Himachal Pradesh’s Minister for Health, Social Justice, and Empowerment, Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, chaired two crucial meetings today: the 50th Board of Directors meeting of Mahila Vikas Nigam and the 75th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation. The focus was on enhancing economic growth and social welfare among women and marginalized communities.


Push for Simplified Loan Sanctioning Process
In a significant move, Dr. Shandil emphasized the simplification of loan procedures to make financial assistance more accessible to women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, especially those in rural and remote areas. The minister called for:
- Reducing the timeframe for loan approvals
- Streamlining the loan application and disbursement process
- Setting yearly and short-term targets for loan disbursement
These measures aim to empower beneficiaries through self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Government Loans at Subsidized Interest Rates for Women and SC/ST Communities


The state government continues to provide loans at subsidized interest rates to support economic upliftment. Dr. Shandil urged officials to:
- Identify new avenues for income generation
- Cut down on unnecessary expenditure
- Improve overall revenue to expand benefits
Strengthening Socio-Economic Development Initiatives
Various key issues were discussed and approved during the meetings, all targeted at strengthening the economic independence of women and SC/ST populations. These decisions are expected to have a transformative impact on the state’s socio-economic fabric.
Dr. Shandil reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and equitable society, where all citizens, regardless of background, have equal opportunities for growth and success.
Koli Samaj Bhawan in Rajhana, Shimla Gets a Green Signal
Earlier in the day, Dr. Shandil also presided over a meeting with the Himachal Pradesh Koli Samaj and discussed the construction of a Koli Samaj Bhawan in Rajhana, Shimla. He directed the concerned department to:
- Conduct a joint site inspection within a week
- Expedite the process of forest clearance
- Begin construction work at the earliest
Himachal Government’s Inclusive Growth Agenda Moves Forward
With proactive decisions and community-focused development, the Himachal Pradesh government under Dr. Shandil’s leadership is making strides toward inclusive economic development, social justice, and community empowerment. These initiatives reflect a strong political will to uplift the underserved and bring holistic progress to the state.