HP Economic Survey 2021-22
HIMACHAL PRADESH ECONOMIC SURVEY 2021-22
- Economic Survey 2021-22 reviews the developments in the Himachal Pradesh economy over the previous 12 months (or 2020-21 financial year).
- Like previous years, this year’s economic survey of HP contains 2 parts : Part-I contains the salient features of the State Economy of Himachal Pradesh during 2019-20 and Part–II contains statistical Tables on various subjects.
WHO PREPARES ECONOMIC SURVEY OF HP?
It is prepared by the Department of Economic and Statistics, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
WHO PREPARES ECONOMIC SURVEY OF INDIA?
The Economic Survey of India is the flagship annual document of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance presents the Survey in the Parliament every year, just before the Union Budget. It is prepared under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser of India.
WHO PRESENTED ECONOMIC SURVEY OF HP 2020-21 ? - It is presented in the legislative assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of HP on 3 March 2022 (Budget session) by CM Jairam
Thakur. Note : it was tabled one day before the presentation of “HP Budget 2022-23” on 4th March 2022’).
IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES RELATED TO ECONOMIC SURVEY OF HP :
a) Prabodh Saxena : IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance, Planning, Economics & Statistics) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
b) Dr. Vinod Kumar : Economic Adviser, Government of Himachal Pradesh. - THIS YEAR’S ECONOMIC SURVEY CONTAINS TOTAL 16 CHAPTERS
CHAPTER 1 & 2 GENERAL REVIEW & STATE ECONOMY, PUBLIC FINANCE AND TAXATION
Covid vaccine : Over the course of a year, India delivered 173.86 Crore doses that covered 90.6 Crore people with at least one dose and 74.5 Crore with both doses (as on 16th February, 2022).
-Economic Situation at National Level
- The growth of real GDP has been high with average growth rate of 6.4 per cent in the last 4 years.
- The Indian economy showed a contraction of 6.6 per cent in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic, when compared to the previous year 2019-20.
- The GDP at constant (2011-12) prices or real GDP for the year 2020-21 is estimated at ₹135.58 lakh crore as against ₹145.16 lakh crore in 2019-20 with a contraction of 6.6 per cent.
- The GDP at current prices or nominal GDP for 2020-21 is estimated at ₹198.01 lakh crore as against ₹200.75 lakh crore in the year 2019-20, showing a contraction of 1.4 per cent during 2020-21.
- The Gross Value Added (GVA) at constant basic prices witnessed a contraction of 4.8 per cent during 2020-21 against the growth rate of 3.8 per cent in the year 2019-20.
- Advance estimates suggest that the Indian economy is expected to witness real GDP expansion of 9.2 per cent in 2021-22 after contraction in 2020-21. This implies that overall economic activity has recovered beyond the pre-pandemic levels.
- Agriculture and allied sectors were the least impacted by the pandemic and this sector is expected to grow by 3.9 per cent in 2021-22 after growing 3.6 per cent in the previous year.
- Estimates suggest that the GVA of Industry (including mining and construction) will rise by 11.8 per cent in 2021-22 after contracting by 7 per cent in 2020-21.
- The Services sector was the hardest hit by the pandemic, especially segments that involve human contact. This sector is estimated to grow by 8.2 per cent this financial year following last year‘s 8.4 per cent contraction.
- Per Capita Net National Income at current prices in 2020-21 : ` ₹ 1,26,855 (recording a decrease of 4.0 per cent).
- Per Capita Net National Income at current prices in 2019-20 : ₹ 1,32,115
- The estimation of per capita income in real terms i.e. at constant (2011-12) prices for 2020-21: ₹ 85,110 (decrease of 9.7 per cent)
- The per capita income in real terms i.e. at constant (2011-12) prices for 2019-20 : ₹ 94,270.
- Wholesale inflation, based on WPI, after remaining benign during the previous financial years, saw a sharp uptick to 12.5 per cent during 2021-22 (April-December).
-Economic Situation in Himachal Pradesh
- During 2020-21 the state economy contracted by 5.2 per cent due to COVID-19 pandemic but as per current estimates is expected to grow by 8.3 per cent during 2021-22.
Prospects- 2021-22
- As per the advance estimates based on the economic performance of State up-to December 2021, the economic growth rate of State during 2021-22 is likely to be 8.3 per cent showing a sharp recovery after COVID-19 pandemic. The State achieved a growth of (-) 5.2 per cent in 2020-21 (FRE) and 4.1 per cent in 2019-20 (SRE). As per Advance Estimate (AE) GSDP at current prices in the year 2021-22 is likely to be about ₹1,75,173 crore.
Estimates of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at Constant (2011-12) Prices
- The GSDP of HP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2020-21 (FRE) : ₹1,14,814 crore (a growth of (-) 5.2 per cent)
- The GSDP of HP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2019-20 (SRE) : ₹1,21,168 crore HP vs India :
- Above data indicates a growth of minus (-) 5.2 per cent in HP GSDP 2020-21 • India GDP growth rate is minus (-) 6.6 per cent for 2020-21.
The decrease in Gross State Domestic Product at constant prices is mainly attributed to :
12.0 per cent decrease in primary sector, o 6.6 per cent decrease in secondary sector o 10.6 per cent decrease in transport, communication, trade hotel and restaurants sector.
- Only two sectors electricity, gas and water supply and community and personal services, registered a positive growth of 4.5 and 5.1 per cent, respectively.
- Finance and real estate sector decreased by 1.9 per cent, transport and trade increased by 4.6 per cent, manufacturing sector by 0.3 per cent, construction by 3.1 per cent, electricity, gas and water supply decreased by 4.6 per cent.
- The food grain production, which was 15.94 lakh metric tonnes (MT) during 2019-20 decreased to 15.28 lakh MT in 2020-21 and is anticipated to grow to 16.75 lakh MT in 2021-22.
- Fruit production decreased to 6.24 lakh MT in 2020-21 as against 8.45 lakh MT in 2019-20, showing a decrease of 26.15 per cent in 2020-21. The fruit production during 2021-22 (up to December, 2022) is 6.98 lakh MT.
Estimates of GSDP at Current Prices
- The GSDP for the year 2020-21 (FRE) at current prices : ₹1,56,675 crore (decrease of 1.6 % from previous year)
- The GSDP for the year 2019-20 (SRE) at current prices : ₹1,59,162 crore.
- Note : The estimates of GVA (Gross Value Added ) at current basic prices for the year 2020-21 is ₹1,46,241 crore as against ₹ 1,49,201 crore for 2019 – 20.
PER CAPITA INCOME
- Per Capita Income at current prices during 2020-21 (FRE) = ` ₹ 1,83,333 (contraction or growth of minus (-) 1.3 Percent)
- Per Capita Income at current prices during 2019-20 (SRE) = ` ₹1,85,728
- Per Capita Income at constant (2011-12) prices during 2020-21 (FRE) = ` ₹ 1,33,079 (contraction or growth of minus () 5.0 Percent)
- Per Capita Income at constant (2011-12) prices during 2019-20 (SRE) = ` ₹ 1,40,048
- Note : According to advance estimates, the Per Capita Income at current prices for 2021-22 is estimated at ₹2,01,854 against ₹1,83,333 in 2020-21 showing a growth of 10.1 per cent.
SECTOR WISE CONTRIBUTION-
- 2020-21 (FRE) GVA contribution at current prices sector wise :
- Agriculture & Allied activities (Primary sector) – 13.61 % o Secondary Sector- 41.71% o Services (Tertiary sector) – 44.68%
| PRIMARY SECTOR | SECONDRY SECTOR | TERTIARY SECTOR |
Gowth registered in :
|
As per FRE for 2020-21 at constant (2011-12) prices, the GVA of the secondary sector is estimated at ₹49,610 crore against ₹53,137 crore, for 2019-20 (SRE) registering growth of (-) 6.6 per cent over the previous year. Gowth registered in : Manufacturing : (-) 7.3 % |
This sector registered growth of (-) 2.1 per cent in 2020-21 (FRE) over the previous year.
|
-Shift from agriculture sector to industries and services :
- The economic growth in the State is still governed by agriculture activities.
- The percentage contribution of agriculture in total State Domestic Product has declined from 57.9 per cent in 1950-51 to 55.5 per cent in 1967-68, 26.5 per cent in 1990-91 and 9.64 per cent in 2020-21.
- The share of industries and services sectors which was 1.1 & 5.9 per cent respectively in 1950-51 increased to 28.9 and 44.7 per cent in 2020-21.
- However, the contribution of remaining sectors declined from 35.1 per cent in 1950-51 to 26.4 per cent in 2020-21.
- NOTE : The declining share of agriculture sector do not, however, affect the importance of this sector in the State economy as the growth in primary sector of the State economy is still determined by the trend in agriculture and horticulture production. It is one of the major contributors to the total domestic product and has overall impact on other sectors via input linkages, employment, trade and transportation etc. Due to lack of irrigation facilities, our agricultural production to a large extent still depends on timely rainfall and weather conditions. High priority has been accorded to this sector by the Government.HORTICULTURE :
- During 2021-22, 1,549 hectares of additional area was planned to be brought under fruit plants against which 1,932 hectares of area has already been brought under plantation and 5.35 lakh fruit plants of different species were also distributed up to December, 2021.
- Growing of off-season vegetables has also picked up in the State. During 2020-21, 18.67 lakh tonnes of vegetables were produced as against 18.61 lakh tonnes in 2019-20. The production of vegetables will be about 18.50 lakh tonnes in 2021-22.TOURISM
- Tourism is an important source of revenue generation and a generator of diverse employment opportunities.
- A significant rise was noticed in the domestic as well as foreign tourist inflow during the last few years but due to impact of COVID-19, there was a sharp decrease of 81 per cent in tourist arrivals in 2020. However, on the positive side, there is an increase of 75.44 per cent in tourist inflow upto December 2021, as compared to the previous year.
| Year | Indian | Foreigners | Total |
| 2019 | 168.29 | 3.83 | 172.12 |
| 2020 | 31.70 | 0.43 | 32.13 |
| 2021(Up to Dec, 2021) | 56.32 | 0.05 | 56.37 |
OTHER IMPORTANT FACTS :
- Containment of prices is a priority for the Government. Consumer Price Index inflation in Himachal Pradesh during 2021-22 (April to Dec. 2021) was 5.1 per cent.
- Smaller hydro projects (up to 2 MW) have been reserved for investors from Himachal Pradesh only and preference is given for projects up to 5 MW.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
- The priority of the Government has always been to implement social welfare programmes. Concerted efforts have been made to improve the efficiency and quality of delivery of public services.
- Some of the major public welfare schemes implemented are:-
SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME (Old age pension Scheme) :
- There are 6.35 lakh social security pensioners in the State under social security pension scheme.
- Additionally 1,95,003 new pension cases have been approved by the present Government.
- The State Government in its first cabinet meeting on 27th December, 2017, reduced the age limit for getting old age pension from 80 years to 70 years without any income limit. This Pension is being provided to 3,07,000 old people above 70 years.
- The pension for the elderly aged : o 60 to 69 years : it was increased from ₹ 700 to ₹ 850 per month (whose annual income is below ₹ 35000 per annum). o 70 years and above: it was increased from ₹1,250 to ₹1,500 per month (to everyone without any income criteria).
JAN MANCH YOJNA:
- Aims to improve transparency and good governance, it was started on 3rd June, 2018 with the objective to establish a direct dialogue with the public and provide on the spot redressal to their grievances. A total of 232 Jan Manchs have been organised till November, 2021 and of the 53,665 grievances received, 93 per cent have been resolved.
- Ministers of the State Government regularly organize “Jan Manch” in remote areas of every district to solve the problems of the people at the spot. The officers of all departments remain present to facilitate decision making and grievance redressal.” Hence Janmanch envisages a high level grievance redressal mechanism that improves upon similar initiatives tried earlier like ‘files to field’ and ‘Sarkar Janta ke Dwar Par’
MUKHYAMANTRI SEVA SANKLAP HELPLINE (Dial 1100):
- A toll free facility was introduced to address problems of people & talk to CM on mobile phone and by e-mail to CM via Mail ID cmoffice-hp@gov.in.
- Complaints are received through e-mail or service resolution from 7 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday, in the call centre helpline located in Shimla. A total of 3.21 lakh grievances were received and 86 %resolved under this helpline.
SWARNA JAYANTI NARI SAMBAL YOJANA:
- A higher social security pension of ₹ 1000 per month is provided to women of age between 65-69 years. • 39,641 women have been benefitted under the scheme.
PRADHANMANTRI UJJWALA YOJANA
- The objective of this scheme is to provide free gas connection to BPL families and safeguard the health of women & children by providing them with a clean cooking fuel-liquefied petroleum gas. 1.36 lakh families were provided free gas connections by spending ₹21.86 crore.
“HIMACHAL GRIHANI SUVIDHA YOJNA” :
- The yojana aims to empower women and protect environment by providing clean and smoke free fuel to the eligible families of the State who could not be included in Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Under the scheme, 3.24 lakh families were provided free connections out of which 2.39 lakh beneficiaries were given an extra gas refill. Total ₹119.90 crore has been spent.
- The state government of Himachal Pradesh declared that it’s the first state in the country to have 100% LPG gas coverage.What is the Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana?
- The Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana is a scheme to provide LPG gas connection to houses. It was launched in May, 2018 to encourage people to use LPG gas fuelled stoves instead of traditional wood-fire chulhas. This reduces indoor air pollution from the open chulhas.
- Note : Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (DFSC) is the nodal agency for this scheme.Who Are beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana covered by this scheme?
- The Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana was launched to cover those households that were left out by the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.Who are not covered by the scheme?
- The scheme provides connection only to women unless the household has no women. Except families having a pensioner, income taxpayer or any member employed with the government, board, corporation etc, all households of the state without an LPG connection were eligible.
- On December 27 2019, when the state government completed two years, Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Ridge ground distributed gas connections to 3 women (Meena Devi, Reeta Devi and Dharmavati) of Shimla rural constituency. With this, HP became first state in the country to have 100% LPG gas coverage.
- (NOTE : earlier, In October 2016, HP became second open defecation free (ODF) state in India after Sikkim ).
AYUSHMAN BHARAT
- This scheme aims to provide free access to health insurance coverage for low income earners. 4.26 lakh families of state were provided golden cards and 1.16 lakh beneficiaries were given free treatment by spending ₹139.13 crore.
- (Ayushman Bharat scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 23rd September 2018 from Ranchi with the aim of providing Rs 5 lakh healthcare cover to 10 crore families. It is world’s largest state funded health insurance scheme.
- Under Ayushman Bharat, families have been selected by the Government of India on the basis of Socio economic caste census / SECC, 2011 and RSBY (Rashtriya swasthaya Bima yojna) for providing the cashless treatment coverage).
HIMACHAL HEALTH CARE SCHEME (HIMCARE):
- Under this scheme, 5.13 lakh families were registered and 2.17 lakh people were given free treatment at a cost of ₹ 196.16 crore.Whai is HIMCARE ?
- On the analogy of Ayushman Bharat scheme, the HP Govt is implementing Himachal Health Care Scheme (HIMCARE) to cover the left out families ( which are not covered under Ayushman Bharat scheme of central govt) since 1st January, 2019.
- Under HIMCARE Scheme, cashless treatment coverage up to Rs. 5.00 lakh per year per family is being provided on family floater basis. In case of more than five members, the remaining members are being enrolled as a separate unit subject to the capping of five members for each such additional unit.
- This scheme is being implemented on co-payment basis. Under this scheme, differential premium rates have been decided based on the categories. ( Premium for BPL families is Zero and for others it ranges from 365 to 1000 Per year).
ATAL ASHIRWAD YOJNA
- Newborn babies born in the hospital are being given ‘New Visitor Kit‘ (Navaagantuk kit) of about ₹1,200 to 2,07,364 beneficiaries costing ₹ 24.36 crore.
- Note : this scheme was launched in October 2018 from Ner Chowk (Mandi). Under the scheme, babies corn in Government hospitals get 15 items, including a blanket, a mosquito net, napkins and toys, worth Rs 1,500 for free. It was earlier known as the Mukhya Mantri Aashirwad Scheme. It has been renamed by the state government. This scheme aims is to encourage safe institutional deliveries.
Chief Minister‟s Medical Assistance Fund
- This fund has been set up with the objective of providing medical assistance for the treatment of poor people suffering from serious diseases. Towards this objective, all the government hospitals of the State, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Government Hospital, Chandigarh and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi have been authorized.
- ₹10.46 crore for the treatment of 953 beneficiaries.
Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme
- Under this scheme, free 1,374 medicines, injection needles and bandages etc. are being provided to patients in
government health institutions of the State and about ₹216 crore have been spent.
MUKHYA MANTRI SWAVLAMBAN YOJNA:
- The objective of this scheme is to encourage the youth of 18 to 45 years for self-employment.
- 18 new activities have been included in the scheme (taking the total to 103).
- As per recent amendment, the Govt provides relaxation of 5 years in upper age limit to women. With this 5 year relation, women in 18 to 50 years could avail the benefits under this scheme.
- 4862 projects sanctioned with an investment of ₹860 crore. 2593 units, with an investment of about ₹430 crore, have been established and provided employment to 7216 people. About ₹147 crore has been provided as subsidy.
- How this scheme works : On investment in machinery and plants worth Rs 60 lakh, there is a provision of 25% subsidy for men, 30% for women and 35% subsidy for widows. Also, 5% interest subvention for three years has been provided on loan up to Rs 60 lakh.
Significance : The Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana (MSY) aims to turn the educated youth from jobseekers to job creators and to give support to the Startup and Innovation Projects in the state, to provide employment opportunities and to stop the migration of the local youth to big cities.
Mukhyamantri Sahara Yojana
- The yojana aims to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3000 to the patients suffering from serious diseases and to their attendants from the economically weaker sections directly in their bank accounts. ₹61.39 crore are being provided to 17,546 beneficiaries under the scheme.
MUKHYA MANTRI START-UP YOJANA:
- It aims to promote entrepreneurship among the youth of the State.
- A livelihood allowance of ₹25,000 per month is provided to the trainees for 1 year and assistance of ₹30 lakh for 3 years to the incubation centers is provided.
- Under the scheme, 191 start-ups and 12 incubation centers have been benefitted at a cost of ₹11.35 crore.
MUKHYA MANTRI KANYADAN YOJNA:
- The scheme provides a marriage grant of ₹ 51,000/- to the guardians of the destitute girls whose father is unable to earn the livelihood of their family due to physical or mental inability. The families whose annual income does not exceed Rs`35,000 are covered in this scheme.
- ₹28.15 crore have been spent on 6,224 beneficiaries.
BETI HAI ANMOL YOJNA:
- The yojana aims to change the attitude towards daughters and empower them.
- ₹21000 is deposited in the names of the daughters for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. • Upto two daughters per family can benefit from this scheme.
- So far, ₹32.94 crore has been given to 1,07,823 beneficiaries
GLOBAL INVESTORS MEET
- With the aim of promoting industrialization and investment in the State, Global Investors Meet was organized, in which
703 MoUs worth ₹ 96,721 crore were signed. - The first ground breaking of 236 projects worth ₹13,488 crore was held in Dharmshala (7-8 Nov 2019).
- The 2nd Ground- Breaking Ceremony was organized on 27th December 2021 at Mandi in which 287 MoUs with a proposed investment of ₹ 28,197 crore grounded. Direct/ indirect employment to 80,000 persons is expected under these projects.
HAR GHAR PATHSHALA
- Under this scheme arrangements were made for online education to keep the academic activities smooth in all levels of government schools during the COVID-19 period. 1.92 lakh WhatsApp groups of students were created and 7,69,878 students participated.
SWARNA JAYANTI SUPER 100 SCHEME
- 100 meritorious students studying in class 11th, who have secured the highest marks in class 10th, are being provided incentive amount of ₹1 lakh per student for training in vocational or any technical course.
PRAKRITIK KHETI-KHUSHHAL KISAN YOJANA
- Under this scheme emphasis is being laid on reducing the cost of production by promoting natural farming with an aim of eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and increasing the income of the farmers. Under the scheme ₹46.15 crore was spent for the benefit of 1,53,643 farmers covering an area of 9,192 hectare.
JAL SE KRISHI KO BAL YOJANA
- Under this scheme, financial assistance is given to provide irrigation facility by constructing check dams and ponds at suitable places in the State. The government bears 100 per cent expenditure at the community level. 1,344 farmers have been benefitted and ₹83.40 crore was spent.
CHIEF MINISTER‟S FARM PROTECTION SCHEME AND MUKHYAMANTRI KHET SANRAKSHAN YOJANA
- 80 per cent subsidy on individual solar fencing, • 85 per cent subsidy on group based solar fencing, • 50 per cent subsidy on barbed and chain linked fencing,
- 70 per cent subsidy on composite fencing for protection of crops from wild animals and stray animals. • 4,592 farmers have been benefitted by spending ₹ 150.52 crore.
PRADHANMANTRI KISAN SAMAN NIDHI YOJNA:
- Under this scheme, an income support of ₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments will be provided to small and marginal land holding farmer (less than 2 hectare land ) families.
- About ₹1532.38 crore has been spent more than 9.37 lakh farmers of the State under this Yojana.
JAL JEEVAN MISSION (JJM) - It aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections. So far under JJM, 8.16 lakh of tap connections have been installed. The budget provision of ₹1429.08 crore was made in 2021-22.
HIMACHAL PUSHP KRANTI YOJNA
- Under this scheme, up to 85 per cent subsidy is given for setting up of poly house, poly tunnel etc. to promote commercial farming of flowers. Transportation charges for flowers have also been waived off. About ₹27.98 crore have been spent on 1,282 farmers.
SHIKHAR KI AUR HIMACHAL:
- A Mobile App launched by CM Jairam Thakur on 7 January 2020 to know the activities of Himachal Government. This app contains all the latest information about the CM programs, cabinet ministers programs, activities and govt. related services. Apart from this, you can also see articles, videos and photos related to the government in the app.
- NOTE : Himachal CM launched VIDHAYAK E-MITRA SEVA on his birthday on 6th Jan 2021. This facility will be provided through app Shikhar Ki aur Himachal for monitoring progress of different development projects in various constituencies. This facility to the MLAs is being provided under an additional tab named MLA corner, through which an MLAs would be able to follow-up the progress of their works online.
MY GOV PORTAL:
- MyGov platform is a unique path-breaking initiative which was launched on July 26, 2014, by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
- In January 2020, Mr Jairam Thakur, the CM of HP launched Himachal MyGov portal in Shimla with a view to strengthen public participation in the governance process. The portal enables the people of the state to communicate their views, suggestions, feedback as well discontentment, if any.
- A new link ‘himachal.mygov.in’ is introduced for this. On this portal, the general public can also give their valuable suggestions for making the policies and programs more effective and result oriented.
- Note : with this Himachal has become the 11th state to launch My Gov portal.
HP MEDHA PROTSAHAN YOJNA:
- Under this scheme, an assistance of ₹1.00 lakh is provided to class 12 and Graduation meritorious students to provide guidance at coaching centers located inside or outside the State for all competitive exams. To avail this scheme, the candidate should be a bonafide Himachali and total family income of the meritorious students from all sources must not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum.
ATAL VARDI YOJNA
- Under this Scheme, all the students of class 1st to 12th get free uniforms ( from Financial Year 2018-19)
- Under this scheme, in the year 2018-19, around 8,30,945 students of class 1st to 12th were provided 2 sets of free school uniforms with an outlay of ₹ 73.50 crore.
HP BUY BACK SINGLE USE PLASTIC:
- The scheme was introduced on the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019 to eradicate Single Use and Non-Recyclable waste and fixed minimum price @ ₹ 75/-per Kg. to buyback such waste.
- (Since October 2, 2009, there has been a complete ban on the use of polythene bags in HP.
- HP has already imposed ban on use of plastic bags and cutlery made of plastic and thermocol)
MOTHER TERESSA ASAHAYA MATRI SAMBAL YOJNA:
- The aim of this scheme is to provide assistance of `6,000 per child per annum to the destitute (poor) women belonging to the BPL for the maintenance of their children till they attain the age of 18 years and whose family income does not exceed `35,000 per annum.
The eligibility criteria : - The beneficiary women should be a citizen of Himachal Pradesh.
- The Below Poverty Line (BPL) families are eligible for this scheme. Widowed women and Divorced women from the state of Himachal Pradesh are eligible to apply for this scheme. Women whose husbands have been missing for more more than two years can also be benefited under this scheme.
Application Procedure
The applicants have to visit the women and child welfare department office to apply for the scheme. - The application forms can be downloaded from the official website of women and child welfare department.
MUKHYA MANTRI SHAHRI AJEEVIKA GUARANTEE YOJANA (MMSAGY)
- Under this scheme Government will ensure livelihood security to urban households by providing a guaranteed employment for 120 days. MMSAGY scheme will facilitate skill enhancement of persons engaged in wage labour jobs to provide them better livelihood opportunities.
“eUdyan Portal”
- This acts as single window portal where farmers can avail Horticulture Farming Service benefits while sitting in their home.
SAUR SINCHAI YOJANA (SOLAR IRRIGATION SCHEME)
- Objective of this scheme is to double farmer’s income by 2022. The State govt. will provide Solar Pump Sets to farmers for agricultural / irrigation purposes. Under this scheme, Government will provide :
- 90% subsidy / financial assistance : to small and marginal farmers for purchase of pump-sets.
- 80% subsidy to all individual medium and big farmers.
SWACHH BHARAT MISSION:
- The objective of the Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) strategy is to create waste free cities/towns and provide clean and pollution free environment in the entire urban areas of Himachal Pradesh.
- Note : this mission was launched on October 2, 2014.
SMART CITY MISSION:
- The objective is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of ‘Smart’ Solutions. Dharamshala and Shimla city are being covered under the scheme.
HP NEW RATION CARD ONLINE:
- Under this scheme all people whose name does not appears in the HP Ration Card List can apply online using himachalform.nic.in
MUKHYAMANTRI BAL UDHAR YOJNA:
- Under the scheme financial assistance is provided to children live in Child Care Institutions.
- The scheme is providing free boarding, lodging, clothing, medical, career counselling and educational facilities to the children in need of care, protection and rehabilitation. The Expenditure on getting higher education (vocational and academic) from any Government run institution within the country, even after the children who have left the Children Homes, is also borne by the State Government. Benefit of the scheme is extended to all children staying in Government/ NGOs run Children Homes registered under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
BAL BALIKA SURAKSHA YOJNA AND FOSTER CARE PROGRAMME :
- Bal/ Balika Suraksha Yojna and Foster Care Programme are being implemented in the State with a view to look after and maintain the orphan/ helpless children in congenial family environment.
- Under this scheme, an amount of `2,300 per child per month is sanctioned. Out of which `2,000 are sanctioned in favour of foster parents and `300 per child per month, on account of additional assistance from the State Government, are sanctioned in favour of child which are deposited in her/ his bank account or post office account to be matured and drawn by the child after attaining the age of 18 years.
SELF EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WOMEN:
- Under this scheme Rs `5,000 are provided to the women having annual income less than `35,000 for carrying income generating activities.
VISHESH MAHILA UTTHAN YOJNA:
- This scheme has been formulated for rehabilitation of physically and sexually abused Women through Technical and Vocational Training. A provision of ₹3,000/- stipend per month to each trainee is given.
SAKSHAM GUDIYA BOARD HIMACHAL PRADESH:
- The Board is constituted to make recommendation for the policy to empower and safety, security, upliftment and protection of girl child/adolescent girls against crime.
EK BUTA BETI KE NAAM :
The scheme has been launched to sensitize people about the importance of daughters and forest conservation through this scheme. A plant /sapling along with a kit will be provided to the parents on the birth of a girl child.
UTTAM PASHU PURUSKAR YOJNA:
- Under the scheme government has encouraged the farmers (Pashupalak) for more milk production and gives an award to the farmer for producing 15 liter and above milk in a day.
PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMMAN YOJNA:
- Under the scheme ₹ 6,000 per annum has to be given to the farmer having less than 2.0 hectare of land. • Up to January, 2021 9,26,830 farmers were benefitted with a outlay of `1,169.37 crore.
AAYUSHMAN BHARAT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJNA (PM-JAY):
- Under the scheme 3.35 lakh families have received Golden Cards and 77,549 beneficiaries have availed `80.96 crore cashless treatment since the inception of the scheme in the State.
- Note : PM-JAY was launched on 23rd September, 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
- PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance/ assurance scheme fully financed by the government.
- It provides a cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empanelled hospitals in India.
- Over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) are eligible for these benefits.
- PM-JAY provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service, that is, the hospital.
- It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines.
JAN DHAN YOJNA/PMJDY :
- The scheme is to tie every Indian in the rural or urban sector to the mainstream banking system. This will aid the financial status of the account holders as well as foster social Security goals of the central government.
- NOTE : PM JDY was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 15 August 2014 ( Independence day speech, Red fort). The Slogan of the Scheme is “Mera Khatha, Bhagya Vidhatha. Banks in the State have covered all the households with at least one Basic Saving Deposit Account (BSBDA) of each household.
PRADHAN MANTRI FASL VIMA YOJNA:
- The scheme was launched on 18 February 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it is an insurance service for farmers for their yields. It was formulated in line with One Nation–One Scheme theme by replacing earlier two schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme(NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS).
PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJNA:
- Under this scheme, the interest rate for the PMAY scheme starts at 6.50% p.a. and can be availed for a tenure of up to 20 years. The deadline for availing the PMAY 2021 Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for the MIG-I (Middle Income group I ) and MIG-II categories has been extended to 31 March 2021.
- NOTE : The mission is to provide housing for all by the year 2022, by that time Nation completes 75 years of its Independence.
MUKHYA MANTRI AWAS YOJANA:
- Under this scheme, the Government is providing an amount of ₹1.50 lakh to the poor families affected by natural calamities. In addition,the Government has a target to build 1,000 houses this year.
MUKHYAMANTRI 1 BIGHA SCHEME
- This scheme was launched on 21 May 2020 with the objective of empowering 1.50 lakh rural women by helping them become self sufficient and get employment under MGNREGS. This Scheme will boost the rural economy.
- The scheme envisages strengthening of rural economy under which a woman, who owns up to one bigha (or 0.4 hectare), can raise a kitchen garden by growing vegetables and fruits.
- The scheme aims to involve about 1.50 lakh women through 5,000 self-help groups.
- Initially, about 5,000 households would be covered under this scheme. All Self-Help Groups could avail the benefit of Rs 1 lakh and about 1.50 lakh women members would be benefited under this scheme.
SENIOR CITIZEN HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (SCHIS)
Under this scheme the Government provides top-up coverage of up to ₹30,000 per senior citizen in the State. This scheme will cover all senior citizens who are the smart card holders of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY).
Note : Important facts from topic ‘PUBLIC FINANCE AND TAXATION’ are covered in One liner facts given below.
ONE LINER FACTS FROM CHAPTER 1 AND 2 ON HP ECONOMIC SURVEY 2011-22
| 1. | The Indian economy showed a contraction of _____per cent in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic, experienced negative growth in mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services, construction, trade, hotels, and restaurants, transport, storage, communication and services related to broadcasting and other services when compared to the previous year 2019-20 ? | 6.6% |
| 2. | During 2020-21 the state (HP) economy contracted by _____per cent due to COVID-19 pandemic ? | 5.2% |
| 3. | During 2020-21 the state economy contracted by 5.2 per cent due to COVID-19 pandemic but as per current estimates is expected to grow by _____per cent during 2021-22 ? | 8.3% |
| 4. | As per the Revised Estimates Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of HP at current prices, is estimated at ₹ 1,56,675 crore in 2020-21 First Revised Estimate (FRE) as against ₹1,59,162 crore in 2019-20 Second Revised Estimate (SRE) showed a decrease of ______per cent during the year. | 1.6 |
| 5. | GSDP at constant (2011-12) prices in 2020-21 (FRE) is estimated at ₹1,14,814 crore against ₹ 1,21,168 crore in 2019-20 (SRE) registering a negative growth of ______per cent during the year as against the growth rate of 4.1 per cent for the previous year. | 5.2 |
| 6. | The decrease in Gross State Domestic Product at constant prices is mainly attributed to ____ per cent decrease in primary sector, ____ per cent decrease in secondary sector and ________ per cent decrease in transport, communication, trade hotel and restaurants sector ? | 12.0 %, 6.6 %, 10.6 % |
| 7. | Only two sectors ‘electricity, gas & water supply’ and ‘community and personal services’, registered a positive growth of ____and ____per cent, respectively. | 4.5 %, 5.1 % |
| 8. | The food grain production, which was 15.94 lakh metric tonnes (MT) during 2019-20 decreased to _______ in 2020-21 ? | 15.28 lakh MT |
| 9. | Fruit production decreased to ______in 2020-21 as against 8.45 lakh MT in 2019-20, showing a decrease of 26.15 per cent in 2020-21. | 6.24 lakh MT |
| 10. | The per capita income (HP) at current prices as per first revised estimates for the year 2020-21 is ₹1,83,333 as compared to ₹1,85,728 in the year 2019-20 which is a decrease of _____per cent. | 1.3 % |
| 11. | The per capita income (HP) at current prices as per first revised estimates for the year 2020-21 is ₹1,83,333 as compared to ₹1,85,728 in the year 2019-20 which is a decrease of _____per cent. | 8.3 % |
| 12. | The economy of the State (HP) has shown a shift from agriculture sector to industries and services as the percentage contribution of agriculture in total Gross State Domestic Product has declined from 57.9 per cent in 1950-51 to 55.5 per cent in 1967-68, 26.5 per cent in 1990-91 and ____per cent in 2020-21 ? | 9.64 |
| 13. | The share of the industries ( in GSDP of HP)which was 1.1 per cent in 1950-51 has been increased to ______per cent in 2020-21. | 28.9 |
| 14. | The share of the services ( in GSDP of HP) which was 5.9 per cent in 1950-51 has been increased to ______per cent in 2020-21. | 44 % |
| 15. | During 2021-22, _________hectares of additional area was planned to be brought under fruit plants against which 1,932 hectares of area has already been brought under plantation and 5.35 lakh fruit plants of different species were also distributed up to December, 2021. | 1,549 hectares |
| 16. | During 2020-21, ______lakh tonnes of vegetables were produced as against 18.61 lakh tonnes in 2019-20. The production of vegetables will be about 18.50 lakh tonnes in 2021-22. | 18.67 |
| 17. | Smaller hydro projects up to ______ MW have been reserved for investors from Himachal Pradesh and preference is given to them for projects up to 5 MW ? | 2 MW |
| 18. | Consumer Price Index inflation in Himachal Pradesh during 2021-22 (April to Dec. 2021) was ______per cent. | 5.1% |
| 19. | Due to impact of COVID-19, there was a sharp decrease of _____ per cent in tourist arrivals in 2020. | 81% |
| 20. | There is an increase of ______per cent in tourist inflow upto December 2021, as compared to the previous year ? | 75.44% |
| 21. | There are ____ lakh social security pensioners in the State under social security pension scheme ? | 6.35 Lakh |
| 22. | When did HP State Government in its cabinet meeting reduced the age limit for getting old age pension from 80 years to 70 years without any income limit ? | 27th December,2017 |
| 23. | The pension for the elderly aged 60 to 69 years was increased from ₹ 700 to ____per month ? | ₹ 850 |
| 24. | The pension for those aged 70 years and above, was increased from ₹1,250 to _____per month. | ₹1,500 |
| 25. | Which is a program to improve transparency and good governance by establishing direct | Jan Manch |
| 26. | A total of ______Jan Manchs have been organised till November, 2021 and of the 53,665 grievances received, 93 per cent have been resolved. | 232 |
| 27. | What is the helpline number of ‘Chief Minister Seva Sankalp Helpline’ | 1100 |
| 28. | 1100 helpline aims to solve all the grievances of the people of the State in a time bound manner through _____and _______. | Telephone, internet portal |
| 29. | Under Swarna Jayanti Nari Sambal Yojana, A higher social security pension of _____per month is provided to women of age between ______years. (39,641 women have been benefitted under the scheme). | ₹ 1000, 65-69 |
| 30. | Which scheme aims to empower women and protect environment by providing clean and smoke free fuel to the eligible families of the State who could not be included in Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. | Mukhya Mantri Grihini Suvidha Yojna |
| 31. | The objective of Pradhanmantri Ujjwala Yojana is to provide free gas connection to ______families and safeguard the health of women & children by providing them with a clean cooking fuel-liquefied petroleum gas ? | HIMCARE |
| 32. | The objective of which scheme in HP is to provide free health treatment to the people of the State who are not included in the Ayushman Bharat scheme ? | HIMCARE |
| 33. | Under which scheme, Newborn babies born in the Govt hospital are being given New Visitor Kit‘ (Navaagantuk kit) of about ₹1,200 ? | Atal Ashirwad Yojna |
| 34. | Mukhyamantri Sahara Yojana aims to provide monthly financial assistance of _______to the patients suffering from serious diseases and to their attendants from the economically weaker sections directly in their bank accounts ? | ₹3000 |
| 35. | Under Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana, a provision has been made to provide assistance of _______to destitute women/girls for marriage ? | ₹ 51,000 |
| 36. | Under Beti Hai Anmol Yojana, ______Rs is deposited in the names of the daughters for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families ? | ₹21000 |
| 37. | Upto _____daughters per family can benefit from Beti Hai Anmol Yojana ? | Two |
| 38. | The 2nd Ground- Breaking Ceremony of Global Investor meet was organized on _______at Mandi in which 287 MoUs with a proposed investment of ₹ 28,197 crore grounded ? | 27th December 2021 |
| 39. | Under which scheme , arrangements were made for online education to keep the academic activities smooth in all levels of government schools during the COVID-19 period. 1.92 lakh WhatsApp groups of students were created and 7,69,878 students participated ? | Har Ghar Pathshala |
| 40. | Under Swarna Jayanti Super 100 scheme, 100 meritorious students studying in class 11th, who have secured the highest marks in class 10th, are being provided incentive amount of Rs______per student for training in vocational or any technical course ? | ₹1 lakh |
| 41. | Under Mukhyamantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana, ____per cent subsidy on individual solar fencing isbeing provided ? | 80 |
| 42. | Under Mukhyamantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana, ____per cent subsidy on group based solar fencing isbeing provided ? | 85 |
| 43. | Under Mukhyamantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana, ____per cent subsidy on barbed and chain linked fencing is being provided ? | 50 |
| 44. | Under Mukhyamantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana, ____per cent subsidy on ‘composite fencing’ for protection of crops from wild animals and stray animals is being provided ? | 70 |
| 45. | Under Pradhanmantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, an income support of Rs ______per year in three equal instalments will be provided to small and marginal land holding farmer families. | ₹6,000 |
| 46. | Which scheme aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections ? | Jal Jeevan Mission |
| 47. | So far, under Jal Jeevan Mission, ______ lakh of tap connections have been installed ? | 8.16 lakh |
| 48. | Under Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojna, up to _____ per cent subsidy is given for setting up of poly house, poly tunnel etc. to promote commercial farming of flowers and Transportation charges for flowers have also been waived off. | 85% |
| 49. | The agriculture with its allied sectors supporting about ____per cent of the population as per Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2019-20 ? | 56.5% |
| 50. | In 2020-21, the production of milk increased by _____per cent ? | 2.95% |
| 51. | In 2020-21, the production of egg increased by _____per cent ? | 4.20% |
| 52. | In 2020-21, meat production decreased by _____per cent ? | (-) 9.60 |
| 53. | The livestock and fisheries sectors registered a growth of ____per cent and _____per cent ? | 5.6 %, 9.6 % |
| 54. | The forestry and mining sectors have shown growth of ____and ____per cent, respectively in 2020-21 (FRE)? | (-) 19.6, (-) 6.8 |
| 55. | According to advance estimates, the Per Capita Income at current prices for 2021-22 is estimated at _____against ₹1,83,333 in 2020-21 showing a growth of 10.1 per cent. | ₹2,01,854 |
| 56. | According to the budget estimates (BE) for the year 2021-22 the total revenue receipts were estimated at ₹ _____ crore as against ₹ 35,588 crore in 2020-21 revised estimates (RE) ? | ₹ 37,028 crore |
| 57. | According to Budget Estimates of 2021-22, the tax revenue (including central taxes) was estimated at ₹_____ crore as against ₹12,312 crore in 2020-21 RE. | ₹14,806 crore |
| 58. | As per the budget estimates the Revenue receipts of the Government for the year 2021-22 were estimated to be ______per cent of the GSDP as against 22.71 per cent in 2020-21 RE. | 21.14% |
| 59. | The tax revenue for the year 2021-22 was estimated at _____per cent of GSDP as compared to 7.86 per cent during 2020-21. | 8.45% |
| 60. | Non-tax revenue is ______per cent of the GSDP in 2021-22 as compared to 1.45 per cent during 2020-21 ? | 1.57% |
| 61. | In 2021-22, the total expenditure of the State is estimated to be _____per cent of the GSDP ? | 28.65% |
| 62. | In 2021-22, the estimate for revenue expenditure is _____per cent ? | 21.97% |
| 63. | In 2021-22, estimate for Capital expenditure is _____per cent ? | 3.43% |
| 64. | In 2021-22 it is estimated that ______per cent of the total budget spending will be on revenue expenditure ? | 77% |
| 65. | _____per cent of total expenditure is likely to be spent on salary, pension, interest payment and subsidies in 2021-22 ? | 55% |
| 66. | The subsidies have been moderated at _____per cent of the total expenditure in 2021-22 ? | 2.1 % |
Chapter-3 : COVID-19 Impact and Recovery of Himachal Pradesh Economy
- The COVID-19 pandemic has probably given the biggest blow to the world economy since the great depression of 1930s.
- Around 60 per cent of the world population remained under severe or partial lockdown.
- According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global economy was expected to shrink by over 3 per cent in 2020, the steepest slowdown since the Great Depression.
- The pandemic has been a unique economic shock that has triggered both supply and demand-side shocks simultaneously for economies around the world.Important statistics
- Total Population of HP : 73,00,000 (based on 2019 population projection by NCP)
- Confirmed per lakh (CPL) Covid cases in HP : 3788 means (India has 3,171.4 CPL )
- Active Ratio : 2.3 per cent (For every 100 confirmed cases,~2 are currently infected).
- Recovery Ratio : 96.3 per Cent (For every 100 confirmed cases, ~96 have recovered from the virus).
- Case Fatality Ratio :1.5 per cent (For every 100 confirmed cases, ~1 have unfortunately passed away from the virus).
- Test Positivity Ratio : 9.1per cent
- 31Jan–06 Feb : In the last one week, 9.1 per cent of samples tested came back positive.
- Tests Per Lakh : 59,556.5 (As of 06 February 2022 For every 1 lakh people in Himachal Pradesh, ~59,557 samples were tested).
Himachal Pradesh witnessed multiple effects on its economy :
| Demand Shock | Reduced Investment Reduction in Consumption Reduced Demand for non essentials |
| Supply Shock | Labour Supply Shock Disruption in Supply Chain |
COVID-19 Impact on State‟s Economy
COVID-19 has had many effects on almost all sector of the economy ranging from acute to minor.
1. Primary Sector: Crops, Livestock and Forestry and Logging
- Since agriculture is the backbone of the country and a part of the government announced essential category, the impact is likely to be low on both primary agricultural production and usage of agro-inputs. Several state governments have already allowed free movement of fruits, vegetables, milk etc. Himachal Pradesh.
2019-20 ( Second
Revised estimates)2020-21
(First Revised Estimates)2021-22
(Advance estimate)Crops 22.3% -12.4% 12.9% Livestock 9.9% 5.6% 8.8% Forestry and Logging 8.9% -19.6% 0.8% - The livestock sector has seen no significant impact of coronavirous lockdown in the State. As far as crop sector is concerned, it saw major fall in the year 2020-21 which was due to the production impact of horticulture crops. The crop sector has seen a growth rate of 12.9 per cent in 2021-22 (Advance Estimate) which is also due to the seasonal factor. The rise in horticulture production has positive impact on growth rate of crop sector also.
- Forestry and logging had fall in growth rate due to lockdown. The reason was closure of activities and unavailability of labour. After lockdown the migrant labour in Himachal Pradesh returned to their homes. After lifting of the restrictions, gradually these migrant workers returned and growth started that can be seen in V shape recovery in the forestry and logging sector.
2. Secondary Sector: Manufacturing (Organised and un-organised) and Construction
- The real estate and construction activities faced a disruption during the second wave as a large number of migrant workers left the urban areas. Manufacturing and construction are the backbone of any economy. These are the main components of the secondary sector which accounts for the second highest percentage share in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The labour shortage has hit both housing and construction projects in urban areas and states, where the virus is spreading fast. This is likely to lead to significant delays in the completion of pending projects.
2019-20 ( Second
Revised estimates)2020-21
(First Revised Estimates)2021-22
(Advance estimate)Manufacturing ( Organised & un -Organised) 0.9% -7.3% 11.3% Construction 0.9% -12.3% 13.3% - The unavailability of manpower and raw material due to lockdown is the main reason behind the fall in the growth rate of manufacturing and construction in the State.
- Manufacturing (Organised and un-organised) and Construction sector has same impact in which both demand and supply shocks worked together. Construction and manufacturing activities were stopped due to the lockdown and, on the other hand, there was lack of labour and law material. After opening up of the economy this sector also saw a V shape recovery.
- What is V shaped recovery ?
3. Tertiary Sector
- Tertiary sector comprises various essential services. Administration and financial services saw no or very little impact due to lockdown. However, some other sub-sectors saw major impact due to the lockdown and then later reported recovery. Analyses of such sectors are given in consequent sections:
Transport Storage and Communication and Services Incidental to Transport - Transportation is part of the tertiary sector and has important role in the economy of the State. Absence of other means of transportation, such as by air and trains, makes road transportation play an important role in hilly terrain.
- Transport storage and communication had the highest drop of 24 per cent whereas, services incidental to transport fell by 11.8 per cent in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 forced lockdown. After relaxation of restrictions, these sectors started recovering and saw a steep recovery of 19.1 per cent in Transport Storage and Communication. For Services Incidental to Transport,
- 16.2 per cent growth was estimated.
| 2019-20 ( Second Revised estimates) |
2020-21 (First Revised Estimates) |
2021-22 (Advance estimate) |
|
| Transport,Storage & Communnication | 3.3% | -24.5% | 19.1% |
| Services Incidental to Transport | 2.4% | -11.8% | 16.2% |
| Trade & ,Repair Services | 10.8% | 12.5 | 2.5% |
| Hotel & Restaurant | 2.8% | -78.7% | 56.5% |
Trade and Repair Services and Hotel and Restaurants
- The impact of the lockdown on Trade and repair sector was virtually non-existent. Whereas, hotel and restaurant sector was among few sectors which were most affected. Restriction on movements of the people first impacted the transport and then the hotel and tourism sector. The restrictions due to the second wave crippled the tourism sector, which was already struggling to recover the initial loss suffered by the businesses in 2020. As economy resorted to reopen after the initial lockdown, it started recovering sharply. While, growth rate of hotel and restaurant was (-) 78.7 per cent in 2020-21 it increased to 56.5 per cent in 2021-22.
Tourism and Hospitality Sector - Aviation and Tourism were the first industries that were hit significantly by the pandemic. The sector that has contributed to a large portion of India’s annual GDP has been hit hard by restrictions and curfews imposed by the states. The hospitality sector is linked to the tourism sector.
- Tourism remains the main source of revenue generation and employment in the State. COVID-19 forced lockdown which caused the worst hit to the tourism sector in the State. Geographical advantages place the State at win-win situation for tourism sector, but there was a huge decrease in the tourist arrival, when restrictions on movements were imposed in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2020, The highest (-81.33 per cent) contraction in the arrival of tourists compared to the previous year. The tourist arrival hugely improved after the initial lockdown. It reached to 75.43 per cent in 2021.
State‟s response to mitigate COVID-19 adverse effects
The State has taken various steps to combat COVID-19 by providing assistance to different sectors are given as follows:
- State Government provided relief of about `153 crore as Token Tax, Special Road Tax (SRT), and Passengers and Goods Tax (PGT) to the transport sector, which was one of the worst hit sectors. This includes an interest Subvention Scheme on working capital of stage carriage operators, under which a loan of `2 lakh per bus and maximum amount upto `20 lakh is provided to the bus operators as working capital. The duration of the loan is 5 years, in which one year is of moratorium period, there is 75 per cent interest subvention to paid by the State Government, in the second year, there is an interest subvention of 50 per cent on interest which to borne by the State Government. About `11 crore relief has been provided by the Government on this scheme.
- Government has provided 100 per cent relief on Special Road Tax and Token Tax during the period from 1st April 2020 to 30th November, 2021, benefitting stage carriages, taxis, maxi, autorikshaw, contract carriage buses and institution buses.
- Tourism being worst hit sector in the pandemic; the State Government has revised scheme for interest subvention on working capital loan for hospitality industry to ensure that Tourism unit operators could get easier access to working capital at interest rate lower than the prevailing market rates. This scheme provides for interest subversion of 75 per cent in the first year and payment period has also been increased to five years. Some other categories like Rope Way and Travel Agents have also been included in the new scheme.
- The size of State Annual Credit Plan for the year 2020-21 was worth `23,625 crore out of which `22,110 crore was allocated to Priority Sectors, such as agriculture and allied, MSME, education and housing.
- Insurance cover of `30 lakh given by the State Government to the people who died due to COVID-19 and who were not eligible under Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Yojana.
- Wage rates of various category Part time workers/Para workers etc. have been increased since 4 years.
- Government directed Forest department to provide free wood for cremation of Corona deceased. All Municipal Corporations were allowed to hire dead body vans.
- Government included the families under Food Security Act (Priority Households Category), where death occurred due to COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines for identification of Priority Households under National Food Security Act, 2013 issued on 1st August, 2013 were relaxed to give them immediate relief and such families are included by Gram Panchyats and Urban Local Bodies under National Food Security Act (Priority Household (PHH) categories) on simply getting COVID-19 death certificate of such persons.
- Provided abatement/relaxation of toll fees for the year 2020-21 of Toll at the toll barriers.
IMPORTANT ONE LINER FACTS
| S.N0. | Question | Answer |
| 1. | Around ____per cent of the world population remained under severe or partial lockdown ? | 60 % |
| 2. | According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global economy was expected to shrink by over ______ per cent in 2020, the steepest slowdown since the Great Depression ? | 3% |
| 3. | The pandemic has been a unique economic shock that has triggered both ____and ____side shocks simultaneously for economies around the world ? | Supply and demand |
| 4. | About ______out of every 1 lakh people in Himachal Pradesh have tested positive for the virus.( CPL – confirmed per lakh) | 3,788 people |
| 5. | CPL of India was ______? | 3,171.4 CPL |
| 6. | Corona Recovery Ratio in HP ? (For every 100 confirmed cases, how many have recovered from the virus). |
96.3 per Cent |
| 7. | Covid 19, Active Ratio in HP during finalization of Economic Survey ? | 2.3 per cent |
| 8. | Covid 19, Case Fatality Ratio in HP ? (For every 100 confirmed cases, How many have unfortunately passed away from the virus). |
1.5 per cent |
| 9. | Covid 19, Test Positivity Ratio in HP ? (Means, in the last one week (31Jan–06 Feb) , what per cent of samples tested came back positive). |
9.1 per cent |
| 10. | As of 06 February 2022, For every 1 lakh people in Himachal Pradesh, ______samples were tested ? | 59,556.5 |
| 11. | Which subsector in Primary sector has seen no significant impact of coronavirous lockdown in the State ? | livestock sector |
| 12. | Transport storage and communication had the drop of _____per cent in 2020-21 ? | 12% |
| 13. | Services incidental to transport fell by _____per cent in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 forced lockdown ? | 11.8% |
| 14. | Recovery of ____per cent is expected in Transport Storage and Communication in 2021-22 ? | 19.1 % |
| 15. | For Services Incidental to Transport, ____per cent growth was estimated in 2021-22 ? | 16.2 % |
| 16. | Growth rate of hotel and restaurant was ___per cent in 2020-21 ? | (-) 78.7 % |
| 17. | Growth rate of hotel and restaurant increased to ____per cent in 2021-22 ? | 56.5 % |
| 18. | Year 2020 witnessed the highest _______ contraction in the arrival of tourists compared to the previous year ? | (-) 81.33 % |
| 19. | The tourist arrival hugely improved after the initial lockdown. It reached to ______per cent in 2021 | 75.43 % |
| 20. | State Government provided relief of about `____ crore as Token Tax, Special Road Tax (SRT), and Passengers and Goods Tax (PGT) to the transport sector, which was one of the worst hit sectors? | 153 Crore |
| 21. | Under interest Subvention Scheme on working capital of stage carriage operators, a loan of ____ per bus and maximum amount upto `____ is provided to the bus operators as working capital ? | 2 lakh, 20 lakh |
| 22. | The duration of the loan ( Transport sector) is be ____years, in which one year is of moratorium period. (there is 75 per cent interest subvention to paid by the State Government, in the second year, there is an interest subvention of 50 per cent on interest which to borne by the State Government). |
5 years, 1 Year |
| 23. | Government has provided _____ per cent relief on Special Road Tax and Token Tax during the period from 1st April 2020 to 30th November, 2021, benefitting stage carriages, taxis, maxi, autorikshaw, contract carriage buses and institution buses. | 100 % |
| 24 | The State Government has revised scheme for interest subvention on working capital loan for hospitality industry to ensure that Tourism unit operators could get easier access to working capital at interest rate lower than the prevailing market rates. This scheme provides for interest subversion of ______per cent in the first year and payment period has also been increased to five years ? | 75 % |
| 25. | The size of State Annual Credit Plan for the year 2020-21 was worth `23,625 crore out of which `_____crore was allocated to Priority Sectors, such as agriculture and allied, MSME, education and housing ? | 22,110 crores |
| 26. | Insurance cover of `_____ lakh given by the State Government to the people who died due to COVID-19 and who were not eligible under Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Yojana. | 30 Lakh |
| 27. | Government included the families under _______Act (Priority Households Category), where death occurred due to COVID-19 pandemic ? | Food Security Act 2013 |
CHAPTER 4 : Sustainable Development Goals and Initiative for Good Governance in the State
“Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development” – Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nation Background
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) : In September 2000, leaders of 189 countries gathered at the United Nations headquarters and signed the historic Millennium Declaration, in which they committed to achieving a set of eight measurable goals by the target date of 2015. MDGs were agreed by the countries in 2001 and expired in 2015. The MDGs were expired in 2015 and the discussion of a post-2015 agenda took place.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In September, 2015, the world community had agreed to design International Framework on new developments and a name was given Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), officially known as “transforming out world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, are an inter-governmental set of 17 aspiration Goals with 169 targets and more than 300 indicators.
The SDGs are expanded version of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were expired in 2015. The SDGs have come into existence on 1st January, 2016 and will end by 31st December, 2030.
The agenda for Sustainable Development-2030, aims at ‘Leaving No One Behind’ in sharing the benefit of development.
The SDGs have been designed to integrate global ambitions on tackling poverty, reducing inequality, combating climate change and protecting ecosystem including forest and biodiversity.
The SDGs have been signed and adopted by the Government of India. For realization of 17 Goals and 169 Targets, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Govt. of India, has developed 309 Indicators. These indicators are measurable and monitorable.
NITI Aayog is the nodal agency for the implementation of SDGs in India and has the twin mandate of overseeing the adoption of SDGs in the country and promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs. The first edition of the SDG India Index was launched in December 2018, using 62 indicators from 39 targets across 13 SDGs; Goals 12, 13, 14, and 17 had to be left out owing to the lack of indicators for which State-wise data was available.
The second edition of the Index covering all the 17 Goals and 54 targets, launched in December 2019, was more broad in coverage with 100 indicators: 68 completely aligned with the National Indicator Framework (NIF), 20 refined, and 12 from other official government sources.
The third and current edition (Index 3.0) marks an improvement over the 2019-20 edition with a wider coverage of targets.
The SDG India Index computes goal-wise scores on the 16 SDGs for each State and Union Territory.
- These scores range between 0–100, and if a State/UT achieves a score of 100, it signifies it has achieved the 2030 targets.
- The higher the score of a State/UT, the closer it is to its final target.
- The composite score for each State/UT was computed by aggregating their performance across the goals, by taking the arithmetic mean of individual goal scores.
HP GOVT AND THE SDGs
Himachal Pradesh is a frontrunner among the States at national level. It secured consistent top position in assessment of sustainable goals. Though in all indicators Himachal Pradesh performed better, it secured top position in Affordable and Clean Energy. Himachal also attained lowest score in SDG 2 which is Zero hunger.
Further, there are three indicators in SDG 2 in which Himachal Pradesh needs attention namely Percentage of children who are underweight, percentage of children who are stunted and percentage of women who are anaemic. State has achieved 2nd rank in overall ranking along with Tamil Nadu as per SDG 3.0.
Himachal Pradesh has scored lowest on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – 2 which is related to hunger and malnutrition. The Goal no 2 has seven indicators and out of seven indicators Himachal Pradesh has lower performance in percentage of children under five years who are underweight, percentage of children under five years who are stunted, percentage of women aged 15-49 years who are anaemic and percentage of adolescent aged 10-19 years who are anaemic.
Planning Department is the Nodal Department in the State to facilitate implementation of the SDGs framework in Himachal Pradesh and it has published a State vision document i.e. ―Drishti Himachal Pradesh-2030 Sustainable Development Goals to implement & monitor the progress of SDGs in the State. The progress on 17 identified SDGs indicators is being monitored and is further being updated every 3 years. This document has identified indicators achievable by 2022.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was the year of social distancing; Planning Department organized a capacity building training programme for line departments on SDGs, sponsored by Economic and Statistics Department at State Apex Training Institute (HIPA) on 23rd to 27th, November 2020.
State has shortlisted 138 key indicators and targets for monitoring progress on SDGs, out of which :
- 12 have been achieved,
- 39 are to be achieved by 2022
- 7 are planned to be achieved by 2030.
SDGs goals-wise Nodal departments in Himachal Pradesh are :
Good Governance Index (GGI)
GGI is a comprehensive and implementable framework to assess the State of Governance across the States and UTs which enables ranking of States/Districts.
The GGI 2019 encompassed 10 Governance Sectors and 50 Governance Indicators. For GGI 2020-21 the same 10 Governance Sectors are retained while indicators have been revised to 58.
Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah released the Good Governance Index 2021 prepared by the Department of
Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) on 25 December 2021. 25th December is celebrated as Good Governance Day marking the auspicious occasion of late former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee‟s birth anniversary. Good Governance is the key component of the economic transformation and with the present government‟s focus on „minimum government and maximum governance,‟ the Index assumes more significance.
Further, the GGI 2020-21 categorizes States and UTs into four categories, i.e., (i) Other States – Group A; (ii) Other States – Group B; (iii) North-East and Hill States; and (iv) Union Territories.
Top ranking States in the sectors as well as indicator of GGI 2020-21
As obvious from the above table, Himachal Pradesh has been assessed top performer in terms of Human Resource Development and Public Infrastructure among Hill States.
Himachal Position in Good Governance Index 2020-21 on Various Sectors and Indicator
Himachal position on GGI 2020-21, demonstrates that Himachal improved sectors are: Public infrastructure & utilities and Social welfare & development and ranked first among northeast and hill state which is depicted Table 4.6 which also showed that Human resource development and public infrastructure and utilities sector are best performing sectors of Himachal in Agricultural and allied sector Himachal, ranked 8th which is a matter of concern.
Districts Good Governance Index (DGGI)
Good Governance is the key component of the economic transformation and with the present government‟s focus on „Minimum
Government and Maximum Governance‟ the Index assumes more significance.
The idea of DGGI arose when Himachal Pradesh was ranked first among 12 small States consistently in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 on the Public Affair Index (PAI) by the Public Affair Centre (PAC), Bengaluru.
To make DGGI an annual exercise in Himachal Pradesh, it was decided in January, 2019 that DGGI will be a regular exercise of the Department of Economic and Statistics. In compliance to the above, the department has prepared DGGI-2019. In the Budget Speech of 2020-21 Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Jai Ram Thakur announced to take up the exercise of assessment of the governance to sub-state level and proposed to award the top three ranked Districts i.e. 1st- `50 lakh, 2nd- `35 lakh and 3rd- `25 lakh on Good Governance Index in order to promote competition among districts to perform better. On the basis of DGGI-2020, top three districts were awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for 2021.
Comparative performance of all districts on the basis of Good Governance Index
Above table demonstrated that District Hamirpur improved its position from 3rd to 1st rank and district Kullu improved its position from 6th rank (2019) to 3rd rank in 2020. District Mandi has however deteriorated its position and slipped from 2nd to 4th position and Bilaspur slipped from 1st position to 2nd position. Shimla district, ranks 05th in 2020 against 10th in the previous year.
Hamirpur gain is attributed to Support to Human Development Index and Social protection index. Where it was at the 6th place in previous year, it improved its position to 2nd in terms of support to Human development and for Social protection it has at the 9th place in previous year, it gained to 2nd place in 2020. Hamirpur has also improved its position to the 4th in current year from 9th position in previous year in terms of Transparency and accountability index.
Status of Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of the State
MPI is designed keeping in view Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 in its entirety which states to ―end poverty in all its forms everywhere. The MPI is used by UNDP in its flagship HDR since 2010 and is the most widely employed non-monetary poverty index in the world. It captures overlapping deprivation in health, education and living standards on twelve indicators pertaining to: a) nutrition, b) child adolescent and mortality, c) Antenatal care d) years of schooling, e) school attendance, f) cooking fuel,
g) sanitation, h) drinking water, i) electricity, j) housing, k) assets and l) bank account. It complements income poverty measurements because it measures and compares deprivations directly.
MPI = H * A
Where: H = head count, means the percentage of people who are multidimensionally poor and A = is percentage of weighted deprivations, the average multidimensionally poor person suffers from.
There are broadly two steps involved in computing MPI namely: i) Identifications and ii) Aggregation.
Two districts of Himachal Pradesh namely, Chamba and Sirmour have secured lowest and second lowest rank among all districts of Himachal Pradesh in national MPI. The deprivation was most in the following indicators viz. Nutrition, Maternal Health and cooking fuel. Sirmour and Chamba have 9.51 per cent and 9.69 per cent Head count ratio for Nutrition which is highest among all district of the State. Similarly these two districts are most lacking in cooking fuel where the head count is 10.96 for Chamba, whereas, Sirmour has 10.58 per cent. In terms of Housing also the head count is 7.95 per cent for Chamba and 6.99 per cent which is highest among all other districts of the State. Maternal health is also is an issue in the State where these two district performs lower than other districts. Where Chamba has Head count Ratio of 9.63 per cent and Sirmour has 6.92 per cent. The situation in front is also worrying for Solan and Mandi where Head count ratio has 7.1 per cent and 6.68 per cent.
At last it can be observed that where Chamba and Sirmour have been reported as highest in terms of MPI, these two districts have also been observed as lower ranking in terms of DGGI where, Chamba is at 11th and Sirmour is at 9th place. The gain in DGGI is reflected in MPI also.
| Question | Answers | |
| 1 | Which former Secretary General of the United Nation stated that “Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.” | Kofi Annan |
| 2 | The SDGs, officially known as ______? | Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. |
| 3 | SDGs are the inter-Governmental set of ______aspiration goals with 169 targets and more than 300 indicators ? | 17 |
| 4 | The SDGs have come into existence on ______? | 1st January, 2016 |
| 5 | The SDGs will end by _______? | 31st December, 2030 |
| 6 | The agenda for Sustainable Development-2030, aims at _______? | Leaving No One Behind‟ in sharing the benefit of development. |
| 7 | The first edition of the SDG India Index was launched in______, using 62 indicators from 39 targets across 13 SDGs ? | December 2018 |
| 8 | The second edition of SDG India Index covering all the 17 Goals and 54 targets, launched in_______ ? | December 2019 |
| 9 | Though in all indicators Himachal Pradesh performed better, it secured top position in_________? | Affordable and Clean Energy |
| 10 | In which SDG, Himachal attained lowest score in ____? | SDG 2 : Zero hunger (hunger and malnutrition) |
| 11 | H P. has achieved ______rank in overall ranking along with Tamil Nadu as per SDG 3.0 ? | Second ( 2nd) |
| 12 | Which State has achieved 1st rank in overall ranking as per SDG 3.0 ? | Kerela |
| 13 | Which department is the Nodal Department in the State to facilitate implementation of the SDGs framework in Himachal Pradesh ? | Planning Department |
| 14 | Which department has published a State vision document i.e. ―Drishti Himachal Pradesh2030 Sustainable Development Goals‖ to implement & monitor the progress of SDGs in the State ? | Planning Department |
| 15 | State has shortlisted 138 key indicators and targets for monitoring progress on SDGs, out of which ______have been achieved, 39 are to be achieved by 2022 and 87 are planned to be achieved by 2030 ? | 12 |
| 16 | Which minister has released the Good Governance Index 2021 prepared by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) on 25 December 2021. | Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah |
| 17 | ________is celebrated as Good Governance Day marking the auspicious occasion of late former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee‟s birth anniversary ? | 25th December |
| 18 | Further, the GGI 2020-21 categorizes States and UTs into _____categories ? | Four |
| 19 | _______has been assessed top performer in terms of Human Resource Development and Public Infrastructure among Hill States ? | Himachal Pradesh |
| 20 | When did Himachal Pradesh ranked first among 12 small States on the Public Affair Index (PAI) by the Public Affair Centre (PAC), Bengaluru. | 2016, 2017, 2018 and
2019 |
| 21 | When did HP Govt that DGGI (Districts Good Governance Index) will be a regular exercise of the Department of Economic and Statistics ? | January, 2019 |
| 22 | DGGI an annual exercise in Himachal Pradesh, what is the prize (amount) announced by CM Jairam Thakur to the top three ranked Districts ? | 1st : 50 Lakh 2nd : 35 Lakh 3rd : 25 Lakh |
| 23 | Which are ranked first 3 districts in HP Districts Good Governance Index 2020 (awarded in 2021) ? | Hamirpur (1st) , Bilaspur (2nd) and Kullu (3rd) |
| 24 | Which were ranked first 3 districts in HP Districts Good Governance Index 2019 (awarded in 2021) ? | Bilaspur (1st) , Mandi (2nd) and Hamirpur (3rd) |
| 25 | Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is designed keeping in view Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) _______in its entirety which states to end poverty in all its forms everywhere‖. | SDG 1 |
| 26 | Two districts of Himachal Pradesh namely, ____and ____have secured lowest and second lowest rank among all districts of Himachal Pradesh in national MPI ? | Chamba and Sirmour |
CHAPTER 5: INSTITUTIONAL AND BANK FINANCES
- The LEAD BANK RESPONSIBILITY has been allocated amongst three banks viz.
- PNB in 6 districts, namely Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi and Una. • UCO Bank in 4 districts namely Bilaspur, Shimla, Solan and Sirmour • State Bank of India in 2 districts namely Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti.
- The UCO Bank (United Commercial Bank ) is the Convenor Bank of State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC).
The Lead Bank Scheme was introduced in 1969, to guide commercial, regional, rural and Co-operatives to improve their facilities in rural areas and deliver effective services.
State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) came into existence under Lead Bank Scheme as per RBI guidelines. SLBC is an inter-institutional forum at State level ensuring co-ordination between Government and Banks on matters pertaining to banking development.
SLBC facilitates effective implementation of development programmes in the areas of poverty alleviation, employment to un-employed, providing banking outlet in un-banked areas, training, financial literacy etc. *UCO Bank is the Convenor Bank of SLBC, Himachal Pradesh.
- Total (public+private) bank branches in HP : 2,244
- Rural areas – 1,715 branches (more than 76 per cent branches are in rural areas)
- Semi-urban areas – 414 branches
- Urban area – 115 branches (Shimla is the only Urban Centre in the State classified by RBI).
- Banks have opened 13 new bank branches from October, 2020 to September, 2021.
- As per census 2011, the average population per branch in the State comes to 3,059 against National level of 11,000.
- Total Public sector bank branches in HP: 1,165 branches (more than 51 % of total branches in HP). o PNB (350 branches) > SBI (329 branches) > UCO bank (173 branches).
- Total Private sector bank branches in HP : 188 branches o HDFC (75 branches) > ICICI (32 branches).
- Total Small Finance Banks in HP : 4 (with 16 branches)
- Two payment banks are functioning in HP with a network of 13 branches :
- India Post Payment Bank
- Fino Payments Bank
- Regional Rural Bank (RRB): There is a Regional Rural Bank (RRB) sponsored by PNB namely Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank (HPGB) having total branch network of 265 (upto September 2021).
- The Co-operative Sector Banks have total branch network of 571.
- The State apex Co-operative Bank i.e. Himachal Pradesh Co-operative Bank (HPSCB) have Branch network of 241 branches.
- The Kangra Central Co-operative Bank (KCCB) is having 217 branches.
- Five Urban Co-op. Banks with 26 branches are also operating in the State.
- District-wise spread of bank branches: o Highest in Kangra (423 branches) o lowest in Lahaul-Spiti – 23 o Total ATMs in State – 2,049 ATMs by various banks.
- At present total 5,969 Bank Mitras (Business Correspondent Agents) are deployed in the State by various banks for providing Basic banking services in villages.
- The Public sector Banks in the State namely, PNB, SBI, UCO, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India & Union Bank of India have full-fledged Regional Zonal and Circle Offices in HP.
- RBI has its Regional office headed by Regional Director at Shimla (Kasumpati).
- NABARD has Regional office headed by Chief General Manager at Shimla ( Kasumpati).
- The role and responsibility of banks is well recognized as a partner for accelerating the socio-economic growth of the State. The flow of credit in all priority areas has been enhanced. As of September, 2021 banks in the State have achieved 6 out of the 7 National Parameters by the RBI for Lending to Priority Sectors, which include Agriculture Sector, Small and Marginal Farmers, Micro Enterprises, Weaker Sections and Women.
- At present, banks have extended 59.86 percent of their total loans to the Priority Sector Activities viz. Agriculture, MSME, Education Loan, Housing Loan, Micro Credit etc.
| Purpose of loan | Proportion of total loan in HP | National parameter |
| Agriculture loans | 19.47% | 18% |
| Weaker Sections | 17.75% | 10% |
| Women | 10.48% | 5% |
- Credit Deposit Ratio (CDR) of banks in the State is 38.28 per cent.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION INITIATIVES
- The Financial Inclusion denotes delivery of financial services and products at an affordable cost to the excluded sections of our society and low income groups.
PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA (PMJDY)
- The scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 15 August 2014 (during Independence day speech from Red fort).
- Slogan of the Scheme is “Mera Khatha, Bhagya Vidhatha”
- Banks in the State have covered all the households with at least one Basic Saving Deposit Account of each household.
- Total Basic Saving Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDA) under PMJDY = 17.53 lakh upto September, 2021 (Out of which 15.34 lakh accounts opened rural areas 2.19 lakh accounts in urban areas).
- Banks have issued RuPay Debit Cards to 11.73 lakh PMJDY account holders and thus covered more than 66 percent of PMJDY accounts.
- Banks have taken initiative to link the bank account with Aadhaar and Mobile Number and linked 83 percent of PMJDY accounts up to September, 2021.
UNIVERSAL SOCIAL SECURITY INITIATIVES UNDER PMJDY SCHEME.
i) PRADHAN MANTRI SURAKSHA BIMA YOJANA- (PMSBY):
- It was originally mentioned in the 2015 Budget speech by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in February 2015. It was formally launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 May in Kolkata.
- This scheme is providing renewable one year accidental death cum special ability cover of to saving bank account holders.
- age group= 18 to 70 years
- premium = Rs.Rs.12.00 per annum per subscriber
- insurance cover = Rs. 2.00 lakh in case of permanent total disability and death ( to nominee in case of death) and 1.00 lakh for partial and permanent special ability.
- Note : death by suicide is not covered.
- Renewable from 1st June every year.
- Banks have 15.72 lakh subscribers under PMSBY up to September, 2021.
- The Insurance Companies have settled nearly 909 insurance claims under the scheme up to 30th November, 2021.
ii) PRADHAN MANTRI JEEVAN JYOTI BIMA YOJANA- (PMJJBY):
- It was originally mentioned in the 2015 Budget speech by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in February 2015. It was formally launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 May in Kolkata.
- It provides renewable one year life cover (Death). • Age group = 18 to 50 years
- Premium = Rs.330.00 per annum per subscriber
- Cover= Rs.2.00 lakh in case of death due to any reason (to all the saving bank account holders).
- Renewable from 1st June every year.
- Banks have 4.32 lakh subscribers under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) up to September, 2021.
- The Insurance Companies have settled nearly 1,902 insurance claims under the scheme up to 30th November, 2021.
iii) ATAL PENSION YOJANA (A.P.Y) :
- It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 May in Kolkata.
- Atal Pension Yojana is focused on the unorganized sector and it provides subscribers a fixed minimum pension of Rs.1,000, Rs.2,000, Rs.3,000, Rs.4,000 or Rs.5,000 per month starting at the age of 60 years, depending on the contribution option exercised on entering at the age between 18 and 40 years. The fixed minimum pension would be guaranteed by the government if regular contribution is made for 20 years. While the scheme is open to the Bank account holders in the prescribed age group, Central Government would also co-contribute 50 percent of the total contribution or Rs.1,000 per annum, whichever is lower for a period of 5 years for those subscribers which are not member of any statutory social security scheme and are not income tax payers.
- The State Government has also contributed in the APY. The co-contribution from State Government toward subscribers of APY will be made in eligible accounts subject to 50 percent of the total contribution by the subscriber or Rs.2,000 whichever is lower. The State Government is focusing on MGNREGA workers, Mid Day Meal workers, Agriculture and Horticulture labourers and Anganwari workers to adopt the Atal pension Yojana.
- Banks have focused on aggressive awareness campaign under the scheme through camps, press media publicity etc.
- In the APY, banks in HP have enrolled 2,02,666 subscribers under the scheme up to September, 2021. The Department of Post is also participating in the APY Scheme.
PRADHAN MANTRI MUDRA YOJANA (PMMY):
- The scheme was launched on 8th April, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The smaller of the micro enterprises mainly consist of non- farm enterprises in Manufacturing Trading and Services whose credit needs are below Rs.10.00 lakh and all the loans given to these segments for income generation will be known as MUDRA loans.
- It is responsible for developing and refinancing all Micro-enterprises sector by supporting the finance Institutions which are in the business of lending to micro / small business entities engaged in manufacturing, trading and service activities. All advances granted on or after 8th April .2015 falling under this category are classified as MUDRA loan under the scheme.
- As on September, 2021, banks in Himachal Pradesh have sanctioned fresh loans to the tune of Rs. 775.90 crore to 36,509 new micro entrepreneurs under the Scheme in the 2021-22. For this period, a cumulative total of disbursed loans is `2566.70 crore covering 1,72,048 entrepreneurs.
STAND-UP INDIA SCHEME (SUIS):
- Standup India was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 April 2016.
- It aims to encourage entrepreneurial culture among unserved and underserved segments of the society represented by SC, ST and women.
- The Scheme facilitate loan from Banks between Rs. 10.00 lakh and Rs. 1.00 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up of a new enterprise in the field of construction, business, service sector. (also termed as green field enterprise).
- Banks have sanctioned Rs. 297.56 crore to 1445 new enterprises set up by SC/ST and Women entrepreneurs under the scheme up to September, 2021.
Financial Awareness and Literacy Campaigns:
- Banks are conducting financial Literacy campaign through the Financial literacy Centers (FLCs) and through its Bank Branches in Himachal Pradesh.
Business Volume of Banks:
- The Aggregate Deposits of all banks operating in the State increased from Rs. 1,39,352 crore on September, 2020 to `1,50,098 crore by September, 2021. The deposits of banks have grown at year over year growth of 7.70 per cent. • The Aggregate advances have decreased from `56,308 crore on September, 2020 to
- 54,423 crore on September, 2021 which implies a year-to-year decline of (-) 3.35 per cent.
- The total banking business `2,04,511 crore has registered growth of 4.52 per cent.
- Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have the largest market share of 63 percent, RRB has market of 5 percent, Private Banks at 12 percent and Co-operative Sector Bank has market share of 20 percent.
Implementation of Government Sponsored Schemes
i) National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM):
- The Ministry of Rural Development, launched flagship program of Government of India for promoting poverty reduction through building strong institutions of the poor, particularly women and enabling these institutions to access a range of financial services and livelihoods services. The scheme implemented in the State through HP State Rural Livelihood Mission (HPSRLM), Rural Development Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
- Banks have been allocated the annual target of Rs 110 crore covering 8,000 beneficiaries under this Scheme in the State. Banks have sanctioned 1,683 loan to the tune of Rs. 30.47 crore up to September, 2021 under NRLM scheme.
ii) National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) :
- The Government of India, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA), restructured the existing Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) and launched the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM).
- The Self Employment Programme (SEP) is one of the components (Component 4) of NULM which will focus on
providing financial assistance through a provision of interest subsidy on loans to support establishment of Individual and Group Enterprises and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of urban poor. - NULM has been implemented in Himachal Pradesh by Urban Development Department.
- Himachal Pradesh by Urban Development Department, and various Banks have disbursed `2.78 crore as loans the NULM upto September, 2021.
iii) Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) :
- PMEGP is a credit linked subsidy programme administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal agency at national level for implementation of the scheme. At state level the scheme is implemented through KVIC, KVIB and District Industries center.
- In 2021-22, a target of financing 1,451 new units under the scheme was allocated to Banks. The implementing agencies have been targeted to provide margin money disbursement to the tune of Rs 43.73 crore under the scheme. Banks have sanctioned `12.50 crore as margin money to the entrepreneurs of 469 units till September, 2021.
Kisan Credit Cards (KCC):
- Banks are implementing KCC scheme through their rural branches to provide adequate and timely credit support from the banking system under a single window to the farmers to meet the short-term credit requirements for cultivation of crops and other needs. Banks have disbursed fresh KCCs to 1,04,020 farmers amounting to Rs. 1,658.74 crore upto September, 2021. Banks have financed 3,92,757 farmers under KCC with an aggregate amount of `6,769.74 crore upto September, 2021.
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs)
- Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) an initiative of Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to have dedicated infrastructure at district level to impart training and skill up gradation of rural youth geared towards entrepreneurship development. RSETIs are managed by lead banks with active co-operation from the MoRD and Rural development Department of Government of Himachal Pradesh. The Lead Banks i.e. UCO Bank, PNB and SBI have set up Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) in 10 districts of the State (except in Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts).
- These RSETIs are conducting Electronic Data Processing (EDPs) under various Government sponsored programmes for poverty alleviation and to develop entrepreneurship under PMEGP. RSETIs have set a target of organizing total 220 training programmes in the year 2021-22 and total 5,730 candidates will be trained in the current financial year.
Special drive for Aadhaar linkages with Bank account and verification of Aadhaar in all existing bank account
- In Himachal Pradesh, 97 Aadhaar Enrollment and Updation Centers are identified by various Banks to provide facility of Aadhaar enrolment and updation facility.
NABARD
- NABARD has strengthened its association with the developmental process substantially for integrated Rural Development in the recent years by the initiatives encompassing a wide range of activities viz. Development of Rural Infrastructure, Micro Credit, Farmer Producer Organizations, Rural Farm and Non-Farm Sector, skill development, increased Refinance, besides strengthening the rural credit delivery system in the State. NABARD is also implementing or is associated with certain centrally sponsored credit linked subsidy schemes of Government of India.
Rural Infrastructure
RIDF
- Government of India had created Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) within NABARD in the year 199596. Under this scheme, concessional loans are given by NABARD to State Government and State owned Corporations for the completion of ongoing projects as also to start new projects in certain selected sectors. Financing has become broad based covering 39 eligible activities in agriculture and related sectors, social sector and rural connectivity.
- From an initial allocation of Rs.15.00 crore under RIDF-I from the year 1995-96, the allocation to the State has now reached the level of Rs. 1000 crore under RIDF- XXVII (2021-22).
- RIDF has played an important role in development of diversified sectors like irrigation, roads and bridges, flood protection, drinking water supply in addition to primary education, veterinary services, watershed development, IT infrastructure etc. In recent years, innovative project for development of Poly-Houses and Micro Irrigation Systems and Solar irrigation have been supported, which would facilitate the development of agri-business and sustainable farming on commercial lines.
- Financial assistance of ₹8890 crore has been sanctioned under RIDF as on March,2021 to the state including rural roads/bridges, irrigation, rural drinking water, education, animal husbandry etc. an amount of ₹965 crore has been sanctioned under RIDF-XXVII and ₹410 crore has been disbursed upto December,2021. After implementation/completion of the sanctioned projects, 11,790 kms roads will become motorable, 25,743 metre bridges will be constructed and 1,58,030 hectares land will be benefited through irrigation projects. In addition, 2,921 rooms in Primary Schools, 64 Science Laboratories in Secondary Schools, 25 IT Centres and 397 Veterinary Hospitals will be constructed.
Warehouse Infrastructure Fund (WIF)
- NABARD has sanctioned ₹4.18 crore to the State Government for the financial year 2019-20. One Controlled
Atmosphere (CA) Store Project at Churah, Chamba with 500 MT capacity is being implemented by HPMC. For Modernization and Upgradation of Cold Stores into CA stores at Rohru, Oddi and Patlikuhal with capacity of 3,480 MT and ₹8.54 crore has been sanctioned upto December,2021.
Food Processing Fund (FPF)
- NABARD has established a Food Processing Fund (FPF) with a corpus of ₹2,000 crore in 2014-15 for providing financial assistance for establishing the designated food parks and also for setting up of individual food/agro processing units.
- Cremica Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. Singha, Una is being established under the fund and has been extended financial assistance of ₹37.94 crore out of total project cost of ₹103.85 crore in the State. The farmers of the state are expected to benefit from the hub and spoke model of this project and it is expected to create employment opportunities in the State.
- ( Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal in feb 2019 inaugurated Cremica Food Park, which is the first mega food park of Himachal Pradesh)
Refinance Support:
- NABARD extends Long Term Refinance for diverse activities viz. rural housing, small road transport operators, land development and other sectors to the tune of ₹646.00 crore during 2021-22.
- Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank and Cooperative Banks also released ₹219.19 crore under long term refinance and
₹69.44 crore to Commercial Banks as on December,2021. In addition, ₹6.02 crore as refinance has been released to Commercial Banks. - NABARD has also supplemented the efforts of Cooperative Banks and RRBs for crop loan disbursement by sanctioning Short Term (ST) credit limit of ₹1,960 crore against which the banks have drawn refinance assistance of ₹1,960 crore during 2020-21. Further, ₹1,060 crore was sanctioned in the current year out of which ₹960 crore has been drawn as of December,2021.To mitigate the impact of Covid-19, NABARD has provided Special Liquidity Facility of ₹660 crore to Cooperative and Rural Banks in H.P.
Special Refinance Schemes
- To give boost to the agriculuture and rural sector in the Post Covid era, NABARD launched 4 new schemes:
a) Transformation of PACS (Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies) as MSCs (Multi Service Centres):
• The scheme aims to convert around 35000 PACS to Multi Service Centres (MSCs) across the country in the next three years in a structured manner. Under this scheme, an amount of ₹11.15 crore has been sanctioned to 42 PACS in the State as on December,2021.
b) Special Refinance Scheme in NABARD watershed and WADI Project areas:
• The scheme aims to promote sustainable economic activities, livelihood and employment opportunities in supported NABARD watershed and WADI areas by providing concessional refinance facility @ 3 per cent to the banks for extending cheaper credit to the ultimate beneficiaries.
c) Special Refinance Scheme for Promoting Micro Food Processing Enterprises:
• The scheme aims to provide a fillip to the Formalization of Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Enterprise Scheme. NABARD will extend long term refinance to all eligible banks / FIs at 4 per cent to accelerate capital formation in Micro Food processing enterprises.
d) Schematic Refinance for Water Sanitation and Hygene Activities:
The Scheme aims to meet credit requirement of banks/ FIs to enable them to provide timely and hassle free credit to
eligible beneficiaries /entrepreneurs to facilitate WASH activities.
Government Sponsored Schemes
a) Under National Livestock Mission ₹1.48 crore subsidy has been released in the financial year 2019-20, ₹2.36 crore in 2020-21 and ₹25.85 lakh in 2021-22 as on December,2021in the State.
b) The New Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme has been extended for the term loans sanctioned upto March, 2022.
Micro Credit
- The Self Help Group (SHG) movement has spread across the Himachal Pradesh and is now on a firm base. The movement has given added support in human resources and financial products. As of 31st March 2021 the cumulative number of credit linked SHGs stood at 60,293 and the number of credit linked SHGs with loans outstanding was 13,367 with an amount of ₹14,508.14 lakh. The announcement in Union Budget 2014-15, of financing of Joint Farming Groups ―Bhoomi Heen Kissan (landless farmers) has given further credence to effort of NABARD in innovating and reaching out to the landless farmers through Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) mode of financing. As on March,2021, 11,661 Joint Liability Groups have been provided loan disbursement of ₹16485.65 lakh. During the year 2020-21, NABARD sanctioned ₹40.00 lakh each to Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank (HPGB), State Bank of India and UCO Bank for promotion and credit linkage of 1,000 JLGs over a period of 3 years. Further, NABARD facilitates short duration skill development training for SHGs members having availed credit facility from the bank. During 2020-21 and 2021-22, 39 Micro Entrepreneurship Development Programme (MEDPs) have been sanctioned and1170 SHG members were trained individually or in group mode. In another Livelihood Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) 1,470 SHG members were trained during the year 2021-22 as on December,2021.
NABARD’S FARM SECTOR INITIATIVES
Promotion of Farmers’ Producer Organisation
- A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a legal entity formed by primary producers, viz. farmers/milk producers, fishermen. An FPO can be a producer company, a cooperative society or any other legal form which provides for sharing of profits/benefits among the members. The main aim of FPO is to ensure better income for the producers through an organization of their own. In Himachal Pradesh, NABARD has sanctioned a grant of ₹10.89 crore for formation / promotion of 107 FPOs in all the 12 districts. These FPOs will undertake production, primary processing and marketing of vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, milk and flowers on aggregation basis. As on December, 2021, ₹6.59 crore has been released for these FPOs. These FPOs cover around 15,000 farmers across the state with an annual turnover of ₹27.00 crore. In another Central Sector Scheme, NABARD will be implementing agency for 10,000 FPOs formation and Promotion with the concept of ―One District One Product‖. FPOs will be promoted and nurtured through Cluster Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) in the State. NABARD has formed 16FPOs under the scheme with total sanctioned grant of ₹2.88 crore.
Watershed Development
- NABARD has sanctioned 38 Watershed Development Projects (Watershed and spring shed Project) in ten districts of the State. As on December,2021, an amount of ₹17.99 crore has been disbursed under these projects covering 35,127 hectares benefitting 237 villages with 78,031beneficiaries.These projects will enhance the availability of water, environment protection, increase productivity and income of the farmers and conserve diminishing pastures and facilitate animal husbandry. The remaining two districts i.e. Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti shall be covered in next financial year.
Tribal Development through the Tribal Development Fund (TDF)
- NABARD has sanctioned 12 Tribal Development projects till 31.12.2021 with a total grant of ₹18.33 crore covering 3,355 families. These projects aim at setting up of WADIs (small orchards) as well as dairy units in selected villages covering about 2,355 acres of area for plantation of Mango, Kinnow, Lemon, Apple, Walnut, Pear, Wild Apricot. These projects are providing tribal people with an opportunity to raise their income level through the WADIs and Dairy initiatives.
Support through the Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF)
• Under FSPF, till now a cumulative grant assistance of ₹32.13 crore for 31 projects has been sanctioned benefitting around 16087 farmers. During the year 2021-22 one project has been sanctioned with a grant support of ₹19.88 lakh with an objective to promote millets and traditional crops in district Kangra. More projects that shall enhance the income as well as productivity of the farmers shall be given priority under the fund.
NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS)
• NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD and is engaged in providing consultancy in all spheres of agriculture, rural development and allied areas. NABCONS leverages on the core competence of NABARD in the areas of agricultural and rural development, especially multi disciplinary projects, banking, institutional development, infrastructure, training, etc. NABCONS is involved in the following major assignments during current financial year:
• Project Management Consultancy for Integrated Cold Chain Project at Parala and Kharapathar to H.P State Agricultural Marketing Board.
• Setting up PMU (Project Management Unit) under Agri-Infrastructure Fund (AIF) at State Level in Himachal Pradesh.
• Third party Impact Assessment of PM Adarsh Gram Yojna.
• Impact Evaluation Study of FPOs in Himachal Pradesh.
• Comprehensive Study of Handloom Sector in Himachal Pradesh.
• NABCONS is Central Technical Support Agency for DDU-GKY in Himachal Pradesh.
• Third Party Survey of Toilets constructed by SJVN in four States.
• Third Party Inspection of Border Area Development Programme.
NABARD‟s Initiatives for Climate Change in H.P.
• NABARD has been designated National Implementing Entity (NIE) for Adaptation Fund (AF), Green Climate Fund (GCF) set up under United Nation‟s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) set up by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
NABARD in its efforts to meet the future challenges of climate change has facilitated the preparation, development and sanction of a projection „Sustained Livelihoods of Agriculture dependent communities in drought prone district of Himachal Pradesh through climate smart solutions‟ in Sirmour district from the executing entity i.e. department of Environment, Science and Technology, Government of Himachal Pradesh. MoEF&CC has sanctioned ₹20.00 crore for the project. ₹19.12 crore has since been released by NABARD till December, 2021.
One liner facts ( important for prelims ) :
| 1 | The Lead Bank responsibility for Himachal has been distributed among _______banks ? | 3 (PNB, SBI & UCO) |
| 2 | In How many districts of HP, PNB (bank) has been given the Lead Bank responsibility ? | 6 (Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi and Una) |
| 3 | In How many districts of HP, UCO bank has been given the Lead Bank responsibility ? | 4 (Bilaspur, Shimla, Solan and Sirmour) |
| 4 | In How many districts of HP, SBI has been given the Lead Bank responsibility ? | 2 (Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti) |
| 5 | Which bank is the Convener Bank of State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) in HP ? | UCO (United Commercial Bank) |
| 6 | HP has a network of total ______bank branches ? | 2,224 |
| 7 | Apx ____ % of bank branches lies in Rural areas of HP ? | 76 % (1,715 branches) |
| 8 | From October, 2020 to September, 2021,_____new branches were opened ? | 13 |
| 9 | How many bank branches are there in semi urban areas of HP ? | 414 |
| 10 | How many bank branches are there in urban area (Shimla is the only urban centre) of HP? | 115 |
| 11 | As per 2011 census, the average population per bank branch in HP was ? | 3,059 |
| 12 | As per 2011 census, the average population per bank branch in India was ? | 11,000 |
| 13 | As of September, 2021, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have ____branches constituting more than _____per cent of the total branch network of banking sector in the State ? | 1165 branches, 51 % |
| 14 | Which Public Sector Bank has largest network of bank branches in HP ? | PNB (350 branches) |
| 15 | Which Public Sector Bank has second largest network of bank branches in HP ? | SBI (329 branches) |
| 16 | Which Public Sector Bank has third largest network of bank branches in HP ? | UCO ( 173 branches) |
| 17 | Private Sector Banks have ______branches in HP ? | 188 |
| 18 | Which Private Sector Bank has largest bank branches in HP ? | HDFC (75 branches) |
| 19 | Which Private Sector Bank has third largest bank branches in HP ? | ICICI (32 branches) |
| 20 | How many Small Finance Banks are functional in HP and have a network of 16 branches | 4 |
| 21 | Which two Payment Banks are functioning in HP with a network of 13 branches ? | India Post Payment Bank and FINO bank |
| 22 | Which single Regional Rural Bank (RRB) is functioning in HP ? | Himachal Pradesh Bank (HPGB) |
| 23 | Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank (HPGB) is sponsored by which Public Sector bank in HP? | PNB |
| 24 | Up to September 2021, how many bank branches of Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank (HPGB) are functioning in HP ? | 265 |
| 25 | The Co-operative Sector Banks have _____branches in HP ? | 571 |
| 26 | The State Apex Co- operative Bank i.e. Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank (HPSCB) has ______branches ? | 241 |
| 27 | Kangra Central Co-operative Bank (KCCB) has _____branches ? | 217 |
| 28 | How many Urban Co-op. Banks with 26 branches are also operating in the State ? | 5 |
| 29 | In terms of district-wise spread of bank branches, ____district has the highest number of _____bank branches ? | Kangra, 423 |
| 30 | How many ATMs have been installed in HP by different banks ? | 2,049 |
| 31 | At present, how many Bank Mitras (Business Correspondent) are deployed in the State by various banks for providing basic Banking services in villages ? | 5,969 |
| 32 | At present, banks in HP have extended _____per cent of their total loans to the Priority Sector Activities ? | 58.96% |
| 33 | Agriculture loans in HP constitute ________per cent of total loans extended by Banks as on September, 2021 as against the National parameter of 18 per cent set by the RBI ? | 19.47% |
| 34 | Advances (loans) to Weaker Sections in HP is _______percent of total lending as against the national goals of 10 % ? | 17.75% |
| 35 | Advances (loans) to Women in HP is _______percent of total lending as against the national goals of 5 % ? | 10.48% |
| 36 | Credit Deposit Ratio (CDR) of banks in HP is _____per cent ? | 38.28% |
| 37 | How many bank accounts (BSBDA) have been opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY) scheme as of September, 2021 ? | 17.53 Lakh |
| 38 | Out of these 17.53 lakh BSBDA accounts, _____accounts are in rural areas and ______in urban areas? | 15.34 lakh (Rural) 2.19 lakh (Urban) |
| 39 | Banks have issued RuPay Debit Cards to _____lakh PMJDY account holders and covered more than 66 per cent of these accounts ? | 11.73 lakh |
| 40 | Banks have taken initiative to link the bank account with Aadhaar and Mobile Number and have linked _____per cent of PMJDY accounts upto September, 2021 ? | 83% |
| 41 | Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) provides renewable one year accidental death cum special ability cover of `2.00 lakh (`1.00 lakh for partial and permanent special ability) to all the saving bank account holders in the age group of ______years ? | 18 to 70 years |
| 42 | What is the premium under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), renewable from 1st June every year? | 12 Rs per subscriber |
| 43 | The Insurance Companies have settled ______insurance claims under the PMSBY upto 30th November, 2021 ? | 909 |
| 44 | Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is providing a renewable one year life cover of `2.00 lakh to all the saving bank account holders in the age group of________years, covering death due to any reason ? | 18 to 50 years |
| 45 | What is the premium under PMJJBY renewable from 1st June every year? | 330 Rs per subscriber |
| 46 | Banks have _______subscribers under PMJJBY as of September, 2021 ? | 4.32 lakh |
| 47 | Under PMJJBY , the Insurance Companies have settled _____insurance claim upto 30th November, 2021 since inception ? | 1,902 |
| 48 | Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is focused on the _______sector ? | Unorganized |
| 49 | Atal Pension Yojana provides subscribers a fixed minimum pension of `1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 or 5,000 per month starting at the age of ____years, depending on the contribution option exercised on entering an age between 18 and 40 years ? | 60 |
| 50 | The fixed minimum pension under Atal Pension Yojana is guaranteed by the Government, if regular contribution is made for ______years ? | 20 |
| 51 | The co-contribution from State Government toward subscribers of Atal Pension Yojana is made in eligible accounts subject to ______per cent of the total contribution by the subscriber or ______whichever is lower ? | 50 % or 2000 Rs |
| 52 | In the APY, banks have enrolled _______subscribers under the scheme up to September, 2021. | 2,02,666 |
| 53 | Besides banks , which Department is also participating in the APY Scheme ? | Department of Posts and Telegraph |
| 54 | Stand up India scheme aims to encourage entrepreneurial culture among ___? | SC, ST and Women |
| 55 | The ‘Stand up India’ Scheme facilitates loans of ______from Banks to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up of a new enterprise in the field of construction, business or service sector (also termed as green field enterprise)? | `10.00 lakh to `1.00 crore |
| 56 | The deposits of banks have grown at year-to-year growth of ____per cent ? | 7.70 % |
| 57 | Considering Business Volume of Banks, Which banks have the largest market share of _______ per cent ? | Public Sector banks (63 %) |
| 58 | Considering Business Volume of Banks, RRB has the market share of _______ per cent ? | 5 % |
| 59 | Considering Business Volume of Banks, Private Banks have the market share of _______ per cent ? | 12% |
| 60 | Considering Business Volume of Banks, Co-operative Sector Banks have the market share of _______ per cent ? | 20 % |
| 61 | The financial targets under Bank’s Annual Credit Plan 2021-22 have been increased by _______per cent over the last plan outlay and fixed at `30,538 crore ? | 10.24% |
| 62 | Prime Minister‟s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit linked subsidy programme administered by the, Which ministry of Government of India ? | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
| 63 | Who is the nodal agency for the implementation of Prime Minister‟s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) at national level ? | Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) |
| 64 | Who is implementating of Prime Minister‟s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) in State (HP) ? | KVIC, Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) and District Industries centre |
| 65 | The Lead Banks i.e. UCO Bank, PNB and SBI have set up Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) in 10 districts of the State except _____ and _____ ? | Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti |
| 66 | Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) are an initiative of ___________to have dedicated infrastructure at district level to impart training and skill up-gradation of rural youth geared towards entrepreneurship development ? | Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) |
| 67 | One Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Store Project at ______with 500 MT capacity is being implemented by HPMC ? | Churah, Chamba |
| 68 | For Modernization and Upgradation of Cold Stores into Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores at ______, _____ and ______ with capacity of 3,480 MT and ₹8.54 crore has been sanctioned upto December,2021 ? | Rohru, Oddi and Patlikuhal |
| 69 | NABARD has established a Food Processing Fund (FPF) with a corpus of Rs.______in 2014-15 for providing financial assistance for establishing the designated food parks and also for setting up of individual food/agro processing units ? | ₹2,000 crore |
| 70 | NABARD has sanctioned 38 Watershed Development Projects (Watershed and spring shed Project) in ______districts of the State ? | 10 (Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti shall be covered in next financial year) |
CHAPTER 6 : PRICE MOVEMENT AND FOOD MANAGEMENT
CURRENT TRENDS IN INFLATION:
Consumer Price Index-Combined (CPI-C) inflation: Consumer Price Index-Combined (CPI-C) inflation
• CPI-Combined inflation was 4.6 per cent in 2016-17 and 5.2 per cent in 2020-21 in the State. In the current financial year during the months of (April-December) CPI- Combined was 6.0 per cent as compared to 5.3 per cent in 2020-21 (April to
December). This inflation was mainly due to a spike in food inflation
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE CALENDAR YEAR 2017 AND 2021
| Sectors of Inflation | 2017 | 2021 |
| General inflation | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| clothing and footwear | 5.4 | 7.2 (due to import restriction in clothing and footwear) |
| fuel and light | 13 | 9.3 |
| Pan, tobacco and intoxicants | 11.9 | 4.2 |
Consumer Price Index-Rural (CPI-R) inflation: CPI-R inflation was 4.7 per cent in 2016-17 which remained constant at 4.7 per cent in 2020-21. This is due to supply management response by the Government through the Public Distribution System (PDS) system which resulted in easing the food prices. In current Financial Year, 2021-22, during (April-December), CPI-R index was 6.1 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2020-21. This was mainly driven by the rural demands.
Consumer Price Index-Urban (CPI-U) Inflation:
CPI-U was 4.1 per cent in 2016-17 and increased to 7.1 per cent in 2020-21. In financial year 2021-22 from (April to December), this index was 5.2 per cent as compared to the same period in 2020-21
Components wise Consumer Price Index inflation (rural-urban) (April – December 2021)
Rural inflation is 6.1 per cent from April to December, 2021 as compared to urban inflation at 5.2 per cent. The large gap witnessed between rural and urban CPI inflation from 2017-18 to 2020-21 was largely on account of differential rates of fuel and light group.
From April to December, 2021 the variability of rural inflation in three sub group‟s i.e. food and beverage, clothing and footwear and miscellaneous groups, is high as compared to that of urban sub group inflation. Fuel and light group in urban sector show the highest inflation of 22.4 per cent as compared to 12.5 per cent in rural inflation.
Drivers and contributors to rural inflation
The major driver of rural inflation was fuel and light which was 40.84 per cent as compared to other components of total inflation in April to December, 2021-22. Clothing and footwear is the second largest contributor to the total inflation and its contribution is 24.0 per cent. Pan, tobacco and intoxicants component is the smallest contributor of 2.6 per cent.
Drivers and contributors to urban inflation
During 2021-22 (April to December) the major driver of urban inflation is fuel and light which contribute almost half of the total inflation 46.5 per cent. The second largest contributor in the urban inflation is the Pan, tobacco and intoxicants group which is 15 per cent though its contribution has decreased from 29.3 per cent to 15per cent in 2021- 22.
Consumer Price Index Industrial Worker (CPI-IW)
CPI-IW is a price index released by the Labour Bureau to measure the impact of price rise on the cost of living for working-class families spread across certain selected industries. The base year has been revised from 2001 to 2016 in September 2020.
The new series of CPI-IW covers the industrial workers from the existing seven sectors viz. Factories, mines, plantation, railways, public motor transport undertaking, electricity generating and distribution establishments and ports & docks. In Himachal Pradesh, the CPI-IW inflation was lower as compared to the National average during the month of December, 2021.
Wholesale Price Index (WPI):
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) measures and tracks the changes in the price of goods before they reach consumers – the goods that are sold in bulk and traded between businesses rather than between consumers. It is called the Business to Business (B2B) price variation. The WPI is one indicator of a country’s level of inflation. While WPI inflation has been higher in the current financial year compared to the previous year in all the three major groups, it was above 20 per cent in „fuel and power‟ group reflecting the higher international petroleum prices. Within the primary articles group, “Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas” sub-group has witnessed very high inflation and stood at 55.7 per cent in December 2021. Similarly, mineral component has also witnessed high inflation throughout the year. Impact of rising international prices in WPI manufacturing was clearly visible, especially in food products. Within the manufacturing food products, edible oils were a major contributor to inflation. During 2021-22 (April to December), edible oils inflation in WPI was 36.4 per cent. The high import dependency on edible oils has meant that high international prices in these products are also reflected in the domestic prices.
Consequent to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, production activity remained muted in 2020-21 and global crude oil prices reached record lows due to less demand. Therefore, the WPI based inflation rate touched a low of 1.3 per cent in 2020- 21. With the economic activity picking up in 2021-22 and edging up of high global crude oil prices, the low base of 2020-21 led to WPI inflation reaching a peak of 14.2 per cent in November, 2021 and 12.5 per cent during April to December 2021-22 (as against 0.04 per cent April to December, 2020-21). Therefore, the high WPI based inflation rate in 2021, is largely attributable to the low base of the previous year. On the other hand, retail inflation that had remained high during 2020-21 due to the supply chain disruptions and high food inflation and remain moderated in 2021-22 on the account of effective supply side management, resulting in a divergence between WPI and CPI based inflation.
Monthly Wholesale Price Index (WPI):
The Wholesale Price Index, at National level during December 2020 was 125.4 which increased to 142.4 in December, 2021 showing an inflation rate of 13.6 per cent.
Monthly Wholesale Price
Department of Economic and Statistics collects, compiles and analyses the data on 104 commodities through a network of District Statistical Offices. The prices are collected every first Friday of the month from the selected shops in the district. After scrutiny at headquarters, these prices are made available to the stakeholder.
Weekly Retail Price
The Department of Economic and Statistics collects, compiles and analyses data on essential commodities through a network of District Statistical Offices. Weekly prices are collected every Friday from specified shops in the district and after scrutiny, are uploaded to the website www.weeklyprices.hp.gov.in. These weekly prices are compiled, analysed and a report is sent to the Director, Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department and to the Government of H.P.
Food Security and Civil Supplies
One of the main constituents of the Government strategy for poverty alleviation is Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) which ensures availability of essential commodities like Wheat, Wheat Atta, Rice, Sugar etc. through a network of 5,043 Fair Price Shops. The total families for distribution of essential items have been divided into two categories viz. i. National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA-2013)
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
• Priority Households ii. Other than NFSA
(Above Poverty Line (APL)
In the State, the TPDS has 19,30,866 ration cards and covering 73,89,337 cards population from digitized record. These card holders are provided with essential commodities through 5,043 Fair Price Shops that include 3,275 Cooperative Societies, 15 Panchayats, 59 Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation (HPSCSC), 1,673 Individual and 1 Self Help Group and 20 Mahila Mandals.
Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation (HPSCSC)
The Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation is a ―Central Procurement Agency‖ for all controlled and non- controlled essential commodities in the state and procuring and distributing food grains and other essential commodities under the TPDS and NFSA. During the current financial year, upto December, 2021 the Corporation procured and distributed various commodities under TPDS to the tune of 1,442.12 crore as compared to `1,221.38 crore during the corresponding period of last year.
Presently, the Corporation is also providing other essential items like LPG, Diesel/ Petrol/ Kerosene Oil and lifesaving drugs/ medicines at reasonable rates to the consumers of the State through its 117 wholesale godowns, 59 retail shops, 54 LPG agencies, 4 petrol pumps and 36 medicine shops. In addition to this, the procurement and distribution of non- controlled commodities like sugar, pulses, rice, atta, detergents, tea leaves, exercise note books, cement, CGI sheets, medicines, furniture. Items under supplementary nutritional programme, MGNREGA cement and petroleum products etc. through wholesale godowns and retail shops of the Corporation which certainly has played an important role in stabilising prices of these commodities prevailing in the open market. During the current financial year, upto December, 2021 the Corporation procured and distributed various commodities under the scheme to the tune of `746.00 crore as compared to `687.81 crore during corresponding period of last year.
Government Supplies
HPSCSC is managing the procurement and supplies of ayurvedic medicines to Government hospitals, cement to Government Departments/ Boards/ Corporations and other Government institutions and galvanized iron (GI)/ductile iron (DI)/cast iron (CI) pipes to Jal Shakti Department, school uniform to Education Department of Government of Himachal Pradesh.
MNREGA Cement Supplies
During 2021-22, (upto December), the Corporation managed the procurement and distribution of 64,10,960 bags cement amounting to `163.01 crore to various panchayats for developmental work in the State.
Food Security in Tribal and inaccessible Areas of the State
The Corporation is committed to provide all essential commodities, petroleum products including kerosene oil and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in tribal and inaccessible areas, where private traders do not venture to undertake these operations due to economic non-viability of the trade. During the current financial year, 2021-22 the supplies of essential items and Petroleum products to tribal and snow bound area were arranged as per the tribal Action Plan of the Government.
Dividend
The Corporation is earning profit since its inception i.e. 1980. During 2020-21 a net profit of `1.11 crore was earned and a sum of `35.15 lakh was proposed to be paid as dividend to the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Implementation of National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA-2013)
Under the task and responsibilities assigned by the Government of India to States for implementation of NFSA-2013, the HPSCSC is playing major role in implementing the scheme through timely procurement, storage and supply of allocated food grains through its 117 wholesale centres to Fair Price Shops for further distribution among the beneficiaries of the State. During 2021-22 (up to December, 2021), 62,472 MT rice and 364 MT wheat at the rate of `3.00 and `2.00 per kg per month have been distributed to the identified beneficiaries. In addition to above, in the absence of separate Warehouse Corporation of the State Government, the HPSCSC is managing storage capacity itself, through 22,945 MT owned and 37,111 MT hired godowns in the State. In view of successful implementation of the NFSA, 2013 additional storage capacity is being created and efforts are being made for construction of godowns. Seven godowns capacity of 550 MT at Nerwa, District Shimla, 1000 MT at Siddhpur Sarkari District Kangra, 300 MT at Rajgarh, District Sirmaur, 500 MT Bilaspur (first phase), 907.47 MT at Chamba, 500 MT at Chetru District Kangra, and 500 MT at Sandhol District Kangra is complete and possession has been taken over from the executing agency.
The construction work at Bilaspur (second phase), and Thunag is in progress and Khandaghat, Paonta Sahib and Kala Amb will soon be started. Hence, approximately 5,000 MT own storage capacity will be available soon for the storage of various items.
One Liner Facts for Prelims
| 1 | CPI-Combined inflation was 4.6 per cent in 2016-17 and _____per cent in 2020-21 in HP ? | 5.2% |
| 2 | In the 2021-22 financial year during the months of (April-December) CPI- Combined was _____per cent as compared to 5.3 per cent in 2020-21 (April to December) ? | 6.0% |
| 3 | General inflation in 2021 is ____ per cent against 5.0 per cent in 2017 ? | 5.8% |
| 4 | Inflation in the group, clothing and footwear, increased from 5.4 per cent in 2017 to _____ per cent in 2021 ? | 7.2% |
| 5 | Inflation in the fuel and light group came down from 13 per cent in 2017 to _____ per cent in 2021 ? | 9.3% |
| 6 | Inflation in the ‘Pan, tobacco and intoxicants’ also came down from 11.9 per cent in 2017 to _______ per cent in 2021 ? | 4.2% |
| 7 | CPI-R (Rural) inflation was 4.7 per cent in 2016-17 which remained constant at _____ per cent in 2020-21 ? | 4.7% |
| 8 | CPI-U (urban) was 4.1 per cent in 2016-17 and increased to ______per cent in 2020-21 ? | 7.1% |
| 9 | The major driver of rural inflation was ______ which was 40.84 per cent as compared to other components of total inflation in April to December, 2021-22 ? | fuel and light |
| 10 | _____is the second largest contributor to the total inflation and its contribution is 24.0 per cent ? | Clothing and footwear |
| 11 | During 2021-22 (April to December) the major driver of urban inflation is _____ which contribute almost half of the total inflation 46.5 per cent ? | fuel and light |
| 12 | The second largest contributor in the urban inflation is the ______group which is 15 per cent (decreased from 29.3 per cent in last year) ? | Pan, tobacco and intoxicants |
| 13 | CPI-IW ) Industrial worker) is a price index released by ______ ? | Labour Bureau |
| 14 | In September 2020, the base year to calculate CPI-IW has been revised from 2001 to ______ ? | 2016 |
| 15 | The new series of CPI-IW covers the industrial workers from the existing _______sectors ? | Seven |
| 16 | During 2021-22 (April to December), edible oils inflation in WPI was ___per cent. | 55.7% |
| 17 | During 2021-22 (April to December), edible oils inflation in WPI was ___per cent. | 36.4% |
| 18 | Which is a Central Procurement Agency for all controlled and non- controlled essential commodities in HP and is procuring and distributing food grains and other essential commodities under the TPDS and NFSA ? | Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation (HPSCSC) |
| 19 | Total Ration cards issued in HP getting the benefit under TPDS ? | 19,30,866 |
| 20 | The Ration card holders are provided with essential commodities through ______ Fair Price Shops ? | 5,043 |
Chapter – 7 : AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE
Agriculture
- Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Himachal Pradesh and has an important place in the economy of the State.
- Himachal Pradesh is the only State in the country whose 89.96 percent population (Census 2011) lives in rural areas.
- Crops, livestock, fishing, and forestry contributed 13.31 per cent to State‟s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in 2020-21 (constant prices). The share has been falling steadily over the years. The agricultural sector in Himachal has undergone significant structural changes in the form of decline in share of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) indicating a shift from the agrarian economy. Agricultural performance is subject to year to year fluctuations due to vagaries of nature as well as price volatility.
- At the State level, the share of crops, livestock, forestry, and fishing sector in Gross Value Added (GVA) has shown decline over the years from 15.89 per cent in 2015-16 to 13.31 per cent in 2020-21. The share of crops in GVA declined from 8.99 per cent in 2015-16 to 7.85 per cent in 2020-21.
- Out of the total geographical area of State (55.67 lakh hectare), the area of operational holdings is about 9.44 lakh hectares and is operated by 9.97 lakh farmers with an average holding size of about 0.95 hectare.
- About 80% of total cultivated area is rainfed.
- Distribution of land holdings according to 2016 Agricultural Census :
- 88.86 % = Small and Marginal farmers. • 10.84 % = semi medium and medium farmers • 0.30 % = large farmers.
CATEGORY OF FARMERS :
- Rice, Wheat and Maize are important cereal crops of the State.
Agro-climatically the State can be divided into four zones viz.:-
- Sub Tropical, sub-mountain and low hills. • Sub Temperate, Sub humid mid hills.
- Wet Temperate high hills.
- Dry Temperate high hills and cold deserts.
- The Agro-climatic conditions in the State are favorable for the production of cash crops like seed potato, off-season vegetables and ginger.
- Almost half of the rainfall is received during the Monsoon season
- The State received an average rainfall of 1,251 mms ( 125.1 cm).
- Kangra district gets the highest rainfall followed by Chamba, Sirmaur and Mandi.
The State Government is laying emphasis on production of off-season vegetables, potato, ginger, pulses and oilseeds besides increasing production of cereal crops, through timely and adequate supply of inputs, demonstration and effective dissemination of improved farm technology, replacement of old variety seed, promoting integrated pest management, bringing more area under efficient use of water resources and implementation of Wasteland Development Projects.
Monsoon Season 2021 (June – Sep 2021)
- For Himachal as a whole, the total rainfall during the entire monsoon season was 10 percent below the annual normal rainfall.
- Rainfall received was :
Excess in District Kullu
- Rainfall received was :
- Normal in Districts Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmour and Solan
- Deficient in District Chamba
- Scanty in Lahaul Spiti.
Normal = -19% to +19%
Excess = 20% and above
Deficient= -20% to –59%
Scanty = -60% to –99%
Crop Performance 2020-21
- The year 2020-21 remained an average year.
- The foodgrains production was 15.28 lakh MT in 2020-21 (15.94 lakh MT in the year 2019-20).
- The production of Potato was 1.96 lakh MT in 2020-21 ( 1.97 lakh MT in 2019-20).
- The production of vegetables during the year 2020-21 was 18.67 lakh MT (18.61 lakh MT in 2019-20).
Crop Prospects 2021-22
- The target of foodgrains production for 2021-22 is 16.35 lakh MT which includes 9.21 lakh tonne for Kharif, 2021 season and 7.54 lakh tonne during Rabi, 2021-22 seasons.
- Kharif production mainly depends upon the behaviour of south west monsoon because about 80 per cent of the total cultivated area is rainfed.
- Sowing of Kharif crops : 20 % in April – May and 80 % in June –July ( peak Kharif season).
- The sowing of Rabi Season normally starts in October and goes up to the first fortnight of December.
Growth in Foodgrains Production
- There is limited scope of increasing production through expansion of cultivable land. Like rest of the country, Himachal too has almost reached a plateau in so far as cultivable land is concerned. Hence, emphasis has to be on increasing productivity levels besides diversification towards high value crops. Due to an increasing shift towards commercial crops, the area under food-grains production is gradually declining. In 1997-98, this area was 853.88 thousand hectares which has declined to 727.69 thousand hectares in 2020-21.
High Yielding Varieties programme (H.Y.V.P )
• In order to increase production of foodgrains, emphasis has been laid on distribution of seeds of high yielding varieties to the farmers. There are 20 Seed Multiplication Farms from where foundation seed is distributed to registered farmers.
• In addition, there are 3 Vegetable Development Stations, 12 Potato Development Stations and 1 Ginger Development Station in the State.
Plant Protection Programme:
• During each season, campaigns are organised to fight the menace of crop disease, insects and pest etc.
• The scheduled castes/ scheduled tribes, farmers of backward areas and small and marginal farmers are provided plant protection chemicals and equipments at 50 percent cost.
• It is the approach of Agriculture Department to reduce consumption of plant protection chemicals by gradually switching to biological control of pests/diseases.
Soil Testing Programme:
To maintain the fertility of the soil during each crop season, soil samples are collected from the farmers’ fields and analyzed in the soil testing laboratories.
• Soil testing laboratories have been established in all the districts (except Lahaul and Spiti), and four mobile soil testing vans/labs out of which one exclusively for the tribal areas is in operation for testing the soil samples at site.
• At present 11 soil testing labs have been strengthened, 10 mobile labs and 47 mini labs have also been setup by the department. The Government of India has launched a new scheme based on which the sample of soil shall be drawn on GPS basis.
• Soil testing service has also been included under H.P. Govt. Public Service Act, 2011 in which the soil health cards are being made available to the Farmers through online service within prescribed time limit.
Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan scheme/Yojna (PKKKS) under Zero Budget Natural farming:
• Under this scheme, the HP Government intends to encourage “Zero Budget Natural Farming”, so as to bring down the cost of cultivation. The use of chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides will be discouraged. The budget provided for pesticides/ insecticides to the department of Agriculture and Horticulture will be used for providing bio-pesticides and bio- insecticides. A budget provision of ₹20.87 crore has been kept for 2021-22.
• The scheme is applicable only to the residents of the Himachal Pradesh only. The scheme is meant for the farmers. PKKKS Benefits:
• 75% subsidy on drums which are required to make inputs for natural farming.
• Financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 to open natural resources store in village.
• Training and workshop to create awareness about natural farming for farmers.
Fertilizer Consumption and Subsidy:
o Fertilizer consumption in 1985-86 was 23,664 MT which has increased to 65,241MT in 2020-21. To promote balanced use of chemical fertilizers, a subsidy of ₹1,000 per MT on complex fertilizers has been allowed. Use of water-soluble fertilizers is promoted in a big way for which subsidy has been allowed to an extent of 25 per cent of cost and targeted consumption of fertilizer consumption for the year 2021-22 will be 56,500 MT.
INSURANCE SCHEMES
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna –
• launched since Kharif season 2016. The different stages of risk leading to crop loss due to preventing sowing, post harvest losses, localized calamities and losses to standing crops (from sowing to harvest) have been covered under this new scheme.
• In this insurance scheme, Maize and Paddy crops have been covered during Kharif season and Wheat and Barley crop during Rabi season.
• Earlier, the scheme was compulsory to loanee farmers and optional for the Non loanee farmers but from kharif 2020 onwards the scheme is now optional for both the loanee and non-loanee farmers.
• Under PMFBY, claims beyond 350 per cent of premium collected or percentage of claims to sum insured exceeds 35 per cent whichever is higher at the national level, of all the companies combined and is paid by Center and State equally.
Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme. (R-WBCIS):
- launched since Kharif, 2016 season. The scheme intends to provide insurance protection to the cultivators against Natural Calamities which are deemed to adversely affect the Kharif crops during its cultivation period.
Note : Under PMFBY and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), a total of 1,76,510 farmers have been covered in Kharif 2020 and Rabi, 2020-21 seasons. A budget provision of ₹9.30 crore has been made for the year 2021-22 which is utilized for the payment of State share of premium subsidy.
Agriculture Marketing:
• For the regulation of agricultural produce in the State, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural/ Horticulture Produce Marketing Act, 2005 has been enforced. Under the Act, Himachal Pradesh Marketing Board has been established. Himachal Pradesh has been divided into ten notified market areas.
• Its main objective is to safeguard the interest of the farming community. The regulated markets established in different parts of the State are providing useful services to the farmers.
• A modernised market complex at Solan is functional for marketing of agricultural produce, besides construction of market yards in different area.
• At present 10 market committees are functioning and 63 markets have been made functional. Market information is being disseminated through different media i.e. AIR, Doordarshan, print media and net to farmers.
• 19 wholesale markets of states are connected through electronic-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM).
Tea Development:
Total area under tea cultivation is 2,310.71 hectares with a production level of 11.45 lakh kilograms in 2020-21. Small and Marginal farmers are provided agriculture inputs on 50 per cent subsidy basis. Tea is mainly cultivated in district Kangra, Mandi and Chamba and at present there are 5,900 tea growers in the State.
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
Two soil and water conservation schemes are being implemented under State sector. The schemes are:
• Soil Conservation Works.
• Water Conservation and Development.
Agriculture department has prepared a plan to harvest rain water by constructing tanks, ponds, check-dams and storage structures. Besides this, low lifting water devices and efficient irrigation system through sprinklers are also being popularized.
MUKHYA MANTRI NUTAN POLYHOUSE YOJNA:
• To achieve faster and more inclusive growth in agriculture sector, Government of Himachal Pradesh has started ―Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Yojana covering an area of 100 hectare in the State and 5,000 polyhouses are being constructed under this scheme. This scheme will be implemented in two phases. In first phase it will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2022-23 and 2,522 polyhouses will be constructed with an outlay of ₹78.57 crore.
• Under this project 85 % subsidy for setting up of polyhouses is provided and this scheme a budget provision of ₹22.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana -Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVYRAFTAAR)
• RKVY-RAFTAAR was initiated in 2007 as an umbrella scheme for ensuring holistic development of agriculture and
allied sector. The Projects worth ₹14.20 crore have been approved for the year 2021-22. The main objectives of the scheme are as under:
• To strengthen the farmer‟s efforts through creation of required pre- and post- harvest agri-infrastructure that increases access to quality inputs, storage, market facilities etc. and enable farmers to make informed choices.
• To provides flexibility and autonomy to States in the process of planning and executing Agriculture and Allied sector schemes.
• To promote value chain addition linked production models that will help farmers increase their income as well as encourage production/productivity.
• To mitigate risk of farmers with focus on additional income generation activities-like integrated farming, mushroom cultivation, bee keeping, aromatic plant cultivation, floriculture etc.
• To attend National priorities through several sub schemes.
• To empower youth through skill development, innovation and agri- entrepreneurship based agri business models that attract them to agriculture.
National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)
NMAET has been launched to make the extension system farmer-driven and farmer arrangement of technology dissemination. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 90:10 ratio in Centre and State share, respectively. This scheme has been divided into three sub-missions.
• Sub Mission on Agriculture Extension (SAME): A budget provision of ₹16.67 crore has been made for the year 2021-22. • Sub Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP): A budget provision of ₹4.79 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
• Sub Mission on Agriculture Machanization (SMAM): A budget provision of ₹21.58 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been formulated for enhancing agricultural productivity especially in rain fed areas.There are three different components of this scheme.
• Rainfed Area Development (RAD): A budget provision of ₹5.33 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
• Soil Health Management (SHM) :A budget provision of ₹2.16 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
• Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yogna (PKVY) : Enhancing water Use efficiency. A budget provision of ₹10.64 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
NFSM is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that was launched in 2007. Under this Mission, 11 Districts in Wheat (except Shimla), two Districts Kangra and Mandi under Rice and nine districts except Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti under Maize and all districts under pulses viz. Mash, Moong, Pea, Lentil and Gram have been selected in the State. All Districts have also been selected for Nutri-Cereals (Jawar, Bajra, Kodomillet, Prosomillet, Foxtailmillet, Littelmillet, and Fingermillet). The Mission provides assistance for laying cluster demonstrations, distribution of certified seed, micro-nutrients, plant and soil protection material, improved implements and machinery. Under this scheme a budget provision of ₹15.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
To improve agricultural productivity, Government of India has started a scheme, called PMKSY. Micro-irrigation projects (―Har Khet Ko Pani‖) and end-to-end irrigation solutions are the key focus of this scheme. The major objectives of this scheme is to achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve onfarm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water, enhance adoption of precision-irrigation and other water-saving technologies. Under this scheme a budget provision of ₹10.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22 under State Plan.
Efficient Irrigation through Micro-Irrigation Scheme
For efficient system of irrigation, the Government has launched a scheme named Efficient Irrigation through Micro-Irrigation Systems‟ with an outlay of ₹154.00 crore. Through this project 8,500 hectare area will be brought under Drip/Sprinkler Irrigation System benefitting 14,000 farmers. Subsidy at 80 per cent for the installation of sprinkler and drip irrigation system would be provided to the farmers.
Uttam Chara Utpadan Yojana
To increase fodder production, the State Government has launched a scheme;
„Uttam Chaara Utpadan Yojana for fodder development by bringing an area of 42,000 hectare under fodder production. Quality seed of fodder grasses, cuttings, and seedings of improved fodder varieties is supplied on subsidized rates to the farmers. Subsidy on Chaff Cutters is available to the Schduled Caste / Schduled Tribe and Below Poverty Line farmers. The State Government is also encouraging for the cultivation of Azola Grass among the farmers. The State Government is providing 50 per cent assistance for the preparation of pit. A provision of ₹7.10 crore has been made for year 2021-22 under this scheme.
Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana
Monkey and wild life menace causes huge loss to crops annually. Present practices of crop protection by manual guarding not ensure 100 per cent protection. Therefore, Himachal Pradesh has introduced a ―Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakhshan Yojana‖. Under this scheme, subsidy of 80 per cent is provided to individual farmer and 85 per cent for group of farmers for solar fencing. Government of Himachal Pradesh from 2019 -20 has also approved installation of barbed and chain link fencing as well as composite fencing. The subsidy for installation of barbed and chain link (Woven Mesh) fencing system and for composite fencing would be respectively 50 per cent and 70 per cent for individual farmers. For the year 2020-21 a budget provision of ₹40.00 crore has been provided.
Mukhya MantriI Kisaan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Surakhsha Yojana
To provide Insurance cover to the farmers and agricultural labourers in the event of sustaining injury or death due to operation of farm machinery, the State Government has launched „Mukhyamantri Kisaan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Surakhsha Yojana in 2015-16. In case of death ₹3.00 lakh, permanent disability ₹1.00 lakh and for partial disabilities ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 is provided to the affected farmers. A budget provision of ₹40.00 lakh has been made for the year 2021-22.
Flow Irrigation Scheme
Under this scheme, besides renovating the source location of Kuhls, strengthening of Kuhls in common area will be undertaken and 100 per cent expenditure would be borne by the Government on community-based work. Government has decided to grant 50 per cent subsidy for construction of Bore-Wells and shallow wells by individual for irrigation purposes under this scheme. A budget provision of ₹15.00 crore has been kept for the year 2021-22.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evem Utthan Mahabhiyan Yojana (PM- KUSUM)
State Government has introduced a new scheme called PM-KUSUM with a view to provide assured irrigation to crops, enhance the production and productivity where electricity accessibility in remote areas is costly in comparison to solar power vehicle pumps. Under this scheme, 85 per cent assistance will be provided to small and marginal groups of farmers and 80 per cent will be provided to medium and large groups of farmers on individual and community basis for installation of solar pumping machinery. A budget provision to the tune of ₹12.51 crore has been kept for the year 2021-22.
Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana Government has launched a new scheme ―Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana‖. Under this scheme check dams and ponds will be constructed. A budget provision of ₹25.01 crore has been kept for 2021-22. Under this scheme, 100 per cent expenditure would be borne by the Government for implementation of community based small water saving scheme.
Mukhya Mantri Krishi Kosh Yojana
Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) are require basic inputs during sowing, harvesting and post harvest infrastructure like grading and packaging machines, transport vehicles, storage godowns and pack house etc. for which long term capital is required.
Considering this fact, State Government has introduced a new scheme viz. Krishi Kosh for supporting seed money, interest subvention and credit guarantee cover to the farmers. A budget provision of ₹5.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
Krishi Utpadan Sarankshan Yojana (Anti Hail Net)
To save crops from hailstorms, the State Government has started Krishi Utpadan Sanrakshan Yojana (Anti Hail net) from the year 2020-21. Under this scheme, the State Government will provide 80 per cent subsidy to farmers on purchase of anti-hail nets. All the vegetable producing farmers of the state are provided anti-hail nets to protect their crops from natural calamity like hailstorms, stray animals and monkeys. A budget provision of ₹10.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
HORTICULTURE
The rich diversity of agro-climatic conditions, topographical variations and altitudinal differences coupled with fertile, deep and well drained soils favour the cultivation of temperate to sub-tropical fruits in Himachal. The region is also suitable for cultivation of ancillary horticultural produce like flowers, mushroom, honey and hops.
This particular suitability of Himachal has resulted in shifting of land use pattern from agriculture to fruit crops in the past few decades. The area under fruits, which was 792 hectares in 1950-51 with total production of 1,200 tonnes increased to 2,34,779 hectares during 2020-21 with total fruit production of 6.24 lakh tonnes, while during 2021-22 (up to December, 2021) it has been reported as 6.97 lakh tonnes. During 2021- 22, it was envisaged to bring 1,549 hectares of additional area under fruit plants against which 1932.49 hectares of area was brought under plantation and 5.35 lakh fruit plants of different species were distributed up to 31st December, 2021.
Apple is the most important fruit crop of Himachal Pradesh, which constitutes about 49 per cent of the total area under fruit crops and about 85 per cent of the total fruit production.
Area under apple has increased from 400 hectares in 1950-51 to 3,025 hectares in 1960-61 and 1,14,646 hectares in 2020-21.
The area under temperate fruits, other than apple has increased from 900 hectares in 1960-61 to 27,870 hectares in 2020-21. Nuts and dry fruits exhibit area increase from 231 hectares in 1960-61 to 10,029 hectares in 2020-21. Citrus and other sub tropical fruits have increased from 1,225 hectares and 623 hectares in 1960-61 to 25,654 hectares and 56,580 hectares in 202021 respectively.
During the year 2021-22 for promotion of mechanized farming 8,900 Power Sprayers, 584 Power Tiller {<8 brake horsepower (BHP)} and 136 Power Triller (>8BHP) are being distributed on subsidy among the orchardist under Horticulture Development Scheme.
Sub-Mission of Agriculture Mechanisation (SMAM)
Under Under SMAM assistance is provided to the farmers for the purchase of various modern farm tools and machinery in form of back ended subsidy. Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh is nodal department of the scheme. During the year 2020-21 funds amounting to ₹21.50 crore has been allocated to the Department of Horticulture out of which ₹12.00 crore has been spend under this scheme and 4,000 farmers have benefitted upto 31st December 2021.
In warmer areas of the state, Mango has emerged as an important fruit crop. Litchi is also gaining importance in certain regions. Mango and Litchi are fetching better market prices. In the middle zone, the agro-climatic conditions are highly suitable for the successful cultivation of new fruits like Kiwi, Olive, Pomegranate, Pecan and Strawberry.
FLOWER CULTIVATION :
• To bring diversification in horticulture, a total area of 373.57 hectares has been brought under flower cultivation up to
31.12.2021. To promote flower cultivation, two Tissue Culture Laboratories have been established under Model
Flower Cultivation Centres at Mahogbagh (Chail, District Solan) and Palampur, District Kangra. Ten Farmers Cooperative Societies are functioning for the production and marketing of flowers in district Shimla, Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti, Solan, Hamirpurand Chamba.
• ‘Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojna and ‘Mukhya Mantri Madhu Vikas Yojna’ are two schemes in flower sector of Horticulture.
• For providing employment to the skilled and unskilled unemployed youth and promoting Commercial Floriculture
Farming in the State, funds have been allocated under „Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana‟ amounting to ₹11.00 crore during the year 2021-22, out of which 1.82 crore have been spent and also 99 farmers benefited upto 31st of December 2021. Similarly, to produce quality fruit crops and increasing production, to increase honey production and other bee products, „Mukhya Mantri Madhu Vikas Yojana‟ has been started and fund of ₹6.20 crore have been allocated during the year 2020-21.
Under the scheme „Krishi Utpaad Sarankshan‟ an amount of ₹20.00 crore was allocated for the year 2020-21 for construction of permanent supports(Steel and Bamboo) out of which ₹19.62 lakh have been spent and 79 farmers were benefitted upto 31st December 2021.
Ancillary horticultural activities
Ancillary horticultural activities like Mushroom and Bee keeping are also being promoted. During 2021-22 up to December,
2021, 524.72 MT of pasteurized compost for Mushroom was prepared and distributed from the department units located at Solan, Rampur, Bajoura and Palampur. A total of 18,308.03 MT of Mushroom, 1,566.08 MT of Honey has been produced upto 31st December 2021.
The Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme was initially launched in Himachal Pradesh in 6 Blocks for Apple crop and in 4 Blocks for Mango crop during Rabi season 2009-10 on pilot basis. In view of the popularity of this scheme, the coverage under this scheme has been extended to consecutive years. Presently, the scheme is being implemented in 42 Blocks for Apple, 39 Blocks for Mango, 18 Blocks for citrus, 14 Blocks for Plum and 5 Blocks for Peach crops. In addition, to protect Apple fruit crop from hailstorm 19 Blocks have been covered under Add-on cover scheme. From the year 2016-17 name of the scheme has changed to Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (R-WBCIS) and sum insured has been revised and bidding system has been introduced. During Rabi season 2019-20, 84,624 farmers have been covered under R-WBCIS for apple, peach, plum, mango and citrus fruit crops, who have insured their 64,33,231 trees for which the state government has borne premium subsidy of ₹20.31 crore.
For the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme, KVY-RAFTAAR during the year 2021-22, funds amounting to ₹374.64
lakh have been approved by State Level Sanctioning Commette (SLSC) on 30-09-2021.
Himachal Khumb Vikas Yojana (HKVY) was launched during 2019-20 to promote mushroom cultivation in the State. During the year 2021-22 ₹5.00 crore were received and ₹65.85 lakh has been spent. Under the scheme 168 units (maximum 62 in Kangra) were established and 411 farmers were benefited.
Centrally sponsored scheme, ―Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture” (MIDH) is being implemented in the State under which assistance is provided as subsidy ranging from 40-85 per cent to farmers for carrying out various horticultural activities like cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, species and establishment of new gardens, mushroom production, green house cultivation of high value flowers and vegetables, Anti Hail Nets, horticulture mechanization, post harvest management etc. funds amounting to ₹48.89 crore have been approved in the year 2021-22 out of which ₹12.22 crore have been received from Government of India as first installment and a total number of 2,60,421 farmers have benefited from the year 2003-04 to December, 2021 under this Mission.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Per Drop more crop (PMKSY- PDMC) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme which is being implemented in the State since 2015-16. In the year 2017-18, the PMKSY-PDMC guidelines were modified with a provision of subsidy at 55 per cent for small and marginal farmers and 45 per cent for big farmers. The State is providing 25 per cent additional state share to give 80 per cent subsidy to small and marginal farmers. For the year 2020-21, Government of India has sanctioned ₹1,200 lakh for PMKSY-PDMC. Till date (2015-16 to December, 2021) 5,813.71 hectare area has been covered under micro-irrigation benefitting 24,306 farmers.
Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd (HPMC)
HPMC, a State Public Undertaking, was established with the objective of marketing fresh fruits and vegetables, processing the unmarketable surplus and marketing the processed products. Since its inception, HPMC has been playing pivotal role in the life of fruit growers of the State by providing them remunerative returns of their produce.
During the year 2020-21 HPMC had registered overall turnover of ₹70.93 crore. Under Market Intervention Scheme, during the year 2021-22 the State Government continued the policy of Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) of Mango, Apple and citrus fruit in the State with the support price as under:
| Sr.No. | Name of fruit | Procurement Price (Per Kg.) |
| 1 | Mango (Grafted varieties) | 9.50 |
| 2 | Mango (Seeding varieties) | 9.50 |
| 3 | Mango ( Unripe Anchari) | 9.50 |
| 4 | Apple | 9.50 |
| 5 | Kinnow, Malta and Orange (B grade) | 8.50 |
| 6 | Kinnow, Malta and Orange (C grade) | 8.00 |
| 7 | Galgal (All grade) | 7.00 |
The HPMC has successfully commissioned 5 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Stores in the following Apple growing areas of District Shimla and Kullu namely Jarol Tikker, (Kotgarh) 640 MT, Gumma (Kotkhai) 640 MT, Oddi (Kumarsain) 700 MT and Rohru 700 MT, capable to store total 2,680 MTs.
Grant in aid to the tune of ₹8.00 crore for the up gradation of Apple Juice Concentrate (AJC) Plant at Parwanoo has been received from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and work of up gradation has been successfully completed in the year 2018 by undertaking trial production in the same year. Plant was set up for commercial production in 2019 and during that production of Apple Juice Concentrate (AJC) stood at 1,012 MT. During apple season 2021 a total 617.83 MT of AJC was produced at Food Processing Plant (FPP) Parwanoo.
At Fruit Processing Plant (FPP), Jarol Sundarnagar during the calendar year 2019-20 total 235 MT of AJC and 2020-21, 112 MT of AJC was produced. Further, during the latest apple season of 2021 a total of 81.27 MT AJC was produced.
HPMC has entered into a MoU with the parties M/S PH4 (PH4 Food and Beverages Private Limited) for manufacturing of Apple Cider at Food Processing Park (FPP) Parwanoo and manufacturing of Fruits and Red Wine at FPP Jarol with M/S Mountain Barrel.This will help to boost the sale as well as profit margin of the HPMC in the coming years.
HPMC has planned to enhance its existing capacity of grading storage and processing of different fruit produced in the State from the World Bank funded Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project (HPHDP). Under the post harvest support infrastructure component of this project, the process of enhancing the existing storage capacity of CA Stores Jarol Tikker, Gumma and Rohru from existing 2,680 MT to 6,618 MT shall be completed by March, 2022.
H.P. Horticulture Produce Marketing & Processing Corporation (HP State Government Undertaking) popularly known as HPMC was incorporated on 10th June, 1974 with the financial assistance of World Bank. The mandate of this organization was to provide post-harvest facilities to the fruit growers of the state and to help them to get best returns for their produce from the market.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
- Rearing of livestock is an integral component of rural economy.
- Livestock is integral to the sustainability of economy of Himachal Pradesh.
- Milk Production and Per Capita Availability :
| Year | Milk Production (lakh tonne) | Per Capita Availability (Gram/day) |
| 2020-21 | 15.76 | 630 |
| 2021-22 (Estimated) | 16.54 | 630 |
- Under Animal Health and Disease Control Programme, 1 State level Veterinary Hospital, 3 Zonal Hospitals,10 Polyclinics, 60 Sub-Divisional Veterinary Hospitals, 362 Veterinary Hospitals, 30 Central Veterinary Dispensaries, 6 Veterinary Check posts and 1,759 Veterinary Dispensaries are functioning in the State as on 31st December, 2021 to provide veterinary and animal husbandry services to the farmers for their livestock.
- For improving the quality of sheep and wool, Government Sheep Breeding Farms at Jeori (Shimla), Tal (Hamirpur), and Karachham (Kinnaur) are supplying improved sheep to the breeders of the State. One Ram centre at Nagwain in district Mandi is also functioning where improved Rams are reared and supplied to breeders for cross breeding. The flock strength of these farms are 1,312 during the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021 In view of the increasing demand for pure Hoggets and the established popularity of the Soviet Marino and American Rambouillet in Himachal, the State has switched over to pure breeding at the existing Government farms and 9 Sheep and wool Extension Centres continue to function for the welfare of shapheards. During 2021-22, the wool production is likely to be 1,500 tonnes.
- Angora rabbit farms are functioning at Kandwari (Kangra) and Nagwain (Mandi) for distribution of rabbits to the breeders.
- One Horse Breeding Farm at Lari in Lahaul and Spiti district has been established with the objective to preserve Spiti breed of horses. 67 horses have been kept in this farm during the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021. One Yak breeding farm has been also established in the premises of horse breeding Lari. During the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021 the strength of yaks was 62 in this farm. Under feed and fodder development scheme, 16.00 lakh fodder roots, 64,000 fodder plants have been distributed during 2021-22 up to December, 2021.
Welfare scheme for the Livestock Owners I.
Scheme for General BPL farmers
The livestock breeders belonging to BPL families of general category are provided pregnancy ration for their indigenous/ crossbred cows at 3 kg per day for last three months of the pregnancy on 50 per cent subsidy. The Budget provision for the year 2021-22 is `266.41 lakh.The main objective of the scheme is as under :
• Increase the milk production.
• To reduce inter calving period.
• To improve the health of pregnant cows.
II. “Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojana” During 2021-22 the Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojana is being implemented with the provision of `50.00 lakh.
Objective of the Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojna Scheme:
- To provide incentive and encouragement to livestock Owners for rearing good quality high yielding animals.
- Eligible Beneficiaries:- Owners of Cattle /Buffaloes giving 15 lts or more milk per day.
Incentive to be given: – Cash prize of Rs. 1000/- per Cattle /Buffaloes giving 15 lts or more milk per day
Poultry Development Scheme:
To develop poultry sector in Himachal Pradesh, department has instituted following poultry development schemes especially in rural areas of the State:
I. Backyard Poultry Project: 50-100 numbers of chicks of 3 week old Low Input Technology (LIT) birds‟ are distributed among the poultry breeders on cost price. During 2021-22 under this Scheme 3,31,055 lakh chicks were distributed among the 8,249 beneficiaries.
II. 200-Chick Scheme: Under this scheme the 900 poultry breeders belonging to BPL Families of Schedule Cast Category are to be provided with inputs (like 200 days old LIT birds, feed for initial feeding, feeders and drinkers) worth ₹10,000 per beneficiaries. Under this scheme 545 beneficiaries have been provided assistance till December, 2021.There is also provision of training regarding poultry management for the beneficiaries.
III. Him Kukkut Palan Yojana: There is a provision of budget of ₹396.00 lakh for the establishment of 100 poultry units in the State. The beneficiaries are provided 3000 number day-old-broiler chicks, feed, feeders and drinkers. The beneficiaries are provided 60 per cent subsidy on both Capital Investment (construction of shed, provision of feeders and drinkers) and Recurring cost (Cost of chicks, feed etc.)
IV. Innovative Poultry Productivity Project (IPPP)-LIT Bird (Under National Livestock Mission): In this scheme 200 beneficiaries are to be provided with 400 four-week-old LIT birds (in two installments of 200 LIT birds each at an interval of 72 weeks) and assistance of ₹15,000 will be provided to beneficiaries for provision of shelter, feed and miscellaneous expenditure.
V. Innovative Poultry productivity Project (IPPP)-Broilers (Under National Livestock Mission): Under this scheme 200 beneficiaries are to be provided with 600 four week old LIT birds (in four installments of 150 LIT birds each installment) feed and funds will be also provided to beneficiaries for construction of shed.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
RGM is important in enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to meet growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative for the rural farmers of the country. The various initiatives that are currently being undertaken and implemented in the State of Himachal Pradesh under RGM are:
I. Establishment of Murrah Breeding Farm under National Livestock Mission or promotion of Murrah in the State
With a motive to produce High Genetic Merit Murrah Buffalo bulls for use at Sperm Stations across the Country and in order to provide elite Murrah Buffalo Heifers/Adult Buffaloes for sale to the farmers and for commercial use within and outside the State, it was envisaged to set up a breeding farm of high pedigree Murrah Buffaloes in Himachal Pradesh. An amount of ₹ 506.45 lakh has been received from the Government of India for the establishment of breeding farm of Murrah buffalo in District Una, under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
II. Establishment of Gokul Gram
In order to promote indigenous cattle rearing in the State, and with an objective of conservation, propagation and development of indigenous breeds to enhance productivity of local cattle and increase economic returns from animal products in a sustainable manner, to propagate high genetic merit bulls of indigenous breeds and to optimize modern farm management practices, promote Common Resource Management and utilize raw material from indigenous cattle as
Natural Farming (Subash Paleker Natural Farming) inputs, ―Gokul Gram‖ is proposed to be established under the
Rashtriya Gokul Gram Mission. Funds amounting ₹ 995.10 lakh has been sanctioned by the Government of India on January 1, 2019, for the establishment of Gokul Gram in district Una.
III. Nationwide Artificial Insemination Scheme (NAIP)
With an objective of delivery of quality artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep, enhancement in milk production and productivity of bovines and thereby increasing farmers income and in order to increase acceptability of artificial insemination services among farmers. This objective is achieved through implementation of organized farmers awareness programme. This component will be implemented in all the Districts of the State over a period of 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26, covering all breedable cattle and buffalo population. A total amount of 3058.36 lakh has been received from Government of India under first, second and third phases. Total 11,31,681 free artificial insemination have been done in the State under this scheme in all three phases.
IV. Progeny Testing (Jersey) Program in District Kangra
The programme is being implemented in approximately 800 revenue villages in District Kangra through a network of 115 veterinary institutions of the Department, with the following objective.
• To achieve a steady genetic progress with respect to milk, fat, solids not fat and protein yields, fertility traits and type characters in Jersey cattle population.
• To establish a system of genetic evaluation and selection of bull mothers and bull sires for production of future generation of bull calves.
• To produce the required number of genetically evaluated bull calves for semen stations through progeny testing.
Under the programme, amount of ₹168.25 lakh has been received from the Government of India through National Diary Development Board and so far, a sum of ₹ 48.25 lakh has been utilized under various components.
V. Introducing Embryo Transplantation Technique (ETT) under Rashtriya Gokul Mission for the conservation and propagation of Sahiwal and Red Sindhi breeds of cows.
The Government of India has released funds to the tune of ₹195.00 lakh for the establishment of Embro Transfer Technology Laboratory at Palampur District Kangra for Conservation and Propagation of Sahiwal and Red Sindhi breeds through Embryo Transfer Technology.
VI. Centre of excellence cum Training Center
To popularize Automation of dairy farm operations like Milk collection and storage, feeding system, manure management and sanitation, health management, integrated herd management including that of young stock and adult stock management and data storage for bringing the Indian Dairy industry at international level, Himachal Pradesh Livestock Development Board has received an amount of ₹1292.21 lakh in this project on 1.07.2021 for the establishment of a Center of Excellence cum Training Centre at Una district in Himachal Pradesh under Rashtriya Gokul Mission from the Government of India.
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
I. Rural Backyard Goat Development scheme
This is a centrally sponsored scheme under National Livestock Mission (90 per cent Central share, 5 per cent State Share and 5 per cent farmer share). Under this scheme funds to the tune of ₹504.90 lakh has been received from the Government of India during the year 2021-22
II. Rural Backyard Pig Development Scheme
This is a centrally sponsored scheme under National Livestock Mission (90 per cent Central Share, 5 per cent State share and 5 per cent farmer share). During 2021-22, 1,995 pig units will be established with funds of ₹397.95 lakh.
III Risk Management and Livestock Insurance Scheme
60 per cent subsidy is provided on the insurance premium of cattle and pack animal of APL farmers while 80 per cent subsidy is provided to farmers belonging to BPL families/ SC/ ST categories. During the year 2021-22, there is provision of ₹318.95 lakh for insurance of 20,000 animals in eight district of Himachal Pradesh namely, Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Sirmour and Una. Till date 1,005 animals were insured of 817 beneficries.
Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases
For prevention and control of some major diseases of livestock funds are being provided by the Government of India on the pattern of 90 per cent Central Share and 10 per cent State Share to provide free vaccination facility against contagious disease namely, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia and Black Quarter (HSBQ), Enterotoxaemia, Pestedes Petits Ruminants
(PPR), Ranikhet, Marek‟s and Rabies. With implementation of this scheme, outbreaks of above-mentioned diseases are prevented thereby saving livestock owner from losses.
Provision of Subsidized Rams to Sheep Breeders of all categories in Himachal Pradesh
Under this scheme, a 60 per cent subsidy is provided to breed rams to sheep breeders of all categories of Himachal Pradesh having flocks of minimum of 50 sheep (maximum 2 ram per beneficiary). Budget provision for the year 2021-22 is ₹14.50 lakh.
Objectives of the Scheme are:
• Genetic improvement of indigenous sheep breeds and dissemination of superior germplasm amongst the migratory flocks of sheep in Himachal Pradesh.
• To improve quality and quantity of meat and wool being produced in the state, ensuring better economic returns to sheep breeders.
• To resolve the problem of inbreeding amongst the migratory sheep flocks of sheep breeders of all categories.
Krishak Bakri Palan Yojana
To improve the socio-economic status of all categories of goat farmers under this scheme, it has been proposed to distribute units of 11 goats (10 females+1 male), 5 goats (4 female+1 male) and 3 goats (2 female + 1 male) of Beetal/Sirohi/Jamnapari and White Himalayan long haired breeds on 60 per cent subsidy to goat farmers. There is also a provision of insurance besides feed and fodder for goats during the last trimester of pregnancy. Budget provision of ₹ 54.75 lakh had been kept for the year 2020-21 under the scheme.
Rural Backyard Sheep Development Scheme
Under this scheme, sheep unit of 10+1 at 95 per cent subsidy will be provided to poor/marginal farmers in State of Himachal Pradesh. Under this scheme funds to the tune of ₹1188.00 lakh has been received from the Government of India during the year 2021-2022.
Livestock Census
Livestock census is being conducted quinquennially by the Government of India. So far, 20 such Censuses have been conducted. Livestock Census is significant for the development of Animal Husbandry in State. New policies related to animal development are prepared based on the exact number of livestock and poultry.
Livestock and Poultry (In thousands) :
| S. No. | Category | 2019* |
| A. | Livestock | |
| 1. | Cattle | 1828 |
| 2. | Buffaloes | 647 |
| 3. | Sheep | 791 |
| 4. | Goat | 1108 |
| 5. | Horses and Ponies | 9 |
| 6. | Mules and Donkeys | 25 |
| 7. | Pigs | 2 |
| 8. | Other Livestock | 3 |
| Total Livestock | 4413 | |
| B. | Poultry | 1342 |
Milk Based Industries
Himachal Pradesh Milkfed has 1,084 milk producers Co-operative Societies. The total membership of these societies is 46,973 out of which 220-woman dairy co- operatives are also functioning. At present the Milkfed is running 22 milk chilling centres having a total capacity of 91,500 litres milk per day and 11 milk processing plants having a total capacity of 1,00,000 litres milk per day. One milk powder plant of 5 MT per day at Duttnagar in Shimla district and one cattle feed plant of 16 MT per day capacity at Bhor in District Hamirpur is functioning. The average milk procurement is about 1,37,000 litres per day from the villages through village dairy co-operatives.
Milkfed is marketing approximately 23,000 litres of milk per day which includes milk supply to various prestigious dairies in bulk and supply to army units in Dagshai, Shimla, Palampur and Yol, Dharamshala areas. Milkfed is also manufacturing Milk Powder, Ghee, Butter Dahi, Paneer and Sweetened Flavoured Milk, Khoa under the brand name of “Him”.
New Innovations of Himachal Pradesh Milkfed
Himachal Pradesh Milkfed is manufacturing Panjiri, Bakery Biscuit, Sevian and Pasta to Welfare Department under Integrated
Child Development Scheme (ICDS) Project. During 2020-21 Milkfed has manufactured and supplied 23,750 quintal of Fortified Panjiri, 5,050 quintals of Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP) and 26,500 quintals of Fortified Bakery Biscuit and 10,590 Wheat Seviyan to Anganwadis of the State.
- A training programme to around 1,000 milk producers at village level for educating them to produce good quality of milk.
- Deposited about 11,134 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) forms of the farmers in the concerned banks and around `8.00 crore of credit has been distributed through KCC to the milk producers/farmers.
- Milkfed equipped its labs with modern equipment under National Programme for Dairy Development Scheme.
- During the year 2021-22, to improve dairy activities in the State one new plant of 50,000 litres per day capacity milk at Milk Processing Plant Mandi shall be made operational, thereby providing benefit to dairy co-operative of the state.
- One new plant of 50,000 litres per day capacities at Milk Processing Plant Chakkar District Mandi is being established thereby providing benefit to dairy cooperative of Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur and other districts.
- Distributed incentive ₹2,000 to 937 milk producers of Mandi, Shimla and Kullu Districts under National Programme of Dairy Development by Chief Minister on 29.12.2021 using Digital Platform.
- A new Bakery Biscuit Plant of capacity of about 6 MT per day to be functional in Milk Processing Plant Kangra.
Wool Procurement and Marketing Federation (WPMF)
The main objective of WPMF is to promote the growth and development of wool industry in the state of Himachal Pradesh and to free wool growers from exploitation by the middlemen/traders. In pursuance to the above objective, the WPMF is actively involved in procurement of sheep and angora wool, sheep shearing at pasture level with the imported automatic machines sheep wool scouring and marketing of wool. During the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021, 43617 sheep has been shorn and the sheep wool procurement amounts to 1,13,764 kg and the value of the same was ₹72.09 lakh.
The Federation is also implementing a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the benefit and upliftment of the sheep breeders in the state with the technical assistanance of Animal Husbandry Department. Under health care, particularly dipping and de- worming, 3,75,000 sheep and goats shall be covered in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla and Kinnaur with an outlay of ₹1.20 crore and also 1,25,000 in ―goat clusters‖ in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una, Solan, Bilaspur and Sirmaur under health care component alongwith nutritional supplementation with an outlay of ₹1.00 core. During current financial year the benefits of these schemes is likely to percolate to approximately 18,000 breeders.
FISHERIES AND AQUA CULTURE
- HP is the land of perennial rivers with oxygen rich water to support growth of fish.
- State’s linearly flowing rivers Beas, Satluj and Ravi receive many streams during their downward journey and harbour the 106 precious cold water fish fauna such as Schizothorax, Golden Mahseer and exotic Trouts.
- The reservoir of Himachal Pradesh has the distinction of highest per hectare fish production in Govind Sagar and highest sale price value of fish catch in Pong Dam in the country.
- The commercially important fish species in Gobind Sagar and Pong Dam reservoirs, Chamera and Ranjeet Sagar Dam have become a tool for the upliftment of local population.
- Cold water resources of the state have shown their potential with the successful completion of ambitious IndoNorwegian Rainbow Trout farming project (Patlikuhl, kullu).
- About 5,902 fishermen in the State depend directly on reservoir fisheries for their livelihood. During 2021-22, up to
December, 2021, cumulative fish production was 9,897.82 MT valued at ₹138.92 crore. Around 7.78 tonne trout has been sold from the State farms and ₹135.09 lakh has been earned during current financial year up to December, 2021. - The Department of Fisheries has constructed carp as well as trout seed production farms in the State to cater to the requirement of reservoirs, rural ponds and commercial farms in public and private sector. Up to December, 2021, total of 18.42 lakh fingerlings of 70 mm and above of common carp, 8.63 lakh of the same size of Indian Major Carp (IMC) and 11.33 lakh of Rainbow Brown Trout have been produced in the State. The approximate value of total seed production produced during the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021 is ₹83.70 lakh. The department is implementing various schemes for the promotion of Fisheries and Aquaculture which are as under:
Insurance and Welfare Schemes
• The Department of Fisheries has initiated many welfare schemes for the upliftment of fishermen. Fishermen are covered under Insurance Scheme, where ₹5.00 lakh is given (in case of death/ permanent disability) and even losses to their gear and crafts are also being borne by the State Government to the extent of 50 per cent under Risk Fund Scheme. A contributory saving scheme has been initiated by the State Government and matching state‟s shares of deposited saving is provided to them during the close season. The amount so generated is paid to fisherman in two equal installments. During the year 2021-22 an amount of ₹160.06 lakh, (₹53.35 lakh contributed by the fisherman plus ₹106.71 lakh as financial assistance from the State and Centre Government) will be provided to 3,557 fisherman under Saving–cum– Relief Fund Scheme now renamed as “Livelihood and nutritional support for socio- economically backward active traditional fishers families for conservation of fisheries resources during fishing ban/lean period” under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Trout Livestock Insurance Scheme
• During the financial year 2020-21, State government has started this new scheme with an objective to provide insurance cover to livestock of cold water fish farmers of the state. The premium amount is shared between State Government and the beneficiary in the ratio of 65:35, respectively. The wide insurance cover is being provided through United India Insurance Company Limited. During 2021-22, Government has insured 24 trout units constructed by 15 trout farmers. Each trout unit is covered for maximum input cost of ₹2.50 lakh per annum with a premium of ₹19,175. There are 625 trout growers with 1,244 raceways/units that get direct benefit from this initiative.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
• Government of India has launched this scheme and state government is implementing this scheme during 2021-22. Under the umbrella of this scheme, state government has submitted various projects amounting to ₹4,950.31 lakh for funding approval to the Government of India. Of this amount, ₹2,879.53 lakh is the Central share, ₹331.15 lakh State share and ₹1,739.63 lakh beneficiaries share. Approval for current year is still awaited from the Government of India.
FOREST
Forest
Forests in Himachal Pradesh cover an area of 37,947 Sq. Km. and account for 68.16 per cent of total geographical area of the State. However, presently 28.60 per cent of the total geographical areas support forest cover. The main objective of Himachal Pradesh Forest Policy is proper utilization of forests, and their conservation and extension.
(All lands, more than one hectare in area with a tree canopy density of more than 10% is called forest cover).
NATIONAL SCENARIO
India has a target of having 33 percent of its total area under forest and tree cover. The latest ‘India State of Forest Report (ISFR 2019) released by the country’s environment minister Prakash Javadekar on December 30, 2019, revealed that the total forest and tree cover of the country is 807,276 square kilometres (which is 24.56 percent of the geographical area of the country) compared to 802,088 sq km (24.39 percent) in ISFR 2017. The report marked an increase of 5,188 sq. km. of forest and tree cover combined, at the national level, as compared to the previous assessment.
- The main objective of Himachal Pradesh Forest Policy is the proper utilization of forests, conservation and extension. The aim of the Forest department is to enhance the forest cover in the state to 30 percent of its geographical area by 2030 to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan programme taken up by the Forest department aims at fulfilling these policy commitments. Some of the important plan programme activities are as under:-
Forest Plantation:
• Forest plantation is being carried out under various State plan schemes such as Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) as well as Centrally Sponsored Schemes National Afforestation Programme‖.
• Pasture and grazing lands of the state are being managed under state scheme Development of Pasture and Grazing lands.
• Van Mahotsava at State, Circle and Division levels is also celebrated for educating the masses and creating awareness amongst all stakeholders regarding forestry and environmental concerns under New Forestry Scheme (Sanjhi Van Yojana).
• Apart from this, the Department is organizing plantation drive involving local communities like Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, local people and public representatives since 2018-19.
• Target of planting 10 lakh plants was fixed for 20th to 24th, July 2021. This drive has a huge success and 33,454 people enthusiastically participated in the campaign and 13,27,691 plants were planted at 464 selected places. Apart from this, 95,728 plants have been planted at 80 selected places through Red Cross Society and 4,688 people have participated in this campaign. For the year 2021-
• 22 plantation target of 14,000 hectares including CAMPA and Centrally Sponsored Schemes has been fixed out of which 13,000 hectares target stands achieved upto December, 2021.
Forest Management (Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme):
• Forests in the State are subject to increasing biotic pressure due to increase in human populations, changing animal husbandry practices, and developmental activities. Forests are exposed to perils of fire, illicit felling, encroachments and other forest offences. Forest protection is being strengthened by equipping check posts at sensitive places with CCTVs to ensure electronic surveillance to curb forest offences. Fire fighting equipment and improved techniques are also being introduced and made available to all the forest divisions where fire is a major destructive element. Communication network for effective management and protection of forest wealth is very important. Keeping these factors in view, Centrally Sponsored Scheme- Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (earlier known as Intensification of Forest Management Scheme) is being implemented in the state. During the financial year 2021-22 an outlay of ₹407.00 lakh has been approved as Central share (90 per cent) and ₹45.00 lakh as State share under this Scheme. Also, another scheme under State plan namely ―Forest Fire Management Scheme‖ has been introduced with a budget provision of ₹214.00 lakh during 2021-22.
Experimental Silvicultural Felling/Subsidiary Silviculture operations:
• Forest wealth of Himachal Pradesh is estimated at more than ₹1.50 lakh crore. Supreme Court of India has allowed the State for silviculture green felling of three species, Khair, Chil and Sal, on experimental basis in three ranges- Nurpur range of Nurpur Forest Division, Bharari range of Bilaspur Forest Division and Paonta range of Paonta Forest Division. The felling of trees was carried out during 2018-19 and during current financial year fencing, plantation, recuperation of areas is being carried out as per recommendations of the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee.
• Note : A ban on green felling was imposed in 1996.
Schemes of forest / plantations :
-Van Mahotsava : 1-7 july every year, started by KM Munshi, union minister for agriculture in 1950.
–Smriti Van Yojana : it envisages tree plantation by people in specially designated areas on the occasion of their birthday, marriage anniversary or on death anniversary of their parents/ relatives/ elders.
Nagar Van Udyan Yojana – “Ek Kadam Hariyali Ki Or”-A Programme for Climate Smart Green Cities
- The vision of this scheme is to create at least one City Forest in each city having Municipal Corporation for providing wholesome, healthy living environment and contributing to growth of Smart, Clean, Green, Sustainable and Healthy Cities. Under this scheme 80 percent funds are to be provided by the National CAMPA Advisory Council (NCAC) and 20 percent by the State Government.
NEW SCHEMES :
i) Samudayik Van Samvardhan Yojna
• The main objective of this scheme is to ensure participation of local communities in conservation and development of Forests through plantation improving quality of forest and increasing the forest cover. The scheme will be implemented through existing Joint Forest Management Committee/Village Forest Development Societies (JFMCs/VFDSs). During the year 2018-19, 20 sites were selected and 11 new sites have been reserved for 2021-22. During current year, plantation and soil conservation activities will be carried out in all the 31 selected sites (JFMCs/VFDSs) as per approved Micro Plan.
ii) Van Samridhi Jan Samridhi Yojana
• This scheme has been started to strengthen the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) resource base in the State through active community participation to, empower the local rural communities to collect conserve and market the NTFPs to augument their income. An outlay of ₹250.00 lakh has been kept under this scheme during the year 2021-22.
iii) Ek Buta Beti k Naam (Started during 2019-20)
To sensitize people about the importance of daughters and forest conservation, a new scheme ―Ek Buta Beti Ke Naam‖ has been launched during 2019-20. It is believed that by planting a sapling in the name of a girl- child and with the effort of nurturing each sapling into a tree, communities would be sensitized to be more committed towards the rights of the girl-child leading to realization of her full potential. Upon the birth of a girl-child anywhere in the State, the Forest
Department would gift 5 saplings of identified species alongwith a planting „kit‟ to grow robust and healthy tall plants. These are planted by parents of the girl during monsoon or winter season either on their homestead land or forest land. During the year 2021- 22 a provision of ₹651.00 lakh has been kept under this scheme.
iv) Swarim Vatika
• Himachal Pradesh is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Purana Rajatva Diwas from 25th January, 2021. This program will last for one year. On the occasion of this auspicious occasion, the Forest Department constructed 68 Swarim Vatika during the year 2021-22. The objectives are to make people aware of the importance and protection of forests, create awareness about and increase the forest cover in urban areas and to establish recreation places for the people. v) Jal Bhandaran Scheme
• In the year 2021-22, under this scheme, 120 places have been identified for construction of dams, in which water
conservation can be done, for this work in the year 2021-22, an amount of about ₹25 crore has been kept.
EXTERNALLY AIDED PROJECTS
Himachal Pradesh Forest Eco-systems Climate Proofing Project (KfW assisted)
• Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystems Climate Proofing Project with the assistance of KfW Bank (Credit Institute for Reconstruction), Germany is being implemented in Chamba and Kangra districts of the State for the period of 7 years w.e.f. 2015-16. The outlay of the project is ₹308.45 crore. The Funding pattern of the project is 85.10 per cent loan and 14.90 per cent State share. The main objective of this project is the rehabilitation, protection and sustainable use of the selected forest ecosystems in HP, to increase and secure the resilience of forest ecosystems against climate change and ensure flow of forest based products and other services, which benefit the forest dependent communities. In the long run this will contribute to strengthening the adaptive capacity of forest ecosystems to climate change, protection of biodiversity, stabilization of catchment areas, conservation of natural resource base and at the same time result in better livelihoods for the people of Himachal Pradesh. Provision of ₹55.00 crore has been kept for the current financial year out of which ₹ 24.20 crore have been spent.
Himachal Pradesh Forest Eco systems Management and Livelihood Improvement Project
• A new Project, namely ―Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystems Management and Livelihood Improvement Project‖ for 8 years (2018-2019 to 2025-26) amounting to ₹800 crore has been started with the assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Funding pattern of the project is 80 per cent loan and 20 per cent State share. The project will be implemented in Bilaspur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti districts and tribal areas of Pangi and Bharmour Sub-divisions of Chamba districts with Project headquarter at Kullu/Shamshi, district Kullu and Regional office at Rampur, district Shimla. The objectives of the project are to conserve the forest and mountain ecosystem and improve livelihood of the forest and pasture dependent communities by increasing forest cover, density and productive potential using scientific and modern forest management practices; enhancing biodiversity and forest ecosystem conservation and to reduce pressure/stress on forest resources by providing the village communities with alternative livelihood opportunity. During the financial year 2021-22, the Government has provided ₹45.00 crore under this project and expenditure to the tune of ₹29.50 crore has been incurred upto 31.12.2021.
World Bank Aided Integrated Development Project for Source Sustainability and Climate Resilient Rain-fed Agriculture
• The World Bank has agreed to support this new project (Source Sustainability and Climate Resilient Rain-fed Agriculture) at a cost of ₹650.00 crore. The funding pattern of the project is 80 per cent loan and 20 per cent is State share. The project period is 7 years. The project would be implemented in 900 Gram Panchayats in Shiwalik and Mid Hills agro-climatic zones spread across various watershed in the state. The key objectives of this project include comprehensive treatment of around 2 lakh hectare non-arable and 20,000 hectare arable lands; and enhancement of water productivity/ efficiency, milk production and livelihood improvement in the project area. An outlay of ₹79.99 crore has been approved under this project during the current financial year out of which expenditure of ₹41.57 crore have been incurred upto 31.12.2021.
Environment Forestry and Wildlife
• Himachal Pradesh is home to a very impressive, diverse and unique fauna– many of which are rare. The scheme aims at protection, improvement of environment and wildlife, development of wildlife sanctuaries/national parks and improvement of wildlife habitat so as to provide protection to various species of birds and animals facing extinction. An outlay of ₹31.98 crore has been approved for year 2021-22.
The share of agriculture and allied sectors in the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the State at current prices has declined from 15.33 per cent in 2016-17 to 12.44 per cent in 2021-22 and its growth has increase from (-) 3.9 to 8.7 per cent for the same period. The share of agriculture and allied sectors in the total GVA of the State has been declining on account of relatively higher growth performance of non-agricultural sectors. This is a natural outcome of development process that leads to faster growth of non-agricultural sectors owing to structural changes taking place in the economy.
Important One liner facts for Prelims :
- Crops, livestock, fishing, and forestry contributed _____ per cent to State‟s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in 2020-21 (constant prices) ?
13.31 % - The share of crops in GVA declined from 8.99 per cent in 2015-16 to ____per cent in 2020-21 ?
7.85 % - Out of the total geographical area of Himachal (55.67 lakh hectare), the area of operational holdings is about 9.44 lakh hectares and is operated by 9.97 lakh farmers with an average holding size of ______ hectare ?
0.95 - Distribution of land holdings according to 2015-16 Agricultural Census shows that _____ per cent of the total holdings belong to small and marginal farmers in HP ?
88.86 % - About ______ per cent of land holdings are owned by semi medium and medium farmers in HP?
10.84 % - Only ______ per cent of land holdings are owned by large farmers ?
0.30 % - About _____ per cent of the total cultivated area in HP is rainfed ?
80 per cent - ______ are important cereal crops of the State (HP) ?
Rice, Wheat and Maize - Agro-climatically, the State of HP can be divided into _____ zones ?
Four - The Agro-climatic conditions in HP are congenial for the production of cash crops like________ ?
seed potato, off-season vegetables and ginger - The State of HP receives an average rainfall of______ ?
1,251 milimeter
(125.1 cm) - Which district of HP receives highest rainfall ?
Kangra - Kangra district gets the highest rainfall followed by ____, _____ and ____ ?
Chamba, Sirmaur and Mandi - In Monsoon 2021 ( June to Sep), which district of HP receives excess rainfall ?
Kullu - In Monsoon 2021 ( June to Sep), which district of HP receives deficient rainfall ?
Chamba - In Monsoon 2021 ( June to Sep), which district of HP receives scanty rainfall ?
Lahaul-Spiti - In the districts of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmour, Solan, Una, 2021 Monsoon rainfall was ____ ?
Normal - For Himachal as a whole, the total rainfall during the entire monsoon season was 10 per cent ________ (below or above the annual normal rainfall ?
Below - The target of foodgrains production for 2021-22 was ______ ?
16.35 lakh MT - Due to an increasing shift towards commercial crops, the area under food-grains production is gradually declining. In 1997-98, this area was 853.88 thousand hectares which has declined to _____thousand hectares in 2020-21 ?
727.69 - There are ____Seed Multiplication Farms in HP from where foundation seed is distributed to registered farmers ?
20 - In addition to 20 Seed Multiplication Farms, there are 3 Vegetable Development Stations, 12 Potato Development Stations and _____Ginger Development Station in HP ?
1 - The scheduled castes/ scheduled tribes, farmers of backward areas and small and marginal farmers are provided plant protection chemicals and equipments at _____per cent cost ?
50 % - Soil testing laboratories in HP have been established in all the districts except_______ ?
Lahaul and Spiti - Soil testing service has also being included under ______ act, in which the soil health cards are being made available to the farmers through online service within prescribed time limit ?
Himachal Pradesh
Public Service
Guarantee Act, 2011 - The HP Government has launched ______ Scheme to encourage ―Zero Budget Natural Farming, so as to bring down the cost of cultivation by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers ?
Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana - The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched in HP from __?
Kharif, 2016 season - Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) insurance scheme, _____ crops have been covered during Kharif season ?
Maize and Paddy - Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) insurance scheme, _____ crops have been covered during Rabi season ?
Wheat and Barley - Since when Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) became optional for both the loanee and non-loanee farmers ? ( earlier it was compulsory for loanee farmers)
From kharif 2020 onwards - For the regulation of agricultural produce in the State, which act has been enforced and the Himachal Pradesh Marketing Board has been established ?
Himachal Pradesh
Agricultural/
Horticulture Produce
Marketing Act, 2005 - Himachal Pradesh has been divided into ______ notified market areas to safeguard the interest of the farming community ?
Ten - A modernised market complex at ______ is functional for marketing of agricultural produce, besides construction of market yards in different area ?
Solan - At present 10 market committees are functioning and _____ markets have been made functional ?
63 - Total area under tea cultivation in HP is 2,310.71 hectares with a production level of _____kilograms in 2020-21 ?
11.45 lakh kg - Tea is mainly cultivated in district/ districts _______?
Kangra, Mandi and Chamba - At present, there are ______ tea growers in HP ?
5,900 - To achieve faster and more inclusive growth in agriculture sector, Government of Himachal Pradesh has started ___ scheme covering an area of 100 hectare in the State and 5,000 polyhouses are being constructed under this scheme ?
Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Yojana - Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Yojana will be implemented in ___phases ?
Two - First phase of Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Yojana will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2022-23 and ______ polyhouses will be constructed with an outlay of ₹78.57 crore ?
2,522 - How much subsidy (assistance) is provided under Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Yojana for setting up of polyhouses ?
85 % - _____ was initiated in 2007 as an umbrella scheme for ensuring holistic development of agriculture and allied sector.
RKVY-RAFTAAR - National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with ______ratio in Centre and State share respectively ?
90:10 - NFSM is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that was launched in______?
2007 - Under NFSM, how many districts have been selected for wheat ?
11 Districts (except Shimla) - Under NFSM, how many districts have been selected for Rice ?
two Districts Kangra and Mandi - Under NFSM, how many districts have been selected for Maize ?
nine districts except Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul- Spiti - Under NFSM, how many districts have been selected for pulses viz. Mash, Moong, Pea, Lentil and Gram ?
All - Under “Efficient Irrigation through Micro-Irrigation Scheme”, how much Subsidy for the installation of sprinkler and drip irrigation system would be provided to the farmers ?
80 per cent - To increase fodder production, the State Government has launched ________ scheme for fodder development by bringing an area of 42,000 hectare under fodder production ?
Uttam Chaara Utpadan Yojana - Subsidy on Chaff Cutters is available to which category of farmers ?
Schduled Caste /
Schduled Tribe and Below Poverty Line farmers. - HP Government is encouraging for the cultivation of ____Grass among the farmers and is providing 50 per cent assistance for the preparation of pit.?
Azola - Under “Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakhshan Yojana”, how much subsidy is provided to individual farmer for solar fencing? ”
80 % - Under “Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakhshan Yojana”, how much subsidy is provided to group of farmers for solar fencing ?
85 % - Government of Himachal Pradesh from 2019 -20 has also approved installation of barbed and chain link fencing as well as composite fencing. The subsidy for installation of barbed and chain link (Woven Mesh) fencing system and for composite fencing would be respectively ____ per cent and _____per cent for individual farmers ?
50 %, 70% - To provide Insurance cover to the farmers and agricultural labourers in the event of sustaining injury or death due to operation of farm machinery, the State Government has launched ______ scheme in 2015-16 ?
Mukhyamantri Kisaan
Evam Khetihar
Mazdoor Jeevan
Surakhsha Yojana - How much Insurance cover is being provided to affected farmers under Mukhyamantri Kisaan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Surakhsha Yojana ?
₹3.00 lakh In case of death, ₹1.00 lakh permanent disability and ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 for partial disabilities. - Under Flow Irrigation Scheme, Government has decided to grant ____per cent subsidy for construction of Bore-Wells and shallow wells by individual for irrigation purposes ?
50 % - Under which scheme, financial assistance (subsidy) is being provided to medium and large groups of farmers on individual and community basis for installation of solar pumping machinery ( for irrigation) ?
Pradhan Mantri
Kisan Urja Suraksha
Evem Utthan
Mahabhiyan Yojana
(PM- KUSUM) - Under PM- KUSUM, how much assistance (subsidy) is provided to small and marginal groups of farmers ?
85 % - Under PM- KUSUM, how much assistance (subsidy) is provided to medium and large groups of farmers ?
80 % - Under which scheme, check dams and ponds will be constructed ?
Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana - Under, Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana (scheme), ______per cent expenditure would be borne by the Government for implementation of community based small water saving scheme ?
100 - Which scheme has been introduced by State Government for supporting seed money, interest subvention and credit guarantee cover to the farmers ?
Mukhya Mantri Krishi Kosh Yojana - To save crops from hailstorms, the State Government has started _____ scheme from the year 2020-21.
Krishi Utpadan Sanrakshan Yojana (Anti Hail net) - Under Krishi Utpadan Sanrakshan Yojana (Anti Hail net), the State Government will provide _____ per cent subsidy to farmers on purchase of anti-hail nets ?
80 % - Which is the most important fruit crop of Himachal Pradesh, which constitutes about 49 per cent of the total area under fruit crops and about 85 per cent of the total fruit production ?
Apple - Under which scheme, assistance is provided to the farmers for the purchase of various modern farm tools and machinery in form of back ended subsidy ?
SMAM (Sub-Mission of Agriculture Mechanisation) - Which is nodal department for the scheme SMAM ?
Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh - In warmer areas of the state, ______has emerged as an important fruit crop ?
Mango - To promote flower cultivation, two Tissue Culture Laboratories have been established under Model Flower Cultivation Centres at _____ & _____ ?
Mahogbagh (Chail,
District Solan) and
Palampur, District
Kangra - _____Farmers Cooperative Societies are functioning for the production and marketing of flowers in district Shimla, Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti, Solan, Hamirpur and Chamba ?
Ten - During 2021-22 up to December, 2021, 524.72 MT of pasteurized compost for Mushroom was prepared and distributed from the department units located at______?
Solan, Rampur, Bajoura and Palampur - Which scheme was launched during 2019-20 to promote mushroom cultivation in HP ?
Himachal Khumb
Vikas Yojana (HKVY) - Centrally sponsored scheme, ―Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture” (MIDH) is being implemented in the State under which assistance is provided as subsidy ranging from _____per cent to farmers for carrying out various horticultural activities like cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, species and establishment of new gardens, mushroom production, green house cultivation of high value flowers and vegetables, Anti Hail Nets, horticulture mechanization, post harvest management etc.40-85 %
- Under modified guidelines of ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Per Drop more crop’ / PMKSY- PDMC (a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in HP since 2015-16), small and marginal farmers are given the subsidy of ____ % ?
55 % ( in total, it becomes 80 % because state govt is providing additional share of 25 %) - Under modified guidelines of ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Per Drop more crop’ / PMKSY- PDMC (a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in HP since 2015-16), big farmers are given the subsidy of ____ % ?
45 % - For improving the quality of sheep and wool, Government Sheep Breeding Farms at ___, ___ & _____ are supplying improved sheep to the breeders of the State (HP)?
Jeori (Shimla), Tal
(Hamirpur), and
Karachham (Kinnaur) - At which place in district Mandi, one Ram (male sheep) centre is functioning where improved Rams are reared and supplied to breeders for cross breeding.
Nagwain - Soviet Marino and American Rambouillet are breeds of ?
Sheep - Angora rabbit farms are functioning at ______& _____for distribution of rabbits to the breeders ?
Kandwari (Kangra) and Nagwain (Mandi) - One Horse Breeding Farm at _____in Lahaul and Spiti district has been established with the objective to preserve Spiti breed of horses ?
Lari - At which place in HP, One Yak breeding farm has been established ?
Lari , Lahaul-Spiti (in the premises of horse breeding) - The livestock breeders belonging to BPL families of general category are provided pregnancy ration for their indigenous/ crossbred cows at 3 kg per day for last three months of the pregnancy on _____ per cent subsidy ?
50 % - Under Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojana, incentive of `1,000 per beneficiary per animal is provided to those farmers whose milch cattle/buffaloes produce _____ litres of Milk per day ?
15 liters or more per day - Under Backyard Poultry Project, 50-100 numbers of chicks of ____ week old Low Input Technology (LIT) birds‟ are distributed among the poultry breeders on cost price ?
3 week old - Under 200-Chick Scheme, ______poultry breeders belonging to BPL Families of Schedule Cast Category are to be provided with inputs (like 200 days old LIT birds, feed for initial feeding, feeders and drinkers) worth ₹10,000 per beneficiaries ?
900 - Under ‘Him Kukkut Palan Yojana’ of Poultry, the beneficiaries are provided _____per cent subsidy on both Capital Investment (construction of shed, provision of feeders and drinkers) and Recurring cost (Cost of chicks, feed etc.) ?
60 % - An amount of ₹ 506.45 lakh has been received from the Government of India for the establishment of breeding farm of Murrah buffalo in District_____, under Rashtriya Gokul Mission ?
Una - Funds amounting ₹ 995.10 lakh has been sanctioned by the Government of India on January 1, 2019, for the establishment of Gokul Gram in district_____?
Una - Progeny Testing (Jersey) Program is being implemented in approximately 800 revenue villages in District ______through a network of 115 veterinary institutions ?
Kangra - The Government of India has released funds to the tune of ₹195.00 lakh for the establishment of Embro Transfer Technology Laboratory at Palampur District Kangra for Conservation and Propagation of ____ & ____ breeds of cows through Embryo Transfer Technology ?
Sahiwal and Red Sindhi breeds - A Center of Excellence cum Training Centre is to be established in which district of Himachal Pradesh under Rashtriya Gokul Mission ?
Una - What is the funding pattern of ‘Rural Backyard Goat Development scheme’ a centrally sponsored scheme under National Livestock Mission ?
90 % Central share, 5 % State Share and 5 % farmer share. - What is the funding pattern of ‘Rural Backyard Pig Development scheme’ a centrally sponsored scheme under National Livestock Mission ?
90 % Central share, 5 % State Share and 5 % farmer share. - ____per cent subsidy is provided on the insurance premium of cattle and pack animal of APL (Above Poverty Line) farmers ?
60 % - ___per cent subsidy is provided on the insurance premium of cattle and pack animal to farmers belonging to BPL families/ SC/ ST categories ?
80 % - ____per cent subsidy is provided to breed rams to sheep breeders of all categories of Himachal Pradesh having flocks of minimum of 50 sheep (maximum 2 ram per beneficiary) ?
60 % - Beetal/Sirohi/Jamnapari and White Himalayan long hared breeds are breeds of ____ ?
Goat - Under Krishak Bakri Palan Yojana, a subsidy of ____ % is provided to farmers ?
60 % - Under Rural Backyard Sheep Development Scheme, sheep unit of 10+1 at _____per cent subsidy is being provided to poor/marginal farmers?
95 % - Livestock census is being conducted _____ by the Government of India ?
Quinquennially (every 5 years) - So far, ____Livestock Censuses have been conducted ?
20 - Himachal Pradesh Milkfed has ______milk producers Co-operative Societies ?
1,084 - Schizothorax is a breed (type ) of ?
Fish - Forests in Himachal Pradesh cover an area of ______ ?
37,947 Sq. Km. - Forests in Himachal Pradesh cover an area of 37,947 Sq. Km. and account for _____per cent of total geographical area of the State ?
68.16 % - However, presently ______per cent of the total geographical areas of HP support forest cover ?
28.60 % - The aim of the HP Forest Department is to enhance the forest cover in the State to ______per cent of its geographical area by 2030 to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ?
30 % - Supreme Court of India has allowed the State for silviculture green felling of three species,____, ___ and ____, on experimental basis in three ranges- Nurpur range of Nurpur Forest Division, Bharari range of Bilaspur Forest Division and Paonta range of Paonta Forest Division.
Khair, Chil and Sal - To sensitize people about the importance of daughters and forest conservation, Which scheme has been launched during 2019-20 ?
Ek Buta Beti Ke Naam - Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystems Climate Proofing Project with the assistance of KfW Bank (Credit Institute for Reconstruction), Germany is being implemented in ____and ______districts of the State for the period of 7 years w.e.f. 2015-16 ?
Chamba and Kangra - A new Project, namely ‘Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystems Management and Livelihood Improvement Project’ for 8 years (2018-2019 to 2025-26) amounting to ₹800 crore has been started with the assistance of _________ ?
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) - The Funding pattern of the ‘Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystems Management and Livelihood Improvement Project’ is _____ ?
80 % loan and 20 %
State share - Which institution has agreed to finance Integrated Development Project for Source Sustainability and Climate Resilient Rain-fed Agriculture (in 900 Gram Panchayats in Shiwalik and Mid Hills agro-climatic zones) ?
World Bank
CHAPTER 8 : WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): ( Har Ghar Jal – Jal Jeewan Mission)
• With the aim of providing Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural family by the year 2024, Jal Jeevan Mission has been launched by the Government of India, on 15th August, 2019. Rs. 3.5 lakh crore has been proposed to implement this mission across the country.
• The programme focuses on the service delivery system at the household in sufficient quantity (55 Litre Per Capita per Day) on a regular basis and of prescribed quality.
• In Himachal Pradesh, it is targeted to include every rural household in this scheme by July, 2022. Out of 17.28 lakh households, 15.80 lakh were provided FHTC up to December, 2021. In Himachal Pradesh, 91 per cent of the households have been provided with domestic connection against a national average of 45.50 per cent. This places Himachal at 8th position in the country.
• Qantity & Quality of Water : In the functional Assessment done by the Third Party Inspection Agency selected by the Government of India, the quantity and quality of drinking water available at the consumer level was checked on different parameters in which Himachal Pradesh has been observed as best. In overall functionality, the state is at the forefront of the country and overall performance of the state is even better than those states, whose percentage of taping is more than Himachal Pradesh.
• To ensure participation of the general public, training for water quality testing is being given at the Gram Panchayat level and to the Rural Drinking Water Sanitation Committee through field test kits. In order to bring transparency, all water quality laboratories of the State have been opened to the general public, where water samples are tested at the affordable rates.
Urban Water Supply Schemes
• There are 61 Towns/Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in Himachal Pradesh. The water supply schemes of 59 Towns/ULBs are under Jal Shakti Vibhag, Shimla Town is under Shimla Jal Prabandhan Board and Parwanoo under HIMUDA. The improvement of water supply schemes of 48 towns including Shimla and Parwanoo town is now complete. Rewalsar and Jawali are in progress.
Status of Sewerage Scheme
• Out of 61 Towns/ULBs in Himachal Pradesh, Sewerage schemes of 60 Towns/ULBs are under Jal Shakti Vibhag and Shimla Town is under Shimla Jal Prabandhan Board. Jal Shakti Vibhag has completed sewerage schemes in 32 towns and has installed 62 Sewage Treatment Plants throughout the State with treatment capacity of 85.61 MLD against which 56.05 MLD (65.47per cent) is being treated at present. At present, construction/up-gradation of sewerage schemes for 19 Towns is in progress and proposals for the rest of the 18 towns are being prepared.
Command Area Development
• During the year 2021-22, `83.16 crore has been provided by Government of Himachal Pradesh which includes ` 83.10 crore for Himachal Pradesh Command Area Development (HIMCAD) activities in minor irrigation schemes to bridge the gap of potential created and utilized and rest of amount is for major/medium irrigation and minor irrigation schemes ongoing in the state including central share. There is a physical target of 3,640 hectare Culturable Command Area (CCA) for providing Command Area Development (CAD) activities, out of which 1,735.77 hectare has been achieved by November 2021 with an expenditure of `13.57 crore upto September, 2021. The Government of India has been launched the Incentivisation Scheme for Bridging Irrigation Gap (ISBIG) for providing CAD activities in the completed/ongoing irrigation projects since 2016-17 and accordingly the 6 projects of Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) have been considered under the programme. Detailed Project Report (DPRs) of these 6 projects have been submitted to Government of India for inclusion under this scheme.
Hand Pump Programme
• The Government has an active programme to provide hand pumps to regions facing scarcity of water during summer season. A total of 40,624 hand pumps have been installed as of January, 2022. Government has announced a new scheme for providing hand pumps to individual beneficiaries at 75 per cent cost.
Irrigation
• Adequate and timely supply of Irrigation water to crops is a pre-requisite in the agriculture production process, particularly in areas where rainfall is scanty and irregular. Out of a total geographical area of 55.67 lakh hectare of Himachal Pradesh, only 5.83 lakh hectare is cultivated. It is estimated that irrigation potential of the state is approximately 3.35 lakh hectare, out of this, 0.50 lakh hectare can be brought under irrigation through major and medium irrigation projects and the balance of 2.85 lakh hectare through minor irrigation schemes. As of November 2021, a total of 2.92 lakh hectares has been brought under the irrigation.
Major Irrigation
• The only major irrigation project in the state is Shahnehar Project in Kangra District. The project has been completed and irrigation facility to 15,287 hectare land is being provided. The Command Area Development (CAD) works are in progress and out of 15,287 hectare, 9998.50 hectare land has been brought under CAD activities up to November, 2021 against target of 3,640 hectares. Medium Irrigation
• Medium Irrigation Projects Changer area Bilaspur 2350 hectares, Sidhatha Kangra, 3,150 hectares and Balh Valley Left Bank 2,780 hectare have been completed. The work of CAD Sidhatha is in progress and 2,705.10 hectare land has been brought under CAD activities as of November 2021.
• At present work of Medium Irrigation Project Phinna Singh (Nurpur, Kangra ) Cultivated Command Area (4,025 hectares) and the Nadaun area in District Hamirpur (2,980 hectares) is in progress.
Minor Irrigation
• During 2021-22, there is a budget provision of `315.24 crore in the state sector to provide irrigation facilities to an area of 8,000 hectare against which up to November, 2021 5,653.62 hectare has been covered with an expenditure of `18.59 crore up to September, 2021.
ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Plastic Waste Management
• The State Government has banned use and littering of plastic items by notifications from time to time under Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995.
• A fine of `3.43 lakh has been collected from 385 violators in the year 2021-22. Under this Act, polythene bags, plastic & thermocol cutlery single use plastic spoons, bowls, katories, stirring sticks, forks, knives, straws has been completely banned in Himachal Pradesh.
• Under Buy-back Policy for non-recyclable plastic waste in the year 2021-22, `42.17 lakh has been paid on purchase of 1.00 lakh kg of specified plastic waste to the households and 804 registered rag pickers at `75 per kg in the State. The State Government is promoting use of biodegradable Pattals (leaf plates) and donas (leaf bowls) made of plant leaves. To support artisans/poor families involved in making traditional pattal and dona making machines are being provided under Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER). Till December, 2021 the provision of providing 100 pattal & dona making machines has been made under CER. In addition, it plastic waste shredders & compactors are being provided to all ULBs. Till December, 2021 the provision of more than 200 plastic waste shredders & compactors have been made under CER.
The H.P. government had launched Polythene Hatao Paryavaran Bachao Abhiyaan in May 2018 under which price fixed was Rs 3 to Rs 4 per kg for purchase of plastic but it failed to yield the desired results as it was not remunerative compared to the effort that went into collection the plastic waste. “Since it takes almost two to three hours for a rag picker to collect one-kg plastic waste, it was imperative to give him at least minimum wages.
Then in Oct 2019, HP govt had launched a new buy-back Policy for non-recyclable plastic waste under which govt would purchase non-recyclable plastic and single use plastic waste and bags at Rs 75 per kg at its collection centres to be run by the urban local bodies across the state. This scheme aimed at controlling environmental degradation. The plastic waste thus generated would be put to use in road construction, which will result in the Public Works Department saving up to Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 per km. Besides, the plastic would be used to generate energy in cement plants. The cost of transportation of the plastic would be borne by the urban local bodies and collection centres have already been notified at 14 places. The minimum support price of Rs 75 per kg would be applicable to non-recyclable and single use plastic waste like packaging of chips, milk, oil pouches, toffees, biscuits, chocolates, confectionary items, wrappers and readymade cloth packaging.
‘Swachhta Hi Seva’, is an initiative of the Swachh Bharat Mission which aims to generate greater public participation, reinforce the concept of “sanitation as everyone’s business” and culminate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth year celebration with a nationwide campaign.
State Knowledge Cell on Climate Change
A State Knowledge Cell on Climate Change (HPKCCC Phase-I) has been set up in the Department of Environment,
Science and Technology, Himachal Pradesh with the assistance of Department of Environment, Science and Technology, Government of India under National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystems (NMSHE) . Funding of ` 1.12 crore has been mobilized from Government of India to implement the activities under HPKCCC in Phase-II. The Climate Change vulnerability assessment of Beas River Basin has been completed and another study of Satluj River Basin covering 1,800 panchayats &12,500 villages of Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Solan, Mandi and Bilaspur has been initiated with the financial outlay of `88.50 lakh. The CC Vulnerability Assessment & Adaptation Plans for Kinnaur & LahaulSpiti districts have been prepared as a part of this initiative.
HP Climate Change Conclave – 2021 – “SECURE HIMALAYA- SAFE INDIA” Act for Himalaya
In order to promote multi-stakeholder engagement in the State including neighboring States in the Himalayan region as well as in the downstream and deliberate on the challenges associated with impact of climate change and disaster risk reduction, GoHP organized a two-day conference- ―Secure Himalaya- Safe India‖ on 18th to 19th December, 2021 at Shimla, with focus on reducing climate change induced risks & vulnerabilities in the Western Himalayan region and a Resolution has been made for entire Himalayan Region to combat impact of Climate Change.
State Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2030
The Government of has prepared and adopted revised State Climate Change Action Plan Version-II 2021-2030. The Chief Minister released the Action Plan from Shimla on 18th December, 2021. This document will provide strategic action points for different stakeholders.
Climate Adaptation and Finance in Rural India (CAFRI) project
• To support implementation of Himachal Pradesh SDG Vision 2030 targets and State Action Plan on Climate Change with special attention to vulnerable target groups such as women‘s self-help groups and women Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) and their associations, Climate Adaptation and Finance in Rural India (CAFRI) project was launched in the State.
• CAFRI is a continuation of commitment from GIZ India for the state under the bilateral programme wih MoEF&CC, Government of India supplemented with various activities related to capacity development and planning, implementing, financing, monitoring adaptation initiatives at different level of governance.
Setting up of Knowledge Network on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (HPKNCC & DRR)
• To implement SDG-13 Vision 2030 targets the State Government has decided to setup Knowledge Network on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (HPKNCC & DRR) in the State. This knowledge network will bring together policymakers, adaptation researchers, private and other non-governmental sectors at State and regional levels to support the objectives outlined in the State Mission for Climate Change, Strategic Knowledge and Information.
Setting up of Digital Climate Change Reference centre
• Foundation stone has been laid to setup Digital Climate Change Reference Centre for adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts in collaboration with the Government of India and GIZ in the Department of Environment, Science and Technology and work is likely to be completed by 31st March, 2022.
Implementation of Project Sanctioned under National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) MoEF&CC, GoI
- Under this project drought prone areas of three Developmental Blocks of Sirmaur District have been covered with outlay of `20.00 crore. The rural small and marginal farmers including rural women are being provided a package of Climate Smart Farming Technologies along with required social engineering and capacity building which leads to improved food security and enhanced livelihood options to enhance resilience.
- Under this project following targets have been achieved: o 3 major lift irrigation schemes, 1 solar based LIS, 35 Minor Irrigation Schemes, 21 small ponds & 23 Kuhls (Irrigation channels) constructed & made functional.
- 7 Training Modules (in regional language and English) developed and distributed among stakeholders. o Training of 332 Extension Officers from all 12 districts (Horticulture and Agriculture) Completed.
- A total of 6 Trainings has been conducted at Block level (Pachhad, Poanta Sahib & Sangrah) and training imparted to 240 lead farmers.
- 696 trainings conducted & 30,880 farmers trained on climate change adoption. o 3 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in three Blocks registered. o Assurance Fund created in line with insurance schemes for farmers.
- Moisture Management for vegetables- provision of drip and sprinkler irrigation – 4.1 hectare under drip irrigation and 2.68 hectare under sprinkler irrigation covered.
- Promotion of Inter-cropping of maize and pulses and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Cultivation in late but excess moisture condition- 787 quintal of maize, wheat, mustard and vegetables seed distributed. o 243.74 quintal green fodder (sorghum & bajra), 40 quintal oats & 35 quintal berseem distributed, 22.78 quintal maize, 6.60 quintal ginger. 20 quintal garlic distributed 4.32 ha. under early on setting cultivars of fruit (pomegranate, kiwi, strawberry, guava, litchi).
Capacity Building of marginal Farmers in rural areas
• Government of India has sanctioned a project titled as Capacity building of marginal farmers in rural areas of Himachal Pradesh on biotechnological interventions for Climate Change Adaption to ensure sustainable livelihood‖ for Lamba Thach Panchayat of Seraj block, district Mandi. Government of India has sanctioned `59.00 lakh for different programmes of Capacity Building.
State Level Environment Leadership Awards
• Himachal Pradesh Environment Leadership Awards scheme is one of regular scheme of the Department of Environment, Science & Technology. `25.00 lakh have been earmarked to be utilized during the year 2021-22 and 24 applications have been received for awards in different sectors.
Creation of Model Eco Villages
• The State Government through Department of Environment, Science & Technology is implementing Model Eco Villages scheme in the State. This scheme is focusing towards the perspective of developing low impact lifestyle as to reduce the ―ecological footprint‖ by as much as 50% of the base assessment from the launch of the scheme. Under this scheme, ` 50.00 lakh will be utilized over a period of 5 years by the identified village for adoption of Model Eco village scheme. Till date 15 villages have been included under this scheme and ` 1.84 crore has been utilized under this scheme upto December, 2021.
Research & Development Projects
• To promote research & development, “H.P. Specific Research & Development Projects 2021-22” are being funded to develop Academic institutions, National laboratories and other recognized R&D Institutions in different fields of the State. Upto December, 2021 ` 21.80 lakh has been spent under the scheme.
Setting up of Demonstration Micro Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities
• State Government has started the process for setting up of 10 demonstration Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities as pilot projects in the State. Municipal solid waste management facilities through expert agencies having capacity to dispose of approximately 0.5 ton to 5 ton of waste are being installed at 10 different locations in Himachal Pradesh as pilot projects on PPP mode. `4.48 crore under NMHS (National Mission on Himalayan Studies) by MoEF&CC, Government of India has been approved for the purpose Technical Staff has been deployed in each ULBs to help implement the programme.
The ten sites identified for the Solid Waste Management are as follows: (Nagar Panchayat /Gram Panchayat /Municipal Council/Temple Committee )
• M.C.Theog, N.P. Narkanda, N.P. Kasol, G.P. Dharampur,Solan, M.C. Sarkaghat, Mandi, Temple Committee at Chintpurni, Temple Committee at Naina Devi, Temple Committee at Maa Bala Sundari, Trilokpur, Nahan, M.C. Joginder Nagar, N.P. Baijnath Paprola
ONE LINER FACTS FOR PRELIMS :
- When did Jal Jeevan Mission was launched by the Government of India?
15th August, 2019 - The aim of Jal Jeevan Mission is to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural family by the year ____ ?
2024 - ______ litre Per Capita per Day of assured quality water is being provided under Jal Jeevan Mission ?
55 Litre Per Capita per Day - In Himachal Pradesh, it is targeted to include every rural household in Jal Jeevan Mission by _______ ?
July, 2022 - In Himachal Pradesh, ______per cent of the households have been provided with domestic connection against a national average of 45.50 per cent. This places Himachal at _______position in the country ?
91 %
8th positon - There are ______Towns/Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in Himachal Pradesh ?
61 - The water supply schemes of 59 Towns/ULBs are under______ ?
Jal Shakti Vibhag - The water supply schemes of Shimla Town is under ______ ?
Shimla Jal Board Prabandhan - The water supply schemes of Parwanoo area is under ______ ?
HIMUDA - Out of 61Towns/ULBs in Himachal Pradesh, Sewerage schemes of 60 Towns/ULBs are under Jal Shakti Vibhag and Shimla Town is under_____?
Shimla Jal Board Prabandhan - Government has announced a new scheme for providing hand pumps to individual beneficiaries at ______per cent cost ?
75 % - Out of a total geographical area of 55.67 lakh hectare of Himachal Pradesh, only ______lakh hectare is cultivated ?
5.83 lakh hectare - It is estimated that irrigation potential of the state is approximately ____lakh hectare ? 3.35 lakh hectare
- Out of total irrigation potential of 3.35 lakh hectare, ______ lakh hectare can be brought under irrigation through major and medium irrigation projects ?
0.50 lakh hectare - Out of total irrigation potential of 3.35 lakh hectare, ______ lakh hectare can be brought under irrigation through through minor irrigation schemes?
2.85 lakh hectare - The only major irrigation project in the state is _______ ?
Shahnehar Project in Kangra District - Changer area Bilaspur 2350 hectares, Sidhatha Kangra, 3,150 hectares and Balh Valley Left Bank 2,780 hectare have been completed. These projects are _________ ?
Medium Irrigation Projects - The State Government has banned use and littering of plastic items by notifications from time to time under which act?
imachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995 - Hen did govt of HP organized a two-day conference ‘Secure Himalaya- Safe India’ at Shimla ?
18th to 19th December, 2021 - The Government of HP has prepared and adopted revised State Climate Change Action Plan Version-II 2021-2030. The Chief Minister released the Action Plan from Shimla on ________ ?
18th December, 2021 - Government of India has sanctioned a project titled as ―Capacity building of marginal farmers in rural areas of Himachal Pradesh on biotechnological interventions for Climate Change Adaption to ensure sustainable livelihood‖ for __________Panchayat of Seraj block, district Mandi ?
Lamba Thach - Himachal Pradesh Environment Leadership Awards scheme is one of regular scheme of which dept of HP ?
Department of Environment, Science & Technology - Which department in HP is implementing Model Eco Villages scheme ?
Department of Environment, Science & Technology - Model Eco Villages scheme is focusing towards the perspective of developing low impact lifestyle as to reduce the ―ecological footprint by as much as _______of the base assessment from the launch of the scheme ?
50% - Rs _____lakh will be utilized over a period of 5 years by the identified village for adoption of Model Eco village scheme ?
Rs 50 lakh - Till date ______villages have been included under Model Eco village scheme ?
15 - HP State Government has started the process for setting up of _______demonstration Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities as pilot projects in the State ?
10
Chapter-9 : Industrial Development
Himachal Pradesh has made significant achievements in industrialization in the past few years. The State has a well developed industry sector which has witnessed an average contribution to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of around 30 per cent during the last 4 years. The state is an emerging manufacturing hub for pharmaceuticals, textiles, light engineering goods, health, power, telecom and information technology. The State has laid emphasis on public private partnerships for investments in hydro power projects. The state government has recently announced various measures to promote industrialization in the state. To promote Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in the State, the State government has announced online application filing for speedy approvals.
Further, the present government in the state has initiated significant reforms in the recent times that have put the state on high growth path. The State government amended the Industrial Policy 2004 and notified the ―Himachal Pradesh Industrial
Investment Development Policy 2019 and ―Rules Regarding Grant of Incentives, Concessions and Facilities for Investment Promotion in Himachal Pradesh 2019 to promote and incentivize industry by creating a conducive environment for sustainable inclusive development that generates income and employment opportunities, and encourages skill development thereby establishing Himachal Pradesh as a model industrial hill State of India.
The vision statement in the industrial policy 2019 is, “To create an enabling ecosystem to enhance the scale of economic development & employment opportunities; ensure sustainable development and balanced growth of industrial and service
sectors to make Himachal as one of the preferred destination for investment”
Development of Industrial Areas/ Estates
Creation and maintenance of high quality industrial infrastructure is a prime pre-requisite for industrial development. Industries department has developed 62 Industrial areas and estates for industrial development in State. During the current financial year, the State Government has notified Chak village in District Una as industrial area.
Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
State Government has been taking numerous steps to improve business climate with an aim to make it more conducive to start new businesses and create enabling ecosystem to operate.
Himachal registered a quantum jump of 9 points i.e. from 16th position to 7th position in the rankings announced by Department for Promotion on Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India (GoI) on 05th September 2020. This made “Himachal top ranking State amongst Hilly States” of the Country. Also, Himachal was recognized as “Top Improvers since 2015” by DPIIT, GoI in this ranking.
Single Window System (SWS) has been made fully operational and all the industry related services has been integrated with the Single Window portal of the Industries Department which will act as one stop interface with the investor.
Minimizing Regulatory Compliance Burden (MRCB)
In a major bid to realize the nation‘s goals of improving ―Ease of Living‖ and ―Ease of Doing Business‖, DPIIT has also introduced ―Reducing Compliance Burden‖ initiative across country. Key objectives behind the MRCB exercise are to identify/ reduce/ eliminate all the burdensome compliance, minimize physical touch points between Government to Business (G2B)/Government to Citizen (G2C) and provide hassle-free delivery of services by Government. As part of the initiative taken by the State for minimizing regulatory compliances in the State, active measures have been taken.
The Directorate of Industries is a Nodal Agency to implement and coordinate with all departments in the State of Himachal Pradesh. A State Task Force is constituted in this regard under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary with other Administrative Secretaries as members to minimize the various regulations in the State.
Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMFPE)
Under Atama Nirbhar Bharat, ―Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMFPE) scheme has been launched, with an objective to assist Food Based Micro Enterprises of unorganized sector and bring them to organized sector. The Department is working proactively to implement this scheme in the state.
Seed Capital of ₹70.98 lakh was disbursed to 185 self help groups‘ members during 2020-21.
3 Incubation Centers (one incubation centre will be established in Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,
Solan and other two will be established under Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidayalya (CSKHPKV) at Palampur and at Krishi Vigyan Kendra / KVK Kukumseri (Lahaul) with grant of ₹3.72 crore, ₹2.59 crore and ₹2.52 crore respectively) has been sanctioned by Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India (MoFPI, GoI). Under this scheme 126 individual applications have been sanctioned for credit-linked capital subsidy.
Prime Minister‟s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
Prime Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit linked subsidy programme of Central Government. This scheme was launched on 15th August, 2008 by merging of two schemes, Prime Minister Rozgar Yojna and Rural Employment Generation Programme. Under the scheme the maximum cost of the project in manufacturing sector is ₹25 lakh and ₹10 lakh under Service Sector. General Category Candidate get 15-25 per cent subsidy depending upon the location of the proposed venture/unit and contribution towards project cost is 10 per cent. For other category candidates gets 25-35 per cent depending upon the location of the proposed venture/unit and their own contribution is only 5 per cent. Under this scheme, as of January, 2022 loans worth ₹ 21.45 crore have been sanctioned for 725 cases against a target of 1,451 cases. The objectives of PMEGP are:
Mukhya Mantri Swavalamban Yojana (MMSY)
MMSY is one of the important flagship programmes of the State Government. It is an ambitious scheme of the State Government to provide self-employment opportunities for youth of Himachal Pradesh. This scheme became very popular in spite of ―COVID-19 Pandemic with a phenomenal increase in the sanctioned cases.
The scheme has been made available online with the provision of 60 per cent ―Front Loading of subsidy. The scheme has been recently amended by adding activities related to agriculture, animal husbandry, sericulture and mining in order to provide benefits to rural youth. The age limit for women has been revised from 18-45 years to 18-50 years, so that more women could take the benefit of the scheme and become self-dependent. This scheme is being regularly monitored at higher level and is very popular amongst the youth.
Under MMSY, upto December, 2021, more than 5,000 projects have been sanctioned by the Banks, which have generated 15,073 self-employment opportunities.
Himachal State Food Mission
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) had launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) during the 12th Plan (2012-13) for implementation through States/ UTs. Further, the Government of India has approved continuation of the Mission during the remainder of 12th Five Year Plan (2013-17). The basic objective of NMFP is decentralization of implementation of Ministry‘s schemes, which will lead to substantial participation of State governments/Union Territories (UTs). This scheme has been delinked from central assistance and has been continued by the State Government from 2015-16 onwards. During 2021-22, under ―Himachal State Food Mission, 14 Projects were sanctioned involving Grant-in-Aid of ` 2.27 crore.
Sericulture Industry
Sericulture activities are providing part time employment to the weaker section of the State. In order to promote silk worm rearing in the State, 146 community based organizations and “Resham Sathi” have been nominated under various projects.
Mining
To bring transparency and save time, the entire process of sanctioning the mining lease is now online. Strict provisions have been made to check illegal mining. The penalty has been raised from `25,000 to `50,000 and the provision for imprisonment has been modified to provide for up to 2 years or both for an offence. On one hand, Government is committed to check illegal mining and punish the offenders with the strict provisions made in the rules, on the other hand, it is making all efforts to make mining material available for legal activities. The border Districts of State viz: Kangra, Una, Solan and Sirmaur are prone to illegal mining. In order to curb illicit mining a complete ban for grant of mineral leases for open/free sale has been imposed. Further, 5 mining check posts in District Una and one in District Solan have been established to check illegal mining as well as overloading. During the last 04 years, the department has auctioned more than 220 mining sites through tender- cum-auction mode.
Status of Industrialization in Himachal Pradesh
As on 31 January 2022, 33,094 enterprises have registered on the Udyam portal in the state, out of which 31,217 are Micro, 1,637 are Small and 240 are Medium enterprises. In addition to this 48 large industrial units are also working in the state.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Himachal Pradesh
MSMEs contribute significantly to the economic and social development of the state by fostering entrepreneurship and by generating employment opportunities. The government has taken several initiatives to nurture and promote the MSMEs. The revision in the definition of MSMEs brought in w.e.f. 1st July, 2020 as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat package introduced a composite-criteria of investment and annual turnover-and identical limits for manufacturing and services sector.
The recent measures taken by the Government to improve the ease of doing business for the MSMEs include the launch of the new Udyam Registration Portal in July 2020. The registration process under this is fully online, digital, paperless and is based on self-declaration. New registration process has boosted the ease of doing business for MSMEs by reducing transaction time and costs.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
KVIC is a statutory body formed in April 1957 (During 2nd Five Year plan) by the Government of India, under the Act of
Parliament, ‘Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956’. It is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with regard to khadi and village industries within India, which seeks to – “plan, promote, facilitate, organize and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.” The KVIC has its state wing at Shima and having 13 working Khadi Institutions in the State.
In addition to Khadi Programme, KVIC is also implementing PMEGP (“Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme”). Under this programme Credit Linked Back ended subsidy scheme is under implementation all over India with the involvement of Khadi & Village Industrial Board (KVIB) and Directorate of Industries in the respective State. With the active support of local Government agencies and Banks, KVIC is implementing PMEGP scheme since 2009 and generating employment opportunities to educated and uneducated youth.
KVIC has also identified clusters for regeneration of traditional industries in the state. Under SFURTI, Sirmour Beekeeping Cluster has been identified and Mahila Samaj Kalyan Samiti, Rajgar, Sirmour will be the implementing Agency. With the technical support of Lee Bee International institute of Bee Keeping and Agro Enterprises, Ludhiana, 300 artisans will be covered involving project cost of ₹ 255.76 lakh.
Himachal Pradesh Khadi & Village Industries Board (HPKVIB)
The HPKVIB is a statutory body created by an act of Legislative assembly (Number 8 of 1966). It came into existence on 8th January, 1968.
The original Act of 1966 has been subsequently amended during the year 1981 and 1987. The department of Industry is administrative department of KVIB. The objectives of the board are broadly given as under:
- The social objective of providing employment
- The economic objective of providing saleable articles.
- The wider objective of creating self-reliance among the poor and building up a strong rural community spirit
The Board is playing a pivotal role in rural industrialization and employment generation by encouraging rural artisans/entrepreneurs to establish micro/village industries at their doorsteps thereby, utilizing locally available raw material and skills.
Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (HPSIDC)
It is a major agency in the State to promote the setting up of small, medium, and large-scale industrial units. The Corporation also acts as a State-level financial institution. HPSIDC is the major agency for the promotion and establishment of industrial units is Himachal Pradesh. It is also the major State-level financial Institution and provides long-term loans for industrial projects.
The important activities of the Corporation are:
- Stimulate industrialization throughout HP.
- Promotion, Development & Financing of Industries
- Development of industrial Infrastructure
- Faciliator_providing guidance & assistance to enterprenened
- Marketing of steel & Bitumen as dealer of Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSUs) like steel authority of India limited(SAIL)/ Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited(RINL) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
- Development of Industrial areas/estates
The HPSIDC has been engaged as State implementing agency for execution of two prestigious projects viz State of art industrial areas at Kandrori, district Kangra and Pandoga, district Una, under the Modified Industrial Infrastructure
Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS) of the Government of India. The projects has an outlay of ₹275.00 crore.
Chief Minister has launched the portal UNNATI and mobile App of HPSIDC. This portal would give users the ability to work in collaboration with others and focus on individual projects. Apart from real time collaboration, UNNATI portal would allow users to share and work on documents together from any place and any time.
Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Board (HPIDB)
HPIDB has been established for furtherance the purpose of Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Act-2001 and to provide for framework for participation by persons other than the State Government and Government agencies in financing, construction, maintenance and operation of infrastructure projects and to raise resources on behalf of the State Government for infrastructure projects development. At present, the investments raised through this organization are bridging the gap of the expenditure under State Plan. So far, various developmental works in the following sectors have been undertaken.
- State Roads and Bridges Projects.
- Irrigation and Public Health Projects.
- Health Infrastructure.
- Power Projects.
- Urban Local Bodies and other infrastructures.
HPIDB is also acting as Public Private Partnership (PPP) cell of the State Government in addition to its existing activities. The HPIDB has successfully awarded 20 projects on PPP mode and other projects which are in pipeline for different sectors.
During the year 2020-21, HPIDB has awarded Consultancy Assignments in Urban Infrastructure sector for Operation and
Maintenance (O&M) of Shri Chintpurni Sadan, Block C, Chintpurni and Operation, Maintenance and Management (OMM) of High End Restaurant in ground floor of Town Hall, The Mall, Shimla of Municipal Corporation and one in Transport Sector for Development of Bus Stand and Car Parking complexes at Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh on PPP mode.
Investment/Outreach initiatives
1st Global Investors Meet-2019 on 07th and 08th November, 2019 at Dharamshala. The objective was to attract investment in the sectors of Agriculture Business, Food Processing and Post Harvest Technology, Manufacturing and Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Hospitality and Civil Aviation, Hydro and Renewable Energy, Wellness, Healthcare and Ayush, Housing, Urban Development, Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics, Information
three international road shows at Germany, Netherland and United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh. Apart from international road shows, six domestic road shows were organized at Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmadabad and Chandigarh and two mini conclaves at Manali and Shimla.
The Government of Himachal Pradesh organized a roadshow at Chandigarh on 05.09.2021 to attract fresh investment in the State across various sectors. Total 27 MoUs were signed with a proposed investment of ₹3,307 crore.
2nd Ground-breaking Ceremony (2nd GBC) was organized on 27th December 2021 at Mandi in which 287 MoUs with a
proposed investment of ₹ 28,197 crore grounded. Direct/ indirect employment to 80,000 persons is expected under these projects.
Trends in Industrial Sector
Industrial sector performance in terms of its contribution in Gross State Value Added (GSVA) has increased in 2021-22 over
2020-21 with 1.54 percentage point. The contribution of manufacturing sector in GSVA at Current Prices has decreased from
31.43 per cent in the year 2018-19 to 29.04 per cent in the year 2019-20 (Table 9.9). It has decreased to 28.91 per cent in the year 2020-21, this has occurred due to lockdown measures taken under second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, which has hampered the industrial production. State Government is taking many initiatives such as Incentives to Investors, and enabling EoDB etc. to increase its contribution. The contribution of mining and quarrying sector in GSVA at Current Prices has decreased from 0.32 per cent in the year 2018-19 to 0.25 per cent in the year 2021- 22, due to the effect of COVID-19 and more contribution from the other sectors of the economy. It is also the result of stringent action taken to check illegal mining by the State Government.
The trend in growth rate of GSVA of manufacturing sector in Himachal Pradesh (at constant prices) for the period 2017-18 to
2021-22 is shown in figure
9.1. The growth rate of GSVA of manufacturing sector at constant prices was 10.1 per cent in 2018-19 and decreased to 0.88 per cent in 2019-20. After showing a negative growth rate of -7.33 per cent in 2020-21 it became 11.3 per cent in 2021-22.
Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a yardstick for measuring industrial growth, it includes the relative change of physical production in the field of Industry during specific period as compared to the previous period. The main objective of this index is to estimate the contribution of Industrial sector to the Gross State Domestic Product. IIP in the State is being compiled on base year 2011-12.
The General Index has slightly decreased from 223.9 to 221.9 in the year 2020-21 showing a marginal decrease of 0.9 per cent mainly due to the dip in manufacturing indices in the June quarter, when the lockdown measures were enforced under COVID-19 pandemic. As regards the indices for year 2021-22, these have been worked out on the basis of two quarters (June and September, 2021). As compared with the quarterly indices of June and September quarter of 2020-21 with the same quarter of 2021-22, an increase of 5.9 per cent has occurred. This is attributed to increase in Industrial production, which is a healthy sign for growth in manufacturing sector as well as in economy of the State.
One Liner Facts for Prelims :
- The State (HP) has a well developed industry sector which has witnessed an average contribution to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of around _____ per cent during the last 4 years?
30 % - The State government amended the Industrial Policy 2004 and notified the ―Himachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Development Policy ________ to make Himachal as one of the preferred destination for investment ?
2019 - Industries department has developed _____Industrial areas and estates for industrial development in HP ?
62
During the current financial year (2021-22), the State Government has notified ____village in District Una as industrial area?
Chak - In Ease of Doing Business, Himachal registered a quantum jump of 9 points i.e. from ____position to ____ position in the rankings announced by Department for Promotion on Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India (GoI) on 05th September 2020?
16th position to 7th position - Which state was recognized as “Top Improvers since 2015” by DPIIT, GoI in Ease of Doing Business ranking ?
Himachal Pradesh - Which initiative aims to identify/ reduce/ eliminate all the burdensome compliance, minimize physical touch points between Government to Business (G2B)/Government to Citizen (G2C) and provide hassle-free delivery of services by Government ? Minimizing Regulatory Compliance Burden (MRCB)
- Under MRCB initiative, __________is a Nodal Agency to implement and coordinate with all departments in the State of Himachal Pradesh ?
Directorate of Industries - A State Task Force is constituted in regard to MRCG under the Chairmanship of _____ ?
Chief Secretary - Under Atama Nirbhar Bharat, which scheme has been launched, with an objective to assist Food Based Micro Enterprises of unorganized sector and bring them to organized sector ?
Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMFPE) - Undr PMFMFPE, 3 Incubation Centers will be established at different places. One will be established in Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan and other two will be established at _____ and _____ ?
CSKHPKV at Palampur And Krishi Vigyan Kendra / KVK Kukumseri (Lahaul) - Prime Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit linked subsidy programme of ______Government ? Central
PMEGP was launched on _______by merging of two schemes, Prime Minister Rozgar Yojna and Rural Employment Generation Programme ?
15th August, 2008 - Under PMEGP, what is the maximum cost of the project in manufacturing sector ?
₹25 lakh - Under PMEGP, what is the maximum cost of the project in Service sector ?
₹10 lakh - Under PMEGP), General Category Candidate gets _____per cent subsidy ?
15-25 % - Under PMEGP), other category Candidate gets _____per cent subsidy ?
25-35`% - Which scheme has been recently amended by adding activities related to agriculture, animal husbandry, sericulture and mining in order to provide benefits to rural youth ?
Mukhya Swavalamban Mantri Yojana (MMSY) - Under MMSY, the age limit for women has been revised from 18-45 years to _____years ?
18-50 - MMSY has been made available online with the provision of _____per cent ―Front Loading subsidy ?
60 % - Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) had launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) during the _____Plan (2012-13) for implementation through States/ UTs ?
12th - In 2021-22, under ―Himachal State Food Mission, _____Projects were sanctioned involving Grant-in-Aid of ` 2.27 crore ? 14
Which border Districts of State are prone to illegal mining ?
Kangra, Una, Solan and Sirmaur - Strict provisions have been made to check illegal mining. The penalty has been raised from _____to ______and the provision for imprisonment has been modified to provide for up to 2 years or both for an offence.
`25,000 to `50,000 Rs - 5 mining check posts in District ____and 1 in District _____have been established to check illegal mining as well as overloading ?
Una , Solan - As on 31 January 2022, ______enterprises have registered on the Udyam portal in the state ?
33,094 - Out of 33,094 , how many are Micro enterprises ?
31,217 - Out of 33,094 , how many are Small enterprises ?
1,637 - Out of 33,094 , how many are medium enterprises ?
240 - Besides 33,094 (Micro, Small and Medium enterprises, How many large industrial units are also working in the state ?
48 - The revision in the definition of MSMEs brought in w.e.f. ______as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat package ?
1st July, 2020 - When did the launched new Udyam Registration Portal to improve the ease of doing business for the MSMEs ?
July 2020 - Which is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with regard to khadi and village industries within India ?
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) - KVIC is a statutory body formed in ______ ?
April 1957 (During 2nd Five Year plan) - The KVIC has its state wing at ______and having 13 working Khadi Institutions in the HP ?
Shima - In addition to Khadi Programme, KVIC is also implementing ____ since 2009 ?
PMEGP (“Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme”) - Under SFURTI ( Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries), Sirmour Beekeeping Cluster has been identified and _______will be the implementing Agency ?
Mahila Samaj Kalyan Samiti, Rajgar, Sirmour - The Himachal Pradesh Khadi & Village Industries Board (HPKVIB) is a statutory body created by an act of Legislative assembly (Number 8 of 1966). It came into existence on______?
8th January, 1968 - _____is a major agency in the State to promote the setting up of small, medium, and largescale industrial units ? It also acts as a State-level financial institution. It is also the major State-level financial Institution and provides long-term loans for industrial projects.
Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (HPSIDC) - The HPSIDC has been engaged as State implementing agency for execution of two prestigious projects viz State of art industrial areas at _____and _____under the Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS) of the Government of India ?
Kandrori, district Kangra and Pandoga, district Una. - Chief Minister of HP has launched the portal named ______and mobile App of HPSIDC ? This portal would give users the ability to work in collaboration with others and focus on individual projects. It would allow users to share and work on documents together from any place and any time.
UNNATI - Which body has been established for furtherance the purpose of Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Act-2001 and to provide for framework for participation by persons other than the State Government and Government agencies in financing, construction, maintenance and operation of infrastructure projects and to raise resources on behalf of the State Government for infrastructure projects development ?
Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Board (HPIDB) - To attract investment in the State, the Government organized 1st Global Investors Meet-2019 on 07th and 08th November, 2019 at______ ?
Dharamshala - 1st Ground Breaking Ceremony (GBC) was organized on 27-12-2019 at____, in which 236 MoUs worth ₹13,488 crore were grounded ?
Shimla - 2nd Ground-breaking Ceremony (2nd GBC) was organized on 27th December 2021 at _______in which 287 MoUs with a proposed investment of ₹ 28,197 crore grounded. Direct/ indirect employment to 80,000 persons is expected under these projects ?
Mandi - Industrial sector performance in terms of its contribution in Gross State Value Added (GSVA) has increased in 2021-22 over 2020-21 with _______percentage point ?
1.54 % - IIP in the State is being compiled on base year_______ ?
2011-12
Chapter – 10 : Labour and Employment
Compared to other parts of the country, reported wage rate of workers in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors in Himachal Pradesh is higher (Periodic Labour Force Surveys). The higher wage rates in Himachal Pradesh attract in-migrants into the State, especially from States where wage rates are very low.
The employment assistance/ information service to job seekers is provided through 3 Regional Employment Exchanges, 9 District Employment Exchanges, 2 University Information and Guidance Bureaus, 65 Sub Office Employment Exchanges, one Special Employment Exchange for Physically Handicapped and Central Employment Cell. For Vocational Guidance and Employment Counseling to the youth as well as in the matter of collection of Employment Market information all 77 Employment Exchanges have been computerized and are online. Minimum wages
Himachal Pradesh Government has constituted a Minimum Wages Advisory Board under the Minimum Wages Act-1948 for the purpose of advising the State Government in the matter of fixing and revising the minimum rates of wages for the workers. The State Government has enhanced the minimum wages for unskilled category of workers from `275 to `300 per day or `8,250 to `9,000 per month w.e.f. 01.04.2021, working in all existing 19 scheduled employment under the provisions of Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
Employment Market Information Programme
At the district level, the employment data is being collected under the Employment Market Information Programme since 1960. The total employment in the State as on 31-03-2020 in Public Sector was 2, 75,526 and in private sector was 1,83,293. The establishments in Public Sector and Private Sector are 4,407 and 1,814 respectively. Vocational Guidance
The Department of Labour and Employment provides Vocational/ Career Guidance to the youth and also organizes guidance camps as well in Schools/Colleges/ITIs/Polytechnics etc.
Central Employment Cell
To provide technical and highly skilled manpower to all the industrial units, Institutions and establishments, the Central Employment Cell which has been set up in the Directorate of Labour and Employment of the State remained engaged in rendering its services during the year 2021-22. Under this scheme, assistance is provided to the employment seekers, in finding suitable jobs in private sector according to their qualifications. The Central Employment Cell organizes Campus Interviews for Private Sector Employers for their requirement of unskilled labour. During this financial year, upto 31.12.2021 Central Employment Cell has organized 1 job fair and 138 Campus Interviews wherein 1,663 candidates were selected by employers.
Special Employment Exchange for specially abled
The special employment exchange for the placement of disabled persons (physically, visually, hearing and locomotor impaired) was set-up in the Directorate of Labour and Employment in 1976. This special employment exchange renders assistance to the specially abled candidates in the field of vocational guidance and also provides employment assistance in Public and Private Sector. The Physically disabled persons who are among the weaker section of society have been provided a number of facilities or concessions which include free of cost medical examination through the Medical Boards constituted at the State and District level, relaxation of age by 5 years, exemption for qualifying type test for those who suffer from disability in the upper limbs extremities with 5 per cent reservation for appointment in Class-III & Class-IV posts. During the financial year 2021-22 (upto November, 2021) 531 specially abled persons were brought on the Live Register of the Special Employment Exchange bringing the total number to 19,205 and 119 specially abled persons were provided employment.
Employees Insurance and Provident Fund Scheme
The Employees State Insurance (ESI) is applicable in the areas of Solan, Parwanoo, Barotiwala, Nalagarh, Baddi in Solan District,
Mehatpur, Bathri & Gagret in Una District, Paonta Sahib & Kala Amb in Sirmour District, Golthai in Bilaspur District, Mandi, Ratti, Ner Chowk, Bhangrotu, Chakkar & Gutkar in Mandi District and Industrial Area Shoghi and Municipal area of Shimla in District Shimla. About 13,325 establishments with an estimated 3,15,331 insured persons are covered under ESI Scheme in Himachal Pradesh and under Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme about 17,28,643 workers have been brought under this scheme working in 23,363 establishments.
Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) ACT-1996 and Cess Act- 1996
Under this Act, various provisions have been made to implement welfare schemes such as providing Maternity/Paternity Benefits, Disability Pension, Retirement Pension, Family Pension, Medical Assistance, Financial Assistance for marriage of self and upto two children, Skill Development Allowance, providing bicycles and washing machines to women workers, providing induction heater or solar cooker and solar lamps to beneficiaries. About 2,236 establishments are registered with the Department of Labour
& Employment and 3,39,049 beneficiaries are registered with the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Benefits amounting to `317.19 crore under various welfare schemes have been provided to the eligible beneficiaries and `737.27 crore has been deposited with Himachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Welfare Board, Shimla upto December, 2021.
Skill Development Allowance Scheme
During this financial year, `80 crore has been made under Skill Development Allowance Scheme. Under this scheme there is provision of allowance to the eligible un-employed youth of the State for their skill up gradation and increasing their employability. This allowance is payable @ `1,000 per month and for 50 per cent or more permanent physically challenged @ `1,500 per month for duration of Skill Development Training subject to maximum period of two years, is provided. During the financial year, 2021-22 (upto December, 2021) `15.01 crore Skill Development Allowance has been disbursed amongst the 32,182 beneficiaries. The department is also implementing Industrial Skill Development Allowance Scheme, 2018. Under this scheme there is a provision allowance to the eligible employed youth engaged in private industrial establishment of the State for their job skill upgradation and better employment opportunities. The disbursement criteria under this scheme are the same as for the Skill Development Allowance Scheme, 2013 and under this head an amount of `1.74 crore was disbursed among 2,398 beneficiaries.
Unemployment Allowance Scheme
During this financial year 2021-22, budgetary provision of `29.00 crore has been made under Unemployment Allowance Scheme.
Under this scheme, there is provision of allowance to the eligible unemployed youth of the state @ `1,000 per month and for 50 per cent or more permanent physically challenged @ `1,500 per month for a maximum period of 2 years to enable them to sustain themselves for a certain period. During the period upto December, 2021, total 51,613 beneficiaries have benefitted under this scheme and `20.38 crore has been disbursed. Employment Exchange Information
During this financial year (upto December, 2021) 1,68,239 applicants were registered under Employment Exchange Scheme. Of these, 616 placements were made in Government sector against 1,301 notified vacancies and 2,183 placements in private sector against 6,629 notified vacancies. The consolidated number on live registers of all employment exchanges as on December, 2021 is 8,73,060.
Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN)
Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN) is a State Government Corporation incorporated on 14th September, 2015 under the Companies Act, 2013 as a State Skill Mission. It is implementing three major projects for imparting training to the youth of Himachal Pradesh i.e (i) Asian Development Bank (ADB) assisted Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project (HPSDP) (ii) State component under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) scheme & (iii) Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP).
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Assisted Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project (HPSDP) :
i) Setting up of Center of Excellence (CoE)
In order to create institutional framework for long term skill development needs of the state, a CoE is being setup at Waknaghat, in district Solan with an estimated cost of ₹68 crore under ADB assisted HPSDP. This institute shall provide high quality training in Hospitality & Tourism and Information and Technology (IT) sector.
ii) MoU‟s with reputed Government Training Institutions
With a view to focus on high and aspirational skilling, HPKVN has signed MoU‟s with various Government Institutions and Public Universities like National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Centre for Development of
Advanced Computing (CDAC), Click-Through Rate (CTR), National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Himachal
Pradesh University (HPU), Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), University of Horticulture & Forestry (UHF) and National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) for imparting training to around 9,170 Himachali youth in higher aspiration industry driven job roles like Artificial Intelligence, Web Designing, Machine Learning, Advanced Tax law etc. More than 1167 candidates have been enrolled for the said courses.
iii. Up-gradation of Tools & Equipment‟s in 50 ITI‟s, Women Polytechnic
(Rehan, district Kangra) and Government Engineering Colleges
The Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project is also facilitating the up- gradation of 50 ITIs where 23 trades shall convert from State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT) to National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) certificates and this will benefit 23,000 students. The process for procurement of requisite equipment‟s is in progress. This includes equipment‟s for various trades such as Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Hand Tools, Embroidery, Information and Technology and Beauty & Wellness etc. Additionally, equipment‟s for Women Polytechnic (Rehan, district Kangra) and Government Engineering Colleges is also to be procured. Construction of Women Polytechnic, Rehan has been completed and trainings are underway. The Women Polytechnic, Rehan will have a residential facility for 300 candidates/trainees.
iv. Short Term Training Programmes through Government Industrial
Training Institutions (ITI‟s) of Himachal Pradesh:
HPKVN under its Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project has started short term up skilling and multi skilling training in 54 ITI‟s and more than 8,347 students have been enrolled in various sectors such as Automotive, Construction, Plumbing, IT-ITes, Capital Goods, Apparel & Made-ups, Electronics & Hardware, Beauty & Wellness, Iron & Steel, Media & Entertainment etc. This is aimed at creating a multi skilled workforce with higher employability potential, both in industry and self-employment sectors.
v. Graduate Job Training Programs
To increase the employability of final year graduating students of 25 Government Degree Colleges, HPKVN has introduced a National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) aligned graduate add on training program in sectors complementing their core studies. For example- Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sector (BFSI), Electronics, IT, Tourism Beauty & Wellness, Apparel, Media and Entertainment sectors. More than 1,850 students of 13 colleges have completed their training during the year 2019- 2020 and 2020-2021. During the academic year 2020-21, 15 more Government Degree Colleges have been earmarked for imparting training to 5,500 students under Graduate Job Training Programme. The current cumulative enrolment figures stood at 5,947 (inclusive of 2,216 enrolments of 2019-20 & 2020-21 academic years).
vi. Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc) Degree Programme
The B.Voc. Program is a joint effort of HPKVN and Department of Higher Education (DoHE). This 3 Years full-time Degree Programme is running in 18 Government Degree Colleges of the State in 2 sectors (Retail and Tourism & Hospitality). Presently more than 4,638 students have been enrolled till date.
vii. Other Short-Term Training Programmes through Training Service Providers (TSP‟s)
HPKVN has on-boarded training service providers to impart skills training to more than 9,000 youth of Himachal Pradesh in various sectors such as Automobile, Manufacturing, Power, Construction and Plumbing, BFSI, IT- ITeS, Electronics, Healthcare, Tourism & Hospitality etc. During the year 2021-22 the cumulative enrollment figures under various short-term trainings was more than 2,648.
viii. Livelihood based Skill training of Persons with Disability (PwD)
HPKVN has launched „Nav Dharaana‟ a livelihood-based training programme for persons with disabilities for nurturing employment and entrepreneurship skills amongst the differently abled persons. The process for selection of training service provider for training approximately 300 PwDs in Retail, Hospitality, Agriculture and Food Processing sectors has been completed.
ix. City Livelihood Centres (CLCs), Rural Livelihood Centres (RLCs) and Model Career Centres (MCC)
Construction of CLCs, RLCs and MCCs are in progress to provide institutional support for skill development activities across the state. The construction work of CLCs (Sundarnagar, Nahan, Sidbhari, Shamshi), RLCs (Sadayana, Pragatinagar) has been completed and training in these CLCs and RLCs are to be started soon. The construction work of 1 CLC (Bilaspur) and 5 RLCs (Nalagarh, Nagrota Bagwan, Bangana, Seraj and Chaupal) is still in progress. Apart from this, 11 MCCs (Dharamsala, Chamba, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Baddi, Solan, Dadasiba, Udaipur and Kaza) are being constructed/renovated to provide appropriate career counseling support to Himachali youth as per their aspirations and to give them access to National Career Portal. The construction work in respect of MCC, Hamirpur has been completed.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
HPKVN is the implementing agency for the state component of PMKVY 2.0 and
3.0. To fulfill the said mandate, HPKVN has enrolled more than 16,200 youth in 22 sectors under PMKVY 2.0 since the financial year 2018-19. Out of these training of more than 9,000 youth has been completed. During the financial year 2021-22, training through
5 government ITI‟s (with 303 enrollments) has commenced under PMKVY 3.0 state component and 1,800 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) trainings have been completed.
Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP)
HPKVN is implementing World Bank assisted Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) with sanctioned funds of `2.1 crore and aimed at strengthening institutional mechanism and skilling ecosystem across the state. HPKVN has signed an MoU with Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Limited on 12th October, 2021 amounting to `44.80 lakh vide which capacity enhancement endeavors pertaining to skill upgradation, design intervention and marketing of state specific arts and crafts targeting 200 stakeholder artisans are to commence from February, 2022 in Bilaspur, Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Hamirpur and Kangra districts in Chamba Rumal, Wood Craft, Kullu Caps, Pottery Craft, Kangra Painting, Bamboo Craft, Pine Needle Training and Hand Knitting job roles with preferential enrollment of women, SC, ST, PwD‟s and other weak sections of the society.
Awareness Creation and Publicity
HPKVN has prepared an elaborate promotional and brand building plan to reach out to all Himachali youth who are seeking vocational education. Under this plan, widespread publication and distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material such as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), counseling booklets, program brochures, videos, posters and leaflets etc. is being developed. Regular TV and Radio programs are being broadcasted to create awareness about the various programs and schemes of HPKVN. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are also widely used.
Employment Scenario: Himachal Pradesh, Neighboring States and India
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), a new series launched by the Government of India in 2017, discontinuing the quinquennial employment and unemployment surveys of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), now National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), provides labour force data on an annual basis. The
PLFS data is now the primary source of data on employment and unemployment at national and State level. The Government of
India released the first Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2017-18 Report in May 2019 based on the survey conducted by
NSO from July 2017 to June 2018 and second PLFS 2018-19 Report in June 2020 which is based on the survey conducted by NSO from July 2018 to June 2019. The Present report is the third annual report being brought out by NSO based on the survey conducted during July 2019 – June 2020. Estimates of the labour force indicators based on the usual status (principal status (ps) + subsidiary status (ss)) approach and Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach adopted in the survey for classification of the population by activity statuses. The reference period for usual status (ps+ss) approach is one year and for current weekly status approach, it is one week.
Labour Force in Himachal Pradesh
The situation of the labour force in Himachal Pradesh can be gauged from various indicators such as Labour Force Participation
Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Rate (WPR), Daily Wage Rate and trends in industrial relations. According to Periodic Labour Force Survey 2019-20 (PLFS), ―Persons who were either „working‟ (or employed) or „seeking or available for work‟ (or unemployed) constitute the labour force. Labour force or in others words, the „economically active‟ population, refers to the population which supplies or seeks to supply labour for production and, therefore, includes both „employed‟ and „unemployed‟ persons. The Labour Force Participation Rate is defined as ―the percentage of persons in the labour force among the persons in the population.
Worker Population Ratio (WPR)
WPR is an indicator used for analyzing the employment situation and knowing the proportion of the population actively contributing to production of goods and services in the economy. ―WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population. At all ages the WPR of Himachal Pradesh in 2019-20 (55.6) is better than Uttarakhand (38.1), Punjab (37.8), Haryana (32.1) and India (38.2). It is evident from the survey results that more women (50.3 per cent) in Himachal Pradesh are actively participating in the economic activities than their counterparts, at all India level and among neighboring states.The WPR in usual status (ps+ss) was about 50.1 per cent at the all-Himachal level in 2018-19 which has increased to 55.6 per cent in 2019-20. It was about 51.4 per cent in rural areas and
39.0 per cent in urban areas in 2018-19 which increased to 57.4 per cent and 43.5 per cent respectively. The WPR in usual status (ps+ss) for rural males increased to 61.6 per cent in 2019-20 from 56.0 in 2018-19 and for rural females, it has increased to 53.5 per cent in 2019-20 from 46.9 per cent in 2018-19.
Unemployment Rate “Unemployment Rate (UR) is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force”. It is measured in terms of usual status (ps+ss) and weekly status in the PLFS surveys. This gives the portion of the labour force actively seeking or available for work. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020-21, unemployment under usual status (ps+ss) for persons of all ages among the neighboring states and India, shows that Himachal has an unemployment rate of 3.7 per cent (least) as against the India of 4.8 per cent, Uttrahakand 7.1 per cent, Punjab 7.4 per cent, Haryana 6.5 per cent (Figure 10.2).
The unemployment rate in Himachal Pradesh has declined from 5.2 per cent in 2018-19 to 3.7 per cent in 2019-20. The unemployment rate in the usual status (ps+ss), was 4.4 per cent among males and 2.3 per cent among females in rural areas, while the rates were 4.1 per cent among males and 9.7 per cent among females in urban areas.
- How many Regional Employment Exchanges are there in HP ?
3 - How many District Employment Exchanges are there in HP ?
9 - How many University Information and Guidance Bureaus are there in HP ?
2 - How many Sub Office Employment Exchanges are there in HP ?
65 - How many Special Employment Exchange for Physically Handicapped are there in HP ?
1 - Under which act, Himachal Pradesh Government has constituted a Minimum Wages Advisory Board ?
Minimum Wages Act-1948 - he State Government has enhanced the minimum wages for unskilled category of workers from `____Rs to `____Rs per day w.e.f. 01.04.2021, working in all existing 19 scheduled employment under the provisions of Minimum Wages Act, 1948?
275 Rs to `300 Rs
(or `8,250 to `9,000 per month) - Since 1960, Under which programme, the employment data is being collected at the district level ? Employment Market
Information Programme` - The total employment in the State as on 31-03-2020 in Public Sector was ____?
2, 75,526 - The total employment in the State as on 31-03-2020 in Private Sector was ____?
1,83,293 - Which Department provides Vocational/ Career Guidance to the youth and also organizes guidance camps as well in Schools/Colleges/ITIs/Polytechnics etc ?
Department of Labour and Employment - Who provides assistance to the employment seekers, in finding suitable jobs in private sector according to their qualifications and also organizes Campus Interviews for Private Sector Employers for their requirement of unskilled labour ?
Central Employment Cell - When did the special employment exchange for the placement of disabled persons (physically, visually, hearing and locomotor impaired) was set-up in the Directorate of Labour and Employment ?
1976 - Under which Act, various provisions have been made to implement welfare schemes such as providing Maternity/Paternity Benefits, Disability Pension, Retirement Pension, Family Pension, Medical Assistance, Financial Assistance for marriage of self and upto two children, Skill Development Allowance, providing bicycles and washing machines to women workers, providing induction heater or solar cooker and solar lamps to beneficiaries ?
Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) ACT-1996 and Cess Act- 1996 - During this (2021-22) financial year, `Rs_____ crore has been made under Skill Development Allowance Scheme ?
80 Crore - Under which scheme, there is a provision of allowance to the eligible un-employed youth of the State for their skill up gradation and increasing their employability ?
Skill Development Allowance Scheme - Under Skill Development Allowance Scheme, how much allowance is provided to the eligible un-employed youth of the State for their skill up gradation and increasing their employability for duration of Skill Development Training subject to maximum period of two years?
1,000 per month - Under Skill Development Allowance Scheme, how much allowance is provided to the eligible un-employed youth (with for 50 per cent or more permanent physically challenged ) of the State for their skill up gradation and increasing their employability for duration of Skill Development Training subject to maximum period of two years ?
1,500 per month
CHAPTER- 11 : POWER
Power is lifeblood of any economy. It is crucial input for nearly all the goods and services of the modern world. Himachal Pradesh has traditional and renewable sources of energy such as hydro, solar and fuel wood.
Himachal Pradesh has immense potential for hydropower as it is naturally blessed with abundant streams and rivers flowing down from towering mountains. Hydro power generation is the engine for the economic growth of the Himachal, as it makes a direct and significant contribution to economy in terms of revenue generation, employment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life. Himachal Pradesh has an estimated Hydro Potential of 27,436 Megawatt (MW) out of which about 24,567 MW has been assessed as harness able. The Government has decided to forgo the rest to safeguard the environment, to maintain ecological balance and protect social concerns. The State has been accelerating the pace of Hydropower development through the active involvement of both the public and the private sector.
Directorate of Energy
An independent Directorate of Energy was created during the year 2009; prior to this, it was a part of Himachal Pradesh State
Electricity Board. Directorate of Energy is nodal office of Department of Multi Purpose Project (MPP) and Power Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP), it works for effective and prompt coordination between all power utilities of power sector of the State of Himachal Pradesh. It looks after the allotment of Hydroelectric Projects above 5MW capacity and its functions include, monitoring of Hydro Power Projects above 5 MW, grant of Techno Economic Clearance (TEC), issues related to Hydro Power Safety, environmental and social issues, management of Local Area Development Fund, quality control, management of power flow, sale of GoHP Power share received from various Central, State and private Hydro Electric Projects, implementation of Energy Conservation activities in the state and safety aspects for all large Dams in the capacity of DAM Safety Organisation for the State.
Major Achievements
The major achievements of the Directorate of Energy are the completion of projects with a total capacity of 438.4 MW as described. First 6 numbers of projects (see table below) with aggregated capacity of 233.4 MW have been commissioned during
01.04.2021 to 31.12.2021 and last 2 numbers of projects with aggregated capacity of 205 MW likely to be commissioned during
01.01.2022 to 31.03.2022.
Capacity Addition in Hydro Electric Projects (in MW)
| Project Name | Capacity in MW | District | Basin | |
| 1 | Chanju – II | 13.2 | Chamba | Ravi |
| 2 | Sorang | 100 | Kinnaur | Satluj |
| 3 | Kareri | 4.80 | Shimla | Satluj |
| 4 | Sawra Kuddu | 111 | Shimla | Yamuna |
| 5 | Jail | 2.4 | Kullu | Beas |
| 6 | Manihar | 2 | Kullu | Beas |
| 7 | Bajoli Holi | 180 | Chamba | Ravi |
| 8 | Lambadug | 25 | Kangra | Beas |
7 projects with aggregated capacity of 3.25 MW were commissioned between 01/04/2021 and 31/12/2021; whereas, two projects of 0.90 MW solar power projects are likely to be commissioned during 01/01/2022 and 31/03/2022.
During the period 01/04/2021 to 31/12/2021, `41.16 crore has been transferred to various Deputy Commissioners/LADCs for further disbursement to project affected families.
Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy-2021 of the State envisages clean and green energy development through expeditious of full energy potential specially hydro and solar, add additional 10,000 MW of green energy though hydro, solar and other green energy sources by 2030, expeditious development of green energy sources, a four pronged strategy by way of participation of State, Joint, Central and Private sectors. It also aimed at developing adequate and efficient transmission network in the State by creating transmission Master Plan to facilitate planning and timely execution of hydro and solar projects. It also lays stress on renewal energy sources viz. solar, wind, biomass and other non- conventional energy sources.
Revenue received from sale of GoHP share of power up to 31st December 2021 is `936.70 crore and anticipated from January 2022 to March 2022 is `77.00 crore.
Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL)
HPSEBL is responsible for the supply of uninterrupted and quality power to all consumers in Himachal Pradesh. Power is being supplied through a network of transmission, sub transmission and distribution lines. Since its inception, Board has made big strides in executing the targets entrusted to it as per table below :
District Wise Generation of Power from HPSEBL‟s Own Power Houses (in MU)
| Name of District | 21 | 2021-22 (Upto Dec., 2021) |
| 1. Bilaspur | -2020 | – |
| 2. Chamba | 6.68 | 10.18 |
| 3. Hamirpur | – | – |
| 4. Kangra | 168.30 | 132.75 |
| 5. Kinnaur | 487.67 | 602.36 |
| 6. Kullu | 616.21 | 506.84 |
| 7. Lahul and Spiti | 8.16 | 7.11 |
| 8. Mandi | 304.40 | 275.83 |
| 9. Shimla | 205.00 | 207.88 |
| 10. Sirmaur | 164.71 | 160.94 |
| 11. Solan | – | – |
| 12. Una | – | – |
| Total | 1961.13 | 1903.39 |
Centrally Sponsored and Departmental Schemes (HPSEB Ltd) :
| Schemes | Status | |
| 1 | Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna (DDUGJY) | GoI launched this scheme on 2014 for electrification of rural households. The work of Nine districts is completed. Till date, total Government of India / State contribution / loan from financial institutions received is `127.23 Crore and the same has been utilized. |
| 2 | Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) | GoI launched this scheme for urban towns on 2014 for strengthening of transmission, distribution networks and efficient metering. The works in all 12 IPDS circles have been completed. |
| 3 | Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) | Ministry of Power, GoI has launched ―Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme: A Reforms Based and Results Linked Scheme. This scheme has two parts covering metering, distribution infrastructure works, project management and training and capacity building. |
| 4 | Himachal Hydropower and Renewable Power Sector Development Program | It has been in-principally approved by the Centre Level Screening Committee, Department of Economic Affairs in its 106th meeting held on 20.05.2020 for Externally aided World Bank Project for loan assistance of USD 200 million (i.e approximately `1500 crore). Including State equity. The total cost of the project will be around `1800 Crore out of which the HPSEBL share would be 600 Crore. Under this project the Smart Grid technologies will be adapted. |
| 5 | System Improvement (S.I.) Scheme for Low Voltage | In order to resolve low voltage problem of the people residing in remote areas of the state, a scheme amounting to Rs. 158 Crore has been sanctioned during FY 2019-20 and is under implementation throughout the state. Under this scheme 919 number Dynamic Transformation Rating (DTRs), 574.99 km High Tension (HT) Lines and 366.646 km Low Tension (LT) lines have been installed till 31st December, 2021. |
| 6 | Mukhyamantri Roshni Yojana | This scheme was announced by Chief Minister of the State in 2019-20 budget speech for releasing 17,550 electricity connections to poor families of the State. During 2019-20, 4,898 families and 2020-2021, 6,186 families have been benefitted and for 2021-22, 1,748 eligible families have been benefitted upto 31st December, 2021. |
| 7 | Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Project | Payroll of 13,500 employees, Pensions of 14400 and GPF of 11000 employees is being processed through System Application and Products- ERP System. |
| 8 | I.T. Initiatives | Computerization of various activities of Operation Electrical Sub-Divisions of HPSEBL was started in the year 2006-07. System Application and Products-Industry Specific Solution for Utilities (SAP-ISU) billing was implemented in 45 Electrical Sub Divisions from January, 2020 to November 2022. SAP- ISU based Computerised Billing stands implemented in all 238 Operational Electrical Subdivisions of HPSEBL. |
The following initiatives have also been started by the HPSEBL:
HPSEBL has started the process for installation of Smart Meters in Shimla and Dharamshala towns of Himachal Pradesh.
1,51,740 Smart Meters are to be installed in both towns out of which 1,18,581 Smart Meters will be installed in Shimla and 33,159 in Dharamshala. Total project cost is `168.35 crore. As of 31.12.2021, 20,365 Smart Meters have been installed in Shimla and 14,438 in Dharamshala.
The GIS/GPS Mapping of electrical infrastructure and consumers is integrated with Billing Software for working out Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.
To provide better services to consumers, HPSEBL is setting up new Consumer Call Centre with IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) facility computer telephony. Call Centre Solution implementation is under process and work has already been awarded to the firm. Further Consumer Call Centre shall be integrated with System Application and Products – Industry Specific Solution for Utilities Customer Relationship Management (SAP-ISU CRM) system, so that the complaint logging and consumer data shall be stored in one location and call centre agents are easily able to see consumer related data in a single screen so that they can answer the queries accurately.
Hydro Electricity Generation and Transmission
i. Hydro Electricity Generation
• 27 hydro electric projects with installed capacity of 489.35 MW are under operation in HPSEBL.
• One project, Uhl Stage-III (100 MW), is under construction by Beas Valley Power Corporation Limited (BVPCL), a subsidiary company of HPSEBL. During current Financial Year 2020-21, 1,961.13 MU of energy has been generated by HPSEBL‘s own power houses and additional 1903.39 MU of energy is expected to be generated during 2021-22 (up to December 2022).
ii. Transmission
• The transmission wing of HPSEBL has installed 54 Extra High Voltage (EHV) Sub-Stations with a transformation capacity of 4,974.89 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) and 3,630.47 Circuit Kilometres (CKM) EHV lines till financial year- 2020-21. During 2021-22 upto December, 2021, 1.39 CKM EHV lines have been commissioned.
New Hydro Electric Project under HPSEB Ltd.
| Projects | Capacity (MW) | Status | |
| 1 | Sai Kothi Stage-I,II and Devi Kothi and Hail | 67 | All the No Objection Certificates (NOC‘s) including FRA‘s (Forest Right Act) for these projects have been obtained. The FCA stage–I approval has been accorded for Saikothi-I, whereas, cases of remaining projects are pending. |
| 2 | Rasion and New Nogli, Tikkar and Kuthar | 18, 11, 5, 5 | The DPR of the project has been submitted to GoHP for techno economic clearances. The process for obtaining NOCs from various departments, Gram Panchayats, FRA and FCA has been initiated. |
Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL)
Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), was incorporated in December 2006 under the Companies Act 1956, to plan, promote and organize the development of all aspects of hydroelectric power. HPPCL the technical and organizational capabilities at par with other generating companies like National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC)/ Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL)/ National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
Projects under Operation/ Execution stage are as under:
• The proposal of Triveni Mahadev Hydro Electric Project (HEP) (78 MW) has been found viable from techno commercial angle in preliminary studies hence HPPCL is preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of this project jointly with HPSEBL.
• DPRs of Kashang Stage-IV (48 MW). Bara Khamba (45 MW) in district Kinnaur are being prepared.
• For Gyspa Dam project (300 MW) fresh terms of Reference for obtaining permission for investigation works from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has been requested. Tender will be flouted after ToR are issued.
• Bara Khamba HEP (45 MW) in District Kinnaur. DPR is being prepared in house jointly with HPSEBL.
Projects under Operation/Execution
| Projects | Capacity (MW) | Status | |
| 1 | Integrated Kashang (Kinnaur, Sutlej River)) | 243 | It envisages development of Kashang and Kerang streams of the Sutlej. From the date of commissioning, 781.53 MU has been generated from the Project upto 31.12.2021 and targets of generation up to 31-03-2022 are 793.53 MU. In this Financial Year (FY) 2021-22 Kashang (Stage-I) Hydro Electric Project (HEP) has generated 194.91 million units up to 31-12- 2021 against Generation Target of 185 MU for Financial Year () 2021-22 of electricity and `72.28 crore of revenue generated from the sale of electricity. Project work for II and III stage is in progress. |
| 2 | Sainj ( Sainj River,Tributary of Beas, Kullu ) | 100 | Sainj HEP has been executed on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. In this FY 2021-22 Sainj HEP has generated 386.65 million units against Generation Target of 340 MU for FY 2021-22 and `146.90 crore of revenue was generated by sale of electricity. |
| 3 | Sawra Kuddu (Pabbar River, Hatkoti, Shimla) | 111 | The Project is under commercial operation since 21.01.2021. From the date of commissioning, 295.55 MU has been generated from the Project upto 31.12.2021and targets of generation up to 31-03-2022 is 335.55 MU. In this FY 2021-22 Sawra Kuddu HEP has generated 278.32 million units against Generation Target of 296 MU for FY 2021-22 and `117.54 crore of revenue generated by sale of electricity. |
| 4 | Shongtong Karcham (Sutlej river, Kinnaur) | 450 | Work of the project is in progress and scheduled commissioning date of the project is March, 2025. |
| 5 | Chanju-III HEP and Deothal Chanju ( Chanju River, Chamba) | 48 and 30 respectively | French Development Agency has given its consent for financing of these projects. The tenders of both the projects are expected to be awarded soon. HPPCL would be able to start the construction works of both Projects by beginning of financial year 2022-23.
Note : Chanju is left bank tributary of Bairah Nallah which in turn is a left bank tributary of Siul river in Ravi Basin. |
| 6 | Renuka ji (Giri River, Sirmaur) | 40 | Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) has granted its approval for the funding of the Project under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sinchayi Yojana- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (PMKSY-AIBP) on 15-12-2021.
The Prime Minister of India has laid the Foundation Stone of the Project on 27-122021. |
| 7 | Surgani Sundla (on Siul river, tributary of Ravi in Salooni tehsil of Chamba District) | 48 | Proposal for project funding was submitted to GoI and discussed in 78th screening committee meeting of Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), GoI on 19.12.2017, wherein, committee suggested to revisit the project proposal in view of high cost i.e. `768.17 crore. Due to high cost of the project the design has since been reviewed and cost brought down to `581.86 crore at October 2019 level. |
| 8 | Thana Plaun ( on Beas River, Thana Village, Mandi district) | 191 | Techno Economic Clearance (TEC) of Thana Plaun HEP has been accorded by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on 07.09.2021. Project funding through German Development financial institution KfW/Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (“Credit Institute for Reconstruction”) and Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) is in process. The construction work of the project will be started as soon as the financial arrangement for the project is achieved. |
| 9 | Nakthan (Beas River Basin, Kullu) | 460 | Forest right claims have been filed by both Nakthan and Tosh ward and matter regarding FRA certificates is under consideration. |
| 10 | 660 | The Consultancy Services for Preparation of revised, Updated, Comprehensive and Bankable DPR of Kishau MPP has been awarded by M/s Kishan Corporation Ltd. on dated 07-01-2022 and DPR updation work will start. |
Other areas of Power development:
In addition to hydro power, H.P. Power Corporation intends to diversify its power development activities to include other renewable sources such as solar to meet the growing energy demands for the development of the State and the Nation.
i. Berra- Dol Solar Power Project (5 MW):
• HPPCL has constructed Berra-Dol solar power project of 5 MW capacity near Shri Naina Devi Ji Shrine in District Bilaspur. This was the first Solar Power Project in the State which was built in the Government sector. From the date (04/01/2019) of operation of the project 24.69 MU has been generated from the project upto 31/12/2021. ii. Aghlor Solar Power Project (10 MW):
• HPPCL has also decided to set up another solar power plant of 10 MW capacities at Aghlor in District Una. The Detailed Project Report of the scheme has been also prepared. HPPCL is pursuing the matter of transfer of land with Industry Department.
Financial Achievements in Respects of Projects under Construction/Implementation Stage:
Following table presents achievements of the projects under construction/implementation stage of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited are hereunder:
Financial Achievements : (in Crores)
| Name of Project | Budget 2021-22 | Expenditure (April 2021Dec 2021) | % Utilization | |
| 1 | Shongtong Karchham | 227.09 | 104.56 | 37.71 |
| 2 | Integrated Kashang HEP Stage 2 and3 | 44.11 | 16.83 | 38.15 |
| Total | 321.2 | 121.39 | 37.95 |
Revenue Generation by Sale of Power (in Crores)
| Sr. No. | Name of Project | Revenue Generation by Sale of Power till 31.03.2021 | Revenue Generation by Sale of Power w.e.f. 01.04.2021 to 31.12.2021 | G. Total |
| 1 | Integrated Kashang HEP Stage-1 | 144.15 | 72.28 | 216.43 |
| 2 | Sainj HEP | 421.70 | 146.90 | 568.60 |
| 3 | Sawra Kuddu HEP | 7.33 | 117.54 | 124.87 |
| 4 | Barra Dol Solar Project | 7.95 | 2.68 | 10.63 |
| Total | 581.13 | 339.40 | 920.53 |
HPPCL had generated total revenue of `920.53 crore till December, 2021, whereas, out of which `581.13 crore was generated till 31/03/2021 and `339.40 crore was generated during 01/04/2021 to 31/12/2021.
Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL)
This corporation is an undertaking of Government of Himachal Pradesh established with an aim to strengthen the transmission network and to facilitate evacuation of power from upcoming generating plants. The tasks entrusted to Corporation by Government of Himachal Pradesh include execution of all new works; both Transmission Lines and Sub-Stations of voltage rating 66 KV and above, formulation, up-gradation, and execution of Transmission Master Plan of Himachal Pradesh for strengthening of transmission network, and evacuation of power. HPPTCL is discharging the functions of a State Transmission Utility (STU) and coordinating the transmission related issues with Central Transmission Utility, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power (Government of India), Himachal Pradesh Government and HPSEB Ltd. Besides, Corporation is also responsible for planning and coordination of transmission related issues with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSUs), HPPCL and other State/Central Government Agencies.
Government of India has approved (Asian Development Bank) ADB loan for implementation of transmission projects covered in Power system Master plan (PSMP) of Himachal Pradesh. The loan was split into Tranche I, II and III respectively. All these three Tranches have been successfully closed up to 29.09.2021.
Commissioned Projects upto FY 2020-21
In addition to the above, Green Energy Corridor-I (GEC-I) scheme has been initiated for developing economical transmission system in order to encourage green renewable energy generation. The scheme has been funded partly (40 per cent) as grant from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and partly (40 per cent) as low fixed interest rate loan from German Development Bank, KFW, and rest from equity. With financial assistance from Rural Electrification Corporation Limited, HPPTCL has commissioned 5 projects. Completion of these has resulted in the addition of 163 MVA transformation capacity and 102 CKM of transmission line in the existing State transmission network of districts of Chamba, Kullu and Kinnaur. Under GEC-I, HPPTCL has awarded 10 transmission projects out of which 3 projects have been commissioned and remaining 7 projects are under various stages of execution. Completion of all these projects shall result in addition of 847 MVA transformation capacity and 183.88 CKM of transmission lines in various districts.
Major Achievements
In the FY 2021-22, HPPTCL has commissioned 2 transmission lines with approximate cost of `106 crore, till 31st December 2021, which has resulted in the addition of 73 circuit kilometres to the existing transmission network. In addition to this 5 transmission lines having total length of 205 circuit kilometres and 6EHV substations having transformation capacity of 651.5 MVA are on the completion, which is amounting to `556.25 crores. In FY 2021-22 HPPTCL has incurred capital expenditure of approximately `300 crore till 31st December 2021 and targeted additional expenditure of `60.00 crore by 31st March 2022.
HIMURJA
HIMURJA has made concerted efforts to popularize renewable energy programmes throughout the State with financial support of MNRE, Government of India and the State Government. HIMURJA is also assisting the Government for exploitation of Small Hydro projects (upto 5 MW) in the State. Following programmes are launched by Himurja:
Programmes of HIMURJA
| S.N. | Programme | Achievements/Prospects |
| 1 | Solar Cooker | During the current financial year 29 box type/dish type solar cookers have been provided up to December, 2021. A target of 50 box type/dish type solar cookers has been anticipated upto March2022. |
| 2 | Solar Water Heating System | In 2021-22 solar water heating systems of 63,700Lt. Per day capacity have been installed upto December 2021. A target of 20,000 ltrs. per day capacity solar water heating systems installation has been anticipated upto March 2022. |
| 3 | SPV Street Lighting System | In 2021-22, 16,278 No. SPV Street Lighting Systems have been installed up to December, 2021. A target of 20,000 SPV Street Lightening Systems has been anticipated upto March 2022 |
| 4 | SPV Domestic Light | In 2021-22, 1,698 Nos. Solar Home lightening System has been distributed upto December, 2021 and anticipated cumulative achievement upto March, 2022 will be about 5,000. |
Solar Power Plants/Projects
Following Solar Power Plants are the main Himurja projects run all over the state :
| Plants | Achievements | |
| 1 | Off-Grid Solar Power Plants | In 2021-22, Solar Power Plants of 232.00 kWp capacity have been commissioned up to December, 2021. A target of 500 kWp capacity Solar Power Plants has been anticipated upto March 2022. Apart from above, solar Off-Grid power plants of 250 Watt capacity (each household) have been provided to 1,162 BPL families households in remote and tribal area of Pangi valley in Chamba district. Also, 533 off Grid Solar Power Plants of 250 watt capacity each have been distributed in other tribal areas of the State. |
| 2 | Grid-connected Solar Roof Top Power Plants | Solar Power Plants of 0.709 MW capacity has been commissioned up to December, 2021 and anticipated achievement up to March 2022 will be about 1.00 MW. |
| 3 | Ground Mounted Gridconnected Solar Power Projects | 5.90 MW capacity Ground Mounted Solar Power Projects ranging from 250 to 500 kilowattspeak (kWp) have been commissioned up to December, 2021. 10.00 MW cumulative achievement is also anticipated upto March 2022. |
Small Hydro Electric Projects Upto 5 MW Capacity Being Executed Through Private Sector Participation.
During the current financial year, up to December, 2021,4.80 MW capacity has been commissioned and anticipated to have an installed capacity of 9.80 MW by March 2022.
The allotted projects up to 5 MW capacity up to December, 2021, are mentioned in the Table below.
Small Hydro Electric Projects (Private)
Micro Hydel Projects up to 100 KW programme and Projects under State Sector:
Under State sector 12 projects of 32.24 MW capacity were sanctioned up to December, 2021. Out of 12 projects 4 were commissioned, 3 were allotted on Build- Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis and 5 were on Pre-Implementation Agreement Stage.
ONE LINER FACTS FOR PRELIMS :
1. Himachal Pradesh has an estimated Hydro Potential of ______Megawatt (MW) ?
27,436 MW
2. out of 27,436 MW estimated Hydro Potential in HP, about ______MW has been assessed as harness able ?
24,567 MW
3. When did an independent Directorate of Energy was created in HP ?
2009
4. Which is the nodal office of Department of Multi Purpose Project (MPP) and Power Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP)?
Directorate of Energy
5. Who looks after the allotment of Hydroelectric Projects above 5MW capacity and its functions include, monitoring of Hydro Power Projects above 5 MW, grant of Techno Economic Clearance (TEC) etc ?
Directorate of Energy
6. The major achievements of the Directorate of Energy are the completion of projects with a total capacity of ______MW ?
438.4 MW
7. Which policy of the State (HP) envisages clean and green energy development through expeditious of full energy potential specially hydro and solar, add additional 10,000 MW of green energy though hydro, solar and other green energy sources by 2030,
Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy-2021
8. Revenue received from sale of GoHP share of power up to 31st December 2021 is `_____crore and anticipated from January 2022 to March 2022 is `77.00 crore ?
936.70
9. Who is responsible for the supply of uninterrupted and quality power to all consumers in Himachal Pradesh. Power is being supplied through a network of transmission, sub transmission and distribution lines ?
Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL)
10. When did Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna (DDUGJY) launched ?
2014
11. What is the objective of DDUGJY ?
electrification of rural households
12. Under DDUGJY, the electrification work in how many districts of HP has been completed ?
Nine districts
13. When did Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) launched ?
2014
14. What is the objective of Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) ?
for strengthening of transmission, distribution networks and efficient metering in urban towns
15. Who launched Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) ?
Ministry of Power, GoI
16. Which scheme was announced by Chief Minister of the State in 2019-20 budget speech for releasing 17,550 electricity connections to poor families of the State ?
Mukhyamantri Roshni Yojana
17. HPSEBL has started the process for installation of Smart Meters in which towns of Himachal Pradesh ?
Shimla and Dharamshala
18. To provide better services to consumers, HPSEBL is setting up new Consumer Call Centre with IVRS facility computer telephony. What is the full form of IVRS ?
Interactive Voice Response System
19. How many hydro electric projects with installed capacity of 489.35 MW are under operation in HPSEBL ?
27
20. Which 100 MW project is under construction by Beas Valley Power Corporation Limited (BVPCL), a subsidiary company of HPSEBL ?
Uhl Stage-III (in District Mandi)
21. The transmission wing of HPSEBL has installed ______Extra High Voltage (EHV) SubStations with a transformation capacity of 4,974.89 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) and 3,630.47 Circuit Kilometres (CKM) EHV lines till financial year- 2020-21 ?
54
22. Sai Kothi Stage-I,II and Devi Kothi and Hail and Rasion and New Nogli, Tikkar and Kuthar are New Hydro Electric Project under _______ ?
HPSEB Ltd.
23. When did Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), was incorporated ?
December 2006
24. HPPCL, was incorporated in December 2006 under the______ (act) , to plan, promote and organize the development of all aspects of hydroelectric power ?
Companies Act 1956
25. What is the capacity (in MW) of Triveni Mahadev Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in District Mandi ?
78 MW
26. Who is Preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Triveni Mahadev HEP jointly with HPSEBL ?
HPPCL
27. What is the capacity (in MW) of Kashang Stage-IV HEP in Kinnaur ?
48 MW
28. What is the capacity (in MW) of Bara Khamba HEP in Kinnaur ?
45 MW
29. What is the capacity (in MW) of Integrated Kashang HEP (Kinnaur, Sutlej River) ?
243 MW
30. Integrated Kashang HEP envisages development of ____and ____streams of the Sutlej ?
Kashang & Kerang
31. What is the capacity (in MW) of Sainj HEP (on Sainj River, Tributary of Beas in Kullu )
100 MW
32. Sainj HEP has been executed on _______mode ?
Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
33. What is the capacity (in MW) of Sawra Kuddu HEP (Pabbar River, Hatkoti, Shimla) ?
111 MW
34. Sawra Kuddu Project is under commercial operation since_____?
21.01.2021
35. What is the capacity (in MW) of Shongtong Karcham (Sutlej river, Kinnaur) ?
450 MW
36. Work of Shongtong Karcham HEP is in progress and scheduled commissioning date of the project is _____ ?
March, 2025.
37. What is the capacity (in MW) of Chanju-III HEP (Chamba) ?
48 MW
38. What is the capacity (in MW) of Deothal Chanju HEP (Chamba) ?
30 MW
39. Which agency has given its consent for financing of Chanju-III HEP and Deothal Chanju HEP ?
French Development Agency
40. What is the capacity (in MW) of Renuka ji HEP ?
40 MW
41. When did the Prime Minister of India has laid the Foundation Stone of the Renuka ji HEP ?
27-12-2021
42. What is the capacity (in MW) of Surgani Sundla HEP (on Siul river, tributary of Ravi in Salooni tehsil of Chamba District) ?
48 MW
43. What is the capacity (in MW) of Thana Plaun HEP ( on Beas River, Thana Village, Mandi district)?
191 MW
44. Who is expected to fund Thana Plaun HEP in HP ?
German Development financial institution KfW and PFC.
45. What is the capacity (in MW) of Nakthan HEP (Beas River Basin, Kullu) ?
460 MW
46. What is the capacity (in MW) of Kishau Multipurpose Project (on Tons river, tributary of Yamuna located on the border of Sirmaur and Dehradun) ?
660 MW
47. What is the capacity (in MW) of Berra-Dol solar power project ?
5 MW
48. At which place HPPCL has constructed Berra-Dol solar power project ?
near Shri Naina Devi Ji Shrine in District Bilaspur
49. Which was the first Solar Power Project in the State which was built in the Government sector ?
Berra-Dol solar power project
50. What is the capacity (in MW) of Aghlor Solar Power Project ?
10 MW
51. Besides Berra-Dol solar power project, HPPCL has also decided to set up another solar power plant of 10 MW capacities at _______ ?
Aghlor in District Una
52. Which corporation is an undertaking of Government of Himachal Pradesh established with an aim to strengthen the transmission network and to facilitate evacuation of power from upcoming generating plants ?
Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL)
53. Which scheme has been initiated for developing economical transmission system in order to encourage green renewable energy generation.
Green Energy Corridor-I (GEC-I) scheme
54. Which scheme has been funded partly (40 per cent) as grant from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and partly (40 per cent) as low fixed interest rate loan from German Development Bank, KFW, and rest from equity ?
Green Energy Corridor-I (GEC-I) scheme
55. Which agency has made concerted efforts to popularize renewable energy programmes throughout the State with financial support of MNRE, Government of India and the State Government ?
HIMURJA
56. Who is also assisting the Government for exploitation of Small Hydro projects (upto 5 MW) in the State?
HIMURJA
57. Small Hydro Electric Projects Upto ____MW Capacity Being Executed Through Private Sector Participation.
5MW
CHAPTER-12 Tourism and Transport
The contribution of the tourism sector to the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is about 7 per cent which is quite significant. Himachal Pradesh is a fast-growing tourist destination that draws visitors from across the globe. However, the economy of the State was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020-21. After emerging from the COVID-19, State was able to attract about 52 lakh tourists during 2021.
4011 Tourism Units, 828 Restaurants, 4400 Travel Agents and 2,934 Home Stays are registered in the department of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The department, with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project-2 under Infrastructure Investment
Program for Tourism in Himachal Pradesh, has submitted a proposal of $291.04 Million (ADB financing US $233.00 Million), to Government of India, which has been approved by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Interest Subvention Scheme
• Due to COVID-19 impact on tourism industry the Government of Himachal Pradesh has notified Interest Subvention Scheme on Working Capital Loan for Hospitality Industry on 02-07-2020 to support business investment and economic growth over the short term by providing loans for immediate needs like running day to day business, paying wage, rent and utility bills etc. The Revised Interest Subvention scheme was notified on 17-06 2021 and is valid upto 31-03-2022.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
- The Government of India, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the “Swadesh Darshan Scheme” in the year 2017 for Himachal Pradesh. The following projects are being executed:
- Convention Center at Kiarighat Distt. Solan.
- Construction of Heliport at Shimla.
- Beautification of Dal Lake at Distt. Kangra. o Villlage Haat at Kangra.
- International Standard free standing artificial climbing wall. o Light and Sound Show at Town square Mall Road Shimla. o Construction of Paragliding Centre at Bir Billing Distt. Kangra.
- Art and Craft Centre at Bhalei Mata Chamba. o Development of Maa Hateshwari Temple Hatkoti Shimla. o Signases, Ganteries, CCTV and WiFi for the entire Circuit.
Publicity
• Tourism Department prepares different types of promotional publicity material like brochures/pamphlets, folders, Monal magazine, calendars, guide map and coffee table book etc. and participates in various tourism fairs, marts and exhibition organized at the national and international level.
Civil Aviation
• To attract high end tourist in the State, regular flights are scheduled from the three airports at Jubbarhatti (Shimla), Bhunter (Kullu) and Gaggal (Kangra) in Himachal Pradesh. The Government is making sincere efforts for expansion of airstrips of Gaggal, Kangra Airport. Proposal for the construction of Greenfield Airport in Mandi District is under consideration of the Central Government.
• Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik-2 (UDAN), five heliports are being developed in Himachal Pradesh-Shimla and Rampur (District Shimla), Baddi (District Solan) Kangnidhar (District Mandi) and Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) (Manali, District Kullu). Out of these, heliports at Shimla and Baddi have been completed. At present M/S Pawan Hans Ltd. (PHL) has been running helicopter service under UDAN-2 on the Chandigarh-Shimla-Chandigarh sector and also on Shimla-Kullu and Shimla-Dharmshala. In order to increase helicopter services in the State, PHL has also started Non schedule Operation (NSOP) from Rampur and Kangnidhar Heliports under UDAN-2.
Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein
- The State Government has launched a new scheme “Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein” in the year 2018-19 with an amount outlay of 50.00 crore for the development of unexplored areas from tourism point of view. Under the scheme amount of 50.00 crore was provided every year 2018-19 to 2021-22 and total 200.00 crore has been provided since inception.
- In order to provide more facilities to the tourist/visitors, the Department has developed the following places from tourism point of view under this scheme:
- Billing, District Kangra as Paragliding Destination.
- Chansal District Shimla as Ski Destination. o Janjehli District Mandi as Eco-tourism destination. o Infrastructure for Promotion of Water Sports activities at Larji, Tatapani and Pong Dam. o Paragliding Destination at Ser Jagas District Sirmaur and Eco-Tourism in Churdhar from Nohradhar valleys. o Tourism related public facilities at both ends of Atal Rohtang Tunnel.
- Construction of Shiv Dham.
Sustainable Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
• The State Government, being very conscious of the ecological sensitivity of the region, has resolved to protect and enhance its natural resources and to follow the path of sustainable development in all sectors can be seen from the State‟s Hydropower policy, sustainable tourism policy, sustainable forest management policies and environmental master plans.
The State also plans to encourage investors who see sustainability as a viable economic venture. The Tourism Sector Policy 2019 is designed in such a manner that it will accelerate economic development, minimize social inequality, reduce poverty, conserve tangible and intangible heritage (by making use of state-of-the-art technologies) all in a sustainable manner. One of the most important objectives of this policy is “to create an enabling environment for investments for sustainable tourism”. This policy has been framed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 8 and 12 through various objectives directed towards the socio-economic growth of host communities, offering quality experience to travelers, protection of the natural-cultural environment and State‟s destinations, and creating an investment friendly environment for private investors.
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC)
• The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is a pioneer in the development of tourism infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. It provides complete package of tourism services, including accommodation, catering, transport, conferencing and sports activities. It has the largest chain of finest hotels and restaurants in the State with 54 hotels with 1047 rooms and 2,370 beds.
• The Tourism Industry in India and across the globe has been hit hard by COVID 19 Pandemic as such the Tourism Industry of the State as well as the HPTDC was also adversely affected. Hotels of the Corporation were closed in the month of May, 2020 due to lockdown imposed by the State Government. HPTDC has started the operation of a newly constructed Hotel New Ros Common at Kasauli which consists of 32 rooms having a total capacity of 66 beds and also opened a “Café Atal” at Sishu, District Lahaul & Spiti. In the current financial year HPTDC generated a turnover of 55.76 crore up to December, 2021 against the target of 68.00 crore.
Roads and Bridges (State Sector)
• Roads are a very vital infrastructure for rapid economic growth of the State. The development of important sectors of economy such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Industry, Mining and Forestry depends upon efficient road network. In the absence of any other suitable and viable modes of transportation like railways and waterways, roads play a vital role in boosting the economy of the hilly State like Himachal Pradesh. Starting almost from a scratch the State Government has constructed 40,020 kms. of motorable roads (inclusive of jeepable and track) till December, 2021. The State Government has been assigning a very high priority to road sector.
• The target fixed for 2021-22 and achievements made up to December, 2021 are given as under in table given below :
| Item | Unit | Target for 2021-22 | Achievement upto December, 2021 |
| Motorable road | Kms | 1000 | 560 |
| Cross- drainage | “ | 945 | 664 |
| Metalling and Tarring | “ | 2000 | 1865 |
| Jeepable | “ | 60 | 18 |
| Bridges | Nos | 80 | 52 |
| Villages connectivity | “ | 90 | 37 |
In the State 10,591 villages as shown in table below are connected with roads as of December, 2021:
| Villages connected with road | 2019-20 | 2019-20 | 2021-22 Up to December, 2021 |
| Population more than 1500 | 217 | 219 | 261 |
| 1000-1499 | 295 | 296 | 296 |
| 500-999 | 1306 | 1318 | 1324 |
| 250-499 | 3624 | 3644 | 3655 |
| Below 250 | 5032 | 5072 | 5097 |
| Total | 10474 | 10549 | 10591 |
National Highways (Central Sector)
• At present, 2,592 kms., 19 National Highways are the main lifelines of the State Road network out of which 1,238 kms. are maintained/ developed by State Public Works Department. In addition, the National Highway Authority of India has developed/ maintained 5 National Highway shaving length of 785 kms. and Border Road Organization has also developed/ maintained 3 National Highways covering of 569 kms.
Transport Department
• The Transport department functions under the provisions of section 213 of the Motor Vehicle act, 1988. The Transport department is primarily established for enforcement of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1972 and the rules framed thereunder. The Transport Department of Himachal Pradesh assists other organizations in the development of transport facilities and endeavors to provide an efficient, adequate and economic transport service for the movement of passengers and goods by road. In discharging statutory functions, the department has shaped up as one of the major revenue earning departments to the Government in the shape of taxes on motor vehicles. The revenue generation during the year 2020-21 was 382.64 crore whereas 365.28 crore is generated for the year 2021-22 (December, 2021) against the target of 487.71 crore.
• During 2021-22 (December, 2021) 12,433 vehicles were challaned for various offences and 244.20 lakh amount was realized as compounding fee. As of December, 2021, the department has registered 19,05,073 vehicles with the district wise distribution as shown in the table below:
| Sr. No. | District | Registered Vehicles |
| 1 | Bilaspur | 100121 |
| 2 | Chamba | 74440 |
| 3 | Hamirpur | 139040 |
| 4 | Kangra | 427743 |
| 5 | Kinnaur | 12887 |
| 6 | Kullu | 94822 |
| 7 | Lahaul-Spiti | 7384 |
| 8 | Mandi | 216279 |
| 9 | Shimla | 188957 |
| 10 | Sirmaur | 127925 |
| 11 | Solan | 262673 |
| 12 | Una | 207802 |
| Total | 1905073 |
Achievements of Transport Department
The Transport Department has attained the following remarkable achievements during the year 2021-22:
i. Inspection and Certification Centre:
• In order to improve the inspection and Certification of vehicles in a scientific way, State has started the process for establishment of Inspection and Certification centre at Baddi District Solan under the financial assistance of MoRTH, The project cost is 16.35 Crores.The work was started on 01-01-2020 and the administrative block has been completed and civil work is in progress.
ii. Creation of Transport Nagar:
• State has notified a Committe for identification of suitable land under the Chairmanship of respective Deputy Commistioners (DCs). Suitable land has been identified at Nadaun in District Hamirpur where the process has been initiated by the Department. Further, the land has also been identified at Kala Amb, Paonta, and near Totu at Shimla for Transport Nagar.
iii. Driving Training School (DTS) and Pollution Check Centre:
• In order to impart training to aspirant candidates, department has given licenses to 338 driving training schools in the State which include 8 under ITI, 10 under HRTC and 320 Private Driving Training Schools. Beside this 357 Pollution Check Centre has also been authorized in the state.
iv. Employment Generation:
• Government has notified “ Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgar (Parivahan) Yojna” on 30.12.2021. which will help to provide employment opportunities to unemployed youth. Transport Department has fixed a target of employment generation for the year 2021-22 to 19,150 out of which employment to 10,018 persons has been provided up to December, 2021.
v. Electric Vehicle Policy-2022
• Himachal Pradesh State Government has notified Electric Vehicle Policy, 2022 to make Himachal Pradesh a model state in every category of electric vehicle (private, shared and commercial) and to provide sustainable, safe, eco-friendly, inclusive and modern transport. The main object of this policy is to provide benefit to the consumers, vehicle manufacturers and to set up electric charging stations. The policy aims to cover about 15 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in the State for electric vehicles upto year 2025, in line with the United Nations‟ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Government of India‟s vision.
vi. Guidelines for safe Transportation of School Children
• The State government is seriously concerned with the safety of School children and has issued detailed guidelines for School buses vide notification dated 10-10-2018. The directions contained in this notifications have been circulated to all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and other concerned departments for strict implementation with the directions for achievement of 100% target for checking of vehicles ferrying School Children.
vii. Rent a Motor Cycle & Motor Cab Scheme
• The rent a Motor Bike scheme is a notified Scheme under the provision of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The State of Himachal Pradesh vide notification no tpt-A(4)9/2015 dated 25.05.2017 adopted the Rent-A Bike Scheme notified by Central Government in the year 1997. Thereafter State of HP vide notification no.Tpt-A(4)9/2015 dated 06-03-2019 notified this scheme in the State. The State Transport Authority granted 990 vehicle purchase permission to the applicants.
viii. Fleet Strength of Private buses and Taxies
• In Himachal Pradesh total strength of Private Stage Carriage Buses is 3303 and the Strength of Taxies (Seating Capacity 4+1) is 28034, Maxi (6+1 and above) is 12267 upto December, 2021.
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC)
• Road Transport is the main stay of economic activity in the Pradesh as other means of transport namely Railways, Airways, Taxies, Auto Rickshaw etc. are negligible therefore, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation assumes paramount importance in the State. The passenger transport services to the people of Himachal Pradesh, within and outside the State are being provided by HRTC with a fleet strength of 3,023 buses, 75 Electric Buses, 21 Taxies & 50 Electric Taxies.
HRTC Schemes for the benefits of Passengers:
For the benefit of the people, the following schemes are in operation during the year:
i) Green Card Scheme:-Green cardholder is allowed 25 per cent discount in fare, if the journey under taken by passenger is of 50 km. The cost of this card is 50 with a validity of two years.
ii) Smart Card Scheme: Corporation has introduced Smart Card Scheme. The cost of the card is 50 with a validity of Two years. This provides a discount of 10 % on fare and is valid in HRTC Ordinary, Super Fast, Semi Deluxe and Deluxe buses. In Volvo and AC Buses discount is allowed from 1st October to 31st March.
iii) Samman Card Scheme for Senior Citizen: Corporation has introduced Samman Card Scheme for the senior citizen of the age of the 60 years or above. Under this scheme, the discount of 30 per cent in fare is allowed in ordinary buses.
iv) Free Facility to Women: Women have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses on the occasion of “Raksha Bandhan” and “Bhaiya Dooj”. Muslim women have been allowed free travelling facility on occasion of “Id” and “Baker Id”.
v) Discount in fare to Women: The Corporation has also allowed 25 per cent discount in fare in ordinary buses within the State to the women.
vi) Free Facility to Students of Government Schools: The students of Government schools up to +2 classes have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses for travel to and fro between theri their residence and School.
vii) Free Facility to the person suffering from serious disease: Free travelling facility is provided to cancer, spinal injury, kidney and dialysis patients along with one attendant in HRTC buses for the purpose of medical treatment on referral slip issued by the Doctor within and outside the State.
viii) Free Facility to the Special abled persons: The Corporation is providing free travelling facility to special abled persons having disability of 70 per cent or more along with one attendant within State.
ix) Free Facility to the Gallantry Awardees: The Gallantry Award winners have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC‟s ordinary buses in addition to Delux Buses in the State.
x) Luxury Buses: The Corporation is plying 56 owned and 32 buses super luxury (Volvo / Scania) and 08 luxury AC buses under Wet-Leasing scheme to Inter State routes and 08 Tempo Traveler Interstate to provide better transport facility to the public.
xi) 24X7 Helpline: 24×7 HRTC/ Private Bus Passenger‟s helpline No.94180- 00529 and 0177-2657326 have been introduced to lodge and address the complaints of passengers.
xii) Taxies on sealed roads: Taxies Services have also been introduced by the Corporation in Shimla Town for public on sealed/ restricted roads.
xiii) Free travelling facility to the families of Martyrs: HRTC extended free travelling facility to War Widows, Parents and Children up to the age of 18 years of Armed forces personnel martyred in War and Widows, Parents and Children up to the age of 18 years parents of Armed Forced Personnel and Para Military Troops, who were martyred on duty.
xiv) Facility of electric buses to tourist place: The Corporation has introduced electric buses for the tourists and visitors to the famous tourist places.
xv) Facility of sanitary pad vending machines for women: For the benefit of women sanitary pad vending machines have been installed at 38 Bus Stands.
xvi) Facility of wheelchair to special abled person at Bus Stands: For the benefit of special abled person, wheel chair has been provided at 42 Bus Stands.
xvii) The Corporation Purchased Five Super Luxury AC Volvo buses and five Tempo Traveller to provide better transport facility to the public and remote area. xviii) On the demand of public Corporation started Volvo buses from Shimla to Chandigarh International Airport and Shimla to Katra (Jammu).
ONE LINER FACTS FOR EXAMS
1. The contribution of the tourism sector to the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is about _____ % ?
7 %
2. After emerging from the COVID-19, State was able to attract about ____lakh tourists during 2021.
52 Lakh
3. How many Home Stays are registered in the department of Tourism and Civil Aviation in HP?
2,934
4. Due to COVID-19 impact on tourism industry the Government of Himachal Pradesh has notified _________Scheme on Working Capital Loan for Hospitality Industry on 02-07-2020 to support business investment and economic growth over the short term by providing loans for immediate needs like running day to day business, paying wage, rent and utility bills etc ?
Interest Subvention Scheme
5. When did the Government of India, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the “Swadesh Darshan Scheme” for Himachal Pradesh?
2017
6. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik-2 (UDAN), How many heliports are being developed in Himachal Pradesh ?
five
7. Which agency has been running helicopter service under UDAN-2 on the Chandigarh-ShimlaChandigarh sector and also on Shimla-Kullu and Shimla-Dharmshala ?
M/S Pawan Hans Ltd. (PHL)
8. In order to increase helicopter services in the State, PHL has also started Non schedule Operation (NSOP) from ______ and _____ Heliports under UDAN-2 ?
Rampur and Kangnidhar Heliports
9. When did the State Government has launched a new scheme “Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein” with an amount outlay of 50.00 crore for the development of unexplored areas from tourism point of view.?
2018-19
10. Which policy has been formulated to enhance Sustainable Tourism in Himachal Pradesh ?
Tourism Sector Policy 2019
11. Tourism Sector Policy 2019 has been framed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs ____and___?
8 & 12
12. Which agency is a pioneer in the development of tourism infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh ?
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC)
13. HPTDC has the largest chain of finest hotels and restaurants in the State with ____hotels with 1047 rooms and 2,370 beds ?
54
14. At which place, HPTDC has started the operation of a newly constructed Hotel New Ros Common ?
Kasauli
15. At which place, HPTDC has opened “Café Atal” ?
Sishu, district Lahaul & Spiti
16. Starting almost from a scratch the State Government has constructed ____kms. of motorable roads (inclusive of jeepable and track) till December, 2021 ?
40,020 kms
17. How many villages in HP are connected with roads as of December, 2021 ?
10,591
18. At present, _____kms., 19 National Highways are the main lifelines of the State Road network out of which 1,238 kms. are maintained/ developed by State Public Works Department.
2,592 kms
19. The Transport department functions under the provisions of section 213 of which act ?
Motor Vehicle act, 1988
20. In order to improve the inspection and Certification of vehicles in a scientific way, State has started the process for establishment of Inspection and Certification centre at _____under the financial assistance of MoRTH ?
Baddi District Solan
21. At which places, suitable land has been identified for the creation of Transport Nagar ?
Nadaun in District Hamirpur, Kala Amb near Paonta Sahib, and near Totu at Shimla
22. In order to impart training to aspirant candidates, department has given licenses to ______driving training schools in the State ?
338
23. How many driving training schools in HP are under ITI ?
8
24. How many driving training schools in HP are under HRTC ?
10
25. How many private driving training schools are there in HP ?
320
26. How many Pollution Check Centre has been authorized in HP ?
357
27. When did Government has notified “ Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgar (Parivahan) Yojna”, which will help to provide employment opportunities to unemployed youth ?
On 30.12.2021
28. Himachal Pradesh State Government has notified _____ policy to make Himachal Pradesh a model state in every category of electric vehicle (private, shared and commercial) and to provide sustainable, safe, eco-friendly, inclusive and modern transport? Electric Vehicle Policy, 2022
29. Green cardholder is allowed ____per cent discount in fare, if the journey under taken by passenger is of 50 km. ?
25
30. HRTC has introduced Smart Card Scheme. The cost of the card is 50 with a validity of Two years. This provides a discount of ______% on fare and is valid in HRTC Ordinary, Super Fast, Semi Deluxe and Deluxe buses?
10 %
31. HRTC has introduced Samman Card Scheme for the senior citizen of the age of the 60 years or above. Under this scheme, the discount of ______per cent in fare is allowed in ordinary buses ?
30 %
32. Women have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses on the occasion of _____ and _______?
“Raksha Bandhan” and “Bhaiya Dooj”?
33. Muslim women have been allowed free travelling facility on occasion of ____?
“Id” and “Baker Id”
34. HRTC has also allowed _____per cent discount in fare in ordinary buses within the State to the women?
25 %
35. Which students have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses for travel to and fro between their residence and School ?
The students of Government schools up to +2 classes
36. Free travelling facility is provided to _______ patients along with one attendant in HRTC buses for the purpose of medical treatment on referral slip issued by the Doctor within and outside the State?
cancer, spinal injury, kidney and dialysis
37. Taxies Services have also been introduced by the HRTC in ____Town for public on sealed/ restricted roads ?
Shimla
38. For the benefit of women sanitary pad vending machines have been installed at ____Bus Stands ?
38
39. For the benefit of special abled person, wheel chair has been provided at ____Bus Stands ? 42
CHAPTER-12 Tourism and Transport
The contribution of the tourism sector to the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is about 7 per cent which is quite significant. Himachal Pradesh is a fast-growing tourist destination that draws visitors from across the globe. However, the economy of the State was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020-21. After emerging from the COVID-19, State was able to attract about 52 lakh tourists during 2021.
4011 Tourism Units, 828 Restaurants, 4400 Travel Agents and 2,934 Home Stays are registered in the department of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The department, with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project-2 under Infrastructure Investment
Program for Tourism in Himachal Pradesh, has submitted a proposal of $291.04 Million (ADB financing US $233.00 Million), to Government of India, which has been approved by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Interest Subvention Scheme
• Due to COVID-19 impact on tourism industry the Government of Himachal Pradesh has notified Interest Subvention Scheme on Working Capital Loan for Hospitality Industry on 02-07-2020 to support business investment and economic growth over the short term by providing loans for immediate needs like running day to day business, paying wage, rent and utility bills etc. The Revised Interest Subvention scheme was notified on 17-06 2021 and is valid upto 31-03-2022.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
- The Government of India, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the “Swadesh Darshan Scheme” in the year 2017 for Himachal Pradesh. The following projects are being executed:
- Convention Center at Kiarighat Distt. Solan.
- Construction of Heliport at Shimla. o Beautification of Dal Lake at Distt. Kangra. o Villlage Haat at Kangra.
- International Standard free standing artificial climbing wall. o Light and Sound Show at Town square Mall Road Shimla. o Construction of Paragliding Centre at Bir Billing Distt. Kangra. o Art and Craft Centre at Bhalei Mata Chamba.
- Development of Maa Hateshwari Temple Hatkoti Shimla.
- Signases, Ganteries, CCTV and WiFi for the entire Circuit.
Publicity
• Tourism Department prepares different types of promotional publicity material like brochures/pamphlets, folders, Monal magazine, calendars, guide map and coffee table book etc. and participates in various tourism fairs, marts and exhibition organized at the national and international level.
Civil Aviation
• To attract high end tourist in the State, regular flights are scheduled from the three airports at Jubbarhatti (Shimla), Bhunter (Kullu) and Gaggal (Kangra) in Himachal Pradesh. The Government is making sincere efforts for expansion of airstrips of Gaggal, Kangra Airport. Proposal for the construction of Greenfield Airport in Mandi District is under consideration of the Central Government.
• Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik-2 (UDAN), five heliports are being developed in Himachal Pradesh-Shimla and Rampur (District Shimla), Baddi (District Solan) Kangnidhar (District Mandi) and Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) (Manali, District Kullu). Out of these, heliports at Shimla and Baddi have been completed. At present M/S Pawan Hans Ltd. (PHL) has been running helicopter service under UDAN-2 on the Chandigarh-Shimla-Chandigarh sector and also on Shimla-Kullu and Shimla-Dharmshala. In order to increase helicopter services in the State, PHL has also started Non schedule Operation (NSOP) from Rampur and Kangnidhar Heliports under UDAN-2.
Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein
- The State Government has launched a new scheme “Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein” in the year 2018-19 with an amount outlay of 50.00 crore for the development of unexplored areas from tourism point of view. Under the scheme amount of 50.00 crore was provided every year 2018-19 to 2021-22 and total 200.00 crore has been provided since inception.
- In order to provide more facilities to the tourist/visitors, the Department has developed the following places from tourism point of view under this scheme:
- Billing, District Kangra as Paragliding Destination.
- Chansal District Shimla as Ski Destination.
- Janjehli District Mandi as Eco-tourism destination.
- Infrastructure for Promotion of Water Sports activities at Larji, Tatapani and Pong Dam.
- Paragliding Destination at Ser Jagas District Sirmaur and Eco-Tourism in Churdhar from Nohradhar valleys.
- Tourism related public facilities at both ends of Atal Rohtang Tunnel.
- Construction of Shiv Dham.
Sustainable Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
• The State Government, being very conscious of the ecological sensitivity of the region, has resolved to protect and enhance its natural resources and to follow the path of sustainable development in all sectors can be seen from the State‟s Hydropower policy, sustainable tourism policy, sustainable forest management policies and environmental master plans. The State also plans to encourage investors who see sustainability as a viable economic venture. The Tourism Sector Policy 2019 is designed in such a manner that it will accelerate economic development, minimize social inequality, reduce poverty, conserve tangible and intangible heritage (by making use of state-of-the-art technologies) all in a sustainable manner. One of the most important objectives of this policy is “to create an enabling environment for investments for sustainable tourism”. This policy has been framed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 8 and 12 through various objectives directed towards the socio-economic growth of host communities, offering quality experience to travelers, protection of the natural-cultural environment and State‟s destinations, and creating an investment friendly environment for private investors.
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC)
• The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is a pioneer in the development of tourism infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. It provides complete package of tourism services, including accommodation, catering, transport, conferencing and sports activities. It has the largest chain of finest hotels and restaurants in the State with 54 hotels with 1047 rooms and 2,370 beds.
• The Tourism Industry in India and across the globe has been hit hard by COVID 19 Pandemic as such the Tourism Industry of the State as well as the HPTDC was also adversely affected. Hotels of the Corporation were closed in the month of May, 2020 due to lockdown imposed by the State Government. HPTDC has started the operation of a newly constructed Hotel New Ros Common at Kasauli which consists of 32 rooms having a total capacity of 66 beds and also opened a “Café Atal” at Sishu, District Lahaul & Spiti. In the current financial year HPTDC generated a turnover of 55.76 crore up to December, 2021 against the target of 68.00 crore.
Roads and Bridges (State Sector)
• Roads are a very vital infrastructure for rapid economic growth of the State. The development of important sectors of economy such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Industry, Mining and Forestry depends upon efficient road network. In the absence of any other suitable and viable modes of transportation like railways and waterways, roads play a vital role in boosting the economy of the hilly State like Himachal Pradesh. Starting almost from a scratch the State Government has constructed 40,020 kms. of motorable roads (inclusive of jeepable and track) till December, 2021. The State Government has been assigning a very high priority to road sector.
• The target fixed for 2021-22 and achievements made up to December, 2021 are given as under in table given below :
| Item | Unit | Target for 2021-22 | Achievement upto December, 2021 |
| Motorable road | Kms | 1000 | 560 |
| Cross- drainage | “ | 945 | 664 |
| Metalling and Tarring | “ | 2000 | 1865 |
| Jeepable | “ | 60 | 18 |
| Bridges | Nos | 80 | 52 |
| Villages connectivity | “ | 90 | 37 |
Item Unit Target for 2021-22 Achievement upto December, 2021
| Villages connected with road | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 Up to December, 2021 |
| Population more than 1500 | 217 | 219 | 219 |
| 1000-1499 | 295 | 296 | 296 |
| 500-999 | 1306 | 1318 | 1324 |
| 500-999 | 3624 | 3644 | 3655 |
| 500-999 | 5032 | 5072 | 5097 |
| Total | 10474 | 10549 | 10591 |
National Highways (Central Sector)
• At present, 2,592 kms., 19 National Highways are the main lifelines of the State Road network out of which 1,238 kms. are maintained/ developed by State Public Works Department. In addition, the National Highway Authority of India has developed/ maintained 5 National Highway shaving length of 785 kms. and Border Road Organization has also developed/ maintained 3 National Highways covering of 569 kms.
Transport Department
• The Transport department functions under the provisions of section 213 of the Motor Vehicle act, 1988. The Transport department is primarily established for enforcement of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1972 and the rules framed thereunder. The Transport Department of Himachal Pradesh assists other organizations in the development of transport facilities and endeavors to provide an efficient, adequate and economic transport service for the movement of passengers and goods by road. In discharging statutory functions, the department has shaped up as one of the major revenue earning departments to the Government in the shape of taxes on motor vehicles. The revenue generation during the year 2020-21 was 382.64 crore whereas 365.28 crore is generated for the year 2021-22 (December, 2021) against the target of 487.71 crore.
• During 2021-22 (December, 2021) 12,433 vehicles were challaned for various offences and 244.20 lakh amount was realized as compounding fee. As of December, 2021, the department has registered 19,05,073 vehicles with the district wise distribution as shown in the table below:
| Sr. No. | District | Registered Vehicles |
| 1 | Bilaspur | 100121 |
| 2 | Chamba | 74440 |
| 3 | Hamirpur | 139040 |
| 4 | Kangra | 472743 |
| 5 | Kinnaur | 12887 |
| 6 | Kullu | 94822 |
| 7 | Lahaul-Spiti | 7384 |
| 8 | Mandi | 216279 |
| 9 | Shimla | 188957 |
| 10 | Sirmaur | 127925 |
| 11 | Solan | 262673 |
| 12 | Una | 207802 |
| Total | 1905073 |
Achievements of Transport Department
The Transport Department has attained the following remarkable achievements during the year 2021-22:
i. Inspection and Certification Centre:
• In order to improve the inspection and Certification of vehicles in a scientific way, State has started the process for establishment of Inspection and Certification centre at Baddi District Solan under the financial assistance of MoRTH, The project cost is 16.35 Crores.The work was started on 01-01-2020 and the administrative block has been completed and civil work is in progress.
ii. Creation of Transport Nagar:
• State has notified a Committe for identification of suitable land under the Chairmanship of respective Deputy Commistioners (DCs). Suitable land has been identified at Nadaun in District Hamirpur where the process has been initiated by the Department. Further, the land has also been identified at Kala Amb, Paonta, and near Totu at Shimla for Transport Nagar.
iii. Driving Training School (DTS) and Pollution Check Centre:
• In order to impart training to aspirant candidates, department has given licenses to 338 driving training schools in the State which include 8 under ITI, 10 under HRTC and 320 Private Driving Training Schools. Beside this 357 Pollution Check Centre has also been authorized in the state.
iv. Employment Generation:
• Government has notified “ Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgar (Parivahan) Yojna” on 30.12.2021. which will help to provide employment opportunities to unemployed youth. Transport Department has fixed a target of employment generation for the year 2021-22 to 19,150 out of which employment to 10,018 persons has been provided up to December, 2021.
v. Electric Vehicle Policy-2022
• Himachal Pradesh State Government has notified Electric Vehicle Policy, 2022 to make Himachal Pradesh a model state in every category of electric vehicle (private, shared and commercial) and to provide sustainable, safe, eco-friendly, inclusive and modern transport. The main object of this policy is to provide benefit to the consumers, vehicle manufacturers and to set up electric charging stations. The policy aims to cover about 15 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in the State for electric vehicles upto year 2025, in line with the United Nations‟ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Government of India‟s vision.
vi. Guidelines for safe Transportation of School Children
• The State government is seriously concerned with the safety of School children and has issued detailed guidelines for
School buses vide notification dated 10-10-2018. The directions contained in this notifications have been circulated to all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and other concerned departments for strict implementation with the directions for achievement of 100% target for checking of vehicles ferrying School Children.
vii. Rent a Motor Cycle & Motor Cab Scheme
• The rent a Motor Bike scheme is a notified Scheme under the provision of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The State of Himachal Pradesh vide notification no tpt-A(4)9/2015 dated 25.05.2017 adopted the Rent-A Bike Scheme notified by Central Government in the year 1997. Thereafter State of HP vide notification no.Tpt-A(4)9/2015 dated 06-03-2019 notified this scheme in the State. The State Transport Authority granted 990 vehicle purchase permission to the applicants.
viii. Fleet Strength of Private buses and Taxies
• In Himachal Pradesh total strength of Private Stage Carriage Buses is 3303 and the Strength of Taxies (Seating Capacity 4+1) is 28034, Maxi (6+1 and above) is 12267 upto December, 2021.
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC)
• Road Transport is the main stay of economic activity in the Pradesh as other means of transport namely Railways, Airways, Taxies, Auto Rickshaw etc. are negligible therefore, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation assumes paramount importance in the State. The passenger transport services to the people of Himachal Pradesh, within and outside the State are being provided by HRTC with a fleet strength of 3,023 buses, 75 Electric Buses, 21 Taxies & 50 Electric Taxies.
HRTC Schemes for the benefits of Passengers:
For the benefit of the people, the following schemes are in operation during the year:
i) Green Card Scheme:-Green cardholder is allowed 25 per cent discount in fare, if the journey under taken by passenger is of 50 km. The cost of this card is 50 with a validity of two years.
ii) Smart Card Scheme: Corporation has introduced Smart Card Scheme. The cost of the card is 50 with a validity of Two years. This provides a discount of 10 % on fare and is valid in HRTC Ordinary, Super Fast, Semi Deluxe and Deluxe buses. In Volvo and AC Buses discount is allowed from 1st October to 31st March.
iii) Samman Card Scheme for Senior Citizen: Corporation has introduced Samman Card Scheme for the senior citizen of the age of the 60 years or above. Under this scheme, the discount of 30 per cent in fare is allowed in ordinary buses.
iv) Free Facility to Women: Women have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses on the occasion of “Raksha Bandhan” and “Bhaiya Dooj”. Muslim women have been allowed free travelling facility on occasion of “Id” and “Baker Id”.
v) Discount in fare to Women: The Corporation has also allowed 25 per cent discount in fare in ordinary buses within the State to the women.
vi) Free Facility to Students of Government Schools: The students of Government schools up to +2 classes have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses for travel to and fro between theri their residence and School.
vii) Free Facility to the person suffering from serious disease: Free travelling facility is provided to cancer, spinal injury, kidney and dialysis patients along with one attendant in HRTC buses for the purpose of medical treatment on referral slip issued by the Doctor within and outside the State.
viii) Free Facility to the Special abled persons: The Corporation is providing free travelling facility to special abled persons having disability of 70 per cent or more along with one attendant within State.
ix) Free Facility to the Gallantry Awardees: The Gallantry Award winners have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC‟s ordinary buses in addition to Delux Buses in the State.
x) Luxury Buses: The Corporation is plying 56 owned and 32 buses super luxury (Volvo / Scania) and 08 luxury AC buses under Wet-Leasing scheme to Inter State routes and 08 Tempo Traveler Interstate to provide better transport facility to the public.
xi) 24X7 Helpline: 24×7 HRTC/ Private Bus Passenger‟s helpline No.94180- 00529 and 0177-2657326 have been introduced to lodge and address the complaints of passengers.
xii) Taxies on sealed roads: Taxies Services have also been introduced by the Corporation in Shimla Town for public on sealed/ restricted roads.
xiii) Free travelling facility to the families of Martyrs: HRTC extended free travelling facility to War Widows, Parents and Children up to the age of 18 years of Armed forces personnel martyred in War and Widows, Parents and Children up to the age of 18 years parents of Armed Forced Personnel and Para Military Troops, who were martyred on duty.
xiv) Facility of electric buses to tourist place: The Corporation has introduced electric buses for the tourists and visitors to the famous tourist places.
xv) Facility of sanitary pad vending machines for women: For the benefit of women sanitary pad vending machines have been installed at 38 Bus Stands.
xvi) Facility of wheelchair to special abled person at Bus Stands: For the benefit of special abled person, wheel chair has been provided at 42 Bus Stands.
xvii) The Corporation Purchased Five Super Luxury AC Volvo buses and five Tempo Traveller to provide better transport facility to the public and remote area.
xviii) On the demand of public Corporation started Volvo buses from Shimla to Chandigarh International Airport and Shimla to Katra (Jammu).
ONE LINER FACTS FOR EXAMS
40. The contribution of the tourism sector to the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is about _____ % ?
7 %
41. After emerging from the COVID-19, State was able to attract about ____lakh tourists during 2021.
52 Lakh
42. How many Home Stays are registered in the department of Tourism and Civil Aviation in HP?
2,934
43. Due to COVID-19 impact on tourism industry the Government of Himachal Pradesh has notified _________Scheme on Working Capital Loan for Hospitality Industry on 02-07-2020 to support business investment and economic growth over the short term by providing loans for immediate needs like running day to day business, paying wage, rent and utility bills etc ?
Interest Subvention Scheme
44. When did the Government of India, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the “Swadesh Darshan Scheme” for Himachal Pradesh ? 2017
45. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik-2 (UDAN), How many heliports are being developed in Himachal Pradesh ?
five
46. Which agency has been running helicopter service under UDAN-2 on the Chandigarh-ShimlaChandigarh sector and also on Shimla-Kullu and Shimla-Dharmshala ?
M/S Pawan Hans Ltd. (PHL)
47. In order to increase helicopter services in the State, PHL has also started Non schedule Operation (NSOP) from ______ and _____ Heliports under UDAN-2 ?
Rampur and Kangnidhar Heliports
48. When did the State Government has launched a new scheme “Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein” with an amount outlay of 50.00 crore for the development of unexplored areas from tourism point of view.?
2018-19
49. Which policy has been formulated to enhance Sustainable Tourism in Himachal Pradesh ?
Tourism Sector Policy 2019
50. Tourism Sector Policy 2019 has been framed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs ____and____?
8 & 12
51. Which agency is a pioneer in the development of tourism infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh ?
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC)
52. HPTDC has the largest chain of finest hotels and restaurants in the State with ____hotels with 1047 rooms and 2,370 beds ?
54
53. At which place, HPTDC has started the operation of a newly constructed Hotel New Ros Common ?
Kasauli
54. At which place, HPTDC has opened “Café Atal” ?
Sishu, district Lahaul & Spiti
55. Starting almost from a scratch the State Government has constructed ____kms. of motorable roads (inclusive of jeepable and track) till December, 2021 ? 40,020 kms
56. How many villages in HP are connected with roads as of December, 2021 ?
10,591
57. At present, _____kms., 19 National Highways are the main lifelines of the State Road network out of which 1,238 kms. are maintained/ developed by State Public Works Department.
2,592 kms
58. The Transport department functions under the provisions of section 213 of which act ?
Motor Vehicle act, 1988
59. In order to improve the inspection and Certification of vehicles in a scientific way, State has started the process for establishment of Inspection and Certification centre at _____under the financial assistance of MoRTH ?
Baddi District Solan
60. At which places, suitable land has been identified for the creation of Transport Nagar ?
Nadaun in District Hamirpur, Kala Amb near Paonta Sahib, and near Totu at Shimla
61. In order to impart training to aspirant candidates, department has given licenses to ______driving training schools in the State ? 338
62. How many driving training schools in HP are under ITI ?
8
63. How many driving training schools in HP are under HRTC ?
10
64. How many private driving training schools are there in HP ?
320
65. How many Pollution Check Centre has been authorized in HP ?
357
66. When did Government has notified “ Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgar (Parivahan) Yojna”, which will help to provide employment opportunities to unemployed youth ?
On 30.12.2021
67. Himachal Pradesh State Government has notified _____ policy to make Himachal Pradesh a model state in every category of electric vehicle (private, shared and commercial) and to provide sustainable, safe, eco-friendly, inclusive and modern transport? Electric Vehicle Policy, 2022
68. Green cardholder is allowed ____per cent discount in fare, if the journey under taken by passenger is of 50 km. ?
25
69. HRTC has introduced Smart Card Scheme. The cost of the card is 50 with a validity of Two years. This provides a discount of ______% on fare and is valid in HRTC Ordinary, Super Fast, Semi Deluxe and Deluxe buses?
10 %
70. HRTC has introduced Samman Card Scheme for the senior citizen of the age of the 60 years or above. Under this scheme, the discount of ______per cent in fare is allowed in ordinary buses ?
30 %
71. Women have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses on the occasion of _____ and _______?
“Raksha Bandhan” and “Bhaiya Dooj”?
72. Muslim women have been allowed free travelling facility on occasion of ____?
“Id” and “Baker Id”
73. HRTC has also allowed _____per cent discount in fare in ordinary buses within the State to the women?
25 %
74. Which students have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses for travel to and fro between theri their residence and School ?
The students of Government schools up to +2 classes
75. Free travelling facility is provided to _______ patients along with one attendant in HRTC buses for the purpose of medical treatment on referral slip issued by the Doctor within and outside the State?
cancer, spinal injury, kidney and dialysis
76. Taxies Services have also been introduced by the HRTC in ____Town for public on sealed/ restricted roads ?
Shimla
77. For the benefit of women sanitary pad vending machines have been installed at ____Bus Stands ?
38
78. For the benefit of special abled person, wheel chair has been provided at ____Bus Stands ?
42
CHAPTER 13 : Social Sector
Education
• Education has been the most critical aspect of nation-building. Education boosts economic growth, builds human resources, reduces poverty and increases income.
• United Nations Sustainable Goal-1 on education (number-4), which aims to ―Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all and also towards the ―Education 2030 Framework for Action, provides a set of targets to be followed by member countries to provide universal education by 2030. Education has a catalysing impact on every other sector in the economy by providing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce which in turn boosts productivity and efficiency.
• Himachal Pradesh’s educational parameters have been better than the national averages since its inception. There has been a tremendous growth in the availability of educational institutions in the last few decades. Despite its harsh climatic conditions and rough terrains, the state made an impressive progress in its educational infrastructure and resulted in the rise of student enrolment and literacy rate.
• According to Census 2011, the literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh was 82.80 per cent which is 8.8 percentage points higher than the national average at 74.0 per cent. These rates were 89.53 per cent for men and 75.93 per cent for women in the state. These are significant improvement from the Census 2001 rates, which were 85.35 per cent for men, 67.42 per cent for women and 76.48 per cent overall.
• The gender gap reduced from 17.93 percentage points in 2001 to 13.6 percentage points in 2011. The more recent numbers are provided in the survey conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) on ―Household Social Consumption: Education, which was conducted as its 75th round of survey during 2017–18. The report estimates the state’s overall literacy rate to improve to 86.6 per cent in 2017. Similarly, male literacy rate increased to 92.9 per cent and female rate to 80.5 per cent, with gender gap 12.4 percentage points.
Percentage children aged 6-14 enrolled in Government school
• Percentage of children in the age group 6-14 enrolled in Government schools have increased from 58.6 per cent in 2018 to 60.9 per cent in 2021.
• Enrollment in government schools increased by more than 6.8 percentage points from 2020 to 2021.
• The increase of 7.1 percentage points has been observed in the girls enrollment from 2020 to 2021, whereas the increase of 6.2 percentage points has been noticed in the enrollment of boys in the same age group.
Percentage Enrolled children with access to smart phones in Himachal Pradesh
• The availability of smart phones in children’s homes has almost doubled from 2018 to 2021. For example, in 2018, 58 per cent of children in government schools had at least one smart phone at home. This proportion increased to 90 per cent in 2020 and grew further to 95.6 per cent in 2021.
Percentage enrolled children who receive help from family members while studying at home by school type
• We use the term “learning support at home” to refer to the effort that families put into helping children with learning activities when they are studying at home In Himachal Pradesh, 90.4 per cent children enrolled in private schools received help from their family members while studying at home, whereas only 81.8 per cent children of Government schools are helped by their family members and if we look at both the institutions together, this number is 84.8 per cent.
Distribution of enrolled children by parent’s education
• If we look at the education level of parents of the children in Himachal Pradesh, 65.6 per cent have high, 30.4 per cent medium and 4 per cent low level of education. “Low” parental education includes families where both parents have completed Standard V or less (including those with no schooling). At the other end of the spectrum, the “high” parental education category comprises families where both parents have completed at least Standard IX. All other parents are in the “medium” category for the year 2021.
Percentage enrolled children who have text books for their current grade
- Almost all enrolled children have textbooks for their current grade (97.3%). Of all the students, 97.5 per cent enrolled in Government schools have text books compared to 96.9 per cent enrolled in Private schools in the year 2021. In 2020, the same numbers were 96.4 per cent and 96.2 per cent, respectively. This became possible due to the initiatives of State Government to provide free textbooks and in this respect, the position of Himachal Pradesh is far better than the adjoining States. Elementary Education
- As on 31.12.2021 there are 10,734 Primary Schools and 2,022 Middle Schools in Government Sector. To overcome shortage of trained teachers, efforts are being made to make fresh appointments of teachers in the schools regularly. An attempt has also been made to cater to the educational needs of specially abled children. The policies of the Government in the field of elementary education are implemented with following aims:
- To achieve the goal of universalization of Elementary Education
- To provide Quality Elementary Education
- Access of education to every child in the State
State Sponsored Scholarship Schemes
The following incentives were provided during the year 2021-22:
State Sponsored Schemes in Elementary Education
| State Sponsored Scheme | Detail of Schemes | Benefitted Students | |
| 1 | Medhavi Chhatarvriti Yojana | Students of 5th standard who secured at least grade B are eligible to appear for scholarship exam. 2 Boys and 2 Girls at each block level are ensured to give `800 per annum who score highest marks in the merit list and renewal for 7th and 8th Classes. | 1,628 |
| 2 | Scholarship for Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP)/Below Poverty Line (BPL) Children | 1st to 5th standard students are given `150 per annum and students from 6th to 8th standard are given `250 per annum per boy and `500 per annum per girl. | 75,353 |
| 3 | Girls Attendance | Girl students of 1st to 5th standard whose attendance is at least 90 per cent are given ` 20 per annum. | 25,275 |
| 4 | Poverty Scholarship | Students of 1st to 5th standard whose parents income does not exceed ` 11,000 per annum are given `40 per annum. | 2,542 |
| 5 | Scholarship for Children of Armed Forces | Students of 1st to 5th standard whose parents dies during the war or got more than 50 per cent disability are given ` 150 per annum | 3 |
| 6 | Free Text Books | Free books for students of all categories from 1st to 8th standard are provided by the Department of Elementary Education through Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBoSE). | All Students |
| 7 | Atal School Vardi Yojana | (i) Free School Uniform Two sets of uniform is being provided for class 1st to 12th
(ii) School Bags Students of 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th are provided free school bags. |
8,05,556
2,49,769 |
| 8 | Construction and Repair of Elementary and Middle school | Infrastructure facilities developed | – |
| 9 | Atal Adarsh Vidyalya Yojana (AAVY) | 2 more new Atal Adarsh Vidyalyas (AAV) have been notified and till now 27 AAV are notified. | – |
| 10 | Mid Day Meal Scheme | i) This scheme was implemented in 2004 for primary school children and in 2008 this scheme was extended up to 8th standard students.
ii) During COVID-19 pandemic all the Educational Institutions/Schools remained closed and the cooked meal could not be served. In lieu of this the entitled quantity of food grains and payment of cooking cost is being provided to the parents/guardians of all eligible students under this scheme for the closure period as well as for summer period. |
5,19,489 |
| 11 | “Swarn Jayanti” Gyanodya Cluster Srestha Vidyalaya Scheme | The scheme is being implemented in identified 100 cluster schools | |
| 12 | Padhna Likhna Abhiyan | 6 district viz. Chamba, Kinnaur ,Kullu, L&S, Mandi and Sirmour have been identified with a financial assistance of `2.51 crore. | 96,228 |
| 13 | Swaran Jayanti Middle Merit Scholarship Scheme | This scholarship scheme is for the students studying in 6th, 7th and 8th class in the Government schools, the meritorious students will be selected through a State level examination by State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Solan and selected student will get an award benefit of `4,000/- per month in class 6th, `5,000/ per month in class 7th and `6,000 per month in class 8th. |
Har Ghar Pathshala
- The programme has been launched as ―Har Ghar Pathshala‖ as an online mode of education. Aiming to minimize the effect of COVID-19 on education, this is a very successful learning programme which has benefitted about 8 lakh Government school students. It is a home based, teacher facilitated, self study programme on a daily basis, for class 1st to 12th with the following objectives:
- To ensure students learning is not hampered due to closure of schools in this pandemic.
- Dissemination of content in the form of videos and worksheets through WhatsApp groups on daily basis.
- To conduct weekly quizzes on a WhatsApp and Chatbot.
- Conduction of live classes by teachers with students:
- Har Ghar Pathshala Phase-1 has been able to reach out to an estimated 6.4 lakh (80%) students in the State and about 4 lakh (50%) students remained engaged with the programme every week over the last 18 months. Key engagement metrics for the programme are as under:
- Average of 2.5 lakh students watch content on the Har Ghar Pathshala website on a daily basis.
- Average of 4 lakh students participated in weekly WhatsApp quiz.
- 25,000 teachers conduct daily live classes on an average.
e-Parent Teacher Meet (e-PTM)
The e-PTM drive has been extremely successful; the parents of around 94 per cent of students participated in the meeting, and found that Har Ghar Pathshala programme was useful.
Senior Secondary Education
• Highest Priority is being given to education in the State. Up to December, 2021, there are 930 Government High schools,
1,882 Government Senior Secondary Schools and 139 Government Degree Colleges including 7 Sanskrit Colleges, 1 State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), 1 B.Ed. College and 1 Fine Art College, running in the State.
Scholarship Schemes
• To improve the educational status of the deprived sections of the society, various scholarships/ stipends are being provided by the State/ Central Governments at various stages. The scholarship schemes are as under:
Secondary / Higher Education State/Centre Sponsored Scholarship Schemes during 2020-21
| Sr. No. | Name of the Scheme | Scholarship and Infrastructure | Total Benefitted Students |
| 1 | Dr. Ambedkar Medhavi Chattarvriti Yojana | Top 1,250 students of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 1000 meritorious student of Other Backward Classes (OBC) from Matriculation Examination of HPBoSE and are given `12,000 per year for SC students and `10,000 per year to OBC student. | 1,430 OBC and 1657 SC students have been benefitted. |
| 2 | Swami Vivekanand Utkrisht Chhatervritti Yojana | Top 2,000 meritorious students of General category from Matriculation Examination of HPBSE are given `10,000 per year. | 3,171 students have been benefitted. |
| 3 | Thakur Sen Negi Utkrisht Chhatervritti Yojana | Top 100 Girls and 100 Boys (HPBoSE) students of Matric belonging to the Tribal Community of HP are given `11,000 per year. | 231 students have been benefitted. |
| 4 | Maharishi Balmiki Chattarvriti Yojana | Himachali girl students belonging to Balmiki Families are given`9,000 | 1 student has been benefitted. |
| 5 | Indira Gandhi Utkrisht Chhatervritti Yojana | Top 10 students from the merit list of 10+2 (affiliated from HPBSE) and for post 10+2 courses are given `10,000 per annum. | 37 students have been benefitted. |
| 6 | Sainik School Sujanpur Tihra Scholarship | This Scheme is applicable to the students who are studing in Sainik School Sujanpur Tihra and are bonafied resident of Himachal Pradesh from class VI to XII | 148 students have been benefitted. |
| 7 | National Defence Academy (NDA) Scholarship Scheme | The NDA scholarship at different rates is being given to the Cadets of Himachal Pradesh who are getting training at NDA, Khadakwasla. | – |
| 8 | Kalpana Chawla Chhatravriti Yojana | Under this Scheme the top 2000 meritorious girl students of all study groups i.e. Science, Arts and Commerce streams based on passing ratio in each as per merit list supplied by the HPBoSE for post 10+2 courses are given `15,000 per year. | 1,954 students have been benefitted. |
| 9 | Mukhya Mantri Protsahan Yojana | A degree course in any Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), for PG Diploma Course in Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad at Jharkhand and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) at Banglore. One time award of `75,000 is being given. | 85 students have been benefitted. |
| 10 | Rashtriya Indian Military College scholarship | All students who are bonafide residents of H.P. and are studying from VIII to XII in Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun. The amount of scholarship is `20,000 per annum. | 8 students have benefitted. |
| 11 | IRDP Scholarship Scheme | Those students who are belonging to the IRDP families and are studying in Government and Government Aided institutions, `300 for 9th and 10th class students, `800 for 10+1 and 10+2 class and `1,200 for college day scholar and `2,400 for hostellers per month are being given. | 4,076 students have benefitted. |
| 12 | Financial Assistance to the children of the Armed Forces Personnel skilled/ disabled during the different War/Operations | A sum of ₹ 300/-(boys) and 600/-(girls) per month for 9th and 10th class, ₹ 800/- per month for +1 and +2 class , ₹1200 /- per month for colleges /Day scholar Students and ₹2400/- per month for hostellers is being given to Children of Armed Forces Personnel killed / disabled in the different wars/operations . | No student applied for this scholarship during the year 2020-21. |
| 13 | Mukhya Mantri Gyandeep Yojana (Educational Loan Subsidy Scheme) : | Under this scheme, Interest subsidy is admissible on Education loan availed up to the maximum of ₹ 10 lakh only for pursing Higher Studies in India. The Interest subsidy to the extent of 4% p.a. on education loan is being allowed. | 1,115students have been benefitted under this scheme during the year 2020-21. |
Central Sponsored Schemes
| 1 | Post Matric Scholarship to SC/ST/OBC students | Students SC and ST whose parents annual income is up to ₹2,50,000, The students (OBC) whose parents annual income is up to ₹1,50,000, are eligible for full scholarship (i.e. maintenance allowance +full fee) for all courses if they are studying in Government/ Government Aided Institutions | The disbursement is under process. |
| 2 | Pre Matric Scholarship to SC,ST and OBC students of 9th and 10th Class | Pre matric Scholarship for SC students will be paid to students whose parents Income/guardians from all sources does not exceeds ₹2,50,000 p.a. The scholarship will be awarded for 10 months in an academic year for day scholars ₹3000 per annum. and hostellers ₹ 6250 P.A., Pre matric Scholarship to ST, will be paid to those students whose parents / guardians income from all sources does not exceed ₹ 2,00,000/- per annum. The scholarship is awarded ₹2250/- p.a. to Day scholars and ₹4500 per annum to hostellers of Class IX and X. and Pre matric Scholarship to OBC will be given to those students from 1st to 10th classes whose parents annual income does not exceed to ₹2,50,000. The scholarship will be awarded ₹100 per month for 10 months for day scholars and for Hostellers ₹500 per month for 10 months from Class III to X and ₹500 per student per annum and one time adhoc grant is also given under this scheme. | 9,077 students have been benefitted under Pre matric SC scholarship scheme and disbursement of Pre SC and OBC scholarship is under process |
| 3 | Merit cum means Scholarship Scheme for Students belonging to Minority Community | This Scholarship is for the Minority students belonging to Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Budhhist communities. Student should have not less than 50 per cent marks and income of their parents should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum. | 30 students have been benefitted. The Scholarship amount is being disbursed at Government of India level |
| 4 | Post–Matric Scholarship Scheme to students belonging to Minority community | This scholarship is given from XI to Ph.D. for minority students who have not less than 50 per cent marks in the previous final examination and whose parents annual income should not exceed ₹2.00 lakh. | 556 students have been benefited. The Scholarship amount is being disbursed at Government of India level. |
| 5 | Post Matric Scholarship to Disabled Students | All students having more than 40% disability, certified by the Competent medical authority of the state Government and whose parental Income from all sources does not exceed ₹2,50,000/- per annum are eligible for full scholarship. | Total 84 students have been benefitted under this scheme. The Scholarship amount is being disbursed at Government of India level. |
| 6 | Dr. Ambedkar Post- Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes (EBC) | All students belonging to Genaral Category (other than SC, ST, OBC) whose total income from all sources in case of the employed candidate and in case of un-employed candidate, his/her parents/guardians income shall not exceed ₹1,00,000 are eligible for full scholarship. | The disbursement is under process. |
Promotion of Sanskrit Education
- Continuous efforts are being made by the State, as well as Central Government to promote Sanskrit Education. The details are as under:
- Award of scholarships to students of High/Senior Secondary School studying Sanskrit.
- Providing grant for the salary of Sanskrit Lecturers for teaching Sanskrit in Secondary schools.
- Modernization of Sanskrit Schools.
- Grant for various schemes for promotion of Sanskrit and for research/research projects.
Teachers Training Programmes
• During 2021-22 the State Council of Educational Research and Training Solan and Government College of Teacher Education Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh organized online Training Programmes and 156 teachers of Government Schools and 99 Principals / Headmasters of colleges and schools have been given training.
Free Text Books
• The State Government provides free text books to all students of 9th and 10th classes. 1,34,626 students have benefitted under this scheme, during 2021-22.
Free Education to Handicapped Children
• Free and compulsory education for children with 40 per cent or above disabilities is being provided in the State upto 10+2 level and they have been exempted from paying any fee and funds upto 10+2 level . Further, Children with special needs are exempt from paying fees up to university level.
Free Education to Girls
• Free education, without any tuition fee, is being provided to girl students in the State up to University level.
Information Technology Education
• Information Technology education is being imparted in all Government Senior Secondary Schools on self finance basis where students have opted for IT education, as an optional subject. The department is charging Information Technology fee of `110 per month per student. The students of SC (BPL) families get a 50 per cent fee concession. In 2021-22, 90,034 students are enrolled in Information Technology education out of which 4,826 SC (BPL) students have benefitted from this scheme.
Samagra Shiksha
Following schemes are running under Samagra Shiksha:
i. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
• The RMSA is running in sharing pattern of 90:10 (90% GOI and 10 % State Government)The activities under RMSA are being taken up to strengthen infrastructure in the existing secondary schools, training in service teachers, self defense training and Kala Utsav with annual grant to schools in the State.
ii. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Project
• To improve and strengthen the teaching and learning activity by using smart class rooms and multi-media teaching aids, department has successfully implemented ICT in 2,555 Government High/ Senior Secondary Schools up to 2021-22 and 117 Government schools are being covered during this financial year.
iii. Vocational Education
• Under the National Skill Qualification Framework Scheme (NSQF), vocational education is being provided in 1,003 schools and 97 more schools will also be covered before 31.03.2022. Under this scheme: trades i.e. Automobile, Information Technology (IT)/ Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS), Tourism & Hospitality, Telecom,
Healthcare, Security, Retail, Agriculture, Media & Entertainment, Banking Finance Services and Insurance, Physical Education , Apparels, Makeups & Home Furnishing, Beauty & Wellness, Electronics & Hardware and plumbing are being taught to the students .
iv. Inclusive Education for Specially abled at Secondary Stage
• Under this scheme, 12 model schools have already been established in all the districts out of which 4 schools are with residential facilities. 7,498 children with special need have been enrolled in Government schools and 28 medical Assessment Camps have also been organized in 2021- 22.
Rashtriya Ucchtar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)
• The Rashtriya Ucchtar Shiksha Abhiyan has been implemented in the State to improve the higher education system. Under this scheme RUSA grant is being given to 70 colleges and Himachal Pradesh University (HPU).
Mukhya Mantri Digital Device Yojana
• Under this scheme, department has proposed to procure 10,000 Smart Phones to be distributed to the meritorious students of class 10th and 12th(4450 students each class) and 900 college students of final year (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com 300 each) with the aim to strengthen the learning activities in schools for the academic session 2021-22. The examination of this session will be held in March, 2022 under Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education, Dharamshala for school students and under HPU, Shimla for college students.
Medha Protsahan Yojana
• The objective of the scheme is to assist meritorious students of Himachal Pradesh by providing them coaching for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)/ National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)/ Indian Institutes of
Technology-Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE)/ All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)/ Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC)/National Defence Academy (NDA)/ Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)/ Staff Selection Commission (SSC)/Banking etc. In total 390 students will benefit from this scheme.
Installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance System
• Budget provision has been made to install CCTV Surveillance System in 100 Government Schools during the year 2021-
22.
Swaran Jayanti Utkrisht Vidalaya and Utkirsht Mahavidyalaya Yojana
• The Higher Education Department, Himachal Pradesh has identified 68 schools of each assembly constituency and designated as Utkrisht Vidyalayas under Swaran Jayanti Utkrisht Vidyalaya Yojana in the current financial year and approved budget of `44.00 lakh for each school for the development and beautification of school campus and environmental friendly features. Beside this, 18 Government Degree colleges have been designated as Utkrisht Mahavidyalya and a budget of ₹75.00 lakh has been approved for these colleges.
Khel Se Swasthaya Yojana
• Sports accessories such as Kabbaddi mats, JUDO mats, Wrestling, Weight lifting and Boxing rings have been provided to 129 Sr. Sec. Schools and 57 Government Colleges to encourage the students for the participation in sports activities under this Yojana in 2021-22. Swaran Jayanti Super 100 Yojana
• The department has started the process to provide financial assistance of `1.00 lakh each to the top 100 meritorious students of 10th class of Government schools for undergoing coaching for admission in professional / technical courses under this Yojana and for the same an amount of ₹1.10 crore has been sanctioned during the financial year 2021-22.
C.V Raman Virtual Class rooms for schools and Colleges
• Under CV Raman Virtual Classroom Yojana, the process of establishing virtual class rooms in 30 schools and 20 colleges is under way in the current financial year 2021-22.
Swaran Jayanti Vidyarthi Anushikshan Yojana
• The Scheme ―Swaran Jayanti Vidyarthi Anushikshan Yojana‖ was launched by the Hon‟ble Governor on 05-09-2021 on the occasion of Teachers Day, under which students of Government schools studying in 9th to +2 classes, get free coaching for JEE-NEET Entrance Exams. For this, study material is being uploaded on ―Har Ghar Pathshala Portal‖ every Saturday and Sunday.
Bachelor of Vocational Degree courses (B.Voc)
• B.Voc Degree Program started in 6 more colleges in 2021-22 in two sectors ―Retail Management‖ and Hospitality & Tourism. These colleges are Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya Shimla, Government Degree College Seema, district Shimla,
Government Degree College Sarkaghat, district Mandi, Government Degree College Ghumarwin, district Bilaspur, Government Degree College Dhaliara, district Kangra and Government Degree College Haripur Manali, district Kullu. In addition to this, placement has been provided to 76 students during the year 2021-22.
Atal School Vardi Yojana
• The department has distributed two sets of school uniforms to 1,72,392 students of 11thand 12th class under Atal School Vardi Yojana and also distributed free text books to 1,24,412 students studying in 9th and 10th class of Government schools during the year 2021-22.
Other initiatives taken by the department during COVID -19
• COVID-19 provided new opportunities to leverage path of technology for students in the field of academic inputs, self study, self assessment and examination in the school system. The students are encouraged to make full use of Digital Learning Initiatives and are also encouraged to keep themselves safe from COVID-19 virus by adopting various safety measures.
• Due to COVID-19, the schools were closed for the last 7 months and the department has provided online education to the students of all classes at their home.
• During COVID-19 pandemic, the department of Higher Education, H.P. has successfully conducted the examination and declared result of the students studying in the Final year of the colleges in the state in the current financial year 2021-22.
• In order to protect the children from COVID-19 disease, all the students aged between 15-18 studying in all the schools in the State have been vaccinated.
Technical Education
• The department is providing Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training and has reached a stage where aspiring students of the State can get admission in Engineering/ Pharmacy in diploma and degree as well as certificate courses in following institutions in Himachal Pradesh:
| Sl. No. | Names of Institute | Number of Institutes |
| 1. | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi at Kamand | 01 |
| 2. | National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur | 01 |
| 3. | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kangra | 01 |
| 4. | Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sirmour | 01 |
| 5. | Indian Institute of Information Technology, Una | 01 |
| 6. | Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Baddi, Tehsil Nalagarh, district Solan. | 01 |
| 7. | Regional Vocational Training Institute (RVTI) for Women at Jhundla, Tehsil Shimla Rural, district Shimla | 01 |
| 8. | Government Engineering Colleges | 05 |
| 9. | Government Pharmacy College | 04 |
| 10 | B-Pharmacy Colleges (Private Sector) | 14 |
| 11. | Engineering Colleges (Private Sector) | 12 |
| 12. | Polytechnics (Government Sector) | 15 |
| 13. | Polytechnics (Private Sector) | 01 |
| 14. | D-Pharmacy Colleges (Private Sector) | 11 |
| 15. | 2nd Shift in Diploma Courses (Private Sector) | 03 |
| 16. | Co-educational Industrial Training Institutes (Government Sector) | 115 |
| 17. | State of the Art ITIs | 11 |
| 18. | Model Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Nalagarh and Sansarpur (Government Sector) | 02 |
| 19. | Industrial Training Institutes (women) (Government Sector) | 09 |
| 20. | ITI for Persons with specially abled at Sundernagar (Government Sector) | 01 |
| 21. | Motor Driving School at Una in Government Sector | 01 |
| 22. | ITIs (Private Sector) | 151 |
| 23. | Vocational Training Centre | 02 |
| Total | 370 |
- Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme Phase-III (TEQIP-III) was started from April, 2017 which ended in September, 2021. Three colleges of the State viz Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College, Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Engineering College and Himachal Technical University have been selected under this project with an initial project cost of `10.00 crore to each of the selected
Institution and - 20.00 crore sanctioned to Himachal Pradesh Technical University and an amount of `28.56 crore has been spent by the three engineering colleges and `10.29 crore has been spent by the Himachal Pradesh Technical University during this financial year.
Short Term Training under Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project
• Under Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project (HPSDP), Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN) has signed a MoU with 61 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) for providing National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) aligned Short Term Skill Training to youth of Himachal Pradesh. At present, 8,398 candidates of 58
Government ITIs are undergoing training. Under this project, the target for 3 years is 38,181 trainees for 106 of job roles.
Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) Project
• 19 ITIs have been selected under Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely STRIVE to upgrade the infrastructure of these ITIs, so that quality training could be imparted to the trainees and an amount of `30.71 crore has been allocated under this scheme. For 2020-21, `12.24 crore have been sanctioned by Government of India and transferred to ITIs as per their allocation and `11.80 crore has been allocated for State directorate. The funds to the tune of `2.83 crore have been received in the State in the financial year 2021-22 and a sum of ₹30.00 lakh has been received under State Project Implementation Unit.
Initiatives taken in view of COVID-19
- More faculties have been trained through offline/online Faculty development Programme conducted by National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), National Institute of Technology (NIT) etc.
- Conducted online/offline admission and counselling process with respect to engineering and pharmacy courses for the year 2021-22 and started the classes of admitted students as per All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)/State Government institutions. Besides, the classes of existing students are being arranged offline mode and wherever required online mode.
- Singing of workable MOUs with the reputed industries/institutions for better industry -Academic Interactions in order to provide training to both faculty and students.
Health
Health and Family Welfare • State Government‟s vision is to ensure good health and well being of all citizens of the State by providing good health services, elimination of communicable and non- communicable diseases and also expanding its health care service in this decade. State has made considerable progress on this front and is in better position in health indicators than the rest of the Nation. In Himachal Pradesh, Health and Family Welfare department is providing services which include curative, preventive, primitive and rehabilitative services through a network of Hospitals, Community Health Centers etc.
Various Programmes of Health Department in the State
| Sr. No. | Programme | Brief Description |
| 1 | National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme | 1,59,511 slides were examined out of which 15 slides were found positive during 2021-22.No death due to malaria was reported during this period. |
| 2 | National Leprosy Eradication Programme | While the prevalence rate was 5.14 during 1995-96 which has been reduced to 0.18 per ten thousand during 2021-22. New cases of Leprosy detected were 93 till December, 2021. |
| 3 | National T.B. Elimination Programme (NTEP)/ Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) | Total 14,465 new patients including 1296 patients notified from private sector were diagnosed during the year 2021. After installation of 2 Cartridge based Nucleic Acid and Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machines State has got universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) performance of 95 per cent, one of the highest in India. State has rolled out the incentives of 500 per patient to all TB patients for nutritional support as per GoI mandate.
Till date over 17.65 crore has been transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer ( DBT) under Nikshay Poshan Yojana to all Tuberculosis (TB )/ (Drug Resistant Tuberculoses (DRTB) patients. In the year 2021 the state has paid `6.00 crore to all Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) patients from this scheme. |
| 4 | National Programme for Control of Blindness | Upto December, 2021, 24,400 cataract operations have been performed. |
| 5 | National Family Welfare Programme | This is carried out in the State on the basis of community needs assessment approach. Under this programme, 1,349 sterilizations, 1,299 Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD), 73 Post Abortion Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PAIUCD), 4,765 Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device (I.U.C.D). insertions were done and 3,948 Antara Injectable Contraceptive users got benefitted upto November, 2021. |
| 6 | Universal Immunization Programme | This is implemented with an aim to reduce the morbidity and mortality among mothers, children and infants. The vaccine preventable diseases viz. Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertusis, Neo-natal, Tetanus, Pneumonia, Poliomyelitis and Measles and Rubella have shown remarkable reduction. |
| 7 | Himachal Health Care Scheme (HIMCARE) | Himachal Health Care (HIMCARE) Scheme is for the families which are not covered under Ayushman Bharat or are not entitled to avail the Government Medical Reimbursement. The cashless treatment coverage is `5.00 lakh per year. Till date 5.13 lakh families have been registered and 2.19 lakh beneficiaries have availed cashless treatment amounting to `198.19 crore since the inception of the scheme. |
| 8 | Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) | Ayushman Bharat provide health insurance coverage of `5.00 lakh per family per year. In Himachal Pradesh approximately 4.78 lakh families are entitled to get cashless treatment. About 4.26 lakh families have received the golden cards and 1.19 lakh beneficiaries have availed cashless treatment amounting to `143.31 crore since the inception of the scheme. |
| 9 | Health and Wellness Centres | All health Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) which are 553,1573 and 20 in number have been notified as HWCs. |
| 10 | National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes and Stroke | Under this programme following schemes have been running:
a) Tele stroke Project |
| 11 | Adolescent Health Programme | During the year 2021-22, 12,21,166 Sanitary Napkins were sold to adolescent girls @ `1.00 per pact (6 napkins) upto December, 2021. |
| 12 | National AIDS Control Programme |
35,989 people have availed services of these Reproductive Tract Infection/Sexually Transmitted Infection (RTI/STI) clinics. c) Blood Safety – up to November, 2021, 352 VBD camps have been organized. d) Anti Retroviral Treatment Programme – State has four Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla, Regional Hospital (RH) Hamirpur, Medical College, Nerchowk, Mandi, Dr. Rajinder Prashad Government Medical College (Dr.RPGMC) Tanda and 2 Frequency Actuated Rectal Tremor (FART) centres at Una & Bilaspur and 5 link Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centers to provide free drugs to HIV/AIDS patients e) Targeted interventions – 18 targeted interventions project are being implemented in the State for high risk groups, 7,302 people have availed the Reproductive Tract Infection/Sexually Transmitted Infection (RTI/STI) services and 11,008 high risk groups were screened and out of these 7 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive cases were detected up to November, 2021. |
Medical Education and Research
• Presently six Medical Colleges and one Dental College are functioning under this Directorate of Medical Education and Research in Government sector, besides, this one medical college and four Dental Colleges are there in private sector.
The institution wise allocation and expenditure of funds during 2021-22 up to December, 2021 is given in the following table:
• Institution wise Allocation and Expenditure.
| Name of Institution | Allocation | Expenditure |
|
270.46 | 189.73 |
| 2. Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College (HPGDC) | 23.84 | 20.62 |
| 3. Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College(HPGDC) | 181.27 | 140.69 |
| 4. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Government Medical College ( Dr. YSPGMC) Nahan | 68.27 | 50.61 |
| 5. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College (Pt. JLNGMC), Chamba | 63.44 | 48.10 |
| 6. Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College (Dr. RK GMC), Hamirpur | 62.10 | 56.38 |
| 7. Sh. Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College (SLBSGMC), Nerchowk, Mandi | 85.38 | 72.62 |
| 8. Atal Medical and Research University, Mandi at Nerchowk | 10.17 | 7.63 |
| 9. Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities at Shimla | 5.04 | 2.65 |
Academic Achievements
Academic achievements in Medical Education and Research are as follows:
i. Bachelor of Medicines and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Post Graduate (PG): During academic session 2021-22, total 870 MBBS seats were filled in Government and Private Sector (720 in Government and 150 in (Private Sector). Another 309 Post Graduate (PG) seats in various specialties were allotted in Indira Ghandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla, Dr. Rajinnder Prashad Government Medical College (Dr. RPGMC) Tanda and Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Solan.
ii. Bachelor of Dental Surgery ( BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS):
355 Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) seats and 95 Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) seats were filled in both Government and Private sector during Academic Session 2021-22.
iii. Nursing : 280 seats for Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) training course, 1,540 seats for General Nursing and Midwifery(GNM) course, 1,780 B.Sc. Nursing, 435 Post Basic B.Sc Nursing and 181 seats for M.Sc Nursing Degree course have been approved in various Government and Private institutions during academic session 2021-22,
iv. Scholarship/Stipend: State Government has enhanced the stipend of Bachelor of Medicines and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Intern students from `15,000 to `17,000 per month.
v. Diplomate of National Board (DNB) Courses: DNB Courses in various specialties have been started in all the new Medical Colleges of the State. Super Specialty courses in cardiology, Neurosurgery, Neurology and Gastrology are being run in IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC Tanda.
Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH)
• AYUSH Vibhag plays a vital role in the Health Care System of the State of Himachal Pradesh. AYUSH was established in 1984, Health Care services are being provided to the general public through AYUSH health infrastructure in the State. To meet out this objective, State AYUSH Policy, 2019 was framed and notified on 6th November, 2019. Under this policy, 52 MoUs worth `1,335.25 crore were signed with prospective Investors in AYUSH Sector.
Availability of AYUSH Health Infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh
| Sr. No. | Institution | Numbers (upto December, 2021) |
| 1 | Post Graduate (PG) Ayurvedic College | 1 |
| 2 | College of Pharmaceutical Science | 1 |
| 3 | Regional Hospitals | 2 |
| 4 | Ayurvedic Hospitals | 21 |
| 5 | Nature Cure Hospital | 1 |
| 6 | Ayurvedic Health Centres | 945 |
| 7 | AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres | 240 |
| 8 | Research Institute in Indian System of Medicines/Herbal Gardens | 4 |
| 9 | Drug Testing Laboratory | 1 |
| 10 | Unani Health Centers | 3 |
| 11 | Homoeopathic Health Centers | 14 |
| 12 | Amchi clinics | 4 |
| 13 | Ayurvedic Pharmacies | 3 |
| Total | 1250 |
Major Achievements under AYUSH
| Achievements under the head | Achievements in 2021-22 (upto December, 2021) |
| Achievements in 2021-22 (upto December, 2021) | Achievements in 2021-22 (upto December, 2021) |
| Ayurvedic Education | Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) seats were enhanced from 60 to 75 and Post Graduate seats were enhanced from 39 to 56 in the academic session 2020-21. |
| Poshan Abhiyan | A project for prevention of Anemia under Poshan Abhiyan is being run in 3 Development Blocks, covering 842 villages of 118 Panchyats this programme is still in continuation, which is funded by Women and Child Development Department:
a) Bangana, District Una. b) Tissa, District Chamba. c) Bhoranj, District Hamirpur |
| School Adoption Programme | Underthis Programme Ayurvedic Medical Officers visited schools nearby to Academic Health Centre (AHC) and made aware students on personal hygiene, drug abuse and also organized health talks. |
| Weekly Yog Divas | The „Weekly Yog Divas‟ in 697 Academic Health Centres (AHCs) on every Friday have been managed benefiting 78,504 persons. |
| Jan Manch | This is a very popular programme of State Government in which free medical camps have been organized and benefited 5,334 persons. |
| T.B. Mukt Himachal Abhyan | This programme is going on in the State and AYUSH Vibhag is working in convergence with Health department. |
| Free Ayurvedic Medicines to Senior Citizens | As per the budget announcement of the Chief Minister during 2021-22, free Ayurvedic Medicines were provided to the senior citizens of the State and benefited 2,96,106 senior citizens. |
| Benefits to Farmers and Others | Subsidy of `39.37 lakh was released to 152 farmers for cultivation of medicinal Plants.
Online License for Ayurvedic Pharmacy has been started facilitating Manufacturing Firms to get new License as well as its renewal in a transparent manner. Registration of Degree/Diploma in Ayurveda Board has been done online |
| Ayush Ghar Dwar | In order to overcome the physical and mental stress of COVID-19 patients under Home Isolation, AYUSH Department in association with Art of Living, Yog Bharti Foundation initiated a wellness programme ―AYUSH Ghar Dwar ―on 14th May 2021. In the first phase the programme nearly catered to 31,375 people under home Isolation through 1,035 virtual groups on WhatsApp, Zoom etc. The programme was widely accepted by the population and the second phase of the Programme was launched on 7th June 2021 so that the outreach of the programme could be increased and the general population was also included into the programme. At present 1,670 virtual groups have been formulated under the programme ad nearly 20,20,401 people have been covered in the programme. Nearly 83,178 live sessions have been organized under the programme and nearly 7,07026 participants have been recorded. |
Development of Herbal Resources
• One Model Nursery in public sector is being established Under Medicinal Plant Component of National Ayush Mission by spending `25.00 lakh at Jogindernagar and two small nurseries were established by spending `12.50 lakh at Kullu and Shimlaby Himalayan Forest Research Institute. The cultivation of Medicinal Plants is also being promoted in 70 hectare area in farmers land with subsidy component of `54.44 lakh. One drying shed and one storage Godown has been constructed for medicinal plants in Charak Government Ayurvedic Pharmacy- Paprola, District Kangra.
• Status of COVID-19
• As of 29th January, 2022, a total of 42,64,741 persons were tested for COVID -19 and 2,63,914 were found to be COVID-19 positive. Of these, 2,48,802 recovered but unfortunately, there were 3,944 COVID-19 deaths.
i. Status of COVID-19 Vaccination
The process of COVID-19 vaccination was started on 16th Janurary, 2021 in the State. As per COVID-19 Portal as of 30th January, 2022 the total number of doses given were 1,19,20,817, of which 1st dose given to 62,77,737 and 2nd dose to 55,51,179. In addition to this 91,901 doses were given as precautionary dose.
The vaccination process for the age group 15 to 18 years has started from 3rd January, 2022. The 1st dose of COVAXIN has been given to 3,88,301 children.
The Precautionary vaccination process for Health Care Workers (HCW), Frontline Workers (FLW) and 60+ comorbidities group has started from 10th January, 2022. As of now 32,658 HCW, 14,848 FLW and 44,395 persons of the age group of 60 plus suffering from comorbidities have been vaccinated.
ii. Initiatives taken to effectively deal with COVID-19 Pandemic
Keeping in view the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic, State Government had taken various steps from onset of the pandemic as per the Government of India directions to control the spread of this pandemic in 1st and 2nd wave and the State Government is well prepared to tackle the 3rd wave also. In order to curb COVID-19 Pandemic, the guidelines have been issued from time to time and preparedness is ramped up as per case load. The following initiatives have been taken for containment and management of COVID -19 in the State.
iii. Surveillance and Contact Tracing
Contact tracing teams was formulated in the districts for containing of the spread of COVID-19. The containment Zones in the districts were notified by the district administration. The active surveillance is being carried out at containment zones and passive surveillance in the buffer zones by health workers. Micro plans for containing local transmission of Corona Virus Disease (COVID)-19 were formulated. All the COVID-19 patients in the home isolation in rural and urban areas are being regularly monitored by the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Worker in the respective areas. COVID-19 Sero Survey has been conducted all over the state from 1st September 2021 to 15th September 2021.
iv. Information Education and Communication (IEC)
The people in the State are being made aware of preventive measures regularly through mass media campaigns. A special campaign of ―Suraksha Ki Yukti- Corona Se Mukti” has effectively being launched throughout the state for awareness of the general public. The Public representatives are generating awareness in the respective areas regularly under leadership of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers. The tourists visiting the State are regularly made aware through different IEC media to follow preventive measure relating to COVID -19.
v. Testing
All contacts of COVID-19 positive cases and COVID-19 suspects with Influenza- Like Illness/Severe Acute Respiratory Infection symptoms are target population for testing. In order to further increase the testing in the state, walk in kiosks were established at the suitable places in all major towns of the state for rapid antigen testing during preferred timing every day. Auto SMS to all persons being tested for COVID-19 by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Rapid Antigen are being sent as soon as result is available. This has reduced the unnecessary travel/wait/anxiety for want of result by general public and has brought more transparency in reporting/sharing of result. Jeevan Dhara- Mobile Health and Wellness Centre have been initiated to provide healthcare services for the populations living in remote, inaccessible underserved areas. It is also used for testing the COVID-19 suspects in remote areas.
vi. Treatment and Management
In order to minimize mortality and morbidity of the general population non COVID-19 Health services were enabled. Essential Health services were resumed in the month of April, directions for routine surgeries in non COVID-19 facilities were given in the month of August, Maternal and obstetric care services alongwith immunization were in continuation. Dedicated facilities were created for management of COVID-19 patients depending upon severity of illness. During the second wave of COVID-19, it was ensured that all the patients being admitted to the medical colleges received the best Medical care and there was no shortage of oxygen or any medicines.
vii. Strengthening of Health systems/infrastructure
To provide quality health care to COVID-19 patients in Himachal Pradesh, oxygen cylinders and oxygen manifold were procured in a timely manner and provided to all the dedicated COVID-19 facilities. Also ventilators provided by GOI were installed in the facilities in order to manage the critical COVID-19 patients. Installation of High Pressure Pipe of Oxygen and 50 LMS Oxygen Plant at Palampur, NRV Pipe line of Oxygen at Una, PSA Plant and Manifold System at Tauni Devi and Bhoranj is under process.
To handle any unanticipated increase in COVID-19 cases Makeshift Hospitals were established at Nalagarh (Solan), Radha
Swami Satsang Bhawan Solan, Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda
(Kangra), Dedicated Covid Health Centre (DCHC) Parour Kangra, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College & Hospital Nerchowk (Mandi), DCHC Radha Soami Satsang Beas Khaliyar Mandi and Pakawah Una. These facilities are utilized as per the need of the area/hospital.
Health Index- Status of Himachal Pradesh Introduction
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has released the Fourth Edition of the State Health Index for 2019–
20.The report, titled ―Healthy States, Progressive India‖, ranks states and Union Territories on their year-to-year incremental performance in health outcomes as well as their overall status. It is developed by NITI Aayog, with technical assistance from the World Bank, and in close consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). It is a weighted composite index based on 24 indicators for larger states grouped under the domains of „Health Outcomes‟, „Governance and Information‟, and „Key Inputs/Processes‟.
Methodology
Observations
1. H.P is placed under Deteriorated rank category as its overall performance rank has slipped to 7th in reference year (2019-20) from 6th in the Base Year (2018-19).
2. The categorization of States has been done based upon Overall Performance and Incremental Performance between Base Year and Reference Year:
Overall Performance: States are categorised on the basis of Reference Year (2019-20) Index Score range: Front-runners: top onethird (Index Score>64.99), Achievers: middle one-third (Index Score between 47.78 and 64.99), Aspirants: lowest one-third (Index Score<47.78).
Incremental Performance: It is categorised on the basis of Incremental Index Score Range: Not Improved (0 or less), Least Improved (0.01-2.0), moderately Improved (2.01-4.0) and Most Improved (more than 4.0)
3. Therefore, in terms of Overall Performance, Himachal Pradesh is an Achiever but falls in the category of not improved states in Incremental Performance due to negative incremental change.
4. In Health Outcome Domain, H.P‟s Health outcome score is 68.76 with a positive incremental change of 2.26.
5. In Governance and Information Domain, H.P‟s Governance and Information Index score is 47.99 with a negative incremental change of 18.02.
6. In Key Inputs and Processes Domain, H.P‟s Key Inputs and Processes score is 51.65 with a positive incremental change of 4.20.
Social Welfare Programme
Social Welfare and Welfare of Other Backward Classes:
The Social Justice and Empowerment Department of the State is engaged in socio-economic and educational upliftment of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, infirms, specially abled, orphans children, widows, destitute, poor children and women etc. The following pension schemes are being implemented under social welfare programmes:
Social Security Pension Schemes of the State
Self Employment Scheme
The Department is also providing funds to three Corporations viz; Himachal Pradesh Minorities finance and Development Corporation, Himachal Pradesh Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation and Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe Corporation under the head investment for the running of various self employment schemes. There is budget provision of `13.00 crore for the year 2021-22 and upto 31.12.2021 an amount of `4.495 crore have been released.
Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan
The various programmes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes are being implemented effectively. Although the Scheduled Castes communities are deriving benefits under the normal Plan as well as Tribal Area Development Plan, yet in order to provide special coverage under individual beneficiaries programmes and development of infrastructure in Scheduled Castes concentrated villages, 25.19 per cent of the total State Development plan allocation is earmarked for Scheduled Castes Development Plan.
During 2021-22 of `2,369.22 crore is being spent under Scheduled Castes Development Plan for the welfare of scheduled castes in the state.
Various Schemes of the State for the Welfare of SC/ST, OBCs and Minorities
| Schemes | Brief description |
| Award for Inter-caste Marriage | `50,000 is being given for inter caste marriages.
During the year 2020-21 a budget provision of `3.10 crore has been provided and 48 couples were benefited with an amount of `24.00 lakh up to 31.12.2021. |
| Swaran Jayanti Ashray Yojana/Housing Subsidy | SC, ST, OBC are given subsidy of `1,50,000 per family for house construction for those whose annual income is less than `35,000. During the year 2021-22 an amount of ₹68.48 crore has been provided in the budget and 4,565 persons were benefited up to 31.12.2021. |
| Training and Proficiency in Computer Applications and Allied | Candidates belonging to SC, ST OBC, BPL, Minorities, Specially Abled, single woman and widow or those whose annual income is less than `2.00 lakh. `1,350 per month and `1,500 for specially abled are provided by State government for training. |
| Activities | Six month placement is provided in the organization/offices to gain proficiency in computer applications. During this period
`1,500 per month per candidate is provided and `1,800 per month for specially abled student. During the year 2021-22 a budget provision of `4.60 crore has been provided and an amount of `36.82 lakh has been spent up to 31.12.2021 against the target of 4,426 candidates. |
| Follow up Programme: | SC, ST and OBC whose annual income does not exceed from `35,000 per annum are given `1,300 for purchase of tools for carpentry, weaving, lather work etc. and `1,800 for purchase of sewing machine.
For the year 2021-22, a budget provision of `1.46 crore has been provided and an amount of `2.75 lakh has been spent benefitting 153 persons against target of 8,111 up to 31.12.2021. |
| Compensation to Victims of Atrocities on Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Prevention of Atrocities (POA) Act-1989 | Relief amounting to`85,000 to`8.25 lakh is provided to the victims of atrocity.
During the year 2021-22 a budget provision of`3.07 crore has been provided and an amount of `2.11 crore was spent up to 31.12.2021 for providing compensation to 199 victims. |
| Assistance to Civil services Coaching | One time financial assistance of `30,000 to Bonafide Himachalis who qualify the preliminary examination for Civil Services. During the year 2021-22, budget provision of `5.00 lakh has been provided against which `1.80 lakh has been provided to 6 aspirants. |
| Specially Abled scholarship | To all categories children of having special ability of 40 per cent. Scholarship has been given from `625 to `3,750 per month for day scholars and`1,875 to `5,000 per month for boarders. Against the budget provision of`1.04 crore up to 31.12.2021 an amount of `57.79 lakh has been spent for providing scholarship to 352 students. |
| Marriage Grant to Individuals Marrying with Special Abled persons | To encourage able bodied young men or girls to marry the specially abled of having 40 to 69 per cent special ability are given `25,000 and above 70 per cent special ability are given `50,000.
Against the budget provision of `88.00 lakh up to 31.12.2021 an amount of `43.74 lakh has been spent benefitting to 130 beneficiaries. |
| Awareness Generation and Orientation | The budget provision of `7.00 lakh for the year 2021-22 has been made to organize block and district level composite camps for representative of SHGs, NGOs and PRI working for persons with disabilities. |
| Self Employment | Specially abled persons having special ability of 40 per cent and above are provided loans by the Himachal Pradesh Minorities Finance and Development Corporation for setting up small ventures. During 2021-22 up to 31.12.2021 loan amounting to `3.24 crore have been released and 57 special ability persons have been benefitted. |
| Institutions of Children with Special Needs | Two institutes at Dhalli and Sundernagar have been set up in the State for providing education and vocational rehabilitation services to visually and hearing impaired children.
Against the budget provision of `180.99 lakh up to 31.12.2021 an amount of `98.40 lakh has been spent. State Government is providing grant under Atmanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM) scheme & Free boarding lodging & Medical Facilities to 158 inmates of different Ashrams of the state @ `5,500 per inmate per month. A budget provision of `106.88 lakh has been made against which `105.37 lakh has been spent up to 31.12.2021. |
| Special ability Rehabilitation Centres | Two Special ability Rehabilitation Centres have been set up at Hamirpur and Dharamshala. During the year 2021-22 an amount of `2.12 lakh has been provided. |
| Half Way Homes for Rehabilitation of Mentally ill | Two half way homes have been established in the State during Financial Year 2021-22.
A budget provision of `1.10crore has been made for these 2 half way Homes during current financial year. |
Women State Home Mashobra
The main purpose of the scheme is to provide free shelter, food, clothing, education, health and medicines, counseling and vocational training to the young girls, widows, deserted, destitute and women who are in moral danger. At present children inmates are living in State home, Mashobra. For rehabilitation of such women after leaving State Home, financial assistance up to ₹25,000 per woman is provided. In case of marriage financial assistance of ₹51,000 is also provided to women.
One Stop Centre
One Stop Centre is a Central Sponsored Scheme. The main objectives of the scheme are to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, in both private and public spaces under one roof; and to facilitate immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counselling support. Presently one ―One Stop Centre‖ has been set up in Head Quarter of each District in Himachal Pradesh.
Mahila Shakti Kendra
Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme is approved under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao at Block level in all the districts of Himachal Pradesh. The objective of the scheme is to empower rural women through community participation. Student volunteers will play an instrumental role in awareness generation regarding various important government schemes/programmes as well as social issues.
Saksham Gudiya Board
The main objective of the scheme is to make recommendations for the policies for empowerment of girl child/ adolescent girls, acts, rules, policies and programme related to safety and security to review the implementation of various programmes being run by different departments for upliftment and empowerment and for protection of crime against girl child/adolescent girl.
Various Schemes of the State for the Welfare of Women, Child and Girl
| Schemes | Brief description |
| Child Protection Scheme | The State has 43 Child Care Institutions, comprising of 36 Children Homes, 2 Observation Home-cum-Special, Home-cum- Place of safety, 4 Open shelters and 1 Shishu Grih. |
| Mukhymantri Bal Udhar Yojana | Financial assistance is provided to children after leaving Child Care Institutions after completing age of 18 years for pursuing Higher/professional education. |
| Bal/Balika Surksha Yojana and Foster Care Programme | An amount of `2,000 per child per month is sanctioned in favor of foster parents for maintenance of children and `500 per child per month are sanctioned on account of additional assistance from the State. |
| Rehabilitation Support to Minor Victims of Rape and Child Abuse and Objectification Background | The objective of this scheme is to restore self-confidence and dignity of minor victim of rape and child abuse through intensive counseling, financial security, skill up-gradation, rehabilitation and livelihood support. On confirmation of the crime, financial assistance of `7,500 per month is provided to the victim till the age of 21 years. |
| Integrated Child Development Services | The department is providing Supplementary Nutrition, Nutrition and Health Education, Immunization, Health check-ups Referral Services and Non Formal Pre-School Education based on 90:10 ratio by Centre and State. |
| Supplementary Nutrition Programme | Supplementary nutrition is provided in Anganwari Centres to children, pregnant/ lactating mothers and severely malnourished children through 78 blocks in 18,925 Anganwadi Centres. For the year 2020-21 under supplementary Nutrition Programme there is a budget provision of `71.10 crore as Central Share and ` 7.90 crore as state share. |
| Mukhya Mantri Kanyadaan Yojana | Under this programme marriage grant of `51,000 is being given to the guardians of the destitute girls for their marriages provided their annual income does not exceed `35,000. |
| Self Employment Assistance for Women | Under this scheme `5,000 are provided to the women having annual income less than `35,000 for carrying income generating activities. |
| Widow Re-marriage Scheme | The main objective of the scheme is to help in rehabilitation of widow after re-marriage, ` 50,000 is given to couple under this scheme. |
| Mother Teresa Asahay Matri Sambal Yojana | The aim of this scheme is to provide assistance of `6,000 per child per annum only for two children to the destitute women belonging to the BPL family for the maintenance of their children till they attain the age of 18 years and whose family income does not exceed `35,000. |
| Vishesh Mahila Utthan yojana | The scheme has been formulated for rehabilitation of physically and sexually abused women through Technical and vocational Training. There is a provision to provide of stipend @ `3,000per month and a test fee of `800per trainee at the end of the training period. |
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | This is implemented in Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Solan, Sirmour, Shimla, Bilaspur and Mandi |
| scheme | districts of Himachal Pradesh with the objective of preventing gender biased sex selective elimination. |
| Beti Hai Anmol Yojana | Under this scheme Post Birth Grant has been increased from `12,000 to `21,000w.e.f. 12.08.2021 by merging the scholarship into post birth grant component for two girls only belonging to BPL families. |
| Scheme for Adolescent Girls | This aims to support out of school Adolescent Girls of 11-14 years age to back to formal schooling or bridge learning, improving their nutritional and health status on the basis of 90:10 between Centre and State Government. |
| Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana | This scheme provides `5,000 incentive to the pregnant women and lactating mothers in three installments. During 2021-22 an amount of `16.36 crore has been credited in the bank accounts of 34,504 women. |
| Sashakat Mahila Yojana | This scheme covers 11-45 years females and focus on promotion of socio-economic empowerment of rural women by creating awareness about their right and -facilitating institutional support for enabling them to realize their right and develop/utilize their full potential. One time seed money of `35,000 per SHG per development block is granted for income generating activities to make them self reliant and award money of `5,000 per girl child is granted to 5 topper girls each from 10th and 12th board examination basis from each district. |
Trends in Social Sector Expenditure in Himachal Pradesh
The increase in expenditure on social services sector affirms the commitment of the government towards social well-being. The expenditure on social services (education, health and others) by the State as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased to 9.72 per cent from 8.48 per cent, during the period 2016-17 to 2021-22 (Advanced Estimate-A). An increase is witnessed across all social sectors during this period. For education, it increased from 4.17 per cent in 2016-17 to 4.72 per cent in 2021-22 and for health from 1.42 to 1.70 per cent during the same period. The share of expenditure on social services out of total budgetary expenditure increased to
33.91 per cent in 2021-22 (A) from 29.52 per cent in 2016-17.
CHAPTER : 14 – RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PANCHAYATI RAJ
Rural Development
Rural Development Department implements poverty alleviation, employment generation and area development programmes in the rural areas of the State. The following State and Centrally sponsored developmental schemes and programmes are being implemented in the State.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY- NRLM)
The Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) has been replaced by the DAY-NRLM w.e.f 01-04-2013 in the State. This programme is one of the flagship programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India (MoRD, GoI) which aims to reduce poverty by enabling the poor households to access gainful self- employment and skilled wage employment opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. NRLM is being implemented across the State in 86 blocks.
The main features of this programme are as under:
i. Women employment through providing opportunities for livelihood earnings of all rural households by giving them necessary training under NRLM.
ii. In this Financial Year, to impart training and to strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Organizations (VOs), State Rural Livelihood Mission has imparted training to 390 Internal Community Resource Persons (ICRPs). State has identified 5 active women from each block of the State and after imparting training in coordination with National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) Hyderabad, these ICRPs are deployed in their respective block every month to form new SHGs and to impart training to existing SHGs from time to time about panchsutra (regular meetings, regular savings, internal lending, regular repayment and bookkeeping) bank transactions, record keeping and schemes of other departments.
iii. In Himachal Pradesh more than 30,987 women SHGs, 873 VOs and 15 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) have been formed. Under the NRLM Programme, women SHGs have been provided with financial assistance in the form of Start-up Fund, Revolving Fund (RF) and Community Investment Fund (CIF). The incentives being provided to the women SHGs are as under:
i. Interest Subvention:
SHGs will be eligible for interest subvention on credit upto `3.00 lakh at 7 per cent rate of interest per annum. SHGs availing capital subsidy under SGSY in their existing credit outstanding will not be eligible for benefit under this scheme. In addition to this, the scheme has been segregated into two categories of districts, category-I comprises of four districts (Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Una) and are covered under MoRD, GoI and remaining districts are covered under Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (HPSRLM) and will fall in category-II. For category-I districts banks will lend to SHGs at 7 per cent of interest upto an aggregated loan amount of `3.00 lakh. The SHGs will also get additional interest subvention of 3 per cent on prompt payment reducing the effective rate of interest to 4 per cent. For category-II districts banks will charge the SHGs as per their respective lending norms and the difference between the lending rates and 7 per cent subject to maximum limit of 5.5 per cent will be subverted by HPSRLM in the loan accounts of the SHGs.
ii. Financial aid through Revolving Fund (RF) and Community Investment Fund (CIF):
Under NRLM, SHGs and higher level Federations (village organizations and cluster/block level federation) of poor women have been formed. On performance basis, three months after the formation, SHGs are provided with Revolving Fund amounting to `15 thousand, if the group regularly holds meetings, keeps records of savings, inter-person loans and repayments. HPSRLM has disbursed RF amounting to `32.10 crore to more than 17,939 SHGs. As a result the SHGs are now actively participating in the income generation activities and initiating their own startup to improve their livelihoods and social status.
iii. Startup Funds: All SHGs are provided `2,500 and VOs are provided ₹45,000 on Startup fund instantly after its formation. HPSRLM has started disbursing Startup Funds from 2018-19 and as of December, 2021, `4.40 crore has been disbursed to 17,784 SHGs and `2.40 crore to 532 VOs.
iv. Revolving Fund (RF): Revolving fund of ten to fifteen thousand would be provided to those SHGs who have been practicing Punchsutra for the last 3 months and as of December, 2021, `32.10 crore has been disbursed to 17,939 SHGs.
v. Community Investment Fund (CIF): Community Investment Fund of `50 thousand would be provided to each SHG who have adopted regular internal lending of savings and revolving fund to the members by small loans for the last 6 months. These funds will be routed through the VOs to the SHGs in the shape of loan, 458 VOs, who are performing well, are covered under this scheme and are given additional funds amounting to `12.28 crore as CIF from NRLM.
vi. Him Ira SHG Shop: To provide a sustainable livelihood opportunity to the SHG members and market linkage to the product produced by Self-Help groups, the state Government in the budget 2020-21 had announced to open the Him Ira shops managed and operated by the women SHG member, in every Assembly Constituency. The Rural Development department has decided to open 100 Him Ira SHG shops in the State. From April, 2021 to November, 2021 total sale recorded of 40 operational Him Ira shops is
v. Community Investment Fund (CIF): Community Investment Fund of `50 thousand would be provided to each SHG who have adopted regular internal lending of savings and revolving fund to the members by small loans for the last 6 months. These funds will be routed through the VOs to the SHGs in the shape of loan, 458 VOs, who are performing well, are covered under this scheme and are given additional funds amounting to `12.28 crore as CIF from NRLM.
vi. Him Ira SHG Shop: To provide a sustainable livelihood opportunity to the SHG members and market linkage to the product produced by Self-Help groups, the state Government in the budget 2020-21 had announced to open the Him Ira shops managed and operated by the women SHG member, in every Assembly Constituency. The Rural Development department has decided to open 100 Him Ira SHG shops in the State. From April, 2021 to November, 2021 total sale recorded of 40 operational Him Ira shops is `45.00 lakh. In addition the department is organizing Him Ira weekly markets in 58 Development Blocks and total sale recorded `44.18 lakh from April to November, 2021.
Mukhya Mantri One Bigha Scheme
Mukhya Mantri One Bigha Scheme, launched in the month of May 2020, is a convergence scheme between NRLM & Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Any woman of a registered SHG with NRLM can avail the benefit of this scheme up to ₹1.00 lakh if she holds MGNERGA job card. Under this scheme, 11,271 applications were sanctioned. On the basis of sanctioned applications, 6,649 works were started and 1,756 works completed with total expenditure of `18.72 crore.
Deen Dyal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojna (DDU-GKY)
Deen Dyal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana is being implemented in the State through Rural Development Department and is the flagship scheme of MoRD, GoI. The main purpose is to provide skills to rural youth, who are poor and provide jobs with regular monthly wages at or above the minimum wages. The benefits under this scheme are:
- 70 per cent of the trained candidates get placements in various sectors.
- Training and Hostel facility is given free of cost.
- Course duration varies from 3-12 months.
- Candidate’s post placement tracking is done for one year.
Watershed Development Programme
With the objective to develop wasteland/ degraded lands, drought-prone and desert areas and to restore the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing natural resources, integrated wastelands development programme is being implemented on watershed approach in the State. This programme is being implemented on the funding pattern of 90:10 between Centre and State.
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G)
The PMAY-G aims to provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all homeless households and households living in kutcha and dilapidated buildings, by 2022. The cost of unit (house) is shared between Central and State Government in the ratio of 90:10. Under this scheme, a financial assistance of `1.50 lakh from 2019-20 is being provided to the beneficiaries for construction of a house. The State Government has sanctioned an amount of `20 thousand in addition to building unit cost of `1.30 lakh, from 201920. The MoRD, GoI has allocated the target of 3,514 numbers of houses for the financial year 2021-22 under Awas plus survey. As of December, 2021 out of allocated target department has sanctioned 1,620 numbers of houses.
Mukhaya Mantri Awaas Yojana (MMAY)
The State Government had announced this scheme for all categories of Below Poverty Line. There is a planned budget provision in current year 2021-22 of `20.93 crore and 1,257 houses of all categories have been proposed to be constructed in the State.
Saansad Adrash Gram Yojana (SAGY)
The main objective of the SAGY is to ensure to holistic development of the identified Gram Panchayats and quality through improved basic amenities, higher productivity, enhanced human development, better livelihood opportunities and reduced disparities, access to rights and entitlements, wider social mobilization and enriched social capital. Under Phase-II of SAGY implementation, the following Villages have been identified:
| Name of Member of Parliament (MP) | Name of Village/GP Selected under SAGY | Name of Dev. Block | District | Parliamentary Constituency |
| Sh.Anurag Thakur | Darla | Sujanpur | Hamirpur | Hamirpur |
| Sh.Anurag Thakur | Tihra | Dharampur | Mandi | Hamirpur |
| Sh.Anurag Thakur | Tali | Sh. Naina Devi Ji | Bilaspur | Hamirpur |
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM)
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission (SPMRM) was launched by the Prime Minister on 21st February, 2016 and follows the vision of ―Development of a cluster of villages that preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life with focus on equity and inclusiveness without compromising the facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature, thus creating a cluster of ―Rurban villages.
The larger outcomes envisaged under this Mission are:
- In Himachal Pradesh, 6 Rurban clusters have been approved by Government of India in three phases. Under the mission, every Rurban Cluster is to be developed with a total Project cost of about `50.00 crore where 70 per cent of funds shall be provided through convergence with other schemes of the Government and 30 per cent shall be provided as Critical Gap Funding (CGF). GoI provides an amount of `15.00 crore per cluster as CGF.
- Six clusters have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, which are given below:
| District | Cluster | Gram Panchayats | Phase | CGF Expenditure | Convergence Expenditure |
| Kinnaur | Sangla (March 2016) | Batseri, Chansu, Chhitku, Kamru, Rakchham, Sangla, Themgrang(Boning Saring) | I | 9.00 | 28.90 |
| Solan | Hinner (March 2016) | Banjani, Chail, Dhangeel, Hinner,Jhajha,Nagali,Sakoli | I | 6.00 | 32.90 |
| Mandi | Aut (Oct. 2016) | Aut, Jhiri, Kotadhar, Nagwin, Kigash, Takoli | II | 4.50 | 10.90 |
| Kinnaur | Moorang (August 2017) | Moorang, Thangi, Rispa, Kunnu,Charang | II | 2.20 | 31.90 |
| Chamba | Sihunta (August 2017 | Hatali, Balana, Gola, Thulet | III | 1.30 | 5.60 |
| Shimla | Ghannahatti (August 2017) | Neri, Chaily, Totu Majthai, Bycheri, Ghannahatti, Ganeog Nehra, Shakarah. | III | 4.10 | 17.20 |
| Total | 27.10 | 127.40 | |||
Matri Shakti Bima Yojana
The scheme covers all women living below the poverty line within the age group of 10-75 years. The policy provides relief to family members/insured women in case of their death or disablement arising due to any kind of accident surgical operations like sterilization, mishap at the time of child birth/delivery, drowning, washing away in floods, landslide, insect bite and the scheme also gives benefit to married women in case of accidental death of her husband. The compensation amount is as under:
- Death 2.00 lakh
- Permanent total disablities 2.0 lakh
- Loss of one limb and one eyes or both eyes and both limbs 2.00 lakh
- Loss of one limb/ear 1.00 lakh
- In case of death of husband 2.00 lakh
During 2021-22, 103 numbers of families have been provided financial assistance of `206.00 lakh till 31st December, 2021 under the scheme.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G)
The Government of India has launched the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin on 02.10.2014 and Himachal Pradesh has been declared as Open Defecation Free (ODF) State on 28-10-2016. Now the focus of SBM-G is on following activities/components:
- ODF sustainability
- ODF Plus activities (Aspiring, Rising & Model.
- Incentive to those individual household who do not have toilets for construction of individual household Latrine (IHHL) under no one left behind.
- Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWN) (Grey, Plastic Waste & Faecal Sludge Management).
- Construction of community Sanitary Complex (SCSs).
- Menstrual Hygiene
- GOBAR-Dhan Projects.
- IEC/capacity building.
The Government of India has circulated phase-II guidelines for the implementation of SBM-G which are applicable w.e.f.
01.04.2020 in the State.
Achievements during the year 2021-22
- 6,600 Individual Household Latrines have been constructed.
- 178 Community Sanitary Complex (CSCs) have been constructed.
- 445 villages have been taken up Solid Waste Management activities.
- 121 villages have taken up for Liquid Waste Management activities.
- The work of establishment of 14 GOBAR-Dhan Dhan Projects has been awarded to M/s Bajwa Energy Developers, Uttrakhand and work has been started on 5 sites.
Panchwati
Panchwati Yojana was started during the year 2020-21. The main objective of this yojana is to construct such parks and gardens that create places, which could be used by the elderly for recreational purpose. These parks and gardens are being developed on leveled land of minimum one bigha with convergence of MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission (G) and 14th Finance Commission. Under this scheme 217 sites were identified for development of Panchwati and work has been started on 70 sites in the financial year 2021-22. So far an amount of `156.82 lakh has been spent.
Rural Model School:
With a view to provide the modern facilities in the Government Primary Schools in the rural areas of the State and to make them as Aadarsh Vidyalaya (Model School), the department has launched a new scheme Aadarsh Vidyalaya (Model School) during the current financial year. Under this scheme 166 Government Primary Schools have been identified.
Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS):
The Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was notified by the Government of India on September, 2005.
Panchayati Raj
There are 12 Zila Parishads, 81 Panchayat Samities and 3,615 Gram Panchayats constituted in this State. The major achievements of the department are as below:
i. Implementation of 15th Finance Commission recommendations has started in the year 2020-21. During this financial year `317.00 crore has been approved by Centre to State Government out of which `158.50 crore has been distributed to the Panchyati Raj institutions.
ii. Under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), Ministry of Panchayti Raj, Government of India (MoPR,GoI) has approved `164.43 crore for the State out of which `34.42 crore has been released by MOPR for the following activities/components:
- Capacity building and training of elected representatives and officials of PRIs.
- Recurring cost on additional facilities and maintenance of four District Panchayat Resources Center (DPRCs) Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Solan location of Common Service Centre (CSCs) with the Gram Panchayat.
iii. As per recommendation of State Finance Commission, `248.55 crore was provided to Panchayats for meeting committed liabilities and capital works.
iv. The Government is providing Grant-in-Aid to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for meeting the expenditure on travelling and daily allowances of the elected representatives of PRIs.
v. Out of 412 newly created Gram Panchayats `20.49 crore has been provided to 183 newly constituted Gram Panchyats for construction of new Panchayat Ghar, `1.19 crore has been provided to 10 old Gram Panchayats for construction of its new Panchayat Community Centre and `3.19 crore has been provided to 37 old Gram Panchayats for repair/upgradation of their respective Panchayat Ghar.
vi. Training has been imparted to 27,000 newly elected PRIs/officials during Financial Year 2021-22.
vii. Various IT applications have been introduced by the department whereby the general public can avail various online facilities relating to pariwar register, ration cards, marriage registration etc. Access to the accounts of the panchayats is available through eGram Swaraj application.
CHAPTER-15 : Housing and Urban Development
Housing
• Government of Himachal Pradesh through the Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) is providing houses, flats and plots of various categories to meet the housing demand of the people of various income groups. In the current financial year 2021-22, an expenditure of `33.92 crore was incurred up to December, 2021. During the current year there is a target to construct 159 flats, 11 houses and, to develop 180 plots of different categories. Construction work of 80 flats has been completed. Additionally, 61 plots have been developed. HIMUDA proposes to develop new housing colonies in Dharamshala, Sohala (Sirmaur), and a commercial complex in Shimla. An estimated 1,007 plots, 1,076 flats and 2 cottages would come up in these colonies. Planning of new housing colony in Shimla near airport is in progress. Construction work of Housing colonies at Flowerdale, Chhabrogti (basement flats), Dhrampur (Solan), Kamli Road Parwanoo, Rampur (Shimla), Dehra and Rajwari (Mandi) is in progress. HIMUDA‟s Initiatives:
• In HIMUDA 6,61,330 person days of wage employment is estimated to be generated during the year 2021-22 through construction of different works which are being executed by HIMUDA.
Urban Development
• There are 61 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Himachal Pradesh including Municipal Corporations at Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan, Mandi and Palampur. The Government is providing grants-in-aid every year to these local bodies to enable them to provide civic amenities to the general public. As per the recommendations of the State Finance Commission, `161.25 crore has been released to the ULBs so far and balance funds will be released during the current financial year. This includes development grant and gap filling grant between income and expenditure.
Maintenance of Roads in Municipal Areas:
• About 3,288 kms of roads, paths, streets and drains are being maintained by 61 Urban Local Bodies. In the current Financial Year 2021-22 funds of `6.00 crore have been provided by the Government for these Roads.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY- NULM)
- The main objective of NULM is to reduce poverty among the urban poor through the promotion of diversified and gainful self-employment and skill wage employment opportunities, resulting in an appreciable improvement in their livelihood on a sustainable basis.
- This scheme has following main components:
- Employment through skill training and placement.
- Social Mobilization and Institution Development.
- Capacity Building and Training. o Self Employment Programme.
- Shelter for Urban Homeless.
- Support to Urban Street Vendors.
- Innovative and special Projects.
- For current Financial Year, Government of India has released the 1st installment amounting to `5.20 crore under this scheme Progress during 2021-22 is as follows:
- 372 Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed.
- 1516 beneficiaries were provided skill training under this scheme and 782 candidates have been provided placement. o 204 individuals and 83 SHGs were provided loan assistance on subsidized interest for setting up their micro enterprises.
- Around 4,934 loan applications have been submitted to banks under PM SVANidhi Scheme out of which 3,824 applications have been sanctioned and loan to 3,634 applicants have been sanctioned and disbursed.
Central Finance Commission Grant
• The 15th Finance Commission has recommended two types of grants to be released to Urban Local Bodies and Cantonment Boards. First is the Untied Grant (40 per cent) to be released unconditionally and the second is Tied Grant (60 per cent) subject to fulfillment of certain conditions as laid down in the 15th Finance Commission Report. There is a budget provision of `156.00 crore for 2021-22. In addition, the Government of India has also provided Health Sector Grant amounting to `5.53 crore under 15th Finance Commission to the Urban Local Bodies in the state during current financial year. The 2nd installment of Tied Grant amounting to `51.75 crore for the Financial Year 2020-21 and the 1st installment of `46.80 crore for the current Financial Year 2021-22 has been released to the Urban Local Bodies and Cantonment Boards during 2021-22.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
• Shimla and Kullu have been included under this mission. During 2021-22 there is a budget provision of `30.00 crore. Out of total 75 projects, 47 projects have been completed.
Smart City Mission (SCM)
• Smart City Mission was launched in June, 2015. Municipal Corporation, Dharamshala was approved by Government of India under the mission.
• In 2017-18, Municipal Corporation, Shimla was also selected under Smart City Mission by Government of India. During the current financial there is a budget provision of `100 crore as under this Mission.
• In addition the Government of India has released Central share of amounting `68.00 crore. Out of 74 projects in Dharamshala Smart City Limited (DSCL) 19 projects have been completed and 28 more have been initiated.
• In Shimla Smart City Limited (SSCL) out of 53 projects, 28 most do-able projects have been identified. These are further bifurcated into 163 components, out of which 34 components have been completed and for 71 components, work is in progress.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)
• Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) is a flagship Programme of Government of India and is being implemented in all notified towns by Ministry of Housing Affairs, Government of India. The main aim of Swachh Bharat Mission is to make cities/towns open defecation free and provide a healthy and livable environment to all.
Following actions/ progress has been made under the Mission:
i) Funds have been disbursed to ULBs for construction of individual household toilets and Community/Public toilets for providing adequate toilet facilities in the towns. Till date more than 6,715 individual toilets for the households not having toilet facilities, have been constructed under the mission and 391 Community & 1,273 public toilet seats have been installed newly or renovated.
ii) For Awareness, Various Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are being conducted regularly in the State to make general public aware through Swachhta pakhwada, hordings/ banners, nukkadnataks, print & electronic media etc. For the year 2021-22 there is a budget provision of `5.00 crore for implementation of this scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna Housing for all (Urban)
• A new mission ―Housing for all‖ (Urban) has been launched by the Government of India effective from 17.06.2015 to 31.03.2022. The aim of this scheme is to provide houses for slum dwellers under in-situ slum rehabilitation component providing affordable houses for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Groups (MIG) through credit linked subsidy component, providing houses through public private partnership component. The Government is also providing funds for construction of beneficiary houses through subsidy for beneficiary- led individual house component. For the current financial year 2021-22, there is a budget provision of `5.20 crore for implementation of this scheme.
Construction of Parking
• To solve the parking problems in the urban areas of the Pradesh `10.00 crore has been provided during the current financial year 2021-22 out of which `1.73 crore has been released to 3 Urban Local Bodies, so far for the construction of Parking Places. The funds under this scheme are released in the ratio of 50:50 (i.e. 50 per cent is provided by the Government and 50 per cent by the concerned ULBs).
Development of Parks
• For construction of parks in Urban Local Bodies manner, `5.50 crore has been provided in the budget during the current financial year. The funds under this scheme are released in the ratio of 60:40 (i.e.), 60 per cent is provided by the Government and 40 per cent by the concerned Urban Local Body.
Atal Shresth Shahar Yojana (ASSY)
• In the Budget Speech for the year 2020-21, the Chief Minister Himachal Pradesh has enlarged the scope of ―Atal
Shreth Shahar Yojana” to cover top three Municipal Councils and top three Nagar Panchayats for Puruskar (award) in which each Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat will be ranked for prize money for 1st, 2nd & 3rd position. The prize money for Municipal Councils given is `1.00 crore, `75.00 lakh, `50.00 lakh respectively and for Nager Panchayats the prize money is `75.00 lakh, `50.00 lakh and `25.00 lakh, respectively. The best performing Urban Local Bodies are felicitated with Atal Shreth Shahar Puruskar by the Hon‘ble Chief Minister on 25th December every year. Award under ASSY 2020 and 2021 are being finalised. However, details of winner during 2019 are appended below:
| S.No. | Category | Prize Money | Top Scoring ULBs |
| 1 | Best Performing Municipal Council | ` 1.00 crore | Palampur |
| 2 | Best Performing Nagar Panchayat | ` 0.75 crore | Rajgarh |
| 3 | Best Performer in sanitation/cleanliness amongst Municipal Councils | ` 0.05 crore | Naina Devi ji |
| 4 | Best Performer in Public Service
Delivery amongst Municipal Councils |
` 0.05 crore | Bilaspur |
| 5 | Best Performer in sanitation/cleanliness amongst Nagar Panchayat | ` 0.05 crore | Sarkaghat |
| 6 | Best Performer in Public Service Delivery amongst Nagar Panchayats | ` 0.05 crore | Nadaun |
Mukhya Mantri Shahri Ajeevika- Guarantee Yojana (MMSAGY)
• The Government of Himachal Pradesh, keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic has notified a scheme known as Mukhya Mantri Shahri Ajeevika Guarantee Yojana (MMSAGY) on 16.05.2020 to enhance livelihood security in urban areas by providing 120 days of guaranteed wage employment to every household in the financial year. The scheme has been re-notified on 19-4-2021. All adult members of the households who register under this scheme will be eligible to work. Local residents of the ULBs residing within the jurisdiction of the ULB either in their own house or on rent are eligible. The upper age limit for providing work is 65 years. The Urban Development Department has developed online portal for MMSAGY. The beneficiary can register himself without visiting municipality office. Under this scheme 6,539 beneficiaries have been registered and 3,603 beneficiaries have been given wage employment. `295.85 lakh have been budgeted for the scheme.
Town and Country Planning
• To ensure functional, economical, sustainable and aesthetical living environment through planned, equitable and regulated development, the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977 has been enforced in 55 Planning Areas (1.60 per cent of the total geographical area of the State) and 35 Special Area (2.06 per cent of the total geographical area of the State).
Initiatives
1. For simplification of map approval process, requisite NOCs i.e from Fire Development, Jal Shakti Vibhag, Public Works Department, Forest Department, State Electricity Board, State Pollution Control Board and Revenue Department has been changed to self declaration vide notification dated 20.08.2020.
2. Necessary amendment have been done vide notification dated 26.02.2021in the clause 28 of the General Regulations, Appendix-1 of the HPTCP Rules, 2014 regarding relaxation in set-backs, height of floors and building etc. in private constructions, by the competent authority, keeping in view the site conditions.
3. The draft proposal of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for delegation of powers to the Registered Private Professionals
(RPP) empanelled under Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Rules, 2014 for grant of development permission upto 500 square metres of plot area for residential use only in all notified Planning/ Special Area and Urban Local Bodies (ULB,s) across the state have been prepared.
4. The work for preparation of GIS-based Development Plans for Shimla Planning Area and Kullu Valley Planning Areas under AMRUT Sub-Scheme of GOI is under finalization. This will ensure comprehensive planning for the development of these Areas.
5. The existing land use map of additional Bilaspur planning area has been adopted and for additional Hamirpur planning area is under process.
6. In order to meet the increasing parking requirement and ensure smooth flow of traffic on all major roads of the towns, relief has been granted by the state Government vide notification dated 04.12.2020. As per the notification now building owners can utilize 50% frontage of such setback for developing uncovered parking.
7. Himachal Pradesh energy conservation building code in shape of Appendix-11 in the Himachal Pradesh Town and country Planning Rules, 2014 for commercial building is being considered in order to promote Green Building and energy conservation concept.
8. New Development Plans for 15 Planning/ Special Areas namely Waknaghat, Chail, Sujanpur, Chamunda, Chopal, Mehatpur, Jabli, Sarahan, Hatkoti Dhualakuan- Majra, Jogindernagar, Nerchowk, Bhota, Chintpurni, Bharmour are under preparation and 12 Development Plans namely Chamba, Dalhausie, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, Kasauli, Palampur, Solan, Nahan, Mandi, Kullu (AMRUT) and Shimla (AMRUT) are under revision.
Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)
• Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority started its functioning from 01-01-2020. This authority is in the process of registering Real Estate projects and Real Estate Agents besides attending complaints. This Authority has registered 19 Real Estate Projects and 27 Real Estate Agents upto December, 2021. About 50 complaints have been registered with the authority so far out of which 15 have been disposed of and hearings in the remaining 35 are under process. This Authority is dealing all the cases of registration of Real Estate Projects, Real Estate Agents and complaints through online mode.
Building Construction and Cost Index (BCCI)
- National Building Organization has entrusted the Department of Economic and Statistics, Government of Himachal Pradesh to collect and compile the Building Construction Cost Index (BCCI) of the State. Department has been preparing and releasing the State level BCCI with base year 2011-12. These indices are collected and compiled on quarterly basis, on the basis of quarterly indices, annual indices have been worked out and are shown in following table.
- Building Construction Cost Index :
| Year | Material cost Index | Labour cost Index | Index of other Exp. | Overall Building Construction Cost Index |
| 2019-20 | 120.42 | 123.05 | 120.78 | 121.45 |
| 2020-21 | 132.64 | 132.31 | 131.87 | 132.44 |
| 2021-22* | 138.83 | 138.30 | 138.24 | 138.63 |
*Indices are average of three quarters viz. June, September and December, 2021.
- As per the above table, the material cost index has increased from 120.42 to 132.64 in 2020-21 which has further increased to 138.83 in the year 2021-22, due to COVID-19 pandemic the supply chain of building material remained disrupted during 2020-21 hence resulted increase in building material prices. The labour cost index has also increased from 123.05 to 132.31 in 2020-21 and increased to 138.30 in the year 2021-22, due to the out migration of labourers in pandemic period the labour cost increased mostly in the year 2020-21, caused the increase in the labour cost indices. Similarly the component other expenditure, which includes contractual and supervisory charges etc. comes under the index of other expenditure, this has also increased due to COVID effect from 120.78 to 131.87 in 2020-21, and increased to 138.24 in the year 2021-22. Increase in all these indices have resulted an increase in overall BCCI from 121.45 to 138.63 in the year 2021-22.
Chapter-16 : Information and Technology
HIMSWAN
- Under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), Department of Information and Technology, Himachal Pradesh (DIT-HP) created secure network called HIMSWAN (Himachal State Wide Area Network). HIMSWAN provides secured network connectivity to all State Government Departments upto block level and provides efficient electronic delivery of G2G (Government to Government), G2C (Government to Citizen) and G2B (Government to Business) services. HIMSWAN was set-up in February, 2008 and now 2,241Government Offices across the State are connected through this network. Considering the growing demand, the bandwidth has been upgraded with the latest Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology. It has played a pivotal role during COVID-19 pandemic. Several Government meetings with field functionaries were held virtually using HIMSWAN.
Himachal Pradesh State Data Centre (HPSDC)
• To keep the Government applications / websites running in the event of a power outage, natural disaster or any other disruption, a disaster recovery (DR) site of HP State Data Centre has been setup for Himachal Pradesh State Data Centre (HPSDC) at Delhi in October 2020. During financial year 2021-22, 17 new Applications/ Websites have been hosted in HPSDC cloud, after successful security audit closure. Overall, 187 Websites/ Applications have been hosted in HPSDC.
Himachal Online Seva Portal
• During current financial year, the Department has added 31 new services in Himachal Online Seva portal for online delivery. Out of these 31 services, 28 are for the horticulture Department and 3 for the Urban Development Department. A total of 96 online services for various departments including Revenue, Women & Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Urban Development etc. are now being provided through this portal. Before COVID-19 period, there were around 100 transactions per day on the portal. However, during COVID-19 lockdown and thereafter owing to massive IEC campaign and improvement in service delivery quality through online platform, the transactions, on the average, have increased from 100 to 8500 per day.
E-Office
• E-Office is being implemented in various departments of the State to enable paper-less offices. During this year, 77 departments and 87 branches of HP Secretariat covering 5,104 officers / officials have started e-Office and 68,792 files have been created in e-Office. The scanning of old files in HP Secretariat has been completed. All offices will gradually shift to paperless mode by using e-office. CM
Dashboard
• The State Government has taken an initiative towards Good Governess by setting up the CM Dashboard. It is a configurable multilingual Dashboard platform for Chief Minister, Governor, Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioners and DMs/DCs. This CM Dashboard facilitates presentation of real time data on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of selected government schemes/projects to all State, Division, and District level officers for planning, evaluation and monitoring.
Mukyha Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline @1100 (MMSS)
- Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline is an effort to reach out to citizen proactively and facilitating them by providing the Helpline facility through Citizen Call Centre and other appropriate modes which serves the citizens for the following purposes:
- Grievance registration. o Capturing the suggestion and demands from citizens. o Provide information related to Government Schemes.
- Escalation to concerned officials for timely resolution.
- A total of 1,23,703 complaints have been registered in the MMSS helpline in this financial year till December 2021, out of which 88,510 (71.55 per cent) have been resolved to the satisfaction of the citizens. Status snapshot and table is appended below:
- MMSS helpline status
Total Department 87 Total Calls Received 3,74,180 Complaints 1,23,703 Demand/Suggestions 4,934 Information/Follow up calls 2,29,999 Calls on Officer‟s Helpdesk 5,522
Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)
• High-tech state-of-the-art Command and Control Centers are proposed to be setup in Shimla and Dharamshala with the aim to ensure convergence of various citizen services at one place using Information and Communication Technology (ITC) as a tool. ICCC would be utilized to capture data pertaining to various citizen centric services in real time manner and provide useful information to the public using One City One App and to provide emergency as well as disaster management services to the citizen. Bharat Net
• Bharat Net is an initiative of Government of India to provide broadband services to the Gram Panchayats of the country. It aims to provide broadband connectivity especially in rural areas.
• It is the world‘s largest rural connectivity scheme to be connected by the optical fiber network.
• Under Phase II of Bharat Net-159 remote Gram Panchayats are being connected using very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) links. Material has been delivered in 159 locations, out of which VSAT have been installed at 156 locations.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• The IT Department has identified 140 (Centre-74; State-66) schemes with concerned departments during financial year 2021-22, out of which DBT has been implemented in 59 schemes (Centre-30; State-29). As per guidelines of Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, the DBT for all the schemes is to be routed through National Automated Clearing House (NACH). Out of the 59 DBT schemes, 16 (Centre- 1; State-15) have been converted to NACH platform during this financial year. Further, as per directions of MeitY, GoI, the notifications under section 7 of Aadhaar Act 2016 are to be issued for enabling Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for different identified schemes. During the current financial year, an amount of `1,186.03 crore has been transferred through DBT to 11.91 lakh beneficiaries under 47 schemes.
COVID-19 Applications
- IT Department developed and implemented various IT Applications and solutions to facilitate the smooth operation of day-to-day business of administration and citizens during the COVID-19 period. The State Government at various levels is using these technology platforms provided by the Department for information gathering, monitoring and decision- making as well as office working in an efficient manner. The citizens are using them for getting contactless services online without the need to visit Government offices. Till now, following applications have been rolled out across the State by IT Department:
- COVID-19 Integrated Portal: The website (http://covidportal.hp.gov.in/) is a consolidated repository for COVID-19 related information, applications and portals developed for the use of Citizens and Government Officials.
- COVID Government Orders: A website (http://covidorders.hp.gov.in) has been created as a common platform for all Government Orders, Advisories and Media Bulletins to avoid any misinformation or rumours during pandemic
- Himachal e-Pass Verification App (Android based QR Code scanning app): This Mobile app was developed and provided to police personnel at inter-state barriers to verify the validity of e-Passes by scanning QR codes on e-Passes issued by DCs. It was also used to generate MIS report regarding the persons who entered the State at the barriers.
- COVID Capacity: This portal (http://covidcapacity.hp.gov.in/) was developed to monitor the real time availability of critical items like Hospital Bed capacity/availability, Oxygen availability and logistics related to these activities, such as patient data and other critical items like Oxygen Concentrators, PSA Plants etc. in dedicated Covid Hospitals.
- Law & Order Monitoring & Reporting System: The portal (http://covid19lo.hp.gov.in) provides facility to SPs and Police Stations to upload Law and Order related information, as desired by MHA (GoI) and consolidate the same on the above portal.
- Health Inventory: This website (http://covid19inventory.hp.gov.in) was developed for use by Health Department Officials to maintain inventory Isolation/Quarantine facilities in the State and stock of critical items such as Masks, PPE Kits and Ventilators etc.
- Fake News Portal: The Portal (http://fakenews.hp.gov.in) is an initiative by State Government to protect Citizens from misinformation/rumours during this sensitive time. This portal provides list of fake news identified by Fake News Monitoring Unit of State Government.
- Event Registration Portal (covid.hp.gov.in): This portal is developed for citizens to seek online permission to organize any event during COVID-19.
- Donation: This functionality was provided on the CM portal (https://cmhimachal.nic.in/ ) to donate securely in the Himachal Pradesh COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
- MMSS helpline@1100: The MMSS Helpline is contacting Covid-19 positive patients to seek their feedback on Government facilities and to identify the major source/cause of infection so that government may take necessary steps to control the spread of COVID-19.
Policy Initiatives Undertaken
- Right of Way (RoW) Policy Based on Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules 2016 of Government of India, Himachal Pradesh RoW Policy 2021 has been notified by the State Government on 9th February, 2021.
- New Initiatives
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has played a vital role during the pandemic, specifically in the following three areas:
- Reducing footfall in the Government Offices by providing online services to the citizens.
- Facilitating the concept of Work from home for the Government officers/ officials.
- Monitoring, controlling and tracking the pandemic.
Strengthening the digital infrastructure in the following areas of State with the help of Information &Technology:
- DIT is working to add more Government to Citizen Services through the e- District (Himachal Online Seva portal/ Lok Mitra Kendra).
- High-speed secure internet connectivity through HIMSWAN is being extended to every Government office/ location. In order to maintain flawless/ uninterrupted speed of network for e-office, the minimum bandwidth in all offices through HIMSWAN being increased to 20Mbps.
- On requirement basis, secured VPN connectivity will be provided to Government officials in order to increase productivity during work from home.
- Single Sign On (SSO) will be implemented across all major portals of State Government to allow officers/ officials to login with the single username and password on these portals.
- Facilitating the citizens for online building permissions with auto DCR are proposed to be created across all the ULBs.
