Himachal Cabinet Clears 40% Subsidy to Convert 1000 Diesel Taxis into Electric Ones
Shimla, October 25
In a big green push, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has approved the conversion of 1,000 diesel and petrol taxis into electric vehicles (EVs). How the government intends to do it, official spokesperson didn't elaborate.
Taxi owners will get a 40% subsidy under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Yojna to promote clean mobility and reduce pollution.
The Transport Department has been authorized to issue permissions for conversion. Officials said the move will cut carbon emissions in tourist hotspots like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie, while lowering fuel costs for local taxi operators.
The government plans to develop a network of EV charging stations along major highways and tourist circuits.
“This initiative aims at protecting the fragile mountain ecology and reduce running costs for drivers".
The scheme falls in line with Sukhu’s vision to make Himachal India’s first Green Energy State by 2026, adding a e-mobility component to the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Yojna, which promotes self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.
Other key Cabinet decisions include a ₹300 monthly hike for Special Police Officers, benefitting 510 SPOs, and a ₹500 honorarium hike for SMC teachers, IT instructors, Mid-Day Meal workers, and Part-Time Water Carriers from April 1, 2025.
A Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi will draft Model By-laws for rural construction.
The Cabinet also cleared the Tourism Investment Promotion Council (TIPC) to attract tourism investments and rebranded the solar power subsidy scheme as the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Saur Urja Yojna, offering up to 5% interest subsidy for solar projects.
The Cabinet also extended Mayor and Deputy Mayor term to 5 years from present 2 and half years term changing the roster.
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