Himachal: Government will recruit 2,061 forest friends, will abolish the 10 marks interview criterion

Himachal Pradesh: As per the directions of Himachal Pradesh High Court, the State Government will recruit 2,061 Van Mitras in the Forest Department while the condition of personal interview of 10 marks will be abolished. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu here today. A policy was framed for the appointment of Van Mitras but the matter was reviewed after the condition of 10 marks for interview was challenged in the court. Now the appointments will be made on the basis of merit in Class 12 and others and marks of various categories like SC, ST, OBC, IRDP and sports quota. The Cabinet also approved the creation of 964 posts of Veterinary Pharmacists working in the Animal Husbandry Department and awaiting regularization of their services. The Cabinet decided to amend the Eco-tourism Policy, 2017, to align it with the recent amendments made in the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 2023, which aims to promote and develop eco-tourism activities in the state. The Cabinet decided to transfer the administrative control of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to the Additional Director General (Home Guards and Civil Defence) to enhance its effectiveness during emergencies. It also approved the deputation of Home Guard jawans for a maximum period of two years to ensure smooth functioning of the SDRF. To promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce dependence on fossil fuel vehicles, the Cabinet decided to engage private players to expand the EV charging station network along six green corridors in the state. Currently, 77 EV charging stations are operational along these corridors.