Dharamshala: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, at its meeting held on Friday (January 24, 2025) in Dharamshala, granted approval for a pilot study on cannabis cultivation for medicinal purposes.
The government has directed Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, and CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, to submit a comprehensive report within six months.
These universities will provide recommendations on suitable hemp varieties and the methods of cultivation. The Agriculture Department has been designated as the nodal agency for overseeing hemp cultivation.
A committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi was previously formed to study hemp cultivation practices in other states. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Cabinet approved the proposal, paving the way for cannabis farming in the state for medicinal applications.
Financial relief extended to fire victims at Kullu’s Tandi
Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, briefing on the Cabinet decisions, announced the government’s decision to extend the special relief package introduced for disaster-affected families in 2023 to those impacted by the fire incident at Tandi village in Kullu.
A compensation of Rs 7 lakh has been approved for those whose houses were completely destroyed, Rs 1 lakh for those with partially damaged homes and Rs 50,000 for the owners of gutted cowsheds.
Additionally, affected individuals who lost their shelter will receive Rs 5,000 per month as rental assistance until June 30, 2025.
3 hospitals to get robotic surgery equipment
The Cabinet approved the purchase of state-of-the-art robotic surgery equipment for Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, Chamyana and Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) in Kangra’s Tanda.
The minister stated that the equipment would be of the same quality as that installed in AIIMS-Delhi, enhancing healthcare facilities in the state. It will be bought for Rs 56 crore.
Expansion of HRTC fleet with 24 new Volvo buses
Considering the aging fleet of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), the government has sanctioned the procurement of 24 new Volvo buses. The addition is aimed at providing a more comfortable travel experience for passengers.
The Cabinet granted approval to upgrade Jawali nagar panchayat to the status of a Municipal Corporation. Additionally, a proposal to include certain areas under Nadaun Nagar Parishad was also approved. It approved the establishment of a ropeway between Kullu Bus Stand and Peej Paragliding Point to provide tourists with a smooth and safe transportation facility, thereby boosting tourism in the region.
School hostel renamed after Education Minister’s grandfather
The Cabinet approved renaming Seema Degree College in Rohru after former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who served the state six times.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had announced this during his recent visit to Rohru in Shimla district. Similarly, the Senior Secondary School Hostel at Jubbal in Shimla district will be named after former Chief Minister Thakur Ram Lal, recognizing his contributions to the region. He is the grandfather of Education Minister Rohit Thakur.
