The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, announced major welfare measures on Saturday targeting nearly one lakh BPL families under the Mukhyamantri Sukhi Parivar Yojana.
The program aims to improve living standards by offering three key benefits: 300 units of free electricity, a monthly pension of ₹1,500, and financial aid for constructing pucca houses. Surveys conducted by local and district authorities—including SDMs, DCs, BDOs, and panchayats—have identified eligible beneficiaries to ensure effective delivery.
Sukhu also revealed that the third phase of the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Scheme will soon be launched, providing ₹1,500 financial support to women beneficiaries.
Raising concerns over recent MNREGA changes by the Centre, he said rural employment could be affected but the state will generate an additional four crore man-days to protect livelihoods.
Agriculture, a key employment sector, will see strengthened bio-resource management and green initiatives. The government plans to distribute 12 lakh planting materials to farmers and promote income-generating activities such as bio-char production and pine needle collection.
In rural governance, 150 panchayat secretary posts will be filled, 100% audits of panchayati raj institutions will be conducted, and panchayat resource centres established. A modernization drive for all panchayats is also planned.
To enhance employment, 500 e-taxis and 500 e-rickshaws will receive DBT-based capital subsidies, with a total allocation of ₹500 crore. Campus placement cells in 500 educational institutions will be strengthened, and self-help groups promoted through initiatives like Shimla Haat and premium showrooms.
On the industrial side, reforms including amendments to the Shops and Establishment Act and a new Wage Code will simplify business operations, with provisions for 24×7 permissions.
The budget also emphasizes climate-resilient and biodiversity-based livelihoods, with dedicated funds to support ecological conservation while generating rural income.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
