Uttarakhand Cabinet Decisions 2026: Key Highlights for UKPSC
In a meeting held on 13 May, 2026, the Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved several transformative policies and administrative reforms aimed at rural development, healthcare optimization, and institutional renaming. Major highlights of the meeting:
1. Agriculture & Rural Development
Uttarakhand Voluntary/Partial Land Consolidation Incentive Policy, 2026
In a major step to address land fragmentation in the hills, the Cabinet approved the “Uttarakhand Voluntary and Partial Consolidation (Chakbandi) Incentive Policy, 2026.”
- Target: To implement land consolidation in 5 villages per year in each of the 11 hill districts.
- Objective: To cover a total of 275 villages in next 5 years. This aims to boost agricultural productivity and reduce migration by making farming more viable on consolidated land holdings.
Infrastructure Boost for Gram Panchayats
- The budget for the construction of Panchayat Bhawans (in villages currently lacking them) has been doubled.
- Revised Rate: Increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh per Panchayat Ghar.
2. Healthcare Reforms
Recruitment of Faculty in Medical Colleges
To tackle the shortage of staff in State Medical Colleges, the Cabinet modified the recruitment rules for contractual faculty members (appointed for 3 years).
- Administrative Shift: Previously, approval from the Departmental Minister and CM was mandatory. The government has now delegated the selection and approval authority to the Secretary level to expedite the process.
Strengthening Medical Education & Infrastructure
- Medical Education Directorate: The organizational structure has been expanded from 29 posts to 40 posts.
- GMC Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal): 277 employees (contractual, daily wage, and fixed-pay) will now receive “Equal Pay for Equal Work.”
- Lab Technician Cadre: The structure will be reorganized as per IPHS (Indian Public Health Standards) guidelines.
3. Institutional Changes & New Appointments
Renaming of CAP Selaqui
The Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP) located in Selaqui, Dehradun, has been renamed to better reflect its research scope.
- New Name: Perfumery and Aromatic Research and Development Institute.
Judicial and Forensic Appointments
- New Posts: Creation of Registrar Court and Case Manager positions under the Law Department, following directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
- Forensic Science: 15 new posts created within the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) department.
4. Education & Sports
Uttarakhand Minority Education Rules, 2026
To ensure the effective implementation of the Uttarakhand Minority Education Act, the Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Recognition Rules, 2026.
- This will streamline the recognition process for minority institutions and integrate them more effectively with state educational standards.
Promotion of Women in Sports
- Women’s Sports College, Lohaghat (Champawat): Approved the creation of 16 posts, including the Principal, to ensure the smooth operation of this specialized institution.
5. Energy and Tourism
Small Hydro Power Policy & Energy Department
- Policy Amendment: Modifications to the Small Hydro Power Project Development Policy, 2015.
- Energy Corporations: The Cabinet approved amendments in the rules for appointing Directors in the three state energy corporations (UPCL, UJVNL, PTCUL).
Tourism Registration
- The Uttarakhand Tourism Travel Business Registration Rules have been amended to simplify the registration process for stakeholders in the state’s vital tourism sector.
Relevance for UKPSC Aspirants
| Section | Key Topic |
|---|---|
| Unit 5: Economy of Uttarakhand | Land Consolidation Policy 2026; Small Hydro Power Policy. |
| Unit 6: Governance & Admin | Decentralization of power in medical recruitment; New posts in Law/Forensics. |
| Unit 4: Geography & Social | Women’s Sports College Lohaghat; Institutional renaming (CAP Selaqui). |
| Unit 7: Current Events | Minority Education Rules 2026; Recent Cabinet decisions. |