Himachal Cabinet Revamps Panchayat Reservation System, Scraps 15 Delayed Hydropower Projects

Shimla, March 7: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved significant amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, introducing a revised reservation roster for local bodies ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections scheduled for May. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla.

Under the new framework, panchayats that have remained reserved for the same category for two consecutive terms since the 2010 base year will be opened up in the next election cycle. Officials said the move aims to ensure a more balanced rotation of reservations and allow candidates from different social groups to participate in local governance.

State authorities have also invited objections and suggestions from the public regarding the proposed changes to the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Elections) Rules, 1994. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi stated that the previous reservation system had restricted opportunities for other communities, and the updated rules are intended to create a fairer electoral process.

The cabinet also approved amendments to the Social Security Pension Rules, 2010 to widen the definition of “destitute.” Under the revised policy, women who have been abandoned by their husbands and have no independent source of income will now qualify for government welfare benefits, making it easier for them to access social assistance schemes.

In a significant move in the energy sector, the government cancelled 15 hydroelectric projects that failed to begin operations despite receiving concessions under a one-time amnesty scheme. Officials said the decision was taken to prevent valuable resources from remaining tied up in projects that had shown little progress.

At the same time, the 10-MW small hydroelectric project at Pandoh has been allocated to the Bhakra Beas Management Board. As part of the agreement, the state will receive 13% free electricity and an additional 5% power share from the project.

To strengthen tourism and regional connectivity, the cabinet approved a major expansion of heli-taxi services on the Chandigarh–Shimla route. Flights on this route will increase from three to 12 sorties per week, operating twice daily for six days with government support to maintain viability.

The cabinet also cleared multiple administrative and development initiatives, including the recruitment of junior assistant professors in technical education, sports coaches, and cooperative society staff. Plans were approved to establish a Regional Cooperative Milk Producers Union at Dhagwar, upgrade a fire facility in Tahliwal, and create a sub-divisional police office at Gagret.

Additionally, sports infrastructure will be strengthened by expanding the capacity of the sports hostel in Kharidi to 100 beds and developing it into a state-level centre of excellence.

Addressing pending labour concerns, the state government decided to release salaries for outsourced workers under the **Jal Jeevan Mission using state funds after payments were delayed for several months due to pending central allocations.