Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami led Uttarakhand cabinet has taken four major decisions in today’s cabinet meeting. The decisions focus to strengthen governance, infrastructure, energy security, and social welfare too.
Cabinet has approved the creation of 20 new posts in the Vigilance Department. With this decision cabinet has increased the total sanctioned strength from 132 to 152. Its objective to enhance the department’s capacity to handle corruption and ensure transparent governance.
To improve the state’s infrastructure, the cabinet approved the formation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) under the Public Works Department (PWD) for studying the carrying capacity of bridges. This is expected to help in timely maintenance and better management of bridge safety.
The Cabinet also cleared the Uttarakhand State Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2025, aligning with the Centre’s policy to encourage mineral exploration by state governments. Under this framework, the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) will provide grants equivalent to 10% of the state’s mineral collection. Additionally, the Uttarakhand District Mineral Foundation Trust Rules, 2025 were approved, amending the 2017 and 2023 versions to enhance resource utilization for mining-affected areas.
A significant step was the approval of the Uttarakhand Geo Thermal Energy Policy, 2025. This policy aims to promote scientific research and exploration of geothermal energy sources. It envisions using geothermal energy for power generation, heating and cooling systems, water purification, and community development. The policy will be implemented by the State Energy Department, in collaboration with UREDA and UJVNL.
In the field of taxation and cyber forensics, the cabinet approved the establishment of a Digital Forensic Laboratory under the State Tax Department. This lab will help in the collection and analysis of digital evidence to ensure better enforcement of taxation laws. It will also assist other departments like CGST and Income Tax.
The Cabinet further approved the reorganization of the Uttarakhand Finance Services Cadre, allowing redistribution of posts based on work responsibilities without altering the total number of sanctioned posts.
In a major welfare move, the government decided that widow and old age pensions will continue uninterrupted even after the beneficiaries’ children attain the age of 18, ensuring sustained support to vulnerable citizens.
