HP BUDGET 2022-23

Oct 6, 2022 admin8149 No Comments 474 Views Share on

HP BUDGET 2022-23

• The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Mr. Jai Ram Thakur (who also holds the Finance portfolio), presented the Budget for the state for the financial year 2022-23 on March 4, 2022. This is the 5th budget in a row present by CM Jairam Thakur. BUDGET ESTIMATES
• The CM Jairam Thakur has presented a budget of 51,365 crore for 2022-23. (against 49,131crore Budget in 2021-22) .
• Revised Estimates for 2021-22 : o the total revenue receipts : Rs. 37,312 crore.  o the total revenue expenditure :  37,034 crore.
  • Thus there is a revenue surplus estimated at Rs.278 crore in Revised Estimates.
• Budget Estimates for the year 2022-23 o total revenue receipts (estimated) : 36,375 crore.  o Revenue expenditure (estimated) :  Rs 40,278 crore. 
  • The revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs. 3 thousand 903 crore.
• Fiscal deficit is expected to be 9,602 crore which is 4.98 percent of the State’s Gross Domestic Product.
• Note : The budget presented for the financial year 2022-23 does not propose new taxes.
• According to the budget of 2022-23, out of every 100 rupees, Rs. 26 on salary, Rs. 15 on pension, Rs. 10 on interest payment, Rs. 11 on loan repayment, Rs. 9 for Grants for Autonomous Bodies while the remaining Rs. 29 will be spent on other activities including capital works. 

• To mitigate the effect of Corona on the economy of the State, the Government of India has allowed States to borrow beyond 3 percent of the GDP. Thus there is a need to amend the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.

• CM Jairam Thakur announced 10 new schemes while promising to create 30,000 jobs in the government and private sector. 

Debt Burden on HP

• Note : debt burden on HP rose to Rs 63,200 crore from Rs 55,737 crore in the previous year. It means the debt on Himachal Pradesh is higher than the amount earmarked in the Budget 2022-23.
• Impact of such huge debt burden on HP : Rs 11 would be spent on loan repayment and Rs 10 on interest payment out of every hundred rupees to be spent by the state government in 2022-23. In this way, over one-fifth of the total Budget amount will be paid on loan repayment and interest payment. In other words, the state government will use over Rs 10,786 crore on loan repayment and interest payment out of the total Rs 51,365-crore Budget in 2022-23.

• According to the Budget 2022-23, out of every 100 rupees expenditure, Rs 26 will be spent on salaries, Rs 15 on pension, Rs 10 on interest payment, Rs 11 on loan repayment, Rs 9 for grants for autonomous bodies; while the remaining Rs 29 will be spent on other activities, including capital works.

Other Highlights of Budget speech 

• Himachal Pradesh became the 1st State in India in administering 1st and 2nd doses of COVID vaccination to all eligible persons.
• During his virtual interaction with the Health Workers in September, 2021, Hon’ble Prime Minister had lauded the efforts of Himachal Pradesh, calling it a ‘Champion State’.
• Masks, PPE kits and other material helpful in preventing the spread of COVID are being manufactured in Himachal Pradesh and are being made available to other States.
• Russian COVID vaccine ‘Sputnik’ is being commercially manufactured in Himachal Pradesh.
• Government of India has provided additional Central Assistance of Rs.600 crore for capital investment in 2021-22.

NATIONAL ECONOMY

• Due to the timely measures taken by the Government of India, the GDP at the national level is expected to grow at 9.2 percent against a decline (negative growth) of 7.3 percent in 2020-21, Agriculture and Allied Activities sector is expected to grow at 3.9 percent, Industries sector at 11.8 percent and the Service sector are expected to grow at 8.2 percent respectively, in 2021-22. The CM of HP has given the credit for the quick and effective ‘V’ shaped recovery of the economy to the dynamic policies of central govt. STATE ECONOMY
• The economy of the HP is expected to grow at 8.3 percent during 2021-22.
• According to the Advance Estimates for 2021-22, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is expected to be Rs.1,75 173 crore. The estimates also indicate that the per capita income of the State will be Rs. 2,1,854 which is 51528 higher than the estimated per capita income at national level.

DEVELOPMENT BUDGET

• SNA : the Government of India has made a provision for Single Nodal Agency Account (SNA) for all Centrally Sponsored Schemes since 2021-22. This system will facilitate quick transfer of Central funds into the bank accounts of executing departments. All the 91 Centrally Sponsored Schemes have been brought in the ambit of this arrangement. 30 State schemes, where DBT is given, will also be brought under this system in 202223.
• An outlay of 12,921 crore is proposed for Development expenditure in 2022-23. Out of this, Rs.9,524 crore is proposed for the State Development Budget. An outlay of Rs.2,400 crore is proposed for Scheduled Caste Development Programme and Rs.856 crore is proposed for Tribal Area Development Programme. The outlay for Backward Area Development Programme is Rs.100 crore 52 lakh.
• Note : 826 DPRs of Rs.3,452 crore were approved by NABARD during the first 4 years of present Government’s tenure.
• Several announcements were made by CM during budget speech :
  • Present limit of MLA priority schemes funded by NABARD will be increased to Rs.150 crore per Legislative Assembly Constituency which is nearly double of the limit in 2017-18.
  • Hon’ble MLAs can include ropeways in the MLA priority schemes, from 2022-23.
  • Hon’ble Members may recommend Shaheedi Dwars etc. commemorating the sacrifices of martyrs under ‘Vidhayak Kshetra Vikas Nidhi’.
  • Allocation under ‘Vidhayak Kshetra Vikas Nidhi Yojana’ will be increased to Rs.2 crore from 1 crore 80 lakh. (With this increase, the total enhancement in the allocation during the tenure of the present Government will be Rs.90 lakh which is nearly two fold). o The Discretionary grant of Hon’ble MLAs will be increased to Rs.12 lakh per Legislative Assembly Constituency from Rs.10 lakh. (It was Rs.5 lakh in 2017).

GRIHINI SUVIDHA YOJANA/FOOD SECURITY

• HP Government had started the ‘Grihini Suvidha Yojana’ by expanding the scope of ‘Ujjwala Yojana’ of central Govt & declared Himachal as a smoke-free State with the successful implementation of both these schemes. These schemes will be continued in 2022-23 and will be further liberalized. Now each beneficiary will get three free cylinders (it was 2 earlier) including the cylinder received at the time of connection. The benefits are as under:-  o In case of new connection three free cylinders during the year will be given.  o In case of old connection, where no refill has been claimed, two free cylinders, during the year.

• In case of old connection where two free cylinders have been given, one additional cylinder will also be provided. o Note : Rs. 70 crore will be spent in 2022-23 which will be Rs. 50 crore more than the last year’s expenditure.

• 4 new Grain Mandis will be developed at a cost of Rs.15 crore at Rampur (Una), Majari (Bilaspur), Riyali and Milwa (Kangra).

AGRICULTURE :

• 583 crore has been provided for Agriculture Sector during 2022-23.
• Agriculture sector is expected to grow at 7 percent in 2021-22. State Government had constituted an Expert Group under the chairmanship of Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, which submitted its report. A detailed action plan will be prepared by concerned departments after examining suggestions given in the report.
• In 2018-19 budget, HP govt had launched “Prakritik Kheti Khushhaal Kissan Yojana (PK3Y).” Results of this scheme are quite encouraging. Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi Ji, while addressing the National Conclave on Natural Farming in Gujarat called upon the farmers of the country to adopt Natural Farming and follow the example of Himachal. In the Union Budget 2022-23, approximately Rs.1,500 crore has been proposed to promote natural farming.
• HP is the 1st State to promote Natural Farming in the Government sector. Himachal Pradesh is marching ahead to become a Chemical Free State. Following targets are proposed for the next year.
  • 50 thousand acres land will be brought under Natural Farming by the end of 2022-23. o At least one model of Natural Farming will be developed in all the 3,615 Gram Panchayats of the State. This will help train and motivate farmers of adjoining areas.
  • At least 100 villages will be developed as Natural Farming villages as per Government of India standards.
  • Farmers engaged in Natural Farming will be registered and out of these, best 50 thousand farmers will be certified as Natural Farmers. The information on Natural Farming will be made available in public domain by developing a dynamic Online Web portal. o Two dedicated Natural Farming produce Mandis will be opened in the State and 10 other Mandis will have dedicated space to sell Natural Farming produce.
  • Sale counters of Natural Farming will be set up at Delhi and selected places in the State, for the first time.
• HP Government had announced a Research and Development Grant for both Agriculture and Horticulture Universities, in the last budget. As advised by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Agriculture and Horticulture Universities will update the syllabus in the Graduate and Post Graduate Programmes to include Natural Farming and also start research in this field.
• Model Mandi : Parala Mandi (Shimla) is being developed as a model Mandi. A new 5000 MT capacity cold store will be set up at a cost of Rs. 60.93 crore to improve storage of fruit and vegetables in this Mandi. In addition, a Freezing Chamber of 1,500 MT Capacity, a Grading Packing Line of 10 MT per hour capacity and an Individually Quick Freezing (IQF) line of 1 MT per hour capacity will also be set up.
• 13 market yards will be developed and upgraded at the cost of Rs.31 crore under JICA aided project PhaseII, to provide better marketing facilities to farmers. 22.
• Last year, HP govt had announced setting up of a Flower mandi in the State which has been set up at Parwanoo. In 2022-23, another Flower Mandi will be established at a cost of Rs. 3 crore.
• HP Government has started cultivation of Heeng and Kesar on a pilot basis. Initial results are encouraging. Now, HP Govt will introduce cultivation of Dal-Chini (Cinnamon) and monk fruit in collaboration with the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, on a pilot basis. The possibility of growing dragon fruit in the State will also be explored.
• In Budget speech, it is announced to increase the outlay from Rs.5 crore to Rs.10 crore for promoting local varieties of wheat and maize seeds and to improve productivity of these crops. Additional allocation of Rs.3 crore is proposed for making available High Yield Variety seeds of other crops to the farmers.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are being set up to provide direct linkage for farmers to the market. These FPOs are an effective platform for small and marginal farmers to sell their produce at a better price. 20 FPOs will be established in 2022-23 of which 10 will relate to natural farming. In addition, One FPO each will be established in every Development Block of the State in the Cooperation sector. The Cooperation department will provide financial and technical assistance to these FPOs. HORTICULTURE
• 540 crore has been provided for Horticulture Sector during 2022-23.
• Himachal Pradesh is known as Fruit Bowl of the country. HP Government has always strived to promote horticulture sector. A new Horticulture Policy will be prepared to increase production and productivity. Following initiatives will be taken:
  • To promote floriculture, orchids and ornamental plantations will be encouraged. 11 Crore will be spent under ‘Pushap Kranti Yojana’.
  • Special plantation drive will be started for Bee-Flora and Indian varieties of bees will be encouraged. Rs.4.5 Crore will be spent on this.
  • 3.0 Crore will be spent to promote production of Shitaake and Dhingri varieties of mushrooms and their processing and canning.
  • Clusters will be set up for the cultivation of Jamun and Mewa (Dry Fruit).
  • High Density plantations and Immunity Booster crops will be promoted.
• Note : Apple farming was introduced in the Pradesh due to the efforts of late Satyanand Stokes.
• Horticulture has made significant contribution to the State economy. The 75th death anniversary of Sh. Satyanand Stokes was commemorated recently. As a mark of respect and to recognise his contribution, CM Jairam Thakur has announced that Kotgarh-Thanadhar and adjoining areas in Shimla district will be developed as Satyanand Stokes Trail. A comprehensive plan will be developed through convergence with the coordination of Horticulture, Tourism and Language and Culture Departments.
• CA Stores (Controlled atmosphere stores) are being established at various places in addition to Processing and Canning Units. Construction of CA Stores will be started at Chachyot, Reckong Peo, Gyabong and Chamba in 2022-23 at a cost of Rs.58 crore. In addition, CA Store and Grading and Packaging Houses being built in Rohru, Gumma, Jarol Tikker, Tuttupani and Bhunter will be dedicated to the people in 2022-23. Rs.75 crore will be spent to complete these projects.
• Fruit Processing Unit in Parala (Shimla district) being constructed at a cost of Rs.91 crore, will start production in 2022-23 and the Fruit Processing Units located at Parwanoo and Jarol will be upgraded at a cost of Rs.17 crore.
• The Market Yards being built in Paonta Sahib (Sirmaur) , Kangani (Mandi) and Shaat (Kullu) will be dedicated to farmers and horticulturists by September 2022. The Market Yard being built in Parwanoo will also be completed before March, 2023. 35 crore will be spent on these activities.
• The construction work of various minor irrigation schemes in the horticulture sector are at various stages of execution. Irrigation facilities will be made available in 9000 hectare of additional land in 2022-23. Rs.198 crore will be spent for this purpose.
• The ‘Horticulture Development Project’ under execution is showing positive results. Two Centres of Excellence will be set up in Shillaru (Shimla) and Palampur (Kangra) under the project, for which Rs.18 crore is proposed.

Animal Husbandry/ Cow Protection

• 469 crore has been provided for Animal Husbandry Sector during 2022-23.
• To protect Gauvansh in the State, HP Govt has not only established large Cow Sanctuaries and Gaushalas at departmental level, but have also encouraged construction of Gaushalas with private participation. Abandoned cows used to be seen on roads in large numbers which have reduced considerably over the last four years. The Gauvansh in the Gaushalas and the cow sanctuaries has increased from 6000 to 20000 with the efforts of state Government. CM Jairam Thakur in his budget speech said that the existing laws will be amended suitably or alternatively and a new law will be enacted providing for strict punishment for those who abandon their cows.
• In 2022-23, it is announced to set up 5 new big Cow Sanctuaries and Gausadans and to establish a wellequipped farm for Himachali Pahadi
• The grant for dependent cows in private Gaushalas has been increased from Rs.500 per cow per month to Rs. 700 per cow per month. This arrangement will be known as “GOPAL”.
• The grant for Government Gaushalas will also be adequately increased.
• Two Milk Processing Plants of 50,000 litres per day capacity each will be started at Duttnagar ( Rampur, Shimla) and Chakkar (Mandi) for the expansion of dairy activities in 2022-23.
• For protecting the interests of the families associated with milk production, govt have increased the milk procurement price by Rs.7 per litre in the last 4 years.
  • Note : CM Jairam Thakur has announced to increase it by Rs. 2 per litre in 2022-23.

• 44 mobile veterinary ambulances will be operationalized for the first time to provide better facilities to Animal Husbandry farmers, on which Rs.7 crore will be spent. A Call Centre will be set up to provide assistance to the cattle owners.
• 2000 sheep units will be set up under the ‘Rural Backyard Sheep Development Scheme’ on which Rs. 12 Crore will be spent.
• Under National Artificial Insemination Program Phase3, free artificial insemination facility will be provided to 5 Lakh cows and buffaloes at a cost of Rs.10 crore. Besides, Sex Sorted Semen based Artificial Insemination will be arranged at a cost of Rs.7 crore.
• Many Gram Panchayats Veterinary Assistants working under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Aarogya Pashudhan Yojana’ are now eligible to be appointed as Veterinary Pharmacist. Eligible Gram Panchayats Veterinary Assistants will be appointed as Veterinary Pharmacist and necessary changes will be made in the scheme or in the R & P Rules, if required.

FISHERIES

• 120 new Trout Units will be established in 2022-23.
• In addition, Biofloc Fishing Units, Trout Hatcheries, Fish Feed Mills and Ice Making Units will be established.
• 20 new fish farm ponds will be constructed in the private sector.
• Fishermen will be provided 20 three wheelers, 80 motor cycles equipped with iceboxes and 200 boats with fishing nets, at subsidised rates in 2022-23. 40 percent subsidy for men and 60 percent subsidy for women, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries will be available.   500 youth will get employment in the fisheries sector in 2022-23.

SOCIAL SECURITY PENSION

• The age limit for old age pension, irrespective of income, will be reduced to 60 years for all. Old age pension increased from Rs 1,001 to Rs1,500.
• All such pensioners (Leprosy patients and transgender between 60 to 69 years) who are currently getting a pension of Rs.850 per month, will now get Rs.1,000 per month.
• All such pensioners (widows/divyang persons, for destitute women and single women ) who are currently getting a pension of Rs.1,000 per month, will now get Rs.1,500 per month.
• All such pensioners (persons over 70 years and Divyangjans with disability of 70 percent and above ) who are currently getting a pension of Rs.1,500 per month, will now get Rs.1,700 per month.
• Women in the age group 60 to 65 years will also be entitled to old age pension without any income limit.     Men in the age group 60 to 69 years will also be entitled to old age pension without any income limit.
• 50 lakh beneficiaries will now benefit from Old Age Pension Schemes and an amount of Rs. 1,300 crore will be spent.
• The Government contribution under Atal Pension Yojana will be increased to Rs.3,000 per annum and the beneficiaries will be increased from 1 lakh to 1.50 lakh.

WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE OF WEAKER SECTIONS

• CM Jairam Thakur has presented a separate Gender Budget Statement for 2022-23 in Legislative assembly. This Statement contains details of all major schemes devoted to women welfare and empowerment. This Statement will be helpful in monitoring schemes being implemented for women empowerment and will also help in reviewing them in consultation with women beneficiaries of these schemes.

• “Mukhya Mantri Bal Suposhan Yojana” : Last year, HP Govt had shown its commitment to eliminate Stunting, Wasting, Malnutrition and Anaemia in children and declared that a study on this important issue would be conducted in collaboration with NITI Aayog, based on which, an Action Plan would be drawn up. Accordingly, the State Government has done extensive consultations with V.K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog and an Action Plan has now been prepared. A new “Mukhya Mantri Bal Suposhan Yojana” will be started to remove child malnutrition. This Yojana will have 7 pillars:- o Identification of 2 main diseases viz. Diarrhoea and Pneumonia in the growing stages of children and their early treatment.
  • Continued monitoring and comprehensive review of underweight new-born infants and children. o Give appropriate protein rich food for complete nutrition.  o Special initiatives to combat anaemia in children, expecting women and lactating mothers.  o Early identification and treatment of Hypertension and Anaemia in expecting women and lactating mothers.
  • Proper treatment of undernourished children.
  • Special focus on IEC activities and monitoring.
• This scheme will be run through the joint efforts of the Central and State Government and the Departments of Women and Child Development, Health and Elementary Education will ensure necessary coordination to implement the scheme. It is important that staff of different departments have proper coordination and communication based on which, the appropriate indicators are identified. Interface Portability and Data Inter-operability will be ensured and detailed guidelines and monitoring mechanism to implement the scheme will be issued within two months. 65 crore will be spent for ‘Mukhya Mantri Bal Suposhan Yojana’. Government of India funds will also be pooled to supplement these efforts.

• Aanganwadi Centres o Recognising the importance of Women and Child Development, Saksham Aanganwadi and Poshan2.0 Yojana have been given a new shape to provide additional benefits to women and children.  o Out of 18,925 Aanganwadi Centres in the State, only 2,138 Aanganwadi centres are running in the departmental buildings. As a new initiative in this regard, CM has announced the construction of 1,000 new Aanganwadi buildings. These will be constructed at a cost of 70 crore in coordination with Central Government, through convergence with MNREGA.
  • At present 6,718 Aanganwadi Centres have been developed as Model Aanganwadi Centres. Facilities like slides, swings, blue model baby table and chair have been provided in these model centres. CM has announced to convert remaining 12,207 Aanganwadi Centres into Model Aanganwadi Centres in a phased manner. 32 crore will be spent for this purpose.
• ‘Widow Remarriage Scheme’ o Present grant of Rs. 50000 has been increased to 65000 for couples under the ‘Widow Remarriage Scheme’, to encourage widow remarriage.
• Top-Up to the employees o Social Justice and Empowerment Department is presently running different institutions viz. Child Care Centres, District Child Protection Units, Old Age Homes, etc. To ensure uniformity in the remuneration paid to the staff in these Institutions, CM has announced that the State Government will provide Top Up to these employees. The Top Up will be given till Government of India revises its contribution.

• ‘Mukhya Mantri Bal Uddhar Yojana’ o Under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Bal Uddhar Yojana’, presently a grant of 20,000 is given for self employment to children who on leaving Bal/Balika Aashrams do not wish to continue their studies. CM Jairam Thakur has announced to increase this grant to Rs. 35,000 per child.
  • “Mukhya Mantri Asahaya Bal Punarvas Yojana”
  • To rehabilitate and provide education to destitute and abandoned children, CM Jairam Thakur has announced the launch of of a new “Mukhya Mantri Asahaya Bal Punarvas Yojana” in 2022-23.

PANCHAYATI RAJ & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

• 1,662 crore has been provided for Panchayati and Rural Development during 2022-23.
• Under the Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Central Government has sanctioned 119 watershed development schemes covering 54 thousand hectare in 26 Development Blocks at a cost of Rs. 151 crore. These schemes will be started in 2022-23.
• Under the Panchvati Yojana, 28 Parks have been developed under MNREGA. In 2022-23, 200 additional Vatikas and parks will be developed.
• Plantation and Horticultural activities on private and forest lands are permissible activities under MNREGA. In 2022-23, plantation will be done under MNREGA with the help of the Forest Department on which Rs. 50 crore would be spent.
• There is heavy traffic on routes connecting areas of pilgrimage and of tourism importance. It is proposed to construct 12 Multi-Purpose Convenience Centres with adequate toilet and other facilities, through convergence.
• A plant based on Plasma technology will be constructed on a pilot basis for Solid and Liquid Waste Management in rural areas. 8000 villages will be covered under Plastic Solid Waste and Grey Liquid Waste Management. In addition, all the Development Blocks of the State will be covered by active Plastic Waste Management Programme. 2,510 persons including 870 Gram Panchayat Pradhans will be given necessary training.
• Based on the recommendation made by the Sixth State Finance Commission, CM Jairam Thakur has proposed a provision of 352 crore for the payment of committed liabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions, which is Rs. 104 crore more than that of 2021-22.

Increase in the honorarium of representatives of the Panchayati Raj Institutions as under:-

• With an increase of Rs. 3,000 per month, Chairman, Zila Parishad will get 15,000 per month honorarium.
• With an increase of Rs. 2,000 per month, Vice Chairman, Zila Parishad will get 10,000 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,000 per month, Member, Zila Parishad will get 6,000 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 2,000 per month, Chairman, Panchayat Samiti will get Rs. 9,000 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,500 per month, Vice Chairman, Panchayat Samiti will get Rs. 6,500 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,000 per month, Member, Panchayat Samiti will get Rs. 5,500 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,000 per month, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat will get Rs. 5,500 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 500 per month, Up-Pradhan, Gram Panchayat will get Rs. 3,500 per month.
• Member, Gram Panchayat will now get 300 per sitting of the Gram Panchayat with an increase of Rs. 50 per sitting. The increase in sitting fees has been Rs. 75 during the tenure of present Government.

‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Sashktikaran Yojana’ 

• There are about 32000 Self Help Groups with a strength of 2,50,000 women under the ‘National Rural Livelihood Mission’. CM Jairam Thakur has announced to start a new ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Sashktikaran Yojana’ under which, the following benefits will be granted to these Self Help Groups:—

• An additional grant of Rs. 25000 will be provided as one time Top-Up in 2022 for the Revolving Fund of these Self Help Groups. These groups will get Rs. 25 crore as this Top-up.
• The women members of these Self Help Groups will be covered for one year by the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana’ and ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana’. The annual premium of Rs. 12 and Rs. 330, respectively, in the two schemes will be borne by the State Government. Rs. 10 crore will be spent for the purpose.
• The cadre of Community Resource Persons known differently as Krishi Sakhi, Pashu Sakhi, Krishi Udhyog Sakhi, Vitt Sakhi, Bank Sakhi , presently getting an honorarium of Rs. 350 per day for duties within the Home Development Block, will be paid an increased honorarium of Rs. 500 per day.
• Under the ‘National Rural Livelihood Mission’, in category-I districts namely Shimla, Mandi, Kangra and Una, the SHGs get loan at 4 percent concessional rate, after Government of India’s subsidy, on timely repayment.
• In other 8 category II districts, the interest rate is 7 percent. CM has announced that Self Help Groups in the 8 category-II districts too, will now get loans at a uniform rate of 4 percent, at par with category-I districts. The additional interest subvention, after Government of India’s subsidy, will be borne by State Government.

‘Swaran Jayanti SHG Sahyog Yojana’ 

• This scheme started last year will be reformulated and continued. Under the scheme, Self Help Groups will be given incentive money.
• An amount of Rs. 65 crore will be spent for assisting various Help Groups in 2022-23.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT 

• 713 crore has been provided for Urban Development during 2022-23.
• Under the Smart City Mission, 59 projects at a cost of Rs.160 crore will be dedicated to the public in Shimla and 65 projects at a cost of Rs. 166 crore will be dedicated in Dharamsala, in 2022-23. New works at an estimated cost of Rs. 104 crore and Rs. 165 crore will be started in Shimla and Dharamsala, respectively.
• For the construction of parkings in urban local bodies, 50 percent of the total cost is met by the Government while the local body has to contribute the remaining 50 percent. CM has announced to increase the Government contribution to 75 percent.
• ‘Mukhya Mantri Urban Livelihood Guarantee Scheme’ was launched in 2020 to provide employment to urban youth during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Due to its popularity, CM has announced to continue this scheme in 2022-23 with suitable modifications. A bill providing for guaranteed employment for urban unemployed youth providing for eligibility and other conditions will be introduced in this session. Rs. 5 crore will be spent on this scheme.
• The Government has started the ‘Atal Shrestha Shahar Yojana’ to encourage Urban Local Bodies under which, the best performing 3 Municipal Councils and 3 Nagar Panchayats are given cash awards. CM Jairam Thakur has announced that this scheme will be extended to the Municipal Corporations also.
• An action plan will be prepared to clear Legacy Waste Sites and to beautify these sites by planting trees and other flora. These sites will be developed as Parks and Tourist Spots.
• On the basis of the recommendations made by the Sixth State Finance Commission, the CM has proposed a provision of Rs. 187 crore for the payment of committed liabilities of the Urban Local Bodies, which is Rs. 24 crore more than that of 2021-22.

An increase in the honorarium of Urban Local Bodies representatives as per following:—

• With an increase of Rs. 3,000 per month, Mayor, Municipal Corporation will get Rs. 15,000 per month.  With an increase of Rs. 1,500 per month, Deputy Mayor, Municipal Corporation will get Rs. 10,000 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,000 per month, Councillor, Municipal Corporation will get Rs. 6,500 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,500 per month, President, Nagar Parishad will get Rs. 8,000 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,000 per month, Vice President, Nagar Parishad will get Rs. 6,500 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 500 per month, Councillor, Nagar Parishad will get Rs. 3,000 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,000 per month, Pradhan, Nagar Panchayat will get Rs. 6,500 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,000 per month, Up Pradhan, Nagar Panchayat will get Rs. 5,000 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 500 per month, Member, Nagar Panchayat will get Rs. 3,000 per month.

QUALITY EDUCATION

• Rs. 8,412 crore has been provided for Education during 2022-23. CM Jairam Thakur has announced the following 6 point Action Plan:- 

I : Implementation of National Policy on Education – 2020 

• Pre-primary classes are being started for children in the age group of 3 to 6 years in Government Primary Schools in a phased manner under the National Education Policy. This will further be expanded in other schools.
• Real time teaching will be started in a hybrid mode in all Government Elementary, High and Senior Secondary Schools. This will benefit about 6 lakh students.
• A new scheme “Shreshth Shiksha Gunvatta Protsahan Yojana” has been announced to encourage competition among Government Schools of the State. These schools will be ranked based on the evaluation of learning outcomes and top three schools of the State and top three schools of each district will be granted cash awards under the scheme.

Point – II : Quality Improvement through IT 

The three schemes announced by HP Govt in last two years to improve quality of education in Primary to College level Institutions appear to have yielded positive results. The CM Jairam Thakur has proposed to cover more institutions under these schemes. The schemes are :

• ‘Swaran Jayanti Gyanodaya Cluster Shreshth Vidyalaya’ under which 100 new schools will be covered.
• Swaran Jayanti Utkrisht Vidyalaya’ under which 68 new schools will be covered.
• ‘Swaran Jayanti Utkrisht Mahavidyalaya’ under which 10 new colleges will be covered in 2022-23.

More emphasis will be given to these three schemes in the coming year. IT will have a special role in the implementation of these schemes. Rs. 54 crore will be spent in 2022-23 on the three schemes.

Point – III : Medha Promotion 

• Presently, the Government is implementing various scholarship schemes. The scholarship in a large number of these schemes has not been revised for many years.
• he CM of HP has announced that students who are getting scholarship ranging from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,250 per month under ‘Maharishi Balmiki Chhaatervriti Yojana’, ‘Indira Gandhi Utkrisht Chhaatervriti Yojana’, ‘Kalpana Chawala Chhaatervriti Yojana’, ‘Dr.Ambedkar Medhavi Scholarship Scheme’, ‘Swami Vivekanand Utkrisht Scholarship Scheme’, will now get an increased amount of Rs. 1,500 per month implying that they will be getting Rs. 18 thousand per Annum.
• The scholarship amount under ‘National Military College Scholarship Scheme’ and ‘Sainik School Scholarship Scheme’ will be increased to Rs.2000 per month implying that they will be getting Rs. 24 thousand per annum.
• The scholarship being given to the children of armed forces martyrs and differently abled persons has not been revised since 1983 and they are getting scholarship ranging from Rs. 30 to Rs.200 per month. The CM of HP has announced  to uniformly increase scholarship under above schemes to Rs. 500 per month which will add up to Rs. 18,000 per annum.
• The IRDP Scholarship Scheme will be renamed as “Mukhya Mantri Vidyarthi Kalyan Yojana” and by increasing the scholarship amount under the scheme as these have not been increased since 1991. The scholarship of Rs. 300 per annum will be increased to 1,500 per annum for boy students and to Rs. 2000 per annum (from Rs. 600) for girl students. Similarly, the students studying in colleges will now get Rs. 5000 instead of Rs. 1,200 per annum and the college students living in hostels will now get Rs. 6000 instead of Rs. 2 thousand 400 per annum.
• The CM Jairam Thakur has announced a new scheme – “Bal Pratibha Scholarship Yojana” for top 500 meritorious students of class-4 and class-5 based on merit in class-3. A scholarship of Rs. 3,000 per annum will be given under the Yojana.
  The above announcements will benefit about 30,000 students. Additional amount of Rs. 15 crore will be spent on the above schemes.
• Some research scholars in the State Universities do not get any scholarship. CM J. Thakur has announced to start a new “Mukhya Mantri Shodh Protsahan Yojana” in 2022-23 under which a monthly fellowship of 3000 will be given to such research scholars. This fellowship will be available for 3 years from the date of registration. This will not only provide economic support to the research scholars but will also help in promoting merit and high quality research.

Point– IV : Society and Parent Involvement 

• To improve the education system and quality of education, at least 3 meetings between the parents and teachers will be ensured in a year.

Point– V : Introduction to Environment and Nature

• Solar Power Panel Systems will be installed in 50 Government colleges, 50 schools and 20 ITIs in 2022-23 to promote Solar Energy.
• AYUSH gardens will be established in 200 schools and 50 Government colleges to plant rare medicinal plants and herbs with the collaboration of Forest and AYUSH Departments, in 2022-23.

Point – VI : Employment Counselling 

• Career Counselling and Guidance Cells will be setup in the Government Schools and Colleges of the State for the guidance and career counselling of the students. Career Guidance and Placement Cells will also be set-up in all Government Colleges, Sanskrit Colleges and Universities for the purpose of providing employment and wherever they already exist, will be strengthened further.

Other announcements:

• Himachal Pradesh University was established in Shimla in 1970. This has been the sole State University for last 52 years. The CM Thakur has announced that the ‘Sardar Patel University in Mandi’ will start functioning from April, 2022.
• The designation of B.Ed and TET qualified and eligible Shastri and Language Teachers will be changed to TGT (Sanskrit) and TGT (Hindi).
• Lecturer (School Cadre) and Lecturer (School New) will be designated as Lecturer (School). In addition, one time option for promotion as Headmaster will be given to promoted lecturer from TGTs.

TECHNICAL EDUCATION/SKILL DEVELOPMENT 

• Tech in Computer Science and M.Tech programme in Civil Engineering will be started in Jawaharlal Nehru Engineering College, Sundernagar from the coming session.
• Diploma courses in Electrical Engineering will be started in Government Polytechnic Institute for Women, Kandaghat and Pharmacy Diploma Course will be started in Government Polytechnic Institute, Talwar (Kangra).
• DPRs will be prepared for opening four new Government Industrial Training Institutes in the State, namely at o Ladaghat and Shri Naina Devi Ji in district Bilaspur o Kataula in district Mandi district.
  • Dhartidhar and Bechar-ka-Bagh in Sirmaur district.
• A new scheme “Kaushal Aapke Dwar” is launched with the aim of providing services like plumbing, welding, electrical repairs and Fridge and AC repair for the people of the State. Under this scheme, the ITIs having courses in these trades will be providing services to the nearby consumers at lowest possible rates.

HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

• Rs. 2,752 crore has been provided for Health during 2022-23.
• The Union Government has provided liberal financial assistance to the State Government for expansion and strengthening of health services in the State. The State will be availing a total assistance of about 1, 300 crore by the end of 2022-23, which includes an assistance of Rs. 419 crore received in 2021-22 and Rs. 848 crore budgeted in 2022-23 by the Central Government.HIMCARE : HP Government had started the ‘Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Yojana- HIMCARE’, on 1st January, 2019 to complement the ‘Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’. Under ‘HIMCARE’, 2,40,000 beneficiaries have been provided free medical services worth Rs. 218 crore. The CM J. Thakur has announced an increase in the validity period of ‘HIMCARE’ card from the present 1 year to 3 years. Presently, registration under Mukhya Mantri HIMCARE is done from January to March. Now the registration for HIMCARE will be done throughout the year. Also HIMCARE cover will be extended to inmates of the prisons within the State.

• A new scheme “Mukhya Mantri Mobile Clinic (M3C)” is launched to introduce Mobile Health Services at the door steps of the rural population and interior areas. A mobile clinic will be started in each Legislative Assembly Constituency which will have necessary instruments and equipment for providing basic health services. One Doctor with her/his team will provide health services in the villages. This team will visit field after providing OPD services in the health institutions for half day. The Doctor will thus function as a family Doctor. This will be a boon for those people who do not have access to health services in the nearby areas and will also help in dealing with COVID like situation.
• In view of rising heart diseases, Cath Lab facilities which are currently available in IGMC Shimla and RPMC Tanda, will also be provided in Medical Colleges at Hamirpur and Nahan. Rs. 20 crore will be spent for the purpose.
• PET scan and Brachytherapy will be made available at RPMC, Tanda.
• PET scan and MRI facilities will be established at Nerchowk Medical College for the convenience and treatment of the cancer patients. Rs.61 crore will be spent for this purpose.
• A comprehensive Lactation Management Centre will be set up at Nerchowk Medical College, where donors’ milk will be collected, tested, preserved and made available to new born children under treatment.
• A ‘Model Primary Health Centre’ will be developed in each Health Block in 2022-23, to ensure modern health facilities as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) standards.
• At present, there are 198 ambulances under National Ambulance Services- 108 in the State. 50 new ambulances will be procured to reduce their response time at a cost of Rs. 15 crore.
• A specialised cadre of Medical Officers will be created to provide better health services in different areas of the State. Adequate posts of faculty and other categories will be filled up in the new Medical Colleges at Nahan, Chamba, Ner Chowk and Hamirpur.
• 500 new posts of Medical Officers are announced to be created.

AAYUSH

• HP Government will upgrade 100 AYUSH dispensaries as Wellness Centres in 2022-23.
• With the efforts of Indian PM, ‘Yoga’ has made its mark in the International arena and the United Nations Organization has declared 21st June as the International Yoga Day. HP Government is committed for promotion of Yoga. In this direction, male and female Yoga Instructors (Aarogya Mitras) will be engaged in Wellness Centres.

MPP AND POWER

• The State Government is paying the subsidy on account of electricity bills of domestic and agricultural consumers to the HP Electricity Board in advance. HP Government will provide 500 crore subsidy in 202223 to the Board.
• “Zero Billing” will be done for about 4,40,000 domestic consumers whose monthly electricity consumption is up to 60 units, from 1st April, 2022. In addition, cheaper electricity will also be provided at the subsidised rate of Rs. 1 per unit to 7 lakh consumers consuming between 61-125 units.
• To give relief to farmers, the electricity rate will be reduced from 50 paise per unit to 30 paise per unit. Electricity consumers will get an annual benefit of Rs.100 crore from these concessions.

To ensure quality power supply (24×7), HP Government is working on 12 additional HT schemes. An additional HT scheme will be started in 2022-23. In view of increasing load, 393 MV capacities will be added to effectively tackle the voltage problem.

To eliminate low voltage problem, 23 new schemes will be started in 2022-23 by constructing new 33/11 KV HT stations and expansion in capacity of the existing 33/11 KV HT stations, which will improve the quality of power supply.

Under ‘Mukhyamantri Roshni Yojana’, 12,765 eligible poor families have been provided free electricity connection. Under this scheme, 5000 additional families will be given connection in 2022-23.

• HP Government is committed to 100 percent replacement of wooden poles in the distribution network. In 2022-23, this work will be completed by replacing about 20,000 wooden poles with steel poles.
• Recently announced Power policy lays emphasis on making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State by 2030. HP Government has set a target to encourage construction of pump storage projects on a large scale.
• Hydro Power Projects with the capacity of 1,000 MW will be dedicated to people of the State in 2022-23.
  The work on  following 4 new Hydel Projects will be started in 2022-23 :
  • Sai Kothi-1 (15 MW)- on river Baira Nallh, tributary of Ravi (Chamba District) o Devi Kothi (16 MW)- on river Balsio Nallal, tributary of Baira Nallah (Chamba District) o Sai Kothi-II (16.5 MW)- river Baira Nallh, tributary of Ravi (Chamba District) o Hel/Hail  (18 MW) – Chamba 

• Note : The construction of these projects will be done with the help of Germany’s Development Bank KfW.

• In 2021-22, HPPTCL has completed several transmission lines at a cost of about Rs.360 crore. In 2022-23, HPPTCL has set a target to complete construction of 7 Extra High Voltage (EHV) sub-stations. In addition, 5 transmission lines with a length of 231 circuit kilometre and a Joint Control Centre will be completed at Kunihar. Rs. 645 crore will be spent on these 13 projects.
• French Development Agency (AFD) has agreed to finance the Chanju-III (Chamba district)and the DeothalChanju ( Chamba district) Hydro Electric Projects. A Credit Facility Agreement (CFA) of Rs. 800 crore has been signed between AFD and the Government of India. The tender process of both the projects will be completed soon. The construction work on both the projects will start in 2022-23.
• To improve availability and quality of electricity in Spiti, a joint venture between HP Electricity Board Limited and Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) is setting up a 2 MW capacity Solar Power Plant with 1 MWh battery storage system at Kaza, which will be commissioned in 2022-23.
• To take Grid Connected Roof Top Solar Energy to the masses and to achieve the Green Energy targets, present subsidy amount has been increased from 4,000 to Rs.6,000 per KW on these plants. This subsidy will be payable to domestic consumers.
• With an investment of Rs.600 crore, SJVNL will establish solar power plants with a capacity of 150 MW in 2022-23. These projects will generate additional employment opportunities for the youth and this will be a major initiative in the solar energy sector.

JAL SHAKTI

• 2,772 crore has been provided for Jal Shakti during 2022-23.
• HP Government has provided 8 lakh 35 thousand drinking water supply connections under ‘Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)’ since 2017. ( In comparison, only 7 lakh 63 thousand drinking water supply connections had been provided in the last 72 years).
• Till January 2022, out of 17 lakh 28 thousand rural households, 15 lakh 89 thousand families have been provided drinking water connections. By the end of 2022, domestic tap connections will be given to all rural households. About Rs. 1,500 crore will be spent under this programme in 2021-22.
• Himachal Pradesh is a first State in the entire country which has availed 4th instalment under JJM during 2021-22.
• With the help of Sensor based technology, information on availability and supply of drinking water will be made available on Real Time Basis to all the stakeholders.

Out of the existing potential for creation of Culturable Command Area (CCA)on 3.35 lakh hectare in the State, a CCA of 1.87 lakh hectare has been created. An additional 9 thousand hectare of CCA will be added and Command Area Development (CAD) will be done in 6,500 hectare of CCA in 2022-23.

At present, the action plans for irrigation sector are being implemented as per the Master Plan prepared in the decade of 80s. A new Master Plan will be prepared for the State using GIS so that effective irrigation facilities are made available to farmers at the earliest.

Following five big drinking water schemes dedicated to the public during 2022-23:-  o Kol Dam lift drinking water supply scheme for AIIMS Bilaspur and Hydro Engineer College at a cost of Rs.65 crore.  

• Drinking water supply scheme for Torkhola and other villages at a cost of Rs. 110 crore. o Drinking water augmentation scheme for 19 Panchayats of Seraj and Balichowki at a cost of Rs. 121 crore.  o Drinking water supply scheme for different villages of Kamlah and Mandap at a cost of Rs. 147 crore.
• Augmentation of drinking water supply schemes in Salooni, Manjir, Sundai in Dalhousie at a cost of Rs. 56 crore.
• Note : About 1 lakh 25 thousand people will be benefited from these five schemes.

• The following 4 Lift Irrigation Schemes will be dedicated to the public in 2022-23:- o Lift irrigation scheme for Jaribradha in Bhunter at a cost of Rs. 6 crore 11 lakh, under which 256 hectare land will be irrigated.
  • Lift irrigation scheme for Gindaur, Banogi, Babeli and Sari group of villages of Gram Panchayat Bandrol of Kullu at a cost of Rs. 9 crore 97 lakh, to cover 417 hectare of land.
  • Lift irrigation scheme for Reri Mashgan, Kullu at a cost of Rs. 2 crore 31 lakh to irrigate 93 hectare of land.
  • Lift irrigation scheme for Gram Panchayat Sikwari at a cost of Rs. 2 crore 88 lakh, to irrigate 120 hectare of land.
• Following sewage schemes will be dedicated to the public in 2022-23:— o Sewage scheme for Kala Amb at a cost of Rs. 20 crore 90 lakh.  o Sewage scheme for Trilokpur-Khairi at a cost of Rs. 14 crore 51 lakh.  o Sewage Scheme for Parwanoo Zone-I at a cost of Rs. 13 crore 88 lakh.  o Sewage scheme for Theog area at a cost of Rs. 4 crore 23 lakh.  o Sewage scheme for Kotkhai area at a cost of Rs. 2 crore 81 lakh.  o Sewage scheme for Mehatpur at a cost of Rs. 2 crore 45 lakh.
  • Sewage scheme for Sunni at a cost of Rs. 2 crore 11 lakh.
• A State Level Water Testing Laboratory will be set up in 2022-23, which will have the facility to conduct 70 types of tests as per the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Protocol of the Government of India.

ROADS & BRIDGES

• 4,373 crore has been provided for Roads and Bridges during 2022-23.
• There are about 39000 kilometre long motorable roads in HP , out of which, about 32000 kilometre of roads are metalled. The number of Gram Panchayats has increased to 3,615 as a result of re-organization of Panchayats during last year. Out of these, 3,556 Panchayats are connected with road. Out of the remaining 59 Panchayats, 20 will be connected with road in 2022-23.
• 1,500 kilometre roads will be constructed under Pradhan Mantra Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in 2022-23 of which, 300 Kilometre will be new roads and 1,200 kilometre existing road length will be upgraded. 23 bridges will be constructed under this scheme. Cross drainage will be done for 315 kilometre road length and 22 habitations will be connected with road. A proposal for construction of 45 roads with a length of 440 kilometre has been sent to Government of India under PMGSY-III. An outlay of Rs. 552 crore has been proposed for these 45 roads. Remaining DPRs will also be sent to the Government of India by June, 2023, for approval.

At present, there is 2,592 kilometre of National Highway Road length, out of which, 1,238 kilometre of National Highways are with Public Works Department. During 2022-23, periodic maintenance work will be carried out on 110 kilometre road length of National Highways with an outlay of around Rs. 700 crore.

A target of 180 kilometre new roads, 235 Kilometre cross drainage, metalling of 395 kilometre roads and construction of 25 bridges has been fixed for 2022-23 under RIDF (Rural infrastructure Development Fund) of NABARD.

Identified Black Spots will be made safe on 60 kilometre roads in 2022-23 so as to minimize possibility of accidents at these identified places.

• Following policy interventions are proposed for 2022-23:— o Present time limit of 5 and 6 years for periodical maintenance of roads, connecting important tourist places, will be reduced to 3 years, so that more tourists are attracted to these places. Rs.350 crore will be spent for this purpose.
  • At least 20 percent maintenance budget will be spent to fill potholes after Defect Liability Period.
  • Wherever relaying of roads is required during repair or upgradation, extirpation will be done using modern techniques. Extirpated material will be recycled and used in order to reduce time and cost of the work.
  • Geo-synthetic material technique will be used to enhance age and quality of roads. o A new effective material Calcium Chloride Brine will be used to minimize skidding and accident of vehicles during snowfall.
  • Work relating to Cross-Drainage and Culverts with an outlay of Rs.25 crore will be done under the Himachal Pradesh Road Upgradation Program.
• The targets fixed for 2022-23 are summarized as below: o Construction of 1,060 Kilometre long motorable roads. o Metalling of 2,065 Kilometre roads.  o Cross drainage on 990 Kilometre roads.  o Construction of 75 bridges.  o Connecting 20 Panchayats, 80 villages and 22 habitations with road.  
  • Periodic maintenance of 2 thousand 200 Kilometre roads.

• Note : With the achievement of these targets, motorable road length in the State will be more than 40 thousand kilometre and metalled road length will increase to 34 thousand kilometre.

INDUSTRIES/ PRIVATE INVESTMENT

• ‘Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana’ has emerged as a popular scheme for employment generation. Under this scheme, over 5000 cases have been approved by the banks with an investment of Rs. 457 crore.
• 8000 youth have got employment in 2, 800 enterprises under the scheme. Subsidy has been increased to 35 percent for all women and to 30 percent to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Divyangjan beneficiaries, under the scheme.
• To provide developed plots to the beneficiaries under the scheme, “Mukhyamantri Swavlamban Park” will be established in district Kangra on a pilot basis, in which plots and sheds up to 250 square meters will be developed.
• ‘Industrial Investment Policy-2019’ has been very favourable for industrial development, especially for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is now extended from December, 2022 to December, 2025.
• ‘Medical Device Park’ at Nalagarh has been approved by the Union Government in favour of Himachal Pradesh. Work will start on this Park in 2022-23. With its development, the country’s dependence on imports will be reduced and an investment of Rs. 5,000 crore will be made with the employment potential of 10 thousand people. Rs.332 crore will be spent by the Government on the Park. 

TRANSPORT

• HP Government has successfully simplified tax structure in the transport sector. In 2022-23, these taxes will be rationalized keeping in view the tax structure of neighbouring States.
• To reduce roads accidents and for vehicular and passenger safety, every RTO will be provided with Interceptor Electric Vehicles equipped with Alcohol Sensor, Speed Radar, Crash Investigation Lab and eChallan system. Body Worn Cameras will also be made available for officials in these vehicles.
• Almost all services except Learner’s License are being made available online through E-transport system by HP Government. In 2022-23, this facility will also be integrated in the E-transport system.

The criteria set for passing of roads built in rural areas will be reviewed and separate guidelines for small four wheelers and small buses will be issued.

Presently, there are no guidelines for registration of ambulances. Amendments will be made in the relevant provisions so that ambulances are registered so to ensure their periodic maintenance on the basis of established parameters.

• 220 new buses will be added in the fleet of HRTC in April, 2022. In 2022-23, additional 200 new buses will be purchased, out of which 50 small electric buses will be purchased under Smart City Mission.
• After completing construction of 7 bus stands in 2021-22, construction work on 8 more bus stands in Theog, Bhanjradoo, Barchwad, Haripur Dehra, Thunag, Bangana, Nadaun and Janjehli will also be completed in 2022-23.
• NITI Aayog had selected HP as a ‘Light House State’ for framing an Electric Vehicles Policy. State Government has approved the Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021. To boost this sector, an Electric Vehicles and EV Component Manufacturing Park will be set up in the State, with the assistance of Government of India.

TOURISM

• HP Government has made strenuous efforts to get approved the Asian Development Bank assisted Rs. 2 thousand 95 crore Project for Development of Tourism Infrastructure in the State. This project will be implemented in two phases at the cost of Rs. 1 thousand crore and Rs. 1 thousand 95 crore, respectively. Beautification of towns, conservation of heritage buildings, construction of heliports, eco-tourism, water sports Wellness Centres, Buddhist Circuits, tourism infrastructure, training of youth etc. will be undertaken in both phases of the project. In 2022-23, the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) would be prepared and tenders will be invited for the same. These will include Convention Centre at Dharamshala, beautification of Palampur, Shiv Dham Phase-II, beautification of Baba Balak Nath temple, Wellness Centre at Jhatingri, Kalpa, Renuka Ji
• In the last 4 years, HP Government has initiated several new efforts in the tourism sector. The CM Jairam

Thakur has announced completion of following works in 2022-23:-  o Convention Centre at Kiarighat.  o Light and sound show at Town Hall, Shimla.  o Upgradation of Food & Craft Institute (FCI) Dharamsala to Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) level.

• In 2022-23, Rs. 50 crore will be spent under the ‘Nai Rahein Nai Manzilen’ Shiv Dham in Mandi, Water Sports in Larji and Tattapani, Paragliding in Bir Billing and Chanshal will be covered under the scheme.
• To attract more domestic and foreign tourists to the State, new initiatives will be undertaken with the participation of the private sector, which include the following:— o Promotion of caravan tourism for new tourist destinations.  o Linking traditional Kathkuni style architecture sites to various tourist circuits.  o Linking Art Gallery in Kangra with tourist circuit.  o To propagate historical heritage, develop historical forts of the State as tourist attractions.  
  • Develop mountain biking tracks.  

• The ‘Interest Subvention Scheme’ for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector will be continued in 2022-23.

FOREST CONSERVATION AND FOREST BASED LIVELIHOODS

• A target to attain 30 percent forest cover in the State by 2030 has been fixed under the Sustainable Development Goals Framework. Plantations will be done on 15 thousand hectare in 2022-23, to achieve the target.
• 20 Nature trails based on Himalayan Flora and Foliage will be developed to promote Eco-tourism.
• Check dams are being constructed at 125 places at a cost of Rs.25 crore to stop soil degradation and retain moisture. In 2022-23, it is proposed to develop these reservoirs from the point of view of promoting Eco Tourism.
• Chir Pine Forests provide limited economic value to local communities. In 2022-23, chir forest on 50 hectare would be replaced with broad leaf species with community participation. These would provide fodder for animals and will help in reducing incidence of forest fires and check land degradation.

The forest department will undertake the following works under the ongoing three Externally Aided Projects:-  

Livelihoods related and developmental activities would be undertaken in 260 Panchayats in 6 districts viz. Bilaspur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Mandi and Shimla at a cost of Rs. 50 crore.  

• Water conservation and management works worth Rs. 100 crore would be initiated in 428 Gram Panchayats.
• Water Recharge Zones would be improved using springshed approach at a cost of Rs. 40 crore in Kangra and Chamba Lantana ( a weed) will be removed from 500 hectare land using Cut Root Stock (CRS) technique and useful and viable species will be planted on this land.
• In 2022-23, 63 lakh man-days will be generated through afforestation, soil conservation, water storage and Eco tourism works of the department at a cost of Rs. 200 crore.

ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• In the 26th Climate Change Summit (COP-26) at Glasgow, held under the auspices of the United Nations, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had given the ‘Mantra’ of ‘Panchamrit’. He outlined India’s commitment to take its non-fossil fuel capacity to 50 GW and meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
• HP Government is committed to make all efforts to ensure that 100 percent of its energy requirement is met through renewable energy and green energy. This will make Himachal Pradesh the first Green State and also with this certification, the goods manufactured within the State will fetch good prices in the national and international markets. Asper the CM Jairam Thakur, HP Government will try to achieve this target at an early date.
• It is proposed to initiate a Green-e-Mobility Programme for Shimla-Solan National Highway with bilateral external funding. The programme envisages a Transport Management system with focus on Charging Station Network and E-battery replacement.
• To tackle Plastic Waste menace effectively and to have a robust value chain management, an Extended Producer Responsibility Help Desk would be established.
• A Rain Water Harvesting Policy would be prepared with the assistance of GIZ, an Institution of German Government, in 2022-23. Demonstration Models based on the policy would be developed to assist 1,000 small and marginal farmers.
• Local Products like Red Rice, Kinnaur apple, Sepubadi of Mandi, Himachali cap, Sirmaur Loiya, Himachali Dham, Thachi (Mandi) Metal craft, Himachali Musical Instruments and Kinnaur Jewellery would be registered under the Geographical Indication Act, 1999. The Govt is makin efforts in this direction.
• An Integrated Solid Waste Management online monitoring portal will be developed in 2022-23, which will ensure effective monitoring of the applications and early approvals thereof.
• New Regional Offices of Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board will be established in Mandi and Una to improve the efficacy of Board operations. The Laboratories of the Board at Shimla and Paonta Sahib will be accredited with National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) to improve quality in testing.
• 14 new Monitoring Stations will be set up in 2022-23 on various rivers and their tributaries to monitor their water quality.

DIGITIZATION

• There is a huge potential for using drones in the fields of health, forest conservation, land survey, agriculture and horticulture, disaster management, mining etc.
• A new scheme “Governance and Reforms Using Drones (GARUD)” based on four pillars namely – Droneenabled Governance, Drone Mahotsav and Melas, Enabling framework for Promoting Drones and Drone Flying Training Schools is launched.
• Four Flying Schools will be set up in Himachal for drone training in 2022-23. Government officials and the youth of the Pradesh will get training in these schools which would help create employment opportunities.
• In 2022-23, following steps will be taken to make Governance more effective:-
  All beneficiaries in aabadi-deh areas will be conferred with the land ownership under ‘Swamitva’ scheme started in Hamirpur district on a pilot basis.
  The number of services being provided through e-district portal will be increased from 96 to 150.  

• A digital library will be established with online availability of study material to facilitate students preparing for competitive exams.
• Voucher based e-RUPI services will be introduced to check pilferage in implementation of various Government schemes.
• Trekkers Information Portal will be developed to provide better facilities to trekkers and to ensure their safety.
• WiFi hotspots will be set up in 10 public places comprising health institutions and tourist places.
• Litigation Monitoring System (LMS) will be integrated with the online portal of Himachal Pradesh High Court so that the updated status of cases can be viewed through LMS portal.
• Family Register Database will be updated for effective implementation of Government schemes.
• The process of providing relief to needy and affected persons will be automated with the help of a website and a mobile App, for quick disbursal of financial assistance from the Relief Fund.
• The CM Jairam Thakur has announced to upgrade the existing State Data Centre to meet the increasing digitization demand of Government schemes. Rs.38 crore will be spent on this.

REVENUE AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

• National Generic Document System is being implemented in all districts of the Pradesh. This system will be integrated with Treasury and Land Records under the One Nation – One Registration System, announced in 2022-23 Union Budget to make it more robust and user friendly.
• Landslide Early Warning System will be started in Kinnaur with the help of Geological Survey of India (GSI). Subsequently, this system will be started in other sensitive districts also in a phased manner. A detailed project report will be sent to National Disaster Management Authority for funding.
• Under the ‘Aapda Mitra Scheme’ of the Government of India, 1500 Saamudayik Swayamsevaks will be trained.

REVENUE RESOURCES

• Covid-19 adversely affected both national and the Pradesh economy. The tax revenues of the State too were adversely affected. Due to efforts of the state Government and with removal of lockdown restrictions, there has been buoyancy in tax revenue which is a positive sign.
• 15 percent increase in tax revenues in 2022-23 is estimated against the 2021-22. 

STATE TAXES AND EXCISE

• To curb ill-effects and misuse of drugs, the enforcement function of the Excise Department will be strengthened by providing necessary force.
• For effective implementation of Himachal Pradesh Integrated Nasha Nivaran and Drugs Policy and related activities, a Nasha Nivaran Cell will be established in the State Taxes and Excise Department to ensure better coordination between various Departments, Boards and Institutions.
• Keeping in view the success and popularity of ‘Tax Haat’ announced by HP Government, the Chief Minister has announced the creation of GST Training Cell to simplify and strengthen the GST collection system. Departmental officers and officials will be imparted training through this Cell.
• An IT based dedicated system will be provided in the State Taxes and Excise Department to facilitate tax payers. This will help dealers and business community with respect to GST compliances.
• It is announced to start a mobile app to verify quality of liquor in order to stop repetition of recent hooch tragedy. Valid source of liquor can be known by scanning the hologram on the bottle through this mobile app.
• To promote the cause of Gausewa, additional cess of Re.1 will be levied on each bottle of liquor sold. 

LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

learning from the COVID experience, HP Government will organize online employment fairs. In 2022-23, 9 job fairs and 120 campus interviews will be conducted. The digitization of registration in all the employment offices will also be completed.

HOME & LAW AND ORDER

• The CM Jairam Thakur has announced the setting up of a Command and Control Centre in each district headquarters to trace and prevent crimes. Effective surveillance will be done through these centres using CCTV and Integrated Traffic Management System. These centres will help to prevent illegal mining, reduce liquor smuggling and drug trafficking and boost surveillance in border areas. Rs.7 crore will be spent for this.
• Presently, there is only one cyber police station at the Police Headquarters, Shimla to deal with cyber crimes. Two new cyber crime police stations will be opened at the Range Headquarters in Dharamshala and Mandi.  
• Last year, HP Government had introduced ‘Himachal Pradesh Loktantra Prahari Samman Rashi’ for the persons who were detained in prisons and police stations for political and social reasons under the MISA/DIR/CrPC during the emergency (1975). Samman Rashi is being granted at the rate of 8000 per month to the persons detained or imprisoned for one to fifteen days and Rs. 12000 for those detained for more than 15 days. The CM Jairam Thakur has announced to increase this Samman Rashi to Rs. 12000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively.
• 50 crore will be spent to improve infrastructure of Police Housing, Police Posts, Police Stations, other Police infrastructure including training facilities, State Disaster Response Forces facilities and for the purchase of modern equipment.
• The CM Jairam Thakur has announced the opening of 4 new Fire Sub Stations and upgradation of 5 Fire Posts to the level of Sub Fire Stations to provide quick assistance in case of fire accidents in the far flung areas of the State.
• CM Jairam Thakur has announced the Daily allowance for Home Guards while on tour outside district and State . It is also announced to increase the rank allowance of various officers and employees of Home Guard Department.

LANGUAGE, ART & CULTURE

• India is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsva on completion of 75 years of independence. HP Govt has shortlisted 75 villages with distinct features in the State. A big plan will be rolled out to bring these villages on the cultural map of the country. This will bring rich heritage of these villages and State to the knowledge of country and world. Small documentaries, books and other advertising material will be brought out highlighting cultural, historical and natural features of these villages.
• The Government had announced cultural policy in 2021. It is also announced to establish a Cultural Fund of Rs. 2 crore in order to achieve announced targets under this policy.
• The CM Jairam Thakur has announced to start ‘Lata Mangeshkar Music College’ in the State as a tribute to ‘Swar Kokila’ Lata Mangeshkar.
• A ‘Lata Mangeshkar Smriti Rajya Samman’ will be started as a tribute to Swar Kokila Bharat Rattan Lata Mangeshkar . This award will be given for contribution in the field of folk singing every year.
• Renovation work of Bantony Castle at Shimla is in final stages. It will very soon be dedicated to the public as a special tourist attraction to showcase history, art and culture of Shimla town.
• A detailed plan has been prepared to re-establish submerged temples in Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur. This plan with an outlay of Rs.1400 crore will be sent to International Agencies for funding.
• Construction work of multipurpose cultural centre at Kullu with an outlay of around Rs. 20 crore is complete. The cultural centre in Una has been dedicated to the public. Construction work of other centres at Bilaspur, Mandi and Solan is in final stages. These will be completed in 2022-23 with an outlay of Rs.22 crore. The work on Cultural Centres in Chamba and Nahan will also be speeded up.
• The State Government, with the assistance of the Culture Ministry, Government of India will set up, ‘Bhartiya Bodh Darshan Sansthan’ at a cost of 100 crore in Tabo, Spiti. 7.87 hectare land has been transferred for the Sansthan. The construction will start in 2022-23.

YOUTH AND SPORTS SERVICES

• The CM Jairam Thakur has announced the constitution of a State level committee to explore possibilities for establishing a State Sports Institute to encourage sports.
• A three tier sports Mahakumbh will be organized in the State with the active cooperation of MPs and MLAs. Cricket, Kabaddi, Athletics, Volleyball, Basketball and Wrestling competitions will be organized to identify sports talent at grass root level.
• The CM Jairam Thakur has announced to dedicate following indoor and outdoor sports complexes in 2022-23 to public:-
  • Pre-fabricated multipurpose hall in Nurpur (Kangra).
  • Indoor stadium in Janjheli (Mandi).
  • Multipurpose hall in Government College Bangana ( Una).
  • Hockey Astroturf Field in Majra (Sirmaur).
  • 8 lane 400 meter Synthetic Track at Sarswatinagar (Shimla district).
  • Construction of Indoor Stadium at Tandakholi, District Kangra with a cost of Rs.10 crore will commence.
  • Note : Expenditure of Rs. 20 crore will be made on these works.

• The capacity of the Voluntary Youth clubs and the youth will be enhanced to encourage talent. Three best Yuva Mandals will be felicitated annually by awarding the cash prize of Rs. 51000, Rs.31000 and Rs. 21000
• It is announced to increase the diet money given to youth participating in sports competitions at various levels and in sports camps from 120 to Rs. 240 per day in case of participation within State and from Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 per day in case of participation outside the State.

TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT

• Considerable tribal population resides outside the tribal areas in HP. The CM Jairam Thakur has announced an Action Plan will be drawn up for the welfare of this population living outside tribal areas.
• Government of India has announced the Vibrant Villages Programme for integrated development of border regions of the North. HP Govt will prepare an effective Action Plan for development of the border areas of the State for approval of the Government of India in 2022-23.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION

• Himachal Pradesh has very limited scope for expanding transportation facilities due to its land locked hilly terrain. HP Government, with the assistance of Government of India, has made strenuous efforts to change this scenario in the last few years. Government of India, has allocated 1 thousand 868 crore for Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri rail line, Rs. 335 crore for Nangal Talwara rail line and Rs.450 crore for BaddiChandigarh rail line in the Union Budget of 2022-23. These allocations will speed up construction of above rail lines. HP Government is fully committed to provide State’s share.
• With the efforts of HP Government, Railway Ministry will prepare DPR of the Paonta Sahib-Jagadhari rail line after its survey. In addition, Government of India and Himachal Pradesh will take steps to determine the cost sharing of the Una-Hamirpur rail line.
• The ‘Parvatmala–National Ropeways Development Programme’ announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 will be beneficial for Himachal Pradesh. Under this programme, ropeways construction with private participation will become a viable alternative to road transport, which will facilitate tourism and regular traffic. HP Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of India for construction of 4 ropeways in the State.
• Due to the efforts of HP Government, NABARD and Government of India have accorded approval to ropeway construction under NABARD funded Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). A detailed plan will be prepared for construction of ropeways under this window. The under construction Baglamukhi ropeway will be dedicated to the public in 2022-23.
• It is due to the continuous efforts of HP Government that Airports Authority of India has given technical clearance for a Greenfield Airport at Balh. This Airport will have facilities and equipment for night landing and also for landing of large planes like the Airbus 320. After signing the MoU with the Airport Authority of India, the land acquisition process will be started soon.

• 2000 crore will be spent in the Budget for alternative transport modes in 2022-23.

HOUSING

• Last Year (2020-21 budget), ‘Swarna Jayanti Ashray Yojana’ was launched to dispose off all the eligible applications of Scheduled Caste category for housing assistance. 22 thousand beneficiaries including other categories have been covered under various housing schemes in last 2 years on which Rs.300 crore have been spent. These include beneficiaries in tribal areas and Scheduled Tribes living outside tribal areas.
• Further, 12 thousand 769 beneficiaries will be provided housing in 2022-23. The scheme wise target is as follows:— o 1 thousand 533 houses under ‘Mukhyamantri Awaas Yojana’. o 1 thousand 262 houses under ‘Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Rural)’.  o 2 thousand 346 houses under ‘Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Urban)’.
  • 7 thousand 628 houses under Swaran Jayanti Ashray Yojana to clear pending applications.

RECRUITMENTS

• HP Government has been committed to fill-up functional posts in various departments. Necessary steps in this direction will be taken next year also. These include different posts in Health Department as Specialist Doctors, Doctors, Nurses, Radiographers, OT Assistants, Lab Technicians, Dental Hygienists, Pharmacists, MRI Technicians, ECG Technicians and other Technicians, new positions of 780 Asha Workers, 437 Asha Facilitators and 870 Community Health Officers. 264 posts under National Health Mission will also be filled up. Process to fill up adequate posts of faculty Doctors and other categories will be started in new Medical Colleges at Hamirpur, Nahan, Chamba and Nerchowk.
• In addition, functional posts in various departments will be filled up. Para Fitters, Pump Operators and Multi Task Part Time Workers etc in Jal Shakti Department will be recruited. Various posts of Teachers in Education department, Police Constables, Technical posts of Lineman and Junior TMate in HPSEB, Drivers and Conductors in HRTC, posts in Revenue Department, Doctors and other staff of Animal Husbandry department, staff for Urban Local Bodies, posts of Panchayat Secretary, Technical Assistant and Gram Rozgar Sahayak in Panchayati Raj department, Clerks, JOA (IT) in various departments, Teachers and Instructors of Technical Education Department and class-IV employees in various departments will be filled up. In the coming year, the recruitment of Multitask Workers in Education and PWD will be completed. Recruitment of Home Guards has not taken place for several years. Our Government has decided to undertake necessary recruitment of Home Guards in the coming year. Employment opportunities for 30 thousand persons will be created in 2022-23. 

EMPLOYEE WELFARE/ UNORGANISED WORKERS

• Is is announced to provide Rs. 37 crore for maintenance and Rs. 35 crore for construction of Government houses in 2022-23.
• Government of India has started the ‘Atal Pension Yojana’ for workers in the unorganised sectors under which a guaranteed pension of up to 5,000 per month, after the age of 60 years, is assured, depending on the person’s contribution amount. Presently, under this scheme more than 1 lakh people are associated in the State. State Government will provide Government contribution of Rs. 15 crore to workers, housewives, farmers, horticulturists, traders and self-employed youth subscribers in 2021-22. The Government is presently providing a contribution of up to Rs. 2000 per annum under this scheme.
• HP Government will ensure that all the para workers of various departments are also linked to this scheme in the coming year. The CM Jairam Thakur has announced to increase the State Government cocontribution limit from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 per annum to encourage such persons in the unorganised sector to subscribe to the Atal Pension Yojana and also announce the extension of Government contribution under the Yojana to existing and new beneficiaries till 31-03-2023, which will benefit over 1.5 lakh persons. This will provide a boost to the efforts of the State Government to achieve the cherished goal of Universal Social Security.
• It has been made mandatory to give a pay slip to each outsourced worker. In this pay slip, the service provider will have to give in writing all deductions like EPF etc. HP Government will ensure compliance of these guidelines through the Labour Department.
• During COVID period, Para workers along with employees of various departments have rendered services in line with the Government Policy and initiatives. HP Government is fully committed towards their welfare and has increased their honorarium significantly in the four budgets. Following proposal have been made for 2022-23:—
• With an increase of Rs. 1,700 per month, Anganwari Workers will get Rs. 9,000 per month
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Mini Anganwari Workers will get Rs. 6,100 per month
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Anganwari Sahayikas will get Rs. 4,700 per month honorarium.
• With an increase of Rs. 1,825 per month, Asha Workers will get Rs. 4,700 per month
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Silai Teachers will get Rs. 7,950 per month honorarium.
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Mid-Day Meal Workers will get Rs. 3,500 per month honorarium.
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Jal Rakshak (Education Department) will get Rs. 3,900 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Water Guards will get Rs. 4,500 per month honorarium.
• With the increase of Rs. 900 per month, the recently appointed Multi-Purpose Workers of Jal Shakti Vibhag will get Rs. 3,900 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Para Fitters and Pump Operators will get Rs. 5,500 per month.
• Daily wagers will get Rs. 350 per day with an increase of Rs. 50.
• Outsourced worker will get minimum of Rs. 10,500 per month.
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Panchayat Chowkidar will get Rs. 6,500 per month
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Revenue Chowkidars will get Rs. 5,000 per month
• With an increase of Rs. 900 per month, Revenue Lambardaar will get Rs. 3,200 per month
• 1,000 per month will be increased in the honorarium of SMC teachers and their services will continue as they are. A policy related to services of these teachers will be considered.
• The IT teachers will get an increase of Rs. 1,000 per month.
• Special Police Officer (SPOs) will get an increase of Rs. 900 per month.

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