In the backdrop of the nationwide lockdown, Himachal Cabinet on Saturday announced a series of steps to revive the economy and create livelihood for the people affected by the halt in economic activities.

It has decided to start a scheme guaranteeing 120 days assured employment to the urban population besides some relief for agriculturists, fruit growers and hoteliers. The decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

If required, adequate training would be provided for skill upgradation under the Mukhya Mantri Shahari Rojgar Guarantee Yojana. A presentation was made before the cabinet regarding the steps that need to be taken for economic revival, and economic reforms to be initiated after the lockdown.

In another significant decision, the Cabinet decided to utilise the services of professionals and experts in various fields, who have returned home, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. The experts will be identified and trained accordingly to provide them employment and self-employment avenues.

It was also decided to provide a second instalment of  Rs 2,000 each to about one lakh workers registered under the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Board.

The Government also decided to provide some relief to agriculturists and horticulturists who have suffered huge losses. The government will compensate and help them to market their produce.

The Cabinet also decided to waive electricity demand charges of hotels for six months, thereby providing them relief of about Rs 15 crore. Similarly, excise and taxation license fee will be waived, and lifting quota of bars would be on pro-ratabasis. In addition to this, token tax and special road tax would be waived for four months and no penalty will be imposed on the owners of private vehicles on account of  delay on renewal of registration and permits.

Government will also provide support to the HP Tourism Development Corporation for paying salaries to its employees. Support of RRs 55 crore will also be provided to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). It was decided to constitute a task force headed by Irrigation Minister Mahender Singh to give suggestions to be taken to revive the economy.

The cabinet decided to convert the part-time Class-IV workers, engaged in various departments, except the part-time water carriers in the Education Department, who have completed eight years as daily wagers.