Himachal cabinet gives 10% reservation to EWS in government jobs

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh cabinet has decided to provide 10 percent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections of society in Class-I, II, III and IV posts in government sector. The decision would benefit those candidates whose family gross income is below Rs 4 lakh and were not covered under existing scheme of reservations for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes. It also decided to enhance the lump sum incentive money from Rs 6000 to Rs 12000 for wards of ex-servicemen and widows of soldiers for SSB coaching for becoming Officers in armed forces.
Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur chaired the cabinet meeting at Shimla on Saturday in which approval was given to ‘Himachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Policy 2019”. The policy aims at redressal of issues impending industrial growth and ensure simplification of procedures, key physical and social infrastructure, human resource development, access to credit and market. It also aims at promoting ‘Ease of Doing Business’ by digitization of all processes and to promote self certification.
Cabinet also approved the enhanced incentives to Medium Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME), introduction of new concept of Anchor Units with higher incentives than larger industries, incentives for Common Industrial and Social Infrastructure like Schools, Hospitals, other common facilities, provision of reimbursement of NET SGS upto 90 percent for seven years, interest subvention on the term loans to industries for three to five years with maximum limit of Rs 20 lakh per year.
It also approved increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for industrial units of different categories. It also approved capital subsidy for establishment of new private industrial areas and theme parks, concession in the electricity duty and rebate on electricity tariff to the tune of 15 percent.
To encourage employment to bonafide Himachalis, cash incentive will be provided to units employing more than 80 percent Himachalis in their units and service sectors. In order to promote the traditional handicrafts and handloom sector, cabinet decided to provide additional concessions for setting up such units over and above the incentives given to the industries.
Cabinet also decided to simplify the provisions of Rule 38-A of HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Rules, 1975 for issuing Essentiality Certificate for setting up of investment projects in the State approved by the State level Single Window Clearance and Monitoring Authority so as to attract more investments for the State.
It decided to increase the limit of maximum three rooms registered under the Home Stay Scheme to four rooms, in order to encourage the rural tourism in the State and provide ample self employment opportunities to the rural youth. Cabinet gave its approval for Himachal Pradesh Film Policy, 2019 which aims at promoting rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty of the State through films.