(Thumbnail: Will CM discuss cabinet expansion with high command?)
Shimla: A day after meeting new Congress in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajani Patil, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is expected to leave for Delhi on Sunday (March 2, 2025), his visit assuming significance in view of the crucial Cabinet meeting in Shimla on Monday.
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting is scheduled at 2 pm at the state secretariat, with Chief Minister Sukhu presiding over it. CM Sukhu’s Delhi visit is an unexpected one and has triggered speculations of Cabinet expansion.
Rajani Patil, who was in Himachal for organisational discussions, would also return to Delhi along with CM Sukhu.
Rajani Patil takes feedback on forming party executive
The Congress’ newly appointed in-charge had visited Shimla to gather feedback from party leaders before finalising the new party executive.
During her stay, she met CM Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, HPCC president Pratibha Singh, ministers, MLAs and candidates from the 2022 Assembly elections. The inputs collected during these meetings will now be submitted to the party high command for final decisions.
CM Sukhu is expected to return to Shimla before the cabinet meeting on Monday. Meanwhile, government departments have finalised their agendas for the meeting where key decisions will be taken.
The cabinet is also set to approve the Governor’s address for the upcoming budget session, which begins on March 10.
Decision on bus fare hike likely
One of the crucial issues on the agenda is a proposed hike in bus fares. Recently, the HRTC Board of Directors recommended an increase in the minimum fare to help the corporation recover from financial losses.
The proposal also includes a 15% fare hike for long-distance travel beyond a certain number of kilometres. The cabinet will take a final call on this matter.
The meeting may also deliberate on the rationalisation of schools and colleges, along with restructuring the education directorates. These proposed changes aim to streamline the education system in the state.
Sunil Chadha
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