By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 4 Jun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet today approved several crucial policy proposals including the proposal for road tax exemption for hybrid vehicles and a redevelopment plan for Badrinath; also, proposals related to benefits for National Pension Scheme (NPS) employees. In all, 12 proposals were approved today. Other proposals related to some major recruitment reforms, and mobility policy amendments, were also approved. The cabinet meeting was held at the Secretariat here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
In addition, the cabinet also approved the restructuring of some government departments, including the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission and the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC), strengthening administrative efficiency. Secretary, Home, Shailesh Bagoli briefed the media this afternoon about the cabinet decisions.
One of the most important decisions taken by the Cabinet was reforming vehicle taxation rules. The cabinet decided to exempt plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and strong hybrid electric vehicles from motor vehicle tax in FY 2025-26 in order to encourage eco-friendly transport and reduce pollution. However, the stated tax exemption will be valid only once in the current financial year, 2025-26. This amendment aligns with Rule 125 ‘M’ of the Central Motor Vehicle (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2023 and seeks to incentivise vehicle owners to shift towards greener alternatives.
Another important decision taken by the cabinet is related to redevelopment work underway in Badrinath Dham. In line with the Prime Minister’s dream project for Badrinath Dham’s redevelopment, the Cabinet has approved the installation of several specialised artworks, including a Sudarshan Chakra Sculpture at the Arrival Plaza; Sheshnetra Lotus Wall at the Lakefront; Sudarshan Chowk Kalakruti at the Tourism Management Centre and also installation of the Tree and River Sculpture at Badrinarayan Chowk. These additions aim to enhance the spiritual and aesthetic appeal of the pilgrimage site while maintaining its rich heritage.
In addition, the cabinet has declared the Director of the State Forensic Science Laboratory as a Head of Department (HOD), ensuring better administrative control and financial delegation. Previously, this department had been brought under the Home Department, which impacted budget-related activities.
In an important decision, the cabinet also approved the structural reorganisation proposal for the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission, formed in 2011. For this, 12 new posts have been approved to enhance efficiency. The commission had so far been operating with its original 47 sanctioned posts ever since its formation, and it was being felt that this had been impacting its functioning. This restructuring aims to streamline operations and make it more effective.
In another important decision, the cabinet also approved recognising prior service of National Pension Scheme (NPS) employees for gratuity liability, aligning with the Central Government’s framework.
For recruitment in police services, new selection rules for constables and sub-inspectors were sanctioned by the cabinet under the Uttarakhand Uniformed Police Constable Direct Recruitment Selection Process Rules, 2025, and the Uttarakhand Uniformed Sub-Inspector Direct Recruitment Selection Process Rules, 2025. This move aims to standardise hiring across departments while ensuring a transparent selection process.
Previously, under the 2013 One-Time Settlement Scheme, employees regularised as ‘Paryavaran Mitras’ had their positions converted to outsourced roles upon retirement, preventing dependants from receiving financial benefits. The cabinet has now amended this policy to allow dependants of deceased employees to receive benefits under the Deceased Dependant Rules, 1974.
The cabinet also approved the proposal to revise the Uttarakhand Clean Mobility Transition Policy, 2024, aiming to address the concerns raised by banks over escrow account operations. Instead of an escrow account, an SNA (Single Nodal Agency) account named ‘Uttarakhand Clean Mobility Transition Fund’ will be set up to facilitate budgetary grants and financial integration under the IFMS system.
Yet another important decision taken by the cabinet is to restructure the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) and, for this, additional sanctioned posts have also been approved. Formed under the UKSSSC Act, 2014, the Commission was initially constituted with 64 temporary posts. However, the commission currently operates with 62 sanctioned positions. The restructuring aims to improve recruitment for Group ‘C’ posts, enhancing efficiency in selection procedures.
