SHIMLA15 October, 2025
TVS Motors contributes rupees one crore towards CM Relief Fund
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was presented a cheque of rupees one crore by Y.S. Guleria of TVS Motors towards the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, here today.
The Chief Minister thanked this noble gesture and said that such contributions go a long way in helping the needy in distress. He urged the philanthropists and affluent sections of the society to contribute liberally towards this Fund.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, MLA Hardeep Bawa, Prasad Krishnan, Y. Vasudev, Chaman Lal of TVS Motors and General Secretary Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Industrialists Association Rajneesh Vij were also present on the occasion.
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CM flags off e- taxis under RGSSY
Subsidy of Rs. 5.64 crore provided to 79 eligible youth so far
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 18 e-taxis from his official residence, Oakover, under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar Start-up Yojna (RGSSY).
The beneficiaries include four youth from Shimla, three each from Kangra and Kinnaur, two each from Chamba, Kullu, and Solan, and one each from Hamirpur and Sirmaur districts. The State Government provided a total subsidy of Rs. 1.28 crore for the purchase of these e-taxis. Under the scheme, the Government offers 50 percent subsidy on e-taxi purchases and so far Rs. 5.64 crore has been disbursed to 79 eligible youth across the State.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said that the initiative would not only provide gainful employment to the youth but also would ensure assured income for five years by attaching these e-taxis with government departments and corporations, with a provision for a two-year extension. He added that this step would also help reduce the financial burden of the State. During the current financial year, the Government has already provided Rs. 2.72 crore as subsidy for 40 eligible youth under this scheme, stated the Chief Minister.
Highlighting the Government’s commitment to green initiatives, the Chief Minister stated that Rs. 66.41 crore has been allocated for the purchase of electric vehicles in the current financial year, reinforcing the State’s efforts to preserve the environment and make Himachal Pradesh a Green State.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA's Ashish Butail, Sanjay Awasthy, Hardeep Bawa, and Ranjit Rana, Congress leader Surender Mankotia, Secretary Labour and Employment Priyanka Basu Ingty, Commissioner Labour and Employment Virender Sharma, and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
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Startups and student innovation policy to boost youth entrepreneurship: Rajesh Dharmani
Startups to receive funding of up to Rs. 5 Lakh
Chairing a review meeting of HIMUDA today, Urban and Town Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani announced that youth-led startups will be encouraged under the HIMUDA Startup and Student Innovation Policy.
Under this policy, a startup fund of Rs. 25 lakh for one year has been allocated by HIMUDA. Each eligible startup proposal will receive funding of up to Rs. 5 lakh. The primary objective of the policy is to create a robust ecosystem to promote innovation and startups in the state. This initiative is expected to accelerate economic growth and generate employment opportunities, playing a significant role in shaping a vibrant startup ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh.
Minister Dharmani also emphasized that along with sustainable development goals, well-planned development projects are being promoted across the state. He instructed HIMUDA officials to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects. Highlighting the state’s tourism potential, he informed that a Tourism Village will be developed in Narghota, Kangra district. Furthermore, HIMUDA has been directed to explore opportunities for 'Spiritual Township' projects to further enhance tourism prospects in the state.
The Minister also highlighted efforts to develop Himachal Pradesh as an IT Hub, directing that work on IT Township projects should continue. In Shimla, he reviewed the Mountain City project at Jathiya Devi aimed at reducing congestion in the city. Discussions were also held regarding real estate projects in collaboration with private partners.
HIMUDA has streamlined several long-standing non-functional posts and, to strengthen its operational framework, 46 new posts across different categories have been created.
The meeting was attended by HIMUDA Vice-Chairperson Yashwant Chajta, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, CEO HIMUDA & Secretary Dr. Surender Kumar Vashisth and other senior officials.