Dr. Shikha Mishra
CM Dhami’s Cabinet Unveils Sweeping Reform Package to Boost Welfare, Jobs and Infrastructure
Lead Reporting
Dehradun: In one of its most comprehensive policy decisions in recent months, the Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved a wide-ranging package of reforms aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, expanding social welfare, protecting labour rights, improving education, accelerating infrastructure development and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The decisions, announced by Director General of Information and Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, Banshidhar Tiwari following the Cabinet meeting, span multiple sectors and reflect the government's emphasis on inclusive development, transparent governance and employment generation.
A major decision of the Cabinet was the expansion of the State Sector Dairy Development Scheme, making general category livestock farmers eligible for financial assistance for the first time. Beneficiaries will now have the option of purchasing either cows or buffaloes, while the unit cost has been enhanced from Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries will receive 90 per cent subsidy, while the general category will receive 60 per cent assistance. The initiative is expected to benefit over 2,100 livestock farmers in its first year and strengthen the rural economy by encouraging self-employment and reducing migration.
The Cabinet also approved the Uttarakhand Code on Wages Rules, 2026, bringing the state in line with the national wage framework. The new rules provide for minimum wages, double overtime pay, timely salary disbursement by the seventh of every month, digital wage payments and equal remuneration for men and women performing the same work.
In another significant welfare measure, the government approved new operational guidelines for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe hostels, aimed at providing students with improved residential facilities, quality education support and a conducive academic environment.
To strengthen sustainable tourism, the Cabinet revised the composition of the High-Powered Committee on Eco-Tourism, expanding the role of senior forest officials in environmental conservation, medicinal plant management, waste control and community participation.
The Cabinet also approved an ordinance to amend the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017, aligning state legislation with recent amendments introduced by the Central Government.
A major infrastructure decision cleared the transfer of approximately 40 hectares of forest land in Lamachaur, Haldwani, for the construction of a new High Court complex, a move expected to significantly strengthen judicial infrastructure in the Kumaon region.
In the sports sector, the government sanctioned the creation of 122 regular posts for the smooth functioning of the Uttarakhand State Sports University at Gaulapar, Haldwani, along with technical and support staff through outsourcing. The move is expected to enhance sports training and create modern facilities for athletes.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Bengali Scheduled Caste Assistance Fund Committee, ensuring greater representation of the Bengali Scheduled Caste community in Dineshpur and Shaktifarm.
In compliance with Supreme Court directions, discriminatory provisions relating to leprosy will be removed from the Uttarakhand Cooperative Societies Rules, 2004, replacing them with legally recognised provisions concerning mental incapacity declared by a competent court.
To improve rural drinking water management, the state adopted the Government of India's transfer protocol for commissioning Jal Jeevan Mission schemes and handing them over to Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees.
Recruitment for Scaler posts in the Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation will also become more transparent, with the Cabinet approving a 100-mark written examination under the amended service regulations.
Among the most strategically significant decisions was the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh to facilitate the extension of the Ganga Expressway from Meerut to Haridwar. The project is expected to improve connectivity, strengthen religious tourism, attract industrial investment and generate new employment opportunities.
The Cabinet further approved the Uttarakhand Industrial Relations Rules, 2026, introducing provisions for the time-bound resolution of industrial disputes, recognition of trade unions, establishment of grievance redressal committees, a structured framework for strikes and lockouts, and the creation of a worker re-skilling fund.
The broad spectrum of decisions reflects the Dhami government's attempt to pursue a multi-sector development strategy by simultaneously addressing rural livelihoods, labour welfare, education, sports, judicial infrastructure, tourism, industrial growth and public service delivery. Officials said the measures are expected to strengthen governance while creating new opportunities for employment, investment and sustainable development across the state.
