Shimla:  Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today  launched the first phase of the Rs. 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up scheme.

Under this initiative, 500 permits for e-taxis will be issued initially, with plans to increase the number based on demand.

The government aims to provide e-taxis to various departments, offering a stable income for unemployed youth.

Additionally, there's a 50% subsidy for youth purchasing e-taxis, and loan conditions are being relaxed.

The scheme aims to reduce air pollution, contribute to making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State by 2026, and provide self-employment opportunities.

The government is also subsidizing e-buses and e-trucks, with plans to replace all diesel buses with e-buses.

The second phase will focus on encouraging youth to set up solar energy projects, while the third phase will provide subsidies for agriculture and pisciculture.

This initiative fulfills key promises from the Congress Party's Pratigya Patra, demonstrating the government's commitment to youth welfare.

The launch event included key figures like Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena.