<span style="color: #222222;">In view of significant reduction in COVID-19 positivity rate and the daily fatality rate, the Himachal Pradesh has decided to increase the limit of gathering in all social, academic, entertainment, cultural, political and other congregations including marriage celebrations and functions with 50 per cent capacity with a ceiling of maximum 200 persons in indoor built up or covered area in the state. Whereas, gathering in open space has also been allowed with 50 per cent capacity of the ground.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The decision was taken in a state cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in Shimla today.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">While reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the state cabinet meeting, it was also decided that COVID appropriate behaviour would be ensured by the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police at prominent tourist places.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Cabinet has also decided to recommend the Governor to convene the Monsoon Session of H.P. Vidhan Sabha from 2nd August to 13th August, of next month.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">It was also decided that schools would remain closed for students till further orders and online study would continue as usual.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Cabinet has decided to promote first year and second year students to the next higher class. On the other hand, fresh and renewal admissions would start in colleges in the last week of this month. Whereas, the new academic year for UG classes will commence from the 16th of next month.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Cabinet gave its consent to bring such  children who have lost their both parents due to COVID-19 under the purview of Mukhya Mantri Bal Uddhar Yojna so that they can be provided additional monthly financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month.</span><br />''  <br />