HP Cabinet Approves Massive Recruitment Drive for Thousands of Jobs
The HP Cabinet has approved thousands of new posts in Jal Shakti, education, health, and more, including a boost for Anganwadi and Van Mitra workers.
In a major boost to employment across the state, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Saturday approved a massive series of recruitment decisions. The sweeping measures cover multiple sectors including water resources, education, healthcare, forestry, and technical training, marking a significant step toward addressing unemployment and strengthening state infrastructure.
Major Breakthrough in Education and Water Sectors
The Cabinet has prioritized the education sector by approving the recruitment of 3,900 teaching posts and 900 non-teaching posts. This initiative is part of a new scheme designed to bring 100 additional schools under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliation. To ensure quality instruction, a new scheme for these schools will be formulated soon.
In a significant move for existing staff, the Cabinet approved a Limited Direct Recruitment (LDR) test for remaining School Management Committee (SMC) teachers, including Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) and Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs). Additionally, computer teachers currently working on an outsourced basis in government schools will be considered for recruitment through this LDR process.
The water management sector also received a significant boost, with the Cabinet approving the engagement of 4,090 para-workers within the Jal Shakti Vibhag. These roles include Para Pump Operators, Para Fitters, and Multipurpose Workers.
Healthcare Expansion and Super-Speciality Services
The state's healthcare infrastructure is set for a major upgrade. The Cabinet approved the filling of 500 Assistant Staff Nurse posts and 24 Medical Officer posts—including specialists and super-specialists—at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (Dr RPGMC), Tanda. Furthermore, the establishment of two new independent super-speciality departments, Critical Care Medicine and Surgical Gastroenterology, was cleared.
Other key healthcare approvals include:
- 30 Radiologist posts
- 13 Clinical Psychologist posts
- Six Perfusionist posts
- Ten Radiographer posts for Adarsh Swasthya Sansthan
- The establishment of a Government Nursing College at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, featuring 60 B.Sc Nursing seats.
Technical Education and Forest Department Updates
The Department of Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training is set to be renamed the Department of Technical Education, Skill and Entrepreneurship Development. The Cabinet approved a new policy for engaging Assistant Craft Instructors, Assistant Lecturers in polytechnics, and Junior Professors in engineering and pharmacy. This includes filling 40 Assistant Lecturer and 120 Assistant Craft Instructor posts.
In the environmental sector, the Forest Department will see the creation and filling of 500 Assistant Forest Guard posts under a newly approved engagement policy, along with 10 Range Forest Officer posts.
Widespread Employment Across State Departments
The Cabinet's decision touches almost every administrative arm of the state government. Key appointments approved include:
- Public Works Department (PWD): 172 Multi-Task Workers and 10 Junior Engineers (Civil).
- Horticulture Department: 40 Horticulture Extension Officers, five Senior Assistants, and 10 Horticulture Development Officers.
- Animal Husbandry Department: 116 posts across various categories.
- Other Departments: 18 Assistant Treasury Officers, 10 Junior Office Assistants (IT) in State Taxes and Excise, and 13 Election Kanungos.
The decision also included social welfare measures, specifically raising the honorariums for Anganwadi workers and Van Mitras, ensuring better support for those serving at the grassroots level.