Sukhu Cabinet Pushes OBC Card, Lotteries & Last-Minute Relief in vote bank politics
Shimla, July 31:
In a vote bank pitch, the Himachal Cabinet led by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has okayed OBC reservation in upcoming Urban Local Bodies polls — a move critics slam as vote bank engineering.
A new Backward Classes Commission will now compile data before finalising the roster.
At the same time, the Cabinet announced the Monsoon Session of the Assembly from August 18 to September 2, where political fireworks are expected.
Rain Relief Comes Late
Weeks into the monsoon mayhem, the government has finally cleared rent aid for families in relief camps: ₹5,000/month in rural areas, ₹10,000 in urban — but only for six months. Many say it's too little, too late.
Age Relaxation, Orphan Quota, ASHA Posts
The Cabinet gave a 2-year upper age relaxation for TGT and JBT aspirants and reserved one seat per course for orphans in all tech institutes. 290 ASHA workers will be recruited for remote tribal areas.
Excise Clampdown, Sand Mining Boost
Two Home Guards and one Excise Officer will now be stationed at every liquor plant. 21 mineral quarries in Kangra and Bilaspur districts will be auctioned — expected to rake in ₹18.82 crore — even as illegal mining concerns remain.
Govt Bets Big on Lotteries
In a controversial move, the Cabinet approved relaunching state lotteries, raising eyebrows over the government’s desperate revenue hunt.
Clean-Up Drives: Legacy Dues, Vacant Buildings, Vehicle Amnesty
The Cabinet launched Phase-II of the Sadbhawana Scheme to settle 30,000 old VAT and tax cases.
It also cleared a one-time amnesty to regularise 2,795 unregistered construction vehicles.
A new nodal agency will repurpose vacant govt buildings lying unused for years — an embarrassing reminder of poor planning.
Water Reform & Panchayat Tweaks
Water tariffs in Solan will now be uniform under Jal Shakti Vibhag rates, regardless of the provider.
Meanwhile, two areas in Nadaun ward 8 were quietly de-notified from the municipal council — seen as a strategic boundary tweak.
Tourism Push, But Delivery Doubts
A Tourism Investment Council was announced for fast-tracking ₹50+ crore projects in 30 days — though many question if it’s just more red tape in new wrapping.
From reservation politics to liquor units, lotteries and legacy dues — the Sukhu Cabinet’s latest spree signals one thing loud and clear: elections will come sooner or later.
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