Several key decisions likely as Himachal CM Sukhu again calls cabinet meeting on March 7; it’s third in over a week
- Himachal CM’s wife may get ministry if Congress follows this tradition for cabinet expansion - November 5, 2024
- Himachal High Court maintains stay on termination of 900 horticulture project employees - November 5, 2024
- Himachal weather: After month of drought-like conditions, rain likely on this day - November 5, 2024
TNR Desk
Amid the political crisis in Himachal Pradesh, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government has again convened a cabinet meeting on Thursday (March 7, 2024), in what will be the third meeting of the council of ministers in less than 10 days.
With the Lok Sabha elections expected to be announced anytime soon, the Sukhu government has been on an overdrive to woo the voters, making several populist announcements. In the March 7 meeting as well, several key decisions are likely to be taken.
The government in recent days announced the rollout of the Congress regime’s fifth pre-poll guarantee of Rs 1,500 to each woman in the state aged 18 to 60 years. Women above this age were already drawing an equal amount.
The government also announced the release of pending arrears of hiked salary and pension for employees and pensioners. In addition, several contractual employees were regularised while a decision was taken to fill a large number of vacant posts.
Chief Minister Sukhu had even tried to mollify his detractors by offering posts to Congress MLAs, including Nand Lal (Rampur) and Bhawani Singh Pathania (Fatehpur), who were seen close to rival camps.
The cabinet meeting held on Saturday (March 2) was marred by uproar, with Education Minister Rohit Thakur abruptly leaving while displaying anger. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri immediately rushed out and swiftly intervened to persuade his return. Subsequently, Revenue Minister Jagat Negi also exited the meeting, though the reason for his discontent remained undisclosed.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, already at odds with CM Sukhu, had skipped the meeting as he was travelling to Delhi. He had visited six rebel Congress MLAs in Chandigarh. Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan too didn’t attend the meeting as he is said to have had a pre-scheduled appointment with a doctor in Chandigarh.
