Uttarakhand cabinet approves key decisions focused on health, land reforms, tribal welfare, industrial growth, education, energy

The state approved a proposal allowing Health Workers/Health Supervisors of the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department, Uttarakhand, who have completed a minimum of five years of satisfactory service in their original cadre, to be permitted a one-time district transfer during their entire service period on the basis of mutual understanding.

The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved several other important decisions.

The Cabinet approved procedures for acquiring land from landowners through mutual agreement for small, medium, and large projects in Uttarakhand.

To reduce the excessive time required for land acquisition under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and to promote direct land purchase, a procedure has been proposed for acquiring land through mutual consent. This process is expected to reduce litigation and lower the overall cost of public interest projects.

The Cabinet approved an amendment to Government Order No. 670 dated March 25, 2025, concerning the transfer of 1,354.14 acres of land at Prag Farm in Udham Singh Nagar district to SIDCUL (Department of Industrial Development) for the development of an industrial estate.

As per the amended conditions, while the lessee will not be allowed to sell, lease, or transfer the land to any individual, institution, or organisation, sub-leasing of the allotted land for the same purpose will be permitted with the consent of the Revenue Department through the Industrial Development Department. The land must be utilised within three years from the date of allotment, failing which the allotment will stand automatically cancelled.

To ensure effective implementation of Tribal Welfare Department schemes in Scheduled Tribe-dominated districts, namely Dehradun, Chamoli, Udham Singh Nagar, and Pithoragarh, the Cabinet approved the promulgation of the Uttarakhand Tribal Welfare Gazetted Officer Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025. This follows the creation of four posts of District Tribal Welfare Officers through Government Order No. 120 dated February 28, 2025.

The Cabinet approved the implementation of water charges for groundwater extraction for non-agricultural purposes (excluding agriculture-related activities and government drinking water arrangements), with immediate effect.

To promote industrial growth, regulate groundwater management, and control over-extraction, water charges have been approved for industrial units and commercial uses such as residential apartments/group housing societies, hotels, water amusement parks, vehicle washing centres, swimming pools, etc., across safe, semi-critical, critical, and over-exploited zones.

A registration fee of Rs 5,000 will be applicable for commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and residential apartment/group housing projects.

With the objective of developing the state as an education hub and encouraging private sector participation in higher education, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a private university named "GRD Uttarakhand University" in Dehradun district.

The university aims to promote innovation in education, modern teaching and learning methodologies, holistic personality development, education for socially and economically disadvantaged sections, encouragement of state-focused research, and creation of employment opportunities.

The Cabinet approved the transfer of Chinyalisaur airstrip in Uttarkashi district and Gauchar airstrip in Chamoli district to the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, on a lease basis as Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs). This decision, taken with mutual consent during high-level meetings between the Indian Air Force, Ministry of Defence, and the Uttarakhand Government, is aimed at enabling joint civilian and military operations of these strategically important airstrips.

To promote green hydrogen production in the state, the Cabinet approved the promulgation of the "Uttarakhand Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026."

In alignment with the Government of India's National Green Hydrogen Policy, 2022 and National Green Hydrogen Mission, 2023, the Uttarakhand Government is committed to promoting clean and green energy sources to address global warming and climate change.

Given the state's abundant natural resources, such as hydropower, green hydrogen production will boost development and employment, reduce carbon emissions, support climate goals, and help in market creation and demand aggregation. The Cabinet approved the implementation of the Uttarakhand Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026, to advance these objectives. (ANI)