Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Key Policy Decisions Across Power, Urban Development, Education, Aviation, and Tax Reform

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN

Uttarakhand Cabinet on Wednes approved several significant decisions to strengthen infrastructure, improving governance, and promoting urban development and youth welfare across the state.

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Ministry of Power’s guidelines and supplementary guidelines to help Pitkul resolve right-of-way challenges in the construction of transmission lines—something that is expected to expedite ongoing and upcoming power projects.

It also cleared the Uttarakhand Public Trust (Amendment of Provisions) Ordinance, 2025, paving the way for updated governance norms for public trusts.

Boost to Urban Development and Building Standards

To make construction more environment-friendly, the Cabinet approved additional FAR (Floor Area Ratio) incentives for buildings adhering to green building standards. The state’s Building Construction and Development Bye-Laws will also be rationalized in line with SASCI 2025-26 guidelines issued by the Government of India.

To strengthen the urban planning, the Cabinet gave the green signal to the Uttarakhand Town Planning Scheme (Implementation) Rules, 2025, along with the Uttarakhand Land Pooling Scheme (Implementation) Rules, 2025, both aimed at systematic and modern urban land management.

GST and royalty exemption has also been approved on materials used for the proposed Rispana and Bindal elevated road projects in Dehradun, likely reducing project costs and accelerating construction.

Reforms in Higher Education and Engineering Services

The Cabinet approved a key reform for Uttarakhand Technical University, allowing faculty recruitment to be conducted directly at the university level instead of through the Public Service Commission.

It also passed amendments to the Uttarakhand PWD Subordinate Engineering Services Rules, 2007, covering Junior Engineer (Civil, Technical, Electrical, and Mechanical) cadres.

Major Decision on Pithoragarh Airport

To enhance the regional connectivity the Cabinet has approved the permanent transfer of Naini-Saini Airport, Pithoragarh, to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the operation of commercial and civil flights, as well as for infrastructure development and modernization.

Land and Revenue Decisions

The Cabinet approved the relaxation of the prescribed circle rates to regularize land allotted to landless individuals or agricultural laborers displaced due to disasters in Kalyanpur, Sitarganj, providing relief to affected families.

Agriculture & Dairy Sector Decisions

Under the Chief Minister’s Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana, the state has reduced the silage subsidy from 75% to 60%.
Simultaneously, under the Dairy Development Department’s Silage and Dairy Animal Nutrition Scheme, the subsidy on silage has been increased to 60%, aiming to streamline and unify support for cattle nutrition.

Other Key Approvals

• Approval to rename the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selaqui, as the Institute of Perfumery and Aromatic Research (IPAR).

• Motor vehicle tax exemption for new vehicles purchased in place of scrapped vehicles under the state’s vehicle scrappage incentives.

• Approval for the Chief Minister’s Youth Future Building Scheme, offering free online coaching to students; the scheme will be implemented through the Secondary Education Department.

• Decision to establish a Directorate of Prosecution in Dehradun under the Indian Civil Defence Code, 2023.

• Approval for the promulgation of the Uttarakhand GST Amendment Ordinance.

These wide-ranging decisions are expected to accelerate infrastructure projects, improve urban living standards, expand youth opportunities, and strengthen administrative efficiency across Uttarakhand.