Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Himachal Cabinet hikes MSP for organic crops, expands welfare, scheme for domestic workers
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), May 6, 2025: In a significant move toward promoting natural farming and social welfare, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved a series of decisions aimed at improving livelihoods, boosting rural infrastructure, and ensuring inclusive growth.
MSP Boost for Organic Farmers
The Cabinet approved a substantial increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops cultivated through natural methods.The MSP for naturally grown wheat has been raised from ₹40 to ₹60 per kg, while maize MSP has been increased from ₹30 to ₹40 per kg.
Additionally, raw turmeric will now fetch ₹90 per kg, and barley grown in the Pangi block of Chamba district will be procured at ₹60 per kg. Notably, Pangi has been officially declared the first natural farming sub-division of the state.
New Benefits for Domestic Workers under Pyari Behna Scheme
In a welfare-focused decision, the Cabinet has decided to include women working as domestic help for a minimum of 100 days under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Scheme.
Eligible women will now receive monthly pension benefits. Moreover, their daughters aged 21 or above will also be eligible for a monthly pension of ₹1,500.
Infrastructure and Employment Push
To enhance transportation and create self-employment, the Cabinet approved the allocation of 422 stage carriage bus routes to private operators.In a bid to reduce urban congestion, basement floors previously closed off will be opened for parking, subject to regulatory conditions. Misuse of designated parking spaces will result in heavy fines and mandated restoration.
Healthcare and Technical Education Reforms
The government has sanctioned 118 new posts for launching Nephrology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology departments at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur.
Further, 43 technical posts will be filled across various Krishi Vigyan Kendras to support agricultural innovation.
The Ayurvedic Health Centre at Kosari (Kangra) will be upgraded to a 10-bed hospital, while Panjawar PHC (Una) will be converted into a Community Health Centre.
Water Tariff Relief in Urban Expansion Areas
Residents of 14 newly formed Nagar Panchayats and recently merged municipal areas in Hamirpur, Una, Baddi, and other districts will be charged rural water rates for the next three years.
Rationalization of ITIs
To improve efficiency, seven State-of-the-Art ITIs and seven Women’s ITIs across the state will be merged with nearby institutions. This includes the merger of Government ITI Bilaspur (Women) with Government ITI Bilaspur and similar consolidations in Chamba, Mandi, Shimla, and Una.
The Cabinet’s comprehensive set of decisions reflects the government’s dual focus on enhancing public welfare and fostering sustainable development in the state.