• In-principle approval for the formation of a society for the development of the Shri Madan Mohan Malaviya Oriental Research Institute
• Approval for amendment to the Schedule of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Act
• Approval to introduce the Uttarakhand Jan Vishwas (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Legislative Assembly
• Approval of the Uttarakhand Flood Plain Zoning Rules, 2026
• Approval to summon the Third Session of 2026 of the Fifth Legislative Assembly of Uttarakhand
• Approval to introduce the Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services Bill, 2026 in the Legislative Assembly
• Approval of the new rules for recruitment of retired Agniveers to uniformed Group “C” posts
• Approval for amendment to the arrangements relating to financial powers in the Culture Department
• Approval for continuation of 215 posts under Swajal and the State Water and Sanitation Mission
• Approval for relaxation in the width of the approach road for an affordable housing project in Haridwar
• Approval for correction of a khasra number error in the Government Order on land-use change in Udham Singh Nagar
• Approval of the Chief Minister State Child Bravery Award Scheme

Haridwar: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Mela Control Auditorium in Haridwar on Monday, approved a series of measures spanning disaster management, fire safety, employment, investment, business reforms, affordable housing and cultural research. The decisions aim to strengthen infrastructure, improve governance and extend support to young people and public welfare initiatives.

Among the major decisions, the Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Floodplain Zoning Rules, 2026, to regulate land use and development in flood-prone areas. The rules will establish procedures and standards for implementing the Uttarakhand Floodplain Zoning Act, 2012, with the stated objective of preserving natural flood flows and protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure from flood damage.

The Cabinet also cleared the Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services Bill, 2026, for introduction in the state Assembly. Modelled on the Centre’s Model Fire Service Bill, 2019, the proposed legislation seeks to revise the existing legal framework in response to growing urbanisation, industrial development, disasters and fire-related emergencies. Its introduction is intended to strengthen the state’s fire and emergency response system.

Recruitment relief for former Agniveers

In a move concerning employment opportunities for former Agniveers, the Cabinet approved new rules governing horizontal reservation in direct recruitment to uniformed Group C posts in state services. The revised framework supersedes the 2025 rules and incorporates changes in line with updated Central Government guidelines, including exemptions in the written examination and physical standards test. The earlier framework provided for 10 per cent horizontal reservation, along with certain age-limit and physical-test relaxations; the precise operation of the revised provisions will depend on the notified rules.

To improve the business environment, the Cabinet approved the Second Uttarakhand Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, for introduction in the Assembly. The proposed legislation aims to decriminalise minor offences, provide for civil penalties and administrative action in cases involving minor technical or procedural violations, and remove obsolete or unnecessary legal provisions. The measure is intended to simplify compliance and promote ease of doing business.

92% of specified asset proceeds for concerned agencies

The Cabinet approved an amendment to Schedule III of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development (Development and Regulation) Act, 2023. Under the approved provision, 92 per cent of proceeds from the disinvestment and monetisation of specified public assets will be allocated to the concerned public agencies and eligible institutions, including local bodies, state public-sector undertakings and financially autonomous institutions. The change is intended to support more effective asset management and infrastructure development.

Research, housing and welfare measures

The Cabinet granted in-principle approval for forming a society to develop the Shri Madan Mohan Malaviya Oriental Research Institute at Rishikul in Haridwar. The proposed expansion includes centres for yoga and meditation, Ayurveda studies and research, astrology and oriental studies, fine arts, Hindu studies and philosophy, and spiritual tourism. The initiative aims to promote Indian knowledge traditions, culture and research.

For affordable housing, the Cabinet approved a relaxation in the access-road width requirement for a proposed project on approximately 8.1169 hectares in Sisona village, Bhagwanpur tehsil, Haridwar district. The available six-metre-wide road will be accepted in place of the prescribed nine-metre width, subject to the relevant approval process.

The Cabinet also approved the Chief Minister’s State Bravery Award Scheme for Children. The scheme will recognise children who demonstrate exceptional courage, resilience, humanitarian concern and bravery in difficult circumstances, with the aim of encouraging them and inspiring others.

Administrative and other approvals

The Cabinet approved the continuation of 215 posts under the Swajal Project Management Unit and State Water and Sanitation Mission from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027. The positions comprise 189 posts under Swajal and 26 under the State Water and Sanitation Mission, with salaries and honorariums to continue under the existing arrangement.

It also approved correcting a survey-number error in a November 10, 2023, land-use conversion order concerning 24,280 square metres in Bhauna Islamnagar village, Bajpur tehsil, Udham Singh Nagar district. The incorrect survey number 321/1A will be replaced with 321/2A.

Further decisions included amending the financial-authority framework for the Culture Department, replacing the designation of Director, Art and Culture Department, with Director General, Culture Directorate, Uttarakhand, and approving the convening of the third session of the Fifth Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in 2026. The Chief Minister has been authorised to determine the session’s date and venue.

The Cabinet also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government for continued support for Uttarakhand’s development, citing the state’s distinctive mountainous, border and strategic circumstances and the need for continued central assistance.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.