Bilaspur: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu marked the completion of two years of his government by launching six new schemes during a program held at Luhnu Ground in Bilaspur district.
The event witnessed the distribution of financial benefits to beneficiaries across various initiatives.
To boost natural farming, the CM unveiled Himbhog Atta, a flour made from naturally grown maize.
Under this initiative, the state procured 398 metric tonnes of maize from 1,506 farmers in 10 districts, directly transferring ₹1.20 crore into their bank accounts.
Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a leader in offering the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India, providing ₹40 per kg for wheat and ₹30 per kg for maize.
Currently, 1.98 lakh farmers are practicing natural farming on 35,000 hectares of land in the state.
As part of the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-Up Scheme, 36,000 farmers are being integrated into this practice with an outlay of ₹680 crore.
Support for Small Farmers and Livestock Owners
The CM launched a scheme for purchasing organic manure and vermicompost at ₹300 per quintal. During the event, ₹1 lakh was transferred to 100 farmers under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This initiative aims to enhance farmers' income and strengthen the rural economy.
E-Taxi Subsidy Under Start-Up Scheme
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-Up Scheme 2023, the Chief Minister handed over keys to 16 taxi owners.
Beneficiaries received a 50% subsidy for purchasing e-taxis, which will also operate on government office leases for five years, ensuring a steady income.
The first phase of the scheme aims to issue 150 e-taxi permits.
Education Assistance for Marginalized Families
The CM inaugurated the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, providing ₹1.38 crore to 5,145 beneficiaries and eligibility certificates to others.
The scheme supports widows, destitute women, divorced women, and parents with disabilities, covering 23,000 children under 18 years.
Beneficiaries receive ₹1,000 per month for children’s education and additional financial aid for higher studies, with a yearly budget allocation of ₹53.21 crore.
Horticulture Development Initiative
To expand horticulture, the Chief Minister launched a ₹1,292 crore Himachal Pradesh Sub-Tropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition Project.
This initiative will encourage the cultivation of guava, oranges, litchis, and plums over 6,000 hectares, benefiting 15,000 farming families.
By 2032, the project aims to yield 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of fruits annually, with an estimated market value of ₹400 crore.
Mobile AYUSH Health Units for Remote Areas
The CM flagged off five mobile AYUSH health units for remote regions, including Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Shillai in Sirmaur. These units, staffed with trained medical teams, will provide services in Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy tailored to local needs.
Financial Aid Under CM Sukh-Aashray Scheme
As part of the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, ₹1.90 crore in financial aid was distributed to 197 beneficiaries in Bilaspur.
The assistance included pensions for 153 children, housing grants for 17 individuals, marriage and higher education aid for 10 beneficiaries each, and vocational education and start-up support for another six beneficiaries.
These initiatives reaffirm the state government’s commitment to holistic development, with a focus on agriculture, education, health, and rural livelihoods.
