(thumbnail: Crucial decisions likely in cabinet meeting)
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will chair a crucial cabinet meeting on Monday (March 3, 2025) where several key decisions are expected.
The meeting will approve the Governor’s address for the upcoming budget session of the state Assembly, scheduled to commence on March 10.
One of the major issues on the agenda is the proposed hike in bus fares. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has already submitted a proposal to the state government, seeking an increase in bus fares.
Minimum bus fare may be raised two-fold
The HRTC has suggested raising the minimum bus fare from Rs 5 to Rs 10 and implementing a 20% hike in general fares.
Private bus operators have also been demanding a fare revision for a long time. The cabinet will deliberate on whether the hike should be implemented before the budget session.
Additionally, the education department has proposed the rationalisation of schools and colleges.
Schools, colleges with low strength may face closure
If approved, schools with less than 25 students — about 257 institutions — may face closure.
Similarly, colleges with fewer than 100 students could also be shut down.
The cabinet will also discuss the restructuring of the education directorate, with a proposal to establish separate directorates for classes 1-12 and higher education institutions.
Another important issue on the table is the long-pending purchase of new buses for the HRTC, particularly electric buses. The cabinet is likely to grant approval for this procurement today.
Recruitment in various government departments is also expected to be discussed, with decisions on new hirings potentially being made.
With several critical issues at stake, the cabinet meeting could bring significant policy changes affecting transportation, education and employment in the state, said an official.
Sunil Chadha
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