Himachal Cabinet Clears Orphan and Widow Cess on Petrol and Diesel

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves ‘Orphan and Widow Cess’ on Fuel

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the promulgation of an ordinance to levy a dedicated ‘orphan and widow cess’ on petrol and high-speed diesel at the point of first sale within the State. The decision aims to generate additional and assured resources for strengthening welfare schemes targeted at orphans and widows , without placing a burden on consumers.

Cabinet Decision and Welfare Objective

The decision was taken at a State Cabinet meeting chaired by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu , according to an official government statement. The Cabinet emphasised that the cess would be non-burdensome for the general public , while ensuring steady funding for the effective implementation of social security and welfare programmes for vulnerable groups.

Push for Geothermal Energy Development

In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved the adoption of the national policy on geothermal energy to facilitate exploration and development of untapped geothermal resources in the State. The Directorate of Energy has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing the policy.

To operationalise this shift, the Cabinet sanctioned amendments to the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021 , incorporating provisions related to geothermal energy development. This move aligns Himachal Pradesh’s renewable energy strategy with national clean energy priorities.

Strengthening Food Safety Infrastructure

The Cabinet also cleared the establishment of four new laboratories for nutritional profiling and strengthening the food testing ecosystem. These laboratories will be set up in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan districts. In addition, the composite testing laboratory at Kandaghat (Solan district) will be upgraded, along with the creation and filling of requisite technical and administrative posts.

Boost to Regional Air Connectivity

To enhance regional air connectivity, the Cabinet allowed Alliance Air Aviation Ltd. to operate 46-seater aircraft on the Delhi–Shimla–Delhi and Shimla–Dharamshala–Shimla routes. The decision is expected to support tourism, improve accessibility, and strengthen economic linkages within the hill State.

Exam-Focused Points

• Himachal Pradesh approved an ‘orphan and widow cess’ on petrol and high-speed diesel.

• The cess will be levied at the point of first sale and is aimed at welfare funding.

• The State adopted the national geothermal energy policy .

• Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021 to be amended for geothermal provisions.

• New food testing laboratories approved in four districts .