The Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday gave approval for the settlement of arrears in BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) projects in compliance with the Supreme Court order of 27 September 2011, in terms of differential energy return.

The differential energy quantum of 13066 million units will fetch an amount of Rs 3266 crore to the state at an average rate of Rs 2.50 per unit. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur presided over the meeting of the state Cabinet.

An official spokesman said the cabinet approved negotiation with Punjab and Haryana for the return of the entire differential energy within a period of 10 to 12 years. The Cabinet also agreed to negotiate for payment of liability of Rs 111.53 crore as computed by the Union of India in its affidavit in equal annual installments.

If Punjab and Haryana insist on repayment with interest, Himachal Pradesh will go in for return of power at a premium of 6 per cent and with no further additional liability for receiving this differential energy of 13066 million units.

The cabinet gave its approval to the Governor’s address to be delivered in the first session of the 13th HP Vidhan Sabha to be held at Dharamshala from 9 January.
It reviewed the decisions taken at the cabinet meeting held on 5 August, 2017 regarding deletion of Rule-5 (1) of the Demobilised Armed Forces Personnel (Reservation of Vacancies in Himachal State Non Technical Services) Rules, 1972, and Rule -5 (1) of the Ex-Servicemen (Reservation of Vacancies in Himachal Pradesh Technical Services) Rules, 1985, and decided to restore the benefits to the extent of fixation of pay in civil employment to the ex-servicemen. This decision will entitle them to monetary benefits.

The spokesman said the Cabinet gave its approval to exclude Shri Raghunathji Temple, Sultanpur, in Kullu district from Schedule-I of Hindu Public Religious Institution and Charitable Endowment Act, 1984.

“The Cabinet also gave its nod to fell a few trees and saplings in private land transferred/ acquired by the National Highways Authority of India for construction of four laning of NH-22 from Kandaghat to Kaithlighat in relaxation of ban imposed by the State Government on felling of trees,” he said.

The cabinet accorded its approval to extend government guarantee for the loan taken from HUDCO for a housing project at Jathia Devi near Shimla airport up to 28 February, 2021.
It decided to continue the service of retired patwaris/kanungos engaged on contract basis, till the new batch of patwaris undergoing training is recruited, so as to avoid inconvenience to the general public.

It was decided to execute remaining work of widening and strengthening of Theog-Kotkhai-Kharapathar road on which Rs 29.310 crore is likely to be spent besides widening works of Kharapathar-Rohru road.

The spokesman said a detailed presentation on state financial resources was given by the Secretary Finance. “Liabilities left over due to reckless opening of government institutions by the previous government were also discussed at the meeting. Suggestions were invited for cutting expenditure besides the cabinet directed for quality of works and services, timely completion of projects without time and cost overrun.”