After Two Years in Office, CM Sukhu Unveils Six Beneficiary Schemes

Bilaspur, Dec 11 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh introduced six new schemes designed primarily to enhance the rural economy. This announcement was made during a public gathering commemorating the two-year milestone of the Congress administration.

As part of efforts to encourage natural farming, the Chief Minister launched 'Him Bhog Atta', which is produced from maize cultivated through sustainable farming techniques.

The state procured 398 metric tonnes of maize from 1,506 farmers spread across 10 districts and directly transferred Rs 1.20 crore into their bank accounts.

With the government offering the highest support prices for wheat at Rs 40 per kg and maize at Rs 30 per kg, more than 1.98 lakh farmers across 35,000 hectares have adopted natural farming practices.

In addition, CM Sukhu initiated a scheme for purchasing organic compost and vermin compost at Rs 300 per quintal, aiming to assist small-scale farmers and livestock owners.

Through direct benefit transfer (DBT), payments of Rs 1 lakh were distributed to 100 farmers, with the goal of increasing farmers' incomes and fortifying the rural economy.

The Chief Minister also presented keys to 16 electric taxi owners under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme – 2023. Beneficiaries received a 50 per cent subsidy on e-taxi purchases, with the vehicles leased to government offices for a duration of five years.

This initiative ensures a reliable monthly income for taxi operators. The government plans to issue approximately 150 permits to e-taxi owners in the initial phase, as stated by officials.

Additionally, CM Sukhu launched the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana by distributing Rs 1.38 crore to 5,145 eligible beneficiaries while providing them with eligibility certificates. This scheme aims to support 23,000 children's education and assist widows, destitute women, divorced women, and parents with disabilities, offering financial aid for their education and overall welfare.

Beneficiaries eligible for this scheme receive Rs 1,000 monthly for children under 18 years of age, along with financial support for higher education.

With an annual budget of Rs 53.21 crore, the initiative seeks to prevent child exploitation and create a nurturing environment for at-risk families.

CM Sukhu also inaugurated the Rs 1,292 crore Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva) aimed at enhancing horticultural development in seven districts.

This project will cover 6,000 hectares, promoting the cultivation of fruits such as oranges, guavas, litchi, and plums, directly benefiting over 15,000 farming families.

It is projected to yield 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of fruit annually, with an estimated market value of Rs 400 crore.

CM Sukhu also flagged off five mobile Ayush healthcare units to provide services to remote areas, including Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba districts and the Shillai block of Sirmaur district. Each unit will be staffed with a qualified medical team offering Ayurveda, Unani, or homeopathy treatments tailored to local needs, aiming to enhance healthcare access in underserved regions.

The Chief Minister further allocated Rs 1.90 crore in financial support under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana (MMSAY) to 197 beneficiaries in Bilaspur district.

This scheme encompasses pensions for 153 children, housing grants for 17 beneficiaries, marriage and higher education support for 10 individuals each, and vocational training and start-up assistance for three beneficiaries.