Himachal Cabinet Approves Panchayat Election Rule Changes and Cancels Uncommissioned Hydroelectric Projects

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved key policy changes ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections. Panchayats reserved for the same category for two consecutive terms since 2010 will be de-reserved, with public feedback invited on amendments to election rules. The Cabinet redefined 'destitute' in social security rules to include women abandoned by husbands without income, simplified benefit certification, canceled 15 uncommissioned hydroelectric projects, and allotted a 10 MW project at Pandoh to BBMB. It also approved policies for local infrastructure management and allocated funds for child financial assistance under the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy.