SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today accorded approval to launch the 'Skill Upgradation with Job/Outsourcing Guarantee (SUJOG) Scheme aimed at providing training to suitable workers, in the age group of 18 to 45, possessing prescribed minimum educational qualifications, alongwith guaranteed assignments to skill enrichment by identifying and empanelling suitable industrial units.

The State Level Committee consisting of Director of Social Justice and Empowerment, Director of Industries, Labour Commissioner, Director Technical Education and two office bearers from registered Association of Industries, shall be responsible to ensure implementation of the Scheme. The trainees from low income group shall be provided training cost, stipend etc. by the state government.Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the meeting.

It decided to admit 300 candidates to undertake one year compulsory Ayurveda Pharmacists training on the recommendation of the HP Subordinate Services Selection Board, Hamirpur.

It approved withdrawal of the allotment cancellation orders of the 70MW Dhamwari-Sunda HEP with the condition that the executing party, M/S Dhamwadi Power Company, shall supply free power to the State, as agreed upon in the MOU signed earlier, beside withdrawing all the cases pending in different courts of law.

Cabinet approved the amendment in the Memorandum of Association of the Corporation with regard to Main Objects of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited with a view to plan, promote, organize and execute Power Projects in Hydro Electric Power, Thermal Power, Solar Power, Wind Power etc. within and outside the State of Himachal Pradesh and also extend its operations outside the country and overseas as well.

It decided to amend the Himachal Pradesh Civil Services (Pre-Mature Retirement) Rules, 1976, replacing the condition of 30 years regular service or attainment of 55 years with 20 years of regular service or attaining the age of 45 years for government doctors seeking pre-mature retirement.

It approved the norms for grant of NOC to the Private Institutions to run the courses/programmes such as Graduate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Sanskrit, Media/Journalism, including BBA and BCA and Post Graduate Courses, including Business Administration and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications in Private Sector by reserving 25 percent seats to the candidates from Himachal Pradesh. The fee structure would be determined by the State Level Committee consisting of Principal Secretary Education, Vice Chancellor, HP University and Director of Education.

With a view to bring about qualitative improvement in the educational system in participation with private players, the Cabinet decided to issue 'Letter of Intent' in favour of Global Knowledge Network Society, New Delhi to provide total and meaningful education in physiotherapy, para medical services, management, education, law, ayurveda and nursing etc. and Maharishi Markandeshwar University Trust, Ambala, to educate youth in emerging vocational trades.

Approved has been granted for transfer of land to pave the way for widening of road at the Kala Amb Barrier in district Sirmour.

It approval renaming of Disabled Home at Sundernagar as Himachal Pradesh Institute of Children with Special Abilities (HPICSA) and sanctioned 6 posts of special teachers besides increasing the fixed pay of 11 serving teachers of the institution.

It accorded its approval to permit Milch Livestock Improvement Society, Solan, to admit upto 100 students for the Veterinary Pharmacists Training course in private sector.

It sanctioned 17 vehicles for the Block Development Officers in place of old condemned vehicles.