Shimla: To improve the education level in the state, the Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday took a number of decisions including the introduction of a scholarship scheme for other backward classes (OBC) students.

At a meeting of the cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, it was decided to introduce scholarships for OBC students of Class 1-10. The central and state governments will contribute to it on 50:50 basis.

The mid-day meal scheme will be extended to upper primary classes, middle units of the state government and government-aided schools from July 1.

On the recruitment front, the cabinet sanctioned 6,080 posts in different departments, including 4,568 posts of trained graduate teachers in the elementary education department, 300 posts of agriculture extension officers and 100 posts of agriculture development officers.

It granted permission for signing of a memorandum of understanding for 775 MW Luhri hydro-electric project with Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited on the 51:49 equity participation basis.

The government consented to permit changing the location of the multi-project special economic zone (SEZ) in Kanga district from proposed Damtal town to Milwan town in the same district.

To protect the interests of ex-servicemen, the government approved the creation of the Sainik Welfare Department. IANS