Himachal cabinet approves recommendations on Lokayukta Act

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh cabinet on Thursday decided to approve few recommendations of the select committee regarding enactment of HP Lokayukta Act-2014 with the changes that the Chief Justice will be a member of Selection committee for the appointment of Lokayukta.

Cabinet was chaired by chief minister Virbhadra Singh in which approval was accorded to promulgate an ordinance of Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977 (Amendment) Ordinance 2014, so as to make necessary amendment in the Act.

It was decided to finalize the amended draft of Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms (Amendment) Rules, 2014. It was decided that in case industrial plots are to be allotted by the industries department of Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation, (HPSIDC), the permission of section 118 of the HP Tenancy and land Reforms Act, 1972 may be deemed to have been granted subjected to few provisions.

Cabinet also decided to extend the time period of two years for Lara Sumta (104MW) hydro electric project and Sumte Kothang (130MW) and grant the time extension for a period to Chango Yangthang (180MW) and Yangthang Khab (261MW). It was proposed to accord in-principle extension of time without levying any extension fee to the projects in Hangrang Valley for the affected period till the ground situation in Hangrang Valley becomes favourable towards implementation of hydroelectric projects.

It was also decided to exempt electricity duty on the power generated for captive, standby consumption through diesel generating Sets or by what so ever mode for use of consumption for power projects with prospective effect.

Cabinet accorded its consent pertaining to amendment in Himachal Pradesh agricultural and horticulture produce marketing Act, which provides power to weight and packaging specification for all kind of fruits and stringent enforcement of grading norms to be adhered to uniform and standard quality of packed fruits and vegetables besides enforcement of weight as provided under the Act.

A decision was taken to enhance the honorarium of water carries contract basis in elementary and higher education departments from the existing Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,500 per month. Nod was given to export surplus stock of fuel wood outside the state which may be allowed after meeting the requirement of the tribal areas as well as the different departments besides the domestic needs.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com