CM Dhami proposes Stricter Laws for Protecting Holy Shrine Names in Cabinet meeting

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, held a significant meeting at the Secretariat, commencing with a tribute to five martyrs and the late MLA Shailarani Rawat. A total of 24 proposals were approved during this session.

Amidst the controversy over a temple named after Kedarnath Dham in New Delhi, the Dhami Cabinet has decided to implement stringent laws to prevent the misuse of the names of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri Dhams. The government will take strict legal action against any individual or entity that uses these sacred names to build unauthorized temples or shrines. The Cabinet directed the Department of Religious Affairs to draft a proposal for presentation at the next meeting.

Approved Proposals:

1. Reduction in OPD Slip and Ambulance Fees in Government Hospitals: The Cabinet has reduced the charges for OPD slips and ambulance services in state-run hospitals.
2. Centre for Hindu Studies: Similar to JNU, a Centre for Hindu Studies will be established in one of the universities.
3. Local Contractor Preference for Small Tenders: Tenders up to INR 5 lakh will be awarded to local contractors.
4. Uttarakhand Timber-Based Industry Establishment Rules 2024: Approval was granted for new regulations governing the timber industry.
5. ACP Benefits for Fourth Class Employees: Employees from various departments and corporations, now serving in Secretariat services, will receive ACP benefits based on their previous service.
6. Vigilance Revolving Fund Rules: Approval was given for the regulations governing the Vigilance Revolving Fund.
7. Revised House Rent Allowance for SIDCUL Employees: Permanent employees of SIDCUL will receive revised house rent allowance under the seventh pay commission.
8. Unclaimed Bodies to Medical Colleges: Instead of cremating unclaimed bodies, they will be handed over to government medical colleges.
9. Uttarakhand Police Telecommunication Regulations 2024: Approval for new regulations governing police telecommunication.
10. Legislative Assembly Session in August: The next assembly session is scheduled for August.
11. Stamp Duty Waiver on Agricultural Loans: Stamp duty on agricultural loans up to INR 5 lakh will be waived.
12. E-Stamp Facility in Banks: E-stamp facilities will be available in bank premises for public convenience.
13. Increase in Tender Value for Externally Aided Projects: A committee headed by the Secretary of Planning will evaluate increases in tender values by up to 10% or INR 5 crore.
14. Revival of NCC Companies in Champawat: Two NCC companies in Champawat district will be re-established.
15. Expansion of Pantnagar Airport: Approval was given to allocate 212.4868 hectares of land to the Airport Authority for the expansion of Pantnagar Airport.
16. State Management of Naini Saini Airport: The state government will now manage Naini Saini Airport instead of the Air Force.
17. UREDA Restructuring: Approval for the restructuring of UREDA, creating a cadre of 148 positions.
18. Increased Gratuity Limit: Similar to central regulations, the gratuity limit for state retirees and deceased employees will increase by 25%, from INR 20 lakh to INR 25 lakh, effective January 1, 2024.
19. House of Himalayas Company Regulations: Approval of financial and administrative rules for the House of Himalayas company.
20. Creation of Positions for School Review Centers: Approval to create 25 positions for the Project Implementation Unit to operate school review centers.
21. Direct Recruitment for Nursing Positions: Approval to fill 240 nursing positions each in Pithoragarh and Haridwar medical colleges through direct recruitment.
22. Amendment to Government Employee Seniority Rules 2024: The selection year will be revised to remove inconsistencies.
23. Approval of Forest Development Corporation’s Annual Accounts for 2020-21: The Cabinet approved the annual accounts.
24. Reiteration of Uttarakhand Timber-Based Industry Establishment Rules 2024: Reaffirmation of the rules.

This session marks significant steps towards protecting Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage, improving administrative efficiency, and enhancing public welfare.