On completing two years in office, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched six new welfare and development schemes aimed at boosting the agricultural sector, promoting self-employment, improving education and healthcare, and supporting vulnerable communities in Himachal Pradesh.
The key initiatives announced are:
Him Bhog Atta for Natural Farming
To encourage natural farming, the Chief Minister launched Him Bhog Atta scheme that proposes to market organic maize flour. A total of 398 metric tonnes of maize from 1,506 farmers across 10 districts has been procured and Rs. 1.20 crore was transferred directly to the bank accounts of the farmers. The state also announced a high support price for maize and wheat, and has brought 36,000 additional farmers into the ambit of Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Scheme.
Organic Compost Scheme for Farmers
A scheme to support small farmers and livestock owners by purchasing organic compost and vermi-compost at Rs. 300 per quintal stand introduced as announced by the chief minister. This initiative aims to enhance farmer incomes and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Direct financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh was distributed to 100 farmers.
E-Taxi Scheme under Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme
Sixteen electric taxi owners received keys to their vehicles under a scheme offering a 50% subsidy on e-taxi purchases. These taxis will be leased to government offices, ensuring stable monthly income for the owners. A total of 150 permits are to be issued in the first phase to promote clean, green transport options.
Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana
The Chief Minister rolled out this scheme aimed at improving the education and welfare of vulnerable groups like widows, destitute women, divorced women, and parents of disabled children. A total of Rs. 1.38 crore was disbursed to 5,145 beneficiaries, with monthly financial support for children under 18 and assistance for higher education.
HP Shiva – Horticulture and Irrigation Project
With an investment entailing Rs. 1,292 crore, the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva) was launched. The project will enhance horticulture across seven districts, covering 6,000 hectares to benefit over 15,000 farming families. It will focus on cultivating fruits like oranges, guavas, and litchis, with an annual production goal of 1.3 lakh metric tonnes by 2032.
Mobile Ayush Healthcare Units
To improve healthcare access in remote tribal areas, the Chief Minister flagged off five mobile Ayush healthcare units equipped with medical teams providing Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy treatments. These units will serve regions such as Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, Chamba, and Sirmaur’s Shillai block.
In addition, financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana (MMSAY) was extended to 197 beneficiaries in Bilaspur, providing support for various needs including pensions, housing, education, marriage assistance, and vocational training.
These initiatives reflect the state government’s commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods, empowering women and vulnerable communities, improving education, and promoting sustainable development, said Chief minister Sukhu.
