Himachal: Sukhu-led Cabinet clears 1,000 police jobs, raises MSPs for organic wheat, turmeric and other crops
Babushahi Bureau
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), April 17, 2026:The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Friday took several key decisions spanning agriculture, employment, governance, and public welfare.
The Cabinet approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops. Wheat MSP has been raised from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, maize from ₹40 to ₹50 per kg, and barley from the Pangi Valley in Chamba district from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg. Raw turmeric MSP has seen a sharp hike from ₹90 to ₹150 per kg, while ginger MSP has been fixed at ₹30 per kg.
In a significant move to strengthen law enforcement, the Cabinet approved the creation and filling of 1,000 police constable posts. Additionally, 500 Assistant Forest Guard posts will be filled, with 50% reservation earmarked for Van Mitras.
The Cabinet also decided to engage retired revenue officials in the Forest Department, including 8 Naib Tehsildars, 20 Kanungos, and 44 Patwaris on a fixed honorarium. Moreover, 10 legal consultants will be appointed across regional circles of the department.
To address faculty shortages in new medical colleges, the Cabinet approved the appointment of retired faculty members as professors, ensuring smoother functioning of institutions.
Administrative restructuring of Jal Shakti Department divisions in Sirmaur district was approved to improve service delivery. Amendments to Himachal Pradesh Social Security Pension Rules, 2010, were also cleared to ensure timely disbursal of pensions.
The Cabinet approved simplification of the Fire NOC process to make it more accessible for businesses and residential property owners while strengthening fire safety mechanisms. To motivate youth for recruitment into the Indian Army, the Cabinet decided to engage Sanjay Kumar, Param Vir Chakra awardee, from May 1, 2026.
The Cabinet also cleared the allocation of 71 small hydropower projects to independent power producers under the Hydro Power Policy-2006.