Feature-Himachal on Track to Become India’s Emerging IT Hub

Innovative strides in Information Technology driving youth empowerment and modernisation

Shimla, 11May , 2025-Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government was making consistent efforts to transform Himachal into an IT hub of the country. With a rising demand for skilled professionals in the IT sector the state was actively working towards nurturing a capable workforce to meet national and global needs.

To promote innovation and technology, the state is taking pioneering steps, particularly in building a comprehensive drone ecosystem. Drones have wide applications across sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and healthcare. Encouraging drone technology is vital to achieving the goals of the ‘Green Himachal Vision’.

A significant initiative underway this financial year is the planned launch of drone taxi services. These would support the transformation of agricultural produce and medical supplies to remote regions of the state and would significantly improve the connectivity and service delivery in rural areas. To modernize the agriculture and horticulture practices, drone station would be set up in Hamirpur, Mandi and Kangra districts in the state.

Apart from this to enhance service delivery the present state government was focused on creating employment and self-employment opportunities through drone technology. In the year 20224-25 a total of 243 youth have already received drone-related training through government ITI's. across the state.

To further prepare the youth for future opportunities the state government has introduced cutting-edge courses in artificial intelligence and device science. Rajiv Gandhi Government College in Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra would now offer degree courses in AI and data science. Similarly, new technical courses have been approved for other institutions, such as civil engineering degree at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pragatinagar, Shimla and a diploma in computer science and engineering (AI & Machine learning) at Government Polytechnic Sundernagar, Mandi. The required teaching staff would be provided to ensure the successful implementation of these courses.

The state government was committed to upskill the youth in AI and data science as it has a vast potential and has good future opportunities with better employment and entrepreneurial prospects.

The government was establishing a dedicated innovation fund of Rs. two Crore with an aim to boost the innovation ecosystem, besides supporting young innovators in turning their ideas into reality. Apart from this, a digital university of innovation, entrepreneurship, skill and vocational studies would be set up at Ghumarwi in Bilaspur district through public-private partnership and self-financing model. This university would serve as a centre for nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking among youth.

The State government was unlocking new avenues in the field of information and technology through its forward-looking approach. It would lay a strong foundation for the empowerment of youth and also pave the way for economic prosperity of the state. The visionary steps of the present state government would definitely prove fruitful in making Himachal a leading IT hub in the country.

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Government grants relief in water tariffs and property tax to newly notified urban areas

SHIMLA-11^th May, 2025The State Government has extended major relief to residents of newly constituted and upgraded Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the State by allowing continued billing for water supply at rural tariffs for a period of next three years. This measure is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for the residents of areas recently merged into urban local bodies. A government spokesperson said that this decision of the State Government will benefit 47,820 consumers across the State. In addition to the water tariff rebate, residents of these areas were also being provided exemption from property tax.

As part of the recent administrative restructuring, the government has constituted 14 new Nagar Panchayats viz. Sandhole, Dharampur, Baldwara, Banikhet, Khundian, Kotla, Nagrota Surian, Kunihar, Jhandutta, Swarghat, Barsar, Bharari, Bangana and Shillai across the State. Additionally, Hamirpur, Una and Baddi have been upgraded to Municipal Corporations, while Nadaun and Baijnath-Paprola have been granted the status of Municipal Councils. As a result, several new areas have now come under the jurisdiction of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), either through the creation of new ULBs or the expansion of existing boundaries.

The spokesperson added that these relief measures are aligned to protect residents from sudden financial burdens due to urban restructuring. The combined rebate in water tariffs and exemption from property tax will help residents in adjusting to the changes without an abrupt rise in their cost of living. He said this is a significant relief for the residents and will get improved basic amenities.