Dehradun, Nov. 27 -- The state cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of key decisions, including an increase in compensation for families of those killed in man-wildlife conflict, raising the amount from Rs.6 lakh to Rs.10 lakh. The decisions were taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Officials aware of the matter said the hike was approved by amending Rule 9(1) of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund Rules, 2024. Until now, the ex-gratia amount for human deaths stood at Rs.6 lakh. The proposal to enhance the compensation was earlier endorsed by the Governing Body of the Tiger Conservation Foundation for Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR). In view of the sensitivity of such cases and repeated demands for enhancement, the compensation for loss of life in wildlife attacks has been increased to Rs.10 lakh, officials said, adding that the chief minister had also made an announcement to this effect recently. The revised compensation will apply per deceased individual. The cabinet was also apprised of the suggestions given by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs on the proposed Metro Neo project for Dehradun. The matter was presented in continuation of a resolution adopted in the 34th Board meeting of the Uttarakhand Metro Rail Urban Infrastructure and Building Construction Corporation Limited. Officials said further guidance has been sought from the cabinet on the way forward. The housing department presented a proposal concerning the mandatory map approval process within the jurisdiction of development authorities. The cabinet directed that the matter be carefully re-examined by officials before a final decision is taken. In a major labour reform, the cabinet granted conditional approval for employing women in night shifts, from 9 pm to 6 am, in shops and establishments across the state. Officials said women can only be assigned night shifts after providing written consent, and employers must ensure strict and adequate safety measures at all times. The move is aimed at increasing work opportunities for women, promoting gender equality, and supporting their economic empowerment and overall social development....