Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 18 electric taxis from his official residence Oakover under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar Start-up Yojna (RGSSY). This initiative is a part of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable employment and green mobility in Himachal Pradesh.
The latest batch of beneficiaries includes youth from across the state — four from Shimla, three each from Kangra and Kinnaur, two each from Chamba, Kullu, and Solan, and one each from Hamirpur and Sirmaur. To support the purchase of these e-taxis, the State Government has provided a total subsidy of ₹1.28 crore.
Under RGSSY, the Government offers a 50% subsidy on the purchase of electric taxis. So far, ₹5.64 crore in subsidy has been disbursed to 79 eligible youth across the state. In the current financial year alone, ₹2.72 crore has already been granted to 40 youth.
Speaking at the flag-off event, the Chief Minister said the scheme is designed not only to create gainful self-employment opportunities but also to provide an assured income for five years, as these e-taxis will be attached to various government departments and public sector corporations. He mentioned that the attachment period may be extended by another two years, reducing the risk for young entrepreneurs and easing the financial burden on the state.
Emphasizing the government’s focus on environmental sustainability, CM Sukhu highlighted that ₹66.41 crore has been earmarked in the current fiscal year for the procurement of electric vehicles, furthering Himachal Pradesh’s mission to become a Green State.
