SHIMLA: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called upon banks to offer loans at concessional interest rates for government welfare schemes, emphasizing the need to broaden public access to these initiatives.

 In a meeting with representatives from public sector, co-operative, and private banks, the Chief Minister highlighted the launch of the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Startup Scheme's first phase.

This initiative provides a 50 percent subsidy on e-taxi purchases, aiming to create self-employment opportunities for youth.

To ease the financial burden on applicants, Chief Minister Sukhu urged banks to provide concessional-rate loans for the scheme, with the government offering a guarantee for e-taxi loans.

The second phase of the program will extend self-employment opportunities by establishing solar energy projects up to the Panchayat level. The Chief Minister also directed banks to promptly submit interest rates to the state government.

In the initial phase, the government plans to issue 500 e-taxi permits, with the possibility of expansion based on demand. Additionally, the government aims to phase out diesel vehicles in all departments, promoting the use of e-vehicles.