lakh will be processed under trust mode
Additionally, the state government will clear outstanding dues of approximately ₹125 crore under the Golden Card scheme.
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Medical Education Rules Amended
The Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Medical Education Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which include:
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Increase in age limit for appointment of Professors and Associate Professors from 50 to 62 years
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Creation of Super Specialty Departments as per new NMC norms
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Creation of four new posts at Swami Ram Cancer Institute, Haldwani
Equal Pay Issue Referred to Cabinet Sub-Committee
The issue of providing equal pay for equal work to 277 contractual, daily wage, fixed-salary, and management committee employees at Government Medical College, Srinagar, has been referred to a Cabinet Sub-Committee for detailed examination.
Additional Allowance for Specialist Doctors in Remote Areas
To ensure availability of specialist doctors in hilly and remote regions, the Cabinet approved a 50 percent additional allowance (based on the minimum pay level in the pay matrix) for PMHS cadre specialist doctors serving in such areas.
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The allowance will not count towards pension benefits
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It will replace the earlier 20 percent basic pay allowance granted in 2014
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The benefit will cease once doctors are transferred to plain areas
Press Club Land Transfer Approved
Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram informed that, as per the Chief Minister’s directions, the land of the Press Club at Parade Ground, Dehradun, currently situated on Nazul land, will be transferred to the Information Department.
Following the transfer, the Information Department will undertake construction of the Press Club building, resolving long-standing issues related to building plan approvals.
