Major Decisions Approved in Dhami Cabinet Meeting: Higher Compensation, Green Building Push, Land Pooling Model, Scrappage Policy and Free Coaching Scheme

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday, approved several significant proposals impacting the general public, farmers, construction sector, technical education, aviation, and urban development. The major decisions include doubling compensation for power line-affected land, promoting green buildings, replacing jail terms with monetary penalties for minor offences, introducing a land pooling model, implementing a vehicle scrappage policy, and launching a free coaching scheme for youth.

200% Compensation for Land Affected by Power Lines

In a key relief measure for landowners affected by high-tension electricity lines:

• Land coming under transmission towers or within a 1-meter radius will now be compensated at 200% of the circle rate.

• A special committee will be formed to examine and rationalize the difference between circle rates and market rates.

The decision is seen as a major benefit for affected farmers and landowners.

Minor Offences: Jail Replaced with Monetary Penalty

Under the implementation of the Jan Vishwas Act, the Cabinet scrapped 7 old Acts and identified 52 Acts for penalty-based reforms.

• Minor offences will now attract financial penalties instead of imprisonment.

Example:

• Earlier: Using pesticides in notified organic farming zones invited 1-year jail + ₹1 lakh fine.

• Now: Only a ₹5 lakh penalty; the jail provision has been removed.

Boost to Green Buildings — Additional FAR Approved

To encourage eco-friendly construction, the Cabinet approved additional FAR (Floor Area Ratio) for green-certified buildings:

• Platinum: +5% FAR

• Gold: +3% FAR

• Silver: +2% FAR

Other key reforms:

• The restriction on ground coverage in commercial areas has been lifted.

• A uniform setback rule will apply across the state.

• Normal resorts can now be built without mandatory changes in land use, similar to eco-resorts.

• Mandatory road width: 6 meters in hills, 9 meters in plains.

• Road-level parking in high-rise buildings will not be counted in building height.

Land Pooling and Town Planning Model Approved

The Cabinet approved a land pooling model aimed at benefiting landowners:

• Land pooling will not be mandatory.

• Landowners will get a share of commercial land, similar to the Amaravati model.
  Additionally, the “Motel” category has been abolished.

Key Decisions by Departments

Finance Department

• Approval of the Uttarakhand GST Amendment Ordinance.

Technical Education Department

• Faculty recruitment in technical institutions will now be conducted at the university level, replacing the role of the Public Service Commission.

Public Works Department (PWD)

• 5% promotion quota for Junior Engineers abolished.

• JEs will now receive automatic promotion after 10 years of service.

• The Resipna–Bindal Elevated Road project will get GST exemption; royalty and GST to be reimbursed later.

Civil Aviation Department

• The Naini Saini Airport will now be operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

• Regularization of lease land in Sitarganj–Kalyanpur area will follow circle rates of 2004.

Dairy and Cooperation Department

• Subsidy under the Ghasiyari and Silage schemes reduced from 75% to 60%.

• The Aroma Plant Centre renamed to Institute of Perfume.

Vehicle Scrappage Policy — Tax Relief for Owners

Owners scrapping vehicles older than 15 years will receive:

• Tax concessions, and

• Additional incentives when purchasing a new vehicle.

Youth Future Development Scheme — Free Online Coaching

In a major announcement for young aspirants, the government launched a free coaching initiative for:

• UPSC

• NET

• GATE

The scheme includes:

• Online classes

• Live sessions

• Doubt clearing

• Study material

All provided by the government.