Many big and far-reaching decisions have been taken in the important meeting of the Cabinet held at the Himachal Pradesh State Secretariat. In this meeting, taking strict steps against the increasing drug addiction in the state, a historic decision has been taken to ban people involved in the black business of ‘Chitta’ (synthetic drug) from contesting Panchayat elections. Along with this, many important proposals related to health, education and infrastructure have also been approved.
The Cabinet has taken a tough decision to make Panchayati Raj institutions drug free and clean. Those against whom Chitta (synthetic drug) cases are registered or whose charge sheet has been filed in the court, will no longer be able to contest Panchayat elections.
The most important thing is that it will not be necessary to be declared ‘guilty’ by the court for disqualification from contesting elections, only the filing of charge sheet will be sufficient. However, accused in other (non-synthetic) cases under the Narcotics Prohibition Act (NDPS) are currently kept out of this rule. To give legal implementation to this decision, the state government will present a bill in the upcoming assembly session.
Preparations for Panchayat elections intensified
Preparations for elections are in full swing under the three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions in the state. Presently the process of delimitation, preparation of voter lists and reservation roster is going on. According to the clear instructions of the Supreme Court, Panchayat elections are to be conducted in the state before May 31.
Major reforms in health and education sector
Many important approvals were also given in the cabinet meeting to upgrade medical and education facilities. Government schools affiliated to CBSE will now have a separate cadre. Earlier 134 schools were decided for this, the number of which has now been increased to 151. Approval has been given to open new ‘Bio Physics Departments’ in three major medical colleges of the state – IGMC (Shimla), Hamirpur and Ner Chowk Medical College. The purchase of state-of-the-art PET Scan machine for Tanda Medical College has also been given the green signal. Besides, approval has also been given to create inter-college in medical colleges.
‘City Gas Distribution’ to overcome the shortage of LPG
The government has taken a big step to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic gas to the people of the state. To ensure that there is no shortage of LPG in future, the Cabinet has approved the proposal to further strengthen and strengthen the ‘City Gas Distribution System’.