Overview

• The Deposit Refund Scheme 2025 will launch on a pilot basis with refundable deposits on packaging from glass bottles to multilayer plastics to encourage waste return.
• The government will prohibit sale of PET bottles up to 500 ml from June 1, 2025 to curb single-use plastic waste in urban and tourist areas.
• The cabinet approved recruitment of 700 Home Guard volunteers and regularised services of 203 Panchayat Secretaries to bolster civil defence and rural administration.
• The Real Estate Regulatory Authority office will relocate from Shimla to Dharamsala and development blocks in Kangra and Hamirpur districts will be reorganised to improve local governance.
• The Postgraduate/Specialist Services Policy was amended to waive the one-year field posting requirement for senior residency eligibility at IGMC Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda.