Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval to draft notification of ‘Mukhya Mantri Swalvlamban Yojana- 2018’ to promote self-employment opportunities in the state in order to provide livelihood to local youth by encouraging local entrepreneurship.

It also decided to launch Himachal Grihni Suvidha Yojna for women empowerment and environmental conservation in the state.

Under this scheme, the state government would provide security for LPG connections and gas stove to remaining households which were not covered under ‘Ujjawala’ Scheme being run by the Central government.

The Cabinet in its meeting chaired by chief minister Jai Ram Thakur gave its approval to increase the honorarium of office bearers of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state.

The honorarium of chairman, Zila Parishad has been increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 11,000, vice-chairman of Zila Parishad from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,500, member of Zila Parishad from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,500, chairman of Panchayat Samiti from 5,000 to Rs 6500, vice chairman, Panchayat Samiti from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,500, Member Panchayat Samiti from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000, Pradhan Gram Panchayat from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000.

The honourarium of up- pradhan Gram Panchayat has been enhanced from Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,500, member of Gram Panchayat has been made Rs 240 per meeting.

An official spokesman said the Cabinet also gave its nod to enhance the state share of honorarium of anganwari workers, helpers and mini workers from Rs 1,450 to Rs 1,750, from Rs 600 to Rs 900 and from Rs 750 to Rs 1,050 per month respectively.

He said the cabinet decided to increase annual scholarship under ‘Dr Ambedkar Medhavi Chhatravriti Yojna’ from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000.

The Cabinet gave its approval to relax the condition for grant of full pension on completion of 33 years of qualifying service to all class-III and class-IV government employees who seek voluntary or premature retirement.

It also gave nod to fill up 333 posts of different categories on contract basis in National Health Mission, Himachal Pradesh to provide better health care facilities to the people of the State.