Dehradun, October 7 (APAC Media): The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved 24 proposals at a meeting held in Banbasa, Champawat, covering higher education, infrastructure, land rights, fiscal management, governance and healthcare.
The meeting, held at the NHPC Guest House in Banbasa, marked the first Cabinet meeting in Champawat district and was aimed at taking governance and development decisions closer to the state’s border and hill regions.
Rs 200 Crore Skill Scheme for 1.19 Lakh Students
One of the key decisions was the approval of the Mukhyamantri Uchcha Shiksha Kaushal Samvardhan Yojana, 2026, aimed at improving employability and entrepreneurship skills among students.
Around 1.19 lakh students studying in government and private universities and affiliated colleges across Uttarakhand are expected to benefit from the scheme.
The government will spend around Rs 200 crore over five years on the programme, with the objective of making higher education more closely aligned with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Rs 66.29 Crore for Pantnagar Airport Expansion
The Cabinet approved the release of Rs 66.29 crore to the Uttarakhand Seeds and Tarai Development Corporation Limited for assets transferred in connection with the expansion of the Greenfield Airport at Pantnagar.
The amount will be used for construction and other approved works in accordance with the corporation’s action plan.
Land Rights for Class-3, Class-4 Leaseholders
The Cabinet approved proposals to grant Bhumidhari rights to eligible Class-3 and Class-4 land leaseholders and occupants.
The decision includes provisions for transferable Bhumidhari rights for eligible leaseholders and occupants in Nagar Panchayat Lalkuan in Nainital district. It also provides for regularisation of eligible Class-4 land in specified areas, with the process initially extended for one year based on 2004 circle rates and thereafter linked to prevailing rates.
Fiscal Deficit, Debt Limits Set
The Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Under the proposed framework, the annual fiscal deficit will be capped at 3% of GSDP from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. The cumulative outstanding debt ceiling will be set at 30% of GSDP for the 2026-27 to 2030-31 period.
The provisions allow relaxation of these limits in situations involving disasters and security-related emergencies.
Forest Land Transfer Process to Get Dedicated PMU
The Cabinet approved the creation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) with six posts under the office of the Nodal Officer, Forest Conservation.
The unit will strengthen the technical examination of forest land transfer cases and support online scrutiny and related processes.
PAN Verification for Property Transactions
The Cabinet also approved the implementation of PAN verification for property sale and purchase transactions under the Stamp and Registration Department.
The measure is intended to strengthen verification and help prevent the use of fake PAN details in property transactions.
The Cabinet further approved changes to the norms for establishing private universities. The revised requirements include a minimum 2,500 square metres of built-up area in hill areas and 20,000 square metres in plain areas, along with separate quality assessment standards.
New Irrigation Bill to Replace 1873 Law
The Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Irrigation and Water Drainage Bill, 2026, which will replace the colonial-era Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873.
The proposed legislation is intended to provide a framework suited to Uttarakhand’s geographical and environmental conditions.
The Cabinet also approved the tabling of the Sixth State Finance Commission report in the upcoming Assembly session.
Healthcare, Administration Get Boost
Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved the creation of a new Director General post for the Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries departments.
A new Sub-Registrar office at Narendranagar in Tehri district was also approved, covering 133 revenue villages.
The Cabinet further approved revision of the salary and honorarium of Senior Residents, Junior Residents and Demonstrators working in government medical colleges to address staffing requirements.
The 24 decisions collectively focus on higher education and skills, infrastructure development, land rights, fiscal discipline, governance reforms and public services, reflecting the government’s broader effort to extend development and administrative capacity beyond Dehradun.
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