Himachal Cabinet Approves Panchayat Elections by April 30, Key Development Projects

• Himachal Pradesh's Sukhu Cabinet informally discussed panchayat elections, confirming they will be held before April 30 as per High Court orders.
• Approval was given for Asia's longest 4.3 km Naddi Zipline project in Kangra, costing 7.41 crore rupees, and a new ice skating rink in Shimla.
• The cabinet decided to impose an 'Orphan and Widow Cess' on petrol and diesel to fund welfare schemes, ensuring financial resources without burdening consumers.
• Significant healthcare infrastructure boost includes a state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, with 250 new posts, and 120 posts in other medical colleges.
• Other approvals include filling 11 posts in Excise and Taxation, re-employing retired Patwaris/Kanungos, and extending the Himachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Policy until March 31, 2026.

Why It Matters: Himachal Cabinet greenlights panchayat elections by April 30, boosts infrastructure, welfare, and employment.