Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves 26 Proposals, Clears ₹7,412 Crore Supplementary Budget
Chief Minister Ekal Nari Samman Yojana approved for destitute women; income limit for free coaching to SC/ST students raised from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh
Divyang students to receive five grace marks in board examinations; medal-winning athletes to get free travel on Uttarakhand Roadways buses
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, met at the Secretariat on Thursday and approved 26 proposals related to various departments. The key decisions included approval for the Mukhyamantri Ekal Nari Samman Yojana for destitute women, clearance of a supplementary budget of approximately ₹7,412 crore, measures to support students and athletes, expansion of higher education, and initiatives to promote adventure tourism.
The Cabinet also approved an increase in the annual family income ceiling for free coaching to meritorious students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), raising it from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh. Other major decisions included five grace marks for students with disabilities in board examinations and approval for two new private universities in Haridwar.
Key Decisions Taken by the Uttarakhand Cabinet
1. ₹7,412 Crore Supplementary Budget Approved
The Cabinet approved a supplementary budget of approximately ₹7,412 crore. It is proposed to be presented during the upcoming Assembly session at Gairsain.
2. Mukhyamantri Ekal Nari Samman Yojana Gets Approval
The Cabinet approved the Mukhyamantri Ekal Nari Samman Yojana aimed at supporting destitute women in Uttarakhand. The initiative is intended to strengthen social and economic security for eligible beneficiaries. Detailed eligibility criteria and benefit provisions will become clear through the relevant government guidelines.
3. Five Grace Marks for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities will receive five special grace marks in board examinations under the approved decision. The measure is intended to provide additional support to eligible students.
4. Free Coaching Scheme for SC/ST Students Expanded
The annual family income ceiling for meritorious SC and ST students seeking free coaching has been increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh. The revised limit is expected to bring more eligible students within the scope of the scheme and improve access to competitive examination preparation.
5. Two New Private Universities in Haridwar
The Cabinet approved proposals to establish Arogyam University and BMS University in Haridwar. The initiative is aimed at expanding higher education opportunities in the state.
6. Free Roadways Travel for Medal-Winning Athletes
Athletes from Uttarakhand who win medals or awards at national and state levels will be eligible for free travel on Uttarakhand Roadways buses. The Cabinet also decided to appoint a chief sports coach in every district to strengthen sports training and guidance for athletes.
7. Central Kitchens Under the PM POSHAN Scheme
The Cabinet approved the allocation of land to Annamrita Foundation for establishing central kitchens in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar under the PM POSHAN scheme. The initiative is intended to strengthen meal delivery arrangements for schoolchildren covered by the programme.
8. Uttarakhand Adventure Tourism Corporation to Be Formed
To promote adventure tourism and develop related activities, the state will establish the Uttarakhand Adventure Tourism Corporation Limited.
9. Simplified Approvals for Roads and Bridges
The Cabinet approved a proposal to streamline the approval process for road and bridge construction. Instead of obtaining separate approvals, the works will be taken up through a single approval process under the approved framework.
10. Restructuring of Education and Training Institutions
The Cabinet approved restructuring the organisational framework of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs). It also cleared the restructuring of ministerial cadre posts in the Directorate of Departmental Accounts.
Additionally, the Government School for Girls under the Rajkiya Ashram Paddhati system in Udham Singh Nagar district will be upgraded to high school level.
11. UREDA Organisational Restructuring
The organisational structure of the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) will be restructured. The Cabinet also approved the upgradation of junior engineer posts.
12. Human Rights Commission Report to Be Tabled
The Cabinet approved placing the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission’s annual report for 2019–2022 before the State Legislative Assembly.
13. Legal Amendments and UCC Corrections
The Cabinet approved the enactment of the Uttarakhand Law Amendment Bill, 2026. It also approved amendments to correct clerical errors in provisions of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
14. Correction to the Jaunsari Community’s Name
The Cabinet approved correcting the entry ‘Jannasari’ to ‘Jaunsari’ in the list of Scheduled Tribes under the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000.
15. Service Rules for Pollution Control Board Employees
The Cabinet approved service rules for Group C and Group D employees of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board.
16. One-Time Settlement Scheme for Stamp Cases
A one-time settlement scheme for resolving stamp-related disputes was approved. The initiative is intended to facilitate the settlement of pending cases in accordance with the applicable provisions.
Focus on Welfare, Education, Sports and Infrastructure
The Uttarakhand Cabinet’s decisions cover several areas of governance, including social welfare, education, sports development, tourism and administrative reforms. The approval of the Ekal Nari Samman Yojana and the expanded income ceiling for free coaching are intended to improve access to support for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the measures for athletes, universities, adventure tourism and infrastructure aim to strengthen opportunities and development across the state.
The detailed implementation framework, eligibility conditions and operational guidelines for the relevant decisions will be clarified through subsequent government orders and departmental notifications.
