Tribal Development
Economics & Statistics Department

Economic Survey 2021-22


1.GENERAL REVIEW

Reforms in the Indian Economy are a continuing process. Various Ministries and Departments are implementing Government’s strategic programs and policies to enhance economic growth. Government is using a bottom-up approach in the process of preparation of an economic policy that best meets the needs of our society. The COVID-19 pandemic engendered a once-in-a-century global crisis in 2020. Faced with unprecedented uncertainty at the onset of the pandemic, India focused on saving lives and livelihoods of its citizens by its willingness to take short-term pain for long-term gain. India’s response stemmed from the humane principle that while Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will recover from the temporary shock caused by an intense lockdown, the human lives lost cannot be brought back.
The last two years have been difficult for the world economy on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Repeated waves of infection, supply-chain disruptions and, more recently, inflation has created challenging times for policy-making. Faced with these challenges, the Government of India’s immediate response was a bouquet of safetynets to cushion the impact on vulnerable sections of society and the business sector. It then pushed through a significant increase in capital expenditure on infrastructure to build back medium-term demand as well as aggressively implemented supply-side measures to prepare the economy for a sustained long-term expansion.
Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economy continues to be plagued by uncertainty, with resurgent waves of mutant variants, supply-chain disruptions and a return of inflation in both advanced and emerging economies. Moreover, the likely withdrawal of liquidity by major central banks over the next year may also make global capital flows more volatile. In this context, it is important to evaluate both the pace of growth revival in India as well as the strength of macroeconomic stability indicators. It is also essential to look at progress in vaccination as this is not just a health response but also a buffer against economic disruptions caused by repeated waves of the pandemic.
Vaccination is not merely a health response but is critical for opening up the economy, particularly contact-intensive services. Therefore, it should be treated for now as a macro-economic indicator. Over the course of a year, India delivered 173.86 crore doses that covered 90.6 crore people with at least one dose and 74.5 crore with both doses (as on 16th February, 2022). The administration of 'precaution dose' of COVID-19 1 Chapter 2 vaccine to healthcare, frontline workers and those above 60 years in the country and for the 15-18 year age group is also gathering pace at the time of presenting this survey.
Another distinguishing feature of India’s response has been an emphasis on supply-side reforms rather than a total reliance on demand management. These supplyside reforms include deregulation of numerous sectors, simplification of processes, removal of legacy issues like ‘retrospective tax’, privatisation, production-linked incentives and so on.
The Indian Government continued to focus on economic revival as its priority. Key initiatives taken, inter-alia, include ‘Make in India’, ‘Startup India’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’ reforms. Digital Technology has been the ‘sprint runner’ of this year that enabled us to tide over the disruptive effects of the pandemic. Central Government is creating a conducive environment by streamlining the existing regulations and processes. The upturn in the economy, while avoiding a second wave of infections makes India a sui generis case in strategic policymaking, of being fearless to choose the road less travelled. India’s human-centric policy response to the pandemic, tailored to India’s unique vulnerabilities, demonstrated the power of upholding self-belief under immense uncertainty. India transformed the short-term trade-off between lives and livelihoods into a win-win situation in the medium to long-term by both saving lives and livelihoods. Empowered by vision and foresight, India turned this crisis into an opportunity by ramping up its health and testing infrastructure and implementing a slew of seminal reforms to strengthen the long-term growth potential of the economy. The Union Government launched a support and outreach program for helping growth, expansion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. In addition, efficient financial intermediation, and macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal and monetary policies are other efforts initiated by the Government to increase growth in the country.
The Indian economy, to some extent has resisted the economic slowdown despite continued fall in the global economic indicators. This stability was marked by good governance through major domestic as well as foreign policies catering to the development of the economy. The initiation of various reforms have stimulated Indian economy that registered a steady pace of economic growth. Hence, growth of real GDP has been high with average growth rate of 6.4 per cent in the last 4 years.
The Indian economy showed a contraction of 6.6 per cent in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic, experienced negative growth in mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services, construction, trade, hotels, and restaurants, transport, storage, communication and services related to broadcasting and other services when compared to the previous year 2019-20.
GDP at constant (2011-12) prices or real GDP for the year 2020-21 is estimated at ₹135.58 lakh crore as against ₹145.16 lakh crore in 2019-20 with a contraction of 6.6 per cent. The GDP at current prices or nominal GDP for 2020-21 is estimated at ₹198.01 lakh crore as against ₹200.75 lakh crore in the year 2019-20, showing a contraction of 1.4 per cent during 2020-21. The Gross Value Added (GVA) at constant basic prices witnessed a contraction of 4.8 per cent during 2020-21 against the growth rate of 3.8 per cent in the year 2019-20, due to a negative growth in mining and quarrying (-8.6 per cent), manufacturing (-0.6 per cent), electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services (-3.6 per cent), construction (-7.3 per cent), trade, hotels, and restaurants (-22.4 per cent), transport, storage, communication and services related to broadcasting (-15.3 per cent) and other services (-11.5 per cent).
Advance estimates suggest that the Indian economy is expected to witness real GDP expansion of 9.2 per cent in 2021-22 after contraction in 2020-21. This implies that overall economic activity has recovered beyond the pre-pandemic levels.
Agriculture and allied sectors were the least impacted by the pandemic and this sector is expected to grow by 3.9 per cent in 2021-22 after growing 3.6 per cent in the previous year. Estimates suggest that the GVA of Industry (including mining and construction) will rise by 11.8 per cent in 2021-22 after contracting by 7 per cent in 2020-21. The Services sector was the hardest hit by the pandemic, especially segments that involve human contact. This sector is estimated to grow by 8.2 per cent this financial year following last year’s 8.4 per cent contraction.
The Per Capita Net National Income at current prices is estimated at ₹1,26,855 in 2020-21 against ₹1,32,115 for the previous year 2019-20 recording a decrease of 4.0 per cent. The per capita income in real terms i.e. at constant (2011-12) prices is estimated at ₹85,110 for 2020-21 as against ₹94,270 in 2019-20 showing a contraction of 9.7 per cent.
Inflation management is the key priority of the Government. The inflation rate, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) on year–on-year (YoY) basis inflation has reappeared as a global issue in both advanced and emerging economies The surge in energy prices, non-food commodities, input prices, disruption of global supply chains and rising freight costs stoked global inflation. Wholesale inflation, based on WPI, after remaining benign during the previous financial years, saw a sharp uptick to 12.5 per cent during 2021-22 (April-December). A part of the observed rise in WPI could be attributed to the low base in the previous year. However, rising input costs and global commodity prices also contributed to the rise in wholesale prices.
The Consumer Price Index Industrial Worker (CPI-IW) moderated to 5.0 per cent in 2021-22 (April-December) from 5.2 per cent in the corresponding period of 2020-21.
Government of Himachal Pradesh has initiated several measures for speedy progress in the quality of life for people of the State through efficient policies and cooperation with Central Government. Himachal has a vibrant economy due to steady efforts of the hardworking people of the State and by the implementation of progressive policies and programmes of the Central and State Government. Himachal has become a fast growing economy. During 2020-21 the state economy contracted by 5.2 per cent due to COVID-19 pandemic but as per current estimates is expected to grow by 8.3 per cent during 2021-22 (Figure 1.1).
As per the Revised Estimates Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices, is estimated at ₹ 1,56,675 crore in 2020-21 First Revised Estimate (FRE) as against ₹1,59,162 crore in 2019-20 Second Revised Estimate (SRE) showed a decrease of 1.6 per cent during the year. GSDP at constant (2011-12) prices in 2020-21 (FRE) is estimated at ₹1,14,814 crore against ₹ 1,21,168 crore in 2019-20 (SRE) registering a negative growth of 5.2 per cent during the year as against the growth rate of 4.1 per cent for the previous year.
The decrease in Gross State Domestic Product at constant prices is mainly attributed to 12.0 per cent decrease in primary sector, 6.6 per cent decrease in secondary sector and 10.6 per cent decrease in transport, communication, trade hotel and restaurants sector. Only two sectors electricity, gas and water supply and community and personal services, registered a positive growth of 4.5 and 5.1 per cent, respectively. Finance and real estate sector decreased by 1.9 per cent, transport and trade increased by 4.6 per cent, manufacturing sector by 0.3 per cent, construction by 3.1 per cent, electricity, gas and water supply decreased by 4.6 per cent. The food grain production, which was 15.94 lakh metric tonnes (MT) during 2019-20 decreased to 15.28 lakh MT in 2020-21 and is anticipated to grow to 16.75 lakh MT in 2021-22. Fruit production decreased to 6.24 lakh MT in 2020-21 as against 8.45 lakh MT in 2019-20, showing a decrease of 26.15 per cent in 2020-21. The fruit production during 2021-22 (up to December, 2022) is 6.98 lakh MT.
The per capita income at current prices as per first revised estimates for the year 2020-21 is ₹1,83,333 as compared to ₹1,85,728 in the year 2019-20 which is a decrease of 1.3 per cent.
As per current estimates on the basis of economic conditions up to December, 2021, in spite of the impact of COVID-19, the economy of the State for 2021-22 is expected to grow by 8.3 per cent. This is a remarkable achievement for Himachal.
The economy of the State has shown a shift from agriculture sector to industries and services as the percentage contribution of agriculture in total Gross State Domestic Product has declined from 57.9 per cent in 1950-51 to 55.5 per cent in 1967-68, 26.5 per cent in 1990-91 and 9.64 per cent in 2020-21.
The shares of the industries and services sectors which were 1.1 and 5.9 per cent respectively in 1950-51 increased to 5.6 and 12.4 per cent in 1967-68, 9.4 and 19.8 per cent in 1990-91 and to 28.9 and 44.7 per cent in 2020-21. However, the contribution of remaining sectors declined from 35.1 per cent in 1950-51 to 26.4 per cent in 2020-21.
The declining share of agriculture sector does not affect the importance of this sector in the State economy as the growth in primary sector of the State economy is still determined by the trend in agriculture and horticulture production. It is one of the major contributors to the total domestic product and has overall impact on other sectors via input linkages, employment, trade and transportation etc. Due to lack of irrigation facilities, agricultural production to a large extent still depends on timely rainfall and weather conditions. High priority has been accorded to this sector by the Government.
The State has made significant progress in the development of horticulture. The topographical variations and altitudinal differences coupled with fertile, deep and well drained soils favour the cultivation of temperate to sub-tropical fruits. The region is also suitable for cultivation of ancillary horticultural produce like flowers, mushroom, honey and hops.
During 2021-22, 1,549 hectares of additional area was planned to be brought under fruit plants against which 1,932 hectares of area has already been brought under plantation and 5.35 lakh fruit plants of different species were also distributed up to December, 2021. Growing of off-season vegetables has also picked up in the State. During 2020-21, 18.67 lakh tonnes of vegetables were produced as against 18.61 lakh tonnes in 2019-20. The production of vegetables will be about 18.50 lakh tonnes in 2021-22.
In the area of climate change mitigation, Himachal Pradesh continued to take various steps to achieve its targets. The State action plans on climate change aim to create institutional capacities and implement sectoral activities to address climate change.
In view of the growing needs of the State economy, Government has taken steps to provide uninterrupted power supply in the State. Several steps have been taken for increasing power generation, transmission and distribution. As a source of energy, hydro power is economically viable since it is non-polluting and is environmentally sustainable. In order to restructure this sector, the Power Policy of the State attempts to address all aspects like capacity addition, energy security, access and availability of power, affordability, environment and assured employment to the people of Himachal. Though the private sector participation in terms of investments in this sector has been encouraging. Smaller projects (up to 2 MW) have been reserved for investors from Himachal Pradesh and preference is given to them for projects up to 5 MW.
Containment of prices is a priority for the Government. Consumer Price Index inflation in Himachal Pradesh during 2021-22 (April to Dec. 2021) was 5.1 per cent. Tourism is an important source of generation of revenue and diverse employment opportunities. A significant rise was noticed in the domestic as well as foreign tourist inflow during the last few years but due to impact of COVID-19, there was a sharp decrease of 81 per cent in tourist arrivals in 2020. However, on the positive side, there is an increase of 75.44 per cent in tourist inflow upto December 2021, as compared to the previous year. This is evident from the Table 1.3 below:
1.1 The priority of the Government has always been to implement social welfare programmes that improve quality of life. Concerted efforts have been made to improve the efficiency and quality of delivery of public services. Some of the major public welfare schemes implemented during the year are:
Social Security: There are 6.35 lakh social security pensioners in the State under social security pension scheme. Additionally 1,95,003 new pension cases have been approved by the present Government. The State Government in its first cabinet meeting on 27th December, 2017, reduced the age limit for getting old age pension from 80 years to 70 years without any income limit. This Pension is being provided to 3,07,000 old people above 70 years. The pension for the elderly aged 60 to 69 years was increased from ₹ 700 to ₹ 850 per month and for those aged 70 years and above, it was increased from ₹1,250 to ₹1,500 per month.
Jan Manch: It is a program to improve transparency and good governance by establishing direct communication with the general public and solve their grievances and problems on the spot through public hearing. A total of 232 Jan Manchs have been organised till November, 2021 and of the 53,665 grievances received, 93 per cent have been resolved.
Chief Minister Seva Sankalp Helpline: 1100 helpline aims to solve all the grievances of the people of the State in a time bound manner through telephone and internet portal. Complaints are received through e-mail or service resolution from 7 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday, in the call centre helpline located in Shimla. A total of 3.21 lakh grievances were received and 86 per cent resolved under this helpline.
Swarna Jayanti Nari Sambal Yojana: A higher social security pension of ₹ 1000 per month is provided to women of age between 65-69 years. 39,641 women have been benefitted under the scheme
Mukhyamantri Grihini Suvidha Yojana: The yojana aims to empower women and protect environment by providing clean and smoke free fuel to the eligible families of the State who could not be included in Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Under the scheme, 3.24 lakh families were provided free connections out of which 2.39 lakh beneficiaries were given an extra gas refill. ₹119.90 crore has been spent.
Pradhanmantri Ujjwala Yojana: The objective of this scheme is to provide free gas connection to BPL families and safeguard the health of women & children by providing them with a clean cooking fuel-liquefied petroleum gas. 1.36 lakh families were provided free gas connections by spending ₹21.86 crore.
Himachal Healthcare Scheme (HIMCARE): The objective of this scheme is to provide free health treatment to the people of the State who are not included in the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Under this scheme, 5.13 lakh families were registered and 2.17 lakh people were given free treatment at a cost of ₹ 196.16 crore.
Ayushman Bharat: This scheme aims to provide free access to health insurance coverage for low income earners. 4.26 lakh families were provided golden cards. 1.16 lakh beneficiaries were given free treatment by spending ₹143.31 crore.
Atal Ashirwad Yojna: Newborn babies born in the hospital are being given ‘New Visitor Kit’ (Navaagantuk kit) of about ₹1,200 to 2,07,364 beneficiaries costing ₹ 24.36 crore.
Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund: This fund has been set up with the objective of providing medical assistance for the treatment of poor people suffering from serious diseases. Towards this objective, all the government hospitals of the State, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Government Hospital, Chandigarh and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi have been authorized. ₹10.46 crore for the treatment of 953 beneficiaries.
Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme: Under this scheme, free 1,374 medicines, injection needles and bandages etc. are being provided to patients in government health institutions of the State and about ₹216 crore have been spent.
Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana: The objective of this scheme is to encourage the youth of 18 to 45 years for self-employment. 18 new activities have been included in the scheme by providing relaxation of 5 years in upper age limit to women. 4862 projects sanctioned with an investment of ₹860 crore. 2593 units, with an investment of about ₹430 crore, have been established and provided employment to 7216 people. About ₹147 crore has been provided as subsidy.
Mukhyamantri Sahara Yojana: The yojana aims to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3000 to the patients suffering from serious diseases and to their attendants from the economically weaker sections directly in their bank accounts. ₹61.39 crore are being provided to 17,546 beneficiaries under the scheme.
Mukhyamantri Start-up Scheme: It aims to promote entrepreneurship among the youth of the State. A livelihood allowance of ₹25,000 per month is provided to the trainees for 1 year and assistance of ₹30 lakh for 3 years to the incubation centers is provided. Under the scheme, 191 start-ups and 12 incubation centers have been benefitted at a cost of ₹11.35 crore.
Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana: Under this scheme a provision has been made to provide assistance of ₹ 51,000 to destitute women/girls for marriage and ₹28.15 crore have been spent on 6,224 beneficiaries.
Beti Hai Anmol Yojana: The yojana aims to change the attitude towards daughters and empower them. ₹21000 is deposited in the names of the daughters for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Upto two daughters per family can benefit from this scheme. So far, ₹32.94 crore has been given to 1,07,823 beneficiaries
Global Investors Meet: With the aim of promoting industrialization and investment in the State, Global Investors Meet was organized, in which 703 MoUs worth ₹ 96,721 crore were signed. The first ground breaking ceremony of 236 projects worth ₹13,488 crore was held. The 2nd GroundBreaking Ceremony was organized on 27th December 2021 at Mandi in which 287 MoUs with a proposed investment of ₹ 28,197 crore grounded. Direct/ indirect employment to 80,000 persons is expected under these projects.
Har Ghar Pathshala: Under this scheme arrangements were made for online education to keep the academic activities smooth in all levels of government schools during the COVID-19 period. 1.92 lakh WhatsApp groups of students were created and 7,69,878 students participated.
Swarna Jayanti Super 100 scheme: 100 meritorious students studying in class 11th, who have secured the highest marks in class 10th, are being provided incentive amount of ₹1 lakh per student for training in vocational or any technical course.
Prakritik kheti-Khushhal Kisan Yojana: Under this scheme emphasis is being laid on reducing the cost of production by promoting natural farming with an aim of eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and increasing the income of the farmers. Under the scheme ₹46.15 crore was spent for the benefit of 1,53,643 farmers covering an area of 9,192 hectare.
Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana: Under this scheme, financial assistance is given to provide irrigation facility by constructing check dams and ponds at suitable places in the State. The government bears 100 per cent expenditure at the community level. 1,344 farmers have been benefitted and ₹83.40 crore was spent.
Chief Minister’s Farm Protection Scheme and Mukhyamantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana: 80 per cent subsidy on individual solar fencing, 85 per cent subsidy on group based solar fencing, 50 per cent on barbed and chain linked fencing and 70 per cent on composite fencing for protection of crops from wild animals and stray animals is being provided. 4,592 farmers have been benefitted by spending ₹ 150.52 crore.
Pradhanmantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: Under this scheme, an income support of ₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments will be provided to small and marginal land holding farmer families. About ₹1532.38 crore has been spent on more than 9.37 lakh farmers of the State under this Yojana.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): It aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections. So far under JJM, 8.16 lakh of tap connections have been installed. The budget provision of ₹1429.08 crore was made in 2021-22.
Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojna: Under this scheme, up to 85 per cent subsidy is given for setting up of poly house, poly tunnel etc. to promote commercial farming of flowers. Transportation charges for flowers have also been waived off. About ₹27.98 crore have been spent on 1,282 farmers.

2.STATE ECONOMY, PUBLIC FINANCE AND TAXATION

In spite of hilly terrain and adverse geographical conditions for industrial development, State has achieved new heights in economic growth and development. On the one hand, its growth remained at par with the national growth rate, on the other hand the State has secured higher ranking in development indicators.
The First Revised Estimate (FRE) of the GSDP of Himachal Pradesh at constant (2011-12) prices for 2020-21 is ₹1,14,814 crore as against ₹1,21,168 crore for 2019-20 Second Revised Estimate (SRE) indicating a growth of (-) 5.2 per cent in comparison with the India GDP growth rate of (-) 6.6 per cent for 2020-21.
The economy is classified into three broad sectors that are individually addressed below:
The Primary Sector: The Primary sector comprises agriculture, horticulture, livestock, forestry and logging, fishing mining and quarrying sub-sectors. The agriculture with its allied sectors supporting about 56.5 per cent of the population as per Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2019-20 registered a growth of (-)12.0 per cent in 2020-21 (FRE) at constant (2011-12) prices with a Gross Value Added (GVA) of ₹14,411 crore as compared to ₹16,369 crore during 2019-20 Second Revised Estimates (SRE).
In Himachal Pradesh, horticulture is no longer treated as a sub sector of agriculture since it has crossed agriculture in terms of value addition. The livestock sector has emerged as an alternative and dependable source of income generation. In 2020-21, the production of milk increased by 2.95 per cent and that of eggs by 4.20 per cent. However, meat production decreased by (-) 9.60 per cent. The livestock and fisheries sectors registered a growth of 5.6 per cent and 9.6 per cent. The forestry and mining sectors have shown growth of (-) 19.6 and (-) 6.8 per cent, respectively in 2020-21 (FRE).
The Secondary Sector: The Secondary sector broadly comprises manufacturing (organised and unorganised), electricity, gas and water supply and construction. As per FRE for 2020-21 at constant (2011-12) prices, the GVA of the secondary sector is estimated at ₹49,610 crore against ₹53,137 crore, for 2019-20 (SRE) registering growth of (-) 6.6 per cent over the previous year.
The Tertiary or Services Sector: The Services sector has a significant and fast growing share in the State GVA. It comprises trade, hotel and restaurants, transport, storage and communications, banking and insurance, real estate and professional services and community and social and personal services. It registered growth of (-) 2.1 per cent in 2020-21 (FRE) over the previous year . The GVA of service sector for the year 2020-21(FRE) is estimated at ₹44,198 crore as against ₹45,152 crore in 2019-20 (SRE). Sector wise GVA at Constant (2011-12) Basic Prices is given below:
The GSDP for the year 2020-21 (FRE) at current prices is ₹1,56,675 crore as against ₹1,59,162 crore for 2019-20 (SRE). The estimates of GVA at current basic prices for the year 2020-21 is ₹1,46,241 crore as against ₹ 1,49,201 crore for 201920. The sectoral contribution at current basic prices is given in Table 2.1
As per 2020-21 (FRE) estimates GVA contribution at current prices from the primary sector is ₹19,893 crore (13.61 per cent). For the same period the contribution from the secondary sector stood at ₹61,004 crore (41.71 per cent) while that from the Service sector is ₹65,344 crore (44.68 per cent). The estimates of GDP of Himachal Pradesh and India from 2011-12 to 2020-21 at current and constant (2011-12) prices are given in Table 2.2
The PCI for Himachal Pradesh at current prices decreased to ₹1,83,333 in 2020-21(FRE) from ₹1,85,728 in 2019-20 (SRE) registering a growth of (-) 1.3 per cent. At constant (2011-12) prices, the per capita income for 2020-21(FRE), was estimated at ₹1,33,079 against ₹1,40,048 in 2019-20 (SRE) resulting a growth of (-) 5.0 per cent. A comparative picture of PCI at current prices of Himachal Pradesh and all India from 2011-12 to 2020-21 is tabulated below:
As per the advance estimates based on the economic performance of State up-to December 2021, the economic growth rate of State during 2021-22 is likely to be 8.3 per cent showing a sharp recovery after COVID-19 pandemic. The State achieved a growth of (-) 5.2 per cent in 2020-21 (FRE) and 4.1 per cent in 2019-20 (SRE). As per Advance Estimate (AE) GSDP at current prices in the year 2021-22 is likely to be about ₹1,75,173 crore.
According to advance estimates, the Per Capita Income at current prices for 2021-22 is estimated at ₹2,01,854 against ₹1,83,333 in 2020-21 showing a growth of 10.1 per cent.
The State Government mobilizes financial resources through direct and indirect taxes, non-tax revenue, share of central taxes and grants-in-aid from Central Government to meet the expenditure for administrative and developmental activities. According to the budget estimates (BE) for the year 2021-22 the total revenue receipts were estimated at ₹ 37,028 crore as against ₹ 35,588 crore in 2020-21 revised estimates (RE).
For the financial year 2020-21 the State Excise and Taxation Department collected ₹7044.24 crore taxes under different heads against a target of ₹ 6886.13 crore. During the current financial year 2021-22, (up to December 2021) the department has collected ₹6,232.24 crore of taxes under different heads against the annual target of ₹6,964.84 crore.
The component wise revenue targets for the financial year 2020-21 and 2021-22 and achievements up to December 2021 are given below:
Government receipts can broadly be divided into non-debt and debt receipts. The non-debt receipts consist of tax revenue, non-tax revenue, grants-in-aid, recovery of loans and disinvestment receipts. Debt receipts mostly consist of market borrowings and other liabilities, which the government is obliged to repay in the future.
Tax Revenue: According to Budget Estimates of 2021-22, the tax revenue (including central taxes) was estimated at ₹14,806 crore as against ₹12,312 crore in 2020-21 RE.
Non-Tax Revenue : Non-Tax Revenue consists mainly of interest receipts on loans, receipts from sale of power, dividends and profits from public sector undertakings and receipts from services provided by the Government like general services such as those provided by the Public Service Commission, social services such as health and education, economic services such as irrigation etc. The non-tax revenue is likely to increase to ₹ 2,754 crore in 2021-22 as against ₹2,268 crore in 2020-21 showing an increase of 21.43 per cent. This is estimated to be 1.57 per cent of State GSDP.
Non- Debt Capital Receipts: Non-Debt capital receipts consist of recovery of loans and advances and disinvestment receipts. The budget estimate for 2021-22 envisages ₹41 crore as recovery of loans and no income from disinvestment. As per budget estimates of 2021-22, total expenditure of the State Government was estimated to be ₹50,192 crore out of which ₹38,491 crore (76.69 per cent) was earmarked for revenue expenditure.
As per the budget estimates the Revenue receipts of the Government for the year 2021-22 were estimated to be 21.14 per cent of the GSDP as against 22.71 per cent in 2020-21 RE. Similarly, the tax revenue for the year 2021-22 was estimated at 8.45 per cent of GSDP as compared to 7.86 per cent during 2020-21. Non-tax revenue is 1.57 per cent of the GSDP in 2021-22 as compared to 1.45 per cent during 2020-21.
In 2021-22, the total expenditure of the State is estimated to be 28.65 per cent, the estimate for revenue expenditure is 21.97 per cent while that for capital expenditure is 3.43 per cent of the GSDP.
Trend in Fiscal Indicators:Table 2.7 shows that in 2020-21 the estimates for growth of total expenditure and revenue expenditure for the State were 24.14 and 17.18 per cent, respectively.
Government Expenditure:Rationalization and prioritization of Government expenditure is integral to fiscal reforms. As State’s tax to GSDP ratio is low, Government faces the challenge of providing sufficient funds for investment and infrastructure expansion while maintaining fiscal discipline. Thus, improving the quality of expenditure towards capital spending is significant.
The Government spends major chunk of its expenditure on revenue expenditure. In 2021-22 it is estimated that 77 per cent of the total budget spending will be on revenue expenditure. The composition of revenue expenditure is given in Table 2.8 below which reveals that 55 per cent of total expenditure is likely to be spent on salary, pension, interest payment and subsidies in 2021-22 (BE). The expenditure on salary, pension and interest payments is committed expenditure in nature and has limited headroom for creation of addition fiscal space. The subsidies have been moderated at 2.1 per cent of the total expenditure in 2021-22.
The growth of major items of revenue expenditure is given in table 2.9, which shows that the growth of expenditure on salary is increasing year on year. The growth in Salary expenditure over the previous year increased by 27.14 per cent in 2020-21, and is estimated to decrease by 2.92 per cent in 2021-22 (BE). Pension expenditure increased by 14.46 per cent in 2017-18, 6 per cent in 2018-19, 32 per cent in 2020-21. However, in 2021-22 (BE) it is expected to decrease by 2.53 per cent. Growth in interest payments was 13 per cent in 2017-18, 6 per cent in 2018-19 and is likely to increase by 9 per cent in 2021-22 (BE). Growth of subsidy expenditure increased by 19 per cent in 2017-18, 41 per cent in 2018-19. In 2019-20 there was a decrease of 16.77 per cent followed by an increase of 8 per cent in 2020-21. In 2021-22 (BE), it is estimated that there will be decrease of 7 per cent in this component of the expenditure.
Table 2.10 above shows that debt as percentage to GSDP was 35.25 per cent in 2019-20, which was 34.22 per cent in 2018-19.

3.COVID-19 IMPACT AND RECOVERY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH ECONOMY

The COVID-19 pandemic has probably given the biggest blow to the world economy since the great depression of 1930s. Around 60 per cent of the world population remained under severe or partial lockdown. With no clear medical remedy, economic activities across countries were either stalled or significantly decelerated affecting millions of livelihoods. Several countries across the world resorted to lockdowns to ―flatten the curve‖ of infection. These lockdowns meant confining millions of citizens to their homes, shutting down businesses and ceasing most economic activities. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global economy was expected to shrink by over 3 per cent in 2020, the steepest slowdown since the Great Depression.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on India has been immensely disruptive in terms of economic activity in addition to unfortunate loss of human lives. Almost all sectors of economy have been adversely affected as domestic demand and exports sharply plummeted. There were, however, some notable exceptions where high growth was observed.
The pandemic has been a unique economic shock that has triggered both supply and demand-side shocks simultaneously for economies around the world. Increased uncertainty, lower confidence, loss of income, weaker growth prospects, fear of contagion, curtailment of spending options due to closure of all contact-sensitive activities, the triggering of precautionary savings, risk aversion among businesses and resultant fall in consumption and investment-leading to the first order demand shock.
The State has seen recent uprising in COVID-19 cases which can be termed as third wave which is given in Figure 3.1.
The sudden closure of businesses around the world has contributed to a massive economic shock, and policy makers have scrambled to try to contain the damage. To many, it has seemed a clear supply shock—the term for what happens when an event interrupts the production of goods and services. COVID-19 has disrupted supply chains and this has generated spill over effects throughout different levels of supplier networks. Trade-in 2020 has fallen in every region and this has brought restraint to all Sectors of the economy.
Himachal Pradesh witnessed multiple effects on its economy which are given under the following heads.
COVID-19 has had many effects on almost all sector of the economy ranging from acute to minor. Present chapter analyses its impact on the main components of state economy under the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.
Primary Sector: Crops, Livestock and Forestry and Logging Since agriculture is the backbone of the country and a part of the government announced essential category, the impact is likely to be low on both primary agricultural production and usage of agro-inputs. Several state governments have already allowed free movement of fruits, vegetables, milk etc. Himachal Pradesh has abundant supply of forest resources that are included in the primary sector. The COVID-19 Lockdown has had a strong impact on its growth which is given in following figure:
The livestock sector has seen no significant impact of coronavirous lockdown in the State. As far as crop sector is concerned, it saw major fall in the year 2020-21 which was due to the production impact of horticulture crops. The crop sector has seen a growth rate of 12.9 per cent in 2021-22 (Advance Estimate) which is also due to the seasonal factor. The rise in horticulture production has positive impact on growth rate of crop sector also.
Forestry and logging had fall in growth rate due to lockdown. The reason was closure of activities and unavailability of labour. After lockdown the migrant labour in Himachal Pradesh returned to their homes. After lifting of the restrictions, gradually these migrant workers returned and growth started that can be seen in ‗V‘ shape revcovery in the forestry and logging sector.
Secondary Sector: Manufacturing (Organised and un-organised) and Construction The real estate and construction activities faced a disruption during the second wave as a large number of migrant workers left the urban areas. Manufacturing and construction are the backbone of any economy. These are the main components of the secondary sector which accounts for the second highest percentage share in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). .The labour shortage has hit both housing and construction projects in urban areas and states, where the virus is spreading fast. This is likely to lead to significant delays in the completion of pending projects. The following diagram shows contraction in this sector:
The unavailability of manpower and raw material due to lockdown is the main reason behing the fall in the growth rate of manufacturing and construction in the State. Manufacturing (Organised and un-organised) and Construction sector has same impact in which both demand and supply shocks worked togather. Construction and manufacturing activities were stopped due to the lockdown and, on the other hand, there was lack of labour and law material. After opening up of the economy this sector also saw a ‗V‘ shape recovery.
Tertiary Sector Tertiary sector comprises various essential services. Administration and financial services saw no or very little impact due to lockdown. However, some other sub-sectors saw major impact due to the lockdown and then later reported recovery. Analyses of such sectors are given in consequent sections:
1) Transport Storage and Communication and Services Incidental to Transport Transportation is part of the tertiary sector and has important role in the economy of the State. Absence of other means of transportation, such as by
Transport storage and communication had the highest drop of 24 per cent whereas, services incidental to transport fell by 11.8 per cent in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 forced lockdown. After relaxation of restrictions, these sectors started recovering and saw a steep recovery of 19.1 per cent in Transport Storage and Communication. For Services Incidental to Transport, 16.2 per cent growth was estimated.
Transport storage and communication had the highest drop of 24 per cent whereas, services incidental to transport fell by 11.8 per cent in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 forced lockdown. After relaxation of restrictions, these sectors started recovering and saw a steep recovery of 19.1 per cent in Transport Storage and Communication. For Services Incidental to Transport, 16.2 per cent growth was estimated.
2) Trade and Repair Services and Hotel and Restaurants The impact of the lockdown on Trade and repair sector was virtually non-existent. Whereas, hotel and restaurant sector was among few sectors which were most affected. Restriction on movements of the people first impacted the transport and then the hotel and tourism sector. The restrictions due to the second wave crippled the tourism sector, which was already struggling to recover the initial loss suffered by the businesses in 2020. As economy resorted to reopen after the initial lockdown, it started recovering sharply. While, growth rate of hotel and restaurant was (-) 78.7 per cent in 2020-21 it increased to 56.5 per cent in 2021-22 (Figure-3.6).
3) Tourism and Hospitality Sector Aviation and Tourism were the first industries that were hit significantly by the pandemic. The sector that has contributed to a large portion of India‘s annual GDP has been hit hard by restrictions and curfews imposed by the states. The hospitality sector is linked to the tourism sector.
Tourism remains the main source of revenue generation and employment in the State. COVID-19 forced lockdown which caused the worst hit to the tourism sector in the State. Geographical advantages place the State at win-win situation for tourism sector, but there was a huge decrease in the tourist arrival, when restrictions on movements were imposed in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
Arrival of tourists sees a variation in terms of year-on-year growth rate in the state. However, a large variation in the growth rate is seen in the time of countrywide lockdown which not only forced domestic tourists to stay locked in their homes, but led to foreign tourists staying back in their countries due to ban on international flights. The figure 3.7 shows the highest (-81.33 per cent) contraction in the arrival of tourists compared to the previous year. The tourist arrival hugely improved after the initial lockdown. It reached to 75.43 per cent in 2021 (Figure-3.7).
The State has taken various steps to combat COVID-19 by providing assistance to different sectors are given as follows:
State Government provided relief of about `153 crore (Table-3.2) as Token Tax, Special Road Tax (SRT), and Passengers and Goods Tax (PGT) to the transport sector, which was one of the worst hit sectors. This includes an interest Subvention Scheme on working capital of stage carriage operators, under which a loan of `2 lakh per bus and maximum amount upto `20 lakh is provided to the bus operators as working capital. The duration of the loan is be 5 years, in which one year is of moratorium period, there is 75 per cent interest subvention to paid by the State Government, in the second year, there is an interest subvention of 50 per cent on interest which to borne by the State Government. About `11 crore relief has been provided by the Government on this scheme.
Apart from this, relief accorded to the transport sector in the form of Grant-in-Aid (GIA) for salary, GIA for non-salary, subsidy and fund for investment was also provided as per details given below (Table 3.2).

Government has provided 100 per cent relief on Special Road Tax and Token Tax during the period from 1st April 2020 to 30th November, 2021, benefitting stage carriages, taxis, maxi, autorikshaw, contract carriage buses and institution buses.
Tourism being worst hit sector in the pandemic; the State Government has revised scheme for interest subvention on working capital loan for hospitality industry to ensure that Tourism unit operators could get easier access to working capital at interest rate lower than the prevailing market rates. This scheme provides for interest subversion of 75 per cent in the first year and payment period has also been increased to five years. Some other categories like Rope Way and Travel Agents have also been included in the new scheme.
The total relief to tourism sector as Token Tax, PGT, GIA for salary and fund for investment was also provided as per details given below (Table-3.3).

The size of State Annual Credit Plan for the year 2020-21 was worth `23,625 crore out of which `22,110 crore was allocated to Priority Sectors, such as agriculture and allied, MSME, education and housing.
Insurance cover of `30 lakh given by the State Government to the people who died due to COVID-19 and who were not eligible under Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Yojana.
Wage rates of various category Part time workers/Para workers etc. have been increased since 4 years. Though, the Table 3.4 presents the rates for various categories increased since four years but a major increase was in Covid time. Following Table lists such job categories:
Government directed Forest department to provide free wood for cremation of Corona deceased. All Municipal Corporations were allowed to hire dead body vans
Government included the families under Food Security Act (Priority Households Category), where death occurred due to COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines for identification of Priority Households under National Food Security Act, 2013 issued on 1st August, 2013 were relaxed to give them immediate relief and such families are included by Gram Panchyats and Urban Local Bodies under National Food Security Act (Priority Household (PHH) categories) on simply getting COVID-19 death certificate of such persons.
Provided abatement/relaxation of toll fees for the year 2020-21 of Toll at the toll barriers.

4.SDG AND INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE STATE

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encompass all the key development sectors including education, health, sanitation, employment, infrastructure, energy, and environment - and set time-bound targets to achieve them. The need for India to achieve these targets remains imperative. Significant progress has already been made across the country in recent years but the tempo of progress must be modulated to fully achieve the SDGs. A very popular Statement of Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nation is that “Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.”
In September, 2015, the world community designed an International Framework on new developments. The SDGs, officially known as “Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, are the inter-Governmental set of 17 aspiration goals with 169 targets and more than 300 indicators. UN member countries are expected to use it as development framework to shape their political policies for next 15 years. The SDGs are expanded on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were agreed to by the countries in 2001 and which expired in 2015. The SDGs have come into existence on 1st January, 2016 and will end by 31st December, 2030.
The agenda for Sustainable Development-2030, aims at „Leaving No One Behind‟ in sharing the benefit of development. The SDGs have been designed to integrate global ambitions on tackling poverty, reducing inequality, combating climate change and protecting ecosystem including forest and biodiversity.
The SDGs have been signed for and adopted by the Government of India. For realization of its Goals and Targets, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, has developed 309 Indicators that are measurable and monitor able. NITI Aayog continues to be the Nodal Agency for the implementation of SDGs in India and has the twin mandate of overseeing the adoption of SDGs in the country and promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs.
The first edition of the SDG India Index was launched in December 2018, using 62 indicators from 39 targets across 13 SDGs; Goals 12, 13, 14, and 17 had to be left out owing to the lack of indicators for which State-wise data was available. The second edition of the Index covering all the 17 Goals and 54 targets, launched in December 2019, was more broad in coverage with 100 indicators: 68 completely aligned with the National Indicator Framework (NIF), 20 refined, and 12 from other official government sources. The third and current edition (Index 3.0) marks an improvement over the 2019-20 edition with a wider coverage of targets. The Index offers insights into social, economic, and environmental status of the country and the States/UTs in their march towards achieving the SDGs. The Index has been designed in such a way that it is accessible to everyone – policymakers, civil society, businesses, and the general public.
The current index has the following main objectives:
To rank the States/UTs based on their performance across the 16 SDGs. A composite score was also calculated, which ranked the States/ UTs based on their overall performance across multiple Goals.
To promote healthy competition among the States/UTs in their journey towards achieving the Global Goals.
To support the States/UTs in identifying priority areas which demand more attention.
To enable the States/UTs to learn from the good practices of their peers.
To highlight data gaps in the statistical system of the States/UTs and identify the sectors in which robust and more frequent data needs to be collected. NITI Ayog categorized all the States under following categories according to their scores:
The SDG India Index computes goal-wise scores on the 16 SDGs for each State and Union Territory.
These scores range between 0–100, and if a State/UT achieves a score of 100, it signifies it has achieved the 2030 targets.
The higher the score of a State/UT, the closer it is to its final target.
The composite score for each State/UT was computed by aggregating their performance across the goals, by taking the arithmetic mean of individual goal scores.
In the SDG India Index 3.0, out of the 115 indicators, 75 are common to Index 2.0. Of these, for 57 indicators, updated values have been used, compared to 2019. Out of the 115 indicators, 76 are completely aligned with National Indicator Framework (NIF), 31 are referred from NIF, and 8 are constructed in consultation with the Line Ministries. A total of 109 indicators were used for Index estimation. 5 indicators under SDG 14 were not included as they relate only to the 9 coastal States, while one indicator in Goal 10 has not been used for computation due to lack of comparability.
Unforeseen and unprecedented, the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged the progress towards SDGs around the world. India put forward a systematic pandemic management plan, which included system-wide measures and initiatives focused on specific groups.
Himachal Pradesh is a frontrunner among the States at national level. It secured consistent top position in assessment of sustainable goals. Though in all indicators Himachal Pradesh performed better, it secured top position in Affordable and Clean Energy. Himachal also attained lowest score in SDG 2 which is Zero hunger. Further, there are three indicators in SDG 2 in which Himachal Pradesh needs attention namely a) percentage of children who are underweight, percentage of children who are stunted and percentage of women who are anaemic. State has achieved 2nd rank in overall ranking along with Tamil Nadu as per SDG 3.0.
Himachal Pradesh has scored lowest on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) - 2 which is related to hunger and malnutrition. The Goal no 2 has seven indicators and out of seven indicators Himachal Pradesh has lower performance in percentage of children under five years who are underweight, percentage of children under five years who are stunted, percentage of women aged 15-49 years who are anaemic and percentage of adolescent aged 10-19 years who are anaemic.
Planning Department is the Nodal Department in the State to facilitate implementation of the SDGs framework in Himachal Pradesh and it has published a State vision document i.e. “Drishti Himachal Pradesh-2030 Sustainable Development Goals” to implement & monitor the progress of SDGs in the State. The progress on 17 identified SDGs indicators is being monitored and is further being updated every 3 years. This document has identified indicators achievable by 2022. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was the year of social distancing; Planning Department organized a capacity building training programme for line departments on SDGs, sponsored by Economic and Statistics Department at State Apex Training Institute (HIPA) on 23rd to 27th, November 2020.
State has shortlisted 138 key indicators and targets for monitoring progress on SDGs, out of which 12 have been achieved, 39 are to be achieved by 2022 and 87 are planned to be achieved by 2030. The State is also considering development of a dashboard for monitoring progress on the indicators. These indicators have been finalized in consultation with the line departments. SDGs goals-wise Nodal departments in Himachal Pradesh are described at Table 4.4.
GGI is a comprehensive and implementable framework to assess the State of Governance across the States and UTs which enables ranking of States/Districts. The objective of GGI is to create a tool that can be used uniformly across the States to assess the impact of various interventions taken up by the Central and State Governments including UTs. Based on the GGI Framework, the Index provides a comparative picture among the States while developing a competitive spirit for improvement. The GGI 2019 encompassed 10 Governance Sectors and 50 Governance Indicators. For GGI 2020-21 the same 10 Governance Sectors are retained while indicators have been revised to 58.
Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah released the Good Governance Index 2021 prepared by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) on 25 December 2021. 25th December is celebrated as Good Governance Day marking the auspicious occasion of late former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee‟s birth anniversary. Good Governance is the key component of the economic transformation and with the present government‟s focus on „minimum government and maximum governance,‟ the Index assumes more significance.
Further, the GGI 2020-21 categorizes States and UTs into four categories, i.e.,
i) Other States – Group A;
ii) Other States – Group B;
iii) North-East and Hill States; and
iv) Union Territories.
Himachal Pradesh has been assessed top performer in terms of Human Resource Development and Public Infrastructure among Hill States.
Himachal position on GGI 2020-21, demonstrates that Himachal improved sectors are: Public infrastructure & utilities and Social welfare & development and ranked first among northeast and hill state which is depicted Table 4.6 which also showed that Human resource development and public infrastructure and utilities sector are best performing sectors of Himachal in Agricultural and allied sector Himachal, ranked 8th which is a matter of concern.
Good Governance is the key component of the economic transformation and with the present government‟s focus on „Minimum Government and Maximum Governance‟ the Index assumes more significance. The idea of DGGI arose when Himachal Pradesh was ranked first among 12 small States consistently in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 on the Public Affair Index (PAI) by the Public Affair Centre (PAC), Bengaluru.
To make DGGI an annual exercise in Himachal Pradesh, it was decided in January, 2019 that DGGI will be a regular exercise of the Department of Economic and Statistics. In compliance to the above, the department has prepared DGGI-2019. In the Budget Speech of 2020-21 Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Jai Ram Thakur announced to take up the exercise of assessment of the governance to sub-state level and proposed to award the top three ranked Districts i.e. 1st- `50 lakh, 2nd- `35 lakh and 3rd- `25 lakh on Good Governance Index in order to promote competition among districts to perform better. On the basis of DGGI-2020, top three districts were awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for 2021.
District Good Governance Index (DGGI) as a part of ongoing endeavor to promote good governance, DGGI 2020 has been developed with some relevant changes in the parameters as compared to DGGI 2019 for the purpose of more inclusiveness in policy making. The ranking of the districts would bring about healthy competition among districts from which citizens would benefit immensely. The DGGI 2019-20 encompassed 7 themes, 19 focus subject and 45 governance indicators and for DGGI 2020-21 the same 7 themes, and 19 focus subjects and 75 indicators have been revised. The comparative situation of various districts is presented below in table 4.7.
Table 4.7 demonstrated that District Hamirpur improved its position from 3rd to 1st rank and district Kullu improved its position from 6th rank (2019) to 3rd rank in 2020. District Mandi has however deteriorated its position and slipped from 2nd to 4th position and Bilaspur slipped from 1st position to 2nd position. Shimla district, ranks 05th in 2020 against 10th in the previous year. Table 4.8 present Individual score of districts for each of the theme. Hamirpur gain is attributed to Support to Human Development Index and Social protection index. Where it was at the 6th place in previous year, it improved its position to 2nd in terms of support to Human development and for Social protection it has at the 9th place in previous year, it gained to 2nd place in 2020. Hamirpur has also improved its position to the 4th in current year from 9th position in previous year in terms of Transparency and accountability index.
MPI is designed keeping in view Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 in its entirety which states to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere”. The MPI is used by UNDP in its flagship HDR since 2010 and is the most widely employed non-monetary poverty index in the world. It captures overlapping deprivation in health, education and living standards on twelve indicators pertaining to: a) nutrition, b) child adolescent and mortality, c) Antenatal care d) years of schooling, e) school attendance, f) cooking fuel, g) sanitation, h) drinking water, i) electricity, j) housing, k) assets and l) bank account. It complements income poverty measurements because it measures and compares deprivations directly.
MPI = H * A

Where: H = head count, means the percentage of people who are multidimensionally poor and A = is percentage of weighted deprivations, the average multidimensionally poor person suffers from. Comparative overview of the achievements in Multidimensional Poverty Index of Himachal Pradesh and India as a whole on the basis of NITI Ayog report on MPI 2021 is given below in Table 4.9.
There are broadly two steps involved in computing MPI namely:
i) Identifications and
ii) Aggregation.
It is important here to note that “Identification” is one of the important steps that can vary from the calculation of MPI from nation to nation and from state to state depending on the prevailing socio-economic conditions of a particular nation/state. Identification of indicators is at the root of MPI which shows the intensity and deprivation picture of a Nation/State.
Two districts of Himachal Pradesh namely, Chamba and Sirmour have secured lowest and second lowest rank among all districts of Himachal Pradesh in national MPI. The deprivation was most in the following indicators viz. Nutrition, Maternal Health and cooking fuel. Sirmour and Chamba have 9.51 per cent and 9.69 per cent Head count
ratio for Nutrition which is highest among all district of the State. Similarly these two districts are most lacking in cooking fuel where the head count is 10.96 for Chamba, whereas, Sirmour has 10.58 per cent. In terms of Housing also the head count is 7.95 per cent for Chamba and 6.99 per cent which is highest among all other districts of the State. maternal health is also is an issue in the State where these two district performs lower than other districts. Where Chamba has Head count Ratio of 9.63 per cent and Sirmour has 6.92 per cent. The situation in front is also worrying for Solan and Mandi where Head count ratio has 7.1 per cent and 6.68 per cent. At last it can be observed that where Chamba and Sirmour have been reported as highest in terms of MPI, these two districts have also been observed as lower ranking in terms of DGGI where, Chamba is at 11th and Sirmour is at 9th place. The gain in DGGI is reflected in MPI also.

5.INSTITUTIONAL AND BANK FINANCES

The Lead Bank responsibility for Himachal has been distributed among three banks: Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi and Una; United Commercial Bank (UCO) Bank in Bilaspur, Shimla, Solan and Sirmour and State Bank of India (SBI) in Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti. Of these, UCO is the Convener Bank of State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC). The State has a network of 2,244 bank branches of which, more than 76 per cent are in rural areas. From October, 2020 to September, 2021, 13 new branches were opened. At present 1,715 branches are located in rural areas, 414 in semi-urban areas and 115 in Shimla - the only Urban Centre in the State classified by Reserve Bank of India.
As per 2011 census, the average population per branch in the State was 3,059 against the national average of 11,000. As of September, 2021, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have 1,165 branches constituting more than 51 per cent of the total branch network of banking sector in the State. PNB has the largest network of 350 branches followed by SBI with 329 and UCO with 173 branches. Private Sector Banks have 188 branches with the largest presence of HDFC with 75 followed by ICICI with 32 branches. Four Small Finance Banks are functional in the State and have a network of 16 branches. India Post Payment Bank and Financial Inclusion Network and Operations (Fino) Payments Bank are two Payment Banks functioning in the State with a network of 13 branches.
There is a Regional Rural Bank (RRB) sponsored by PNB, namely Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank (HPGB), with a network of 265 branches as of September 2021. The Co-operative Sector Banks have 571 branches. The State Apex Cooperative Bank i.e. Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank (HPSCB) with 241 branches and Kangra Central Co-operative Bank (KCCB) has 217 branches. Five Urban Co-op. Banks with 26 branches are also operating in the State. In terms of district-wise spread of bank branches. Kangra district has the highest number of 423 bank branches and Lahaul-Spiti has the lowest number of 23 branches. The outreach of bank services has further increased by installation of 2,049 ATMs by various banks.
There is a Regional Rural Bank (RRB) sponsored by PNB, namely Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank (HPGB), with a network of 265 branches as of September 2021. The Co-operative Sector Banks have 571 branches. The State Apex Cooperative Bank i.e. Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank (HPSCB) with 241 branches and Kangra Central Co-operative Bank (KCCB) has 217 branches. Five Urban Co-op. Banks with 26 branches are also operating in the State. In terms of district-wise spread of bank branches. Kangra district has the highest number of 423 bank branches and Lahaul-Spiti has the lowest number of 23 branches. The outreach of bank services has further increased by installation of 2,049 ATMs by various banks. Regional Zonal and Circle Offices in the State. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has its Regional Office headed by a Regional Director and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has its Regional Office headed by a Chief General Manager at Shimla.
The role and responsibility of banks is well recognized as a partner for accelerating the socio-economic growth of the State. The flow of credit in all priority areas has been enhanced. As of September, 2021 banks in the State have achieved 6 out of the 7 National Parameters by the RBI for Lending to Priority Sectors, which include Agriculture Sector, Small and Marginal Farmers, Micro Enterprises, Weaker Sections and Women. At present, banks have extended 59.86 per cent of their total loans to the Priority Sector Activities.
Agriculture loans constitute19.47per cent of total loans extended by Banks as on September, 2021 as against the National parameter of 18 per cent set by the RBI. Advances to Weaker Sections and Women have a proportion of 17.75 and 10.48 per cent of total lending as against the national goals of 10 and 5 per cent, respectively. Credit Deposit Ratio (CDR) of banks in the State is 38.28 per cent. The National Parameters are given in Table-5.1 below:
Financial Inclusion denotes delivery of financial services and products at an affordable cost to the excluded sections of our society and low income groups. Government of India has launched a comprehensive Financial Inclusion Campaign“Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana” (PMJDY) throughout the country to bring the excluded sections of our society in formal banking system. This special campaign has completed more than seven years and several initiatives are being taken upto empower the weaker sections of the society, including women, small and marginal farmers and labourers both in rural and urban areas.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY): Banks in the State have covered all the households with at least one Basic Saving Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) of each household. Banks with a total of 17.53 lakh accounts under the scheme as of September, 2021. Out of these accounts, 15.34 lakh accounts are in rural areas and 2.19 lakh in urban areas. Banks have issued RuPay Debit Cards to 11.73 lakh PMJDY account holders and covered more than 66 per cent of these accounts. Banks have taken initiative to link the bank account with Aadhaar and Mobile Number and have linked 83 per cent of PMJDY accounts upto September, 2021.
Universal Social Security Initiatives under PMJDY Scheme: In the 2nd phase of implementation of the Scheme, Government of India has launched three Social Security Schemes as a comprehensive social security initiative targeted mainly at the poor and underprivileged. The present status of Social security schemes is mentioned below:
i) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): This scheme is providing renewable one year accidental death cum special ability cover of `2.00 lakh (`1.00 lakh for partial and permanent special ability) to all the saving bank account holders in the age group of 18 to 70 years for a premium of `12.00 per annum per subscriber, renewable from 1st June every year. Banks have 15.72 lakh subscribers under PMSBY upto September, 2021. The Insurance Companies have settled 909 insurance claims under the scheme upto 30th November, 2021.
ii) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): This scheme is providing a renewable one year life cover of `2.00 lakh to all the saving bank account holders in the age group of 18 to 50 years, covering death due to any reason for a premium of `330.00 per annum per subscriber and renewable from 1st June every year. Banks have 4.32 lakh subscribers under this scheme as of September, 2021. The Insurance Companies have settled 1,902 insurance claim upto 30th November, 2021 since inception.
iii) Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Atal Pension Yojana is focused on the unorganized sector and it provides subscribers a fixed minimum pension of `1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 or `5,000 per month starting at the age of 60 years, depending on the contribution option exercised on entering an age between 18 and 40 years. The fixed minimum pension is guaranteed by the Government, if regular contribution is made for 20 years. The State Government has also contributed in the APY. The co-contribution from State Government toward subscribers of APY is made in eligible accounts subject to 50 per cent of the total contribution by the subscriber or `2,000 whichever is lower. The State Government is focusing on MGNREGA workers, Mid Day Meal workers, Agriculture and Horticulture labourers and Anganwari workers to adopt the APY. Banks have focused on aggressive awareness campaign under the scheme through camps, press, media publicity etc. In the APY, banks have enrolled 2,02,666 subscribers under the scheme upto September, 2021.The Department of Posts and Telegraph is also participating in the APY Scheme.
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY): Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was rolled out in the country including Himachal Pradesh. The smaller micro enterprises mainly consist of nonfarm enterprises in Manufacturing, Trading and services whose credit needs are below `10.00 lakh and all the loans given to these segments for income generation are known as MUDRA loans. All advances granted on or after 8thApril, 2015 falling under this category are classified as MUDRA loans under the scheme. As on September, 2021, banks in Himachal Pradesh have sanctioned fresh loans to the tune of `775.90 crore to 36,509 new micro entrepreneurs under the Scheme in the 2021-22. For this period, a cumulative total of disbursed loans is `2566.70 crore covering 1,72,048 entrepreneurs.
Stand-Up India Scheme (SUIS): Stand up India scheme has been formally launched throughout the Country that aims to encourage entrepreneurial culture among unserved and underserved segments of the society represented by SC, ST and Women. The Scheme facilitates loans of `10.00 lakh to `1.00 crore from Banks to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up of a new enterprise in the field of construction, business or service sector (also termed as green field enterprise). Banks have sanctioned `297.56 crore to 1445 new enterprises set up by SC/ST and Women entrepreneurs under the scheme upto September, 2021.
Financial Awareness and Literacy Campaigns: Financial Literacy and Awareness campaign plays a significant role in reaching the target groups. Banks are conducting financial Literacy campaign through the Financial Literacy Centers (FLCs) and through its Bank Branches in Himachal Pradesh.
Business Volume of Banks: The Aggregate Deposits of all banks operating in the State increased from `1,39,352 crore on September, 2020 to `1,50,098 crore by September, 2021. The deposits of banks have grown at year-to-year growth of 7.70 per cent. The Aggregate advances have decreased from `56,308 crore on September, 2020 to `54,423 crore on September, 2021 which implies a year-to-year decline of (-) 3.35 per cent. The total banking business `2,04,511 crore has registered growth of 4.52 per cent.
Business Volume of Banks The Aggregate Deposits of all banks operating in the State increased from `1,39,352 crore on September, 2020 to `1,50,098 crore by September, 2021. The deposits of banks have grown at year-to-year growth of 7.70 per cent. The Aggregate advances have decreased from `56,308 crore on September, 2020 to `54,423 crore on September, 2021 which implies a year-to-year decline of (-) 3.35 per cent. The total banking business `2,04,511 crore has registered growth of 4.52 per cent.
Banks have prepared Annual Credit Plan for 2021-22 for disbursement of fresh loan on the basis of potentials worked out for various priority sector activities by NABARD. The financial targets under Annual Credit Plan 2021-22 have been increased by 10.24 per cent over the last plan outlay and fixed at `30,538 crore. Banks have disbursed fresh loans to the tune of `14,115.30 crore upto September, 2021 and achieved 46.25 per cent of the annual commitment. The Sector-wise target viz-a-viz achievement upto 30.09.2021 is given in Table 5.3.
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): The Ministry of Rural Development, launched flagship programme of Government of India for promoting poverty reduction through building strong institutions of the poor, particularly women enabling these institutions to access a range of financial services and livelihoods services. This scheme is implemented in the State through HP State Rural Livelihoods Mission (HPSRLM), Rural Development Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh. Banks in the Himachal have been allocated the annual target of `110 crore covering 8,000 beneficiaries under this Scheme. Banks have sanctioned 1,683 loan to the tune of `30.47 crore upto September, 2021 under NRLM scheme.
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM): The Government of India, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA), restructured the existing Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) and launched the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM). The Self Employment Programme (SEP) is one of the components (Component 4) of NULM which focus as on providing S.N. Sector Annual Targets 2021-22 Targets September, 2021 Achievement September, 2021 Percentage Achievement September, 2021 1. Agriculture Direct 12253.73 6126.87 3874.74 63.24 2. MSME 9522.44 4771.22 4803.85 100.68 3. Education 480.74 240.37 37.74 15.70 4. Housing 1787.43 893.72 451.87 50.56 5. Others-PS 1916.99 958.50 265.61 27.71 6. Total Priority Sector Loans (1 to 5) 25961.33 12990.68 9433.81 72.62 7. Total Non Priority Sector loans 4556.87 2278.44 4681.49 205.47 Total Loans ( 6+7) 30518.20 15269.12 14115.30 92.44 54 financial assistance through a provision of interest subsidy on loans to support establishment of Individual and Group Enterprises and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of urban poor. Himachal Pradesh by Urban Development Department, and various Banks have disbursed `2.78 crore as loans the NULM upto September, 2021.
Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Prime Minister‟s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit linked subsidy programme administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal agency at national level for implementation of the scheme. At State level the scheme is implemented through KVIC, Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) and District Industries centre. In 2021-22, a target of financing 1,451 new units under the scheme was allocated to Banks. The implementing agencies have been targeted to provide margin money disbursement to the tune of `43.73 crore under the scheme. Banks have sanctioned `12.50 crore as margin money to the entrepreneurs of 469 units till September, 2021.
Kisan Credit Cards (KCC): Banks are implementing KCC scheme through their rural branches to provide adequate and timely credit support from the banking system under a single window to the farmers to meet the short-term credit requirements for cultivation of crops and other needs. Banks have disbursed fresh KCCs to 1,04,020 farmers amounting to `1,658.74 crore upto September, 2021. Banks have financed 3,92,757 farmers under KCC with an aggregate amount of `6,769.74 crore upto September, 2021.
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs): Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) are an initiative of Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to have dedicated infrastructure at district level to impart training and skill up-gradation of rural youth geared towards entrepreneurship development. The Lead Banks i.e. UCO Bank, PNB and SBI have set up RSETIs in 10 districts of the State (except Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti). These RSETIs are conducting Electronic Data Processing (EDPs) under various Government sponsored programmes for poverty alleviation and to develop entrepreneurship under PMEGP. RSETIs have set a target of organizing total 220 training programmes in the year 2021-22 and total 5,730 candidates will be trained in the current financial year.
Special drive for Aadhaar linkages with Bank account and verification of Aadhaar in all existing Bank Accounts: In Himachal Pradesh, 97 Aadhaar Enrollment and Updation Centres are identified by various Banks to provide facility of Aadhaar enrollment and updation facility.
Special drive for Aadhaar linkages with Bank account and verification of Aadhaar in all existing Bank Accounts: In Himachal Pradesh, 97 Aadhaar Enrollment and Updation Centres are identified by various Banks to provide facility of Aadhaar enrollment and updation facility. Since its inception in 1995-96, the development of infrastructure in rural areas through Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), has emerged as NABARD‟s major intervention in partnership with the State Governments. Under this scheme, concessional loans are given to State Government and State owned Corporations for completion of ongoing projects and also to start new projects in certain selected sectors. Financing over the years has become broad based covering 39 eligible activities into agriculture and related sectors, social sector and rural connectivity.
From an initial allocation of ₹15.00 crore under RIDF-I from 1995-96, the allocation to the State has now reached the level of ₹1000 crore under RIDF-XXVII (2021-22). RIDF has played an important role in development of diversified sectors like irrigation, roads and bridges, flood protection, drinking water supply in addition to primary education, veterinary services, watershed development, IT infrastructure etc. In recent years, innovative project for development of Poly-Houses and Micro Irrigation Systems and Solar irrigation have been supported, which would facilitate the development of agri-business and sustainable farming on commercial lines. Financial assistance of ₹8890 crore has been sanctioned under RIDF as on March,2021 to the state including rural roads/bridges, irrigation, rural drinking water, education, animal husbandry etc. an amount of ₹965 crore has been sanctioned under RIDF-XXVII and ₹410 crore has been disbursed upto December,2021. After implementation/completion of the sanctioned projects, 11,790 kms roads will become motorable, 25,743 metre bridges will be constructed and 1,58,030 hectares land will be benefited through irrigation projects. In addition, 2,921 rooms in Primary Schools, 64 Science Laboratories in Secondary Schools, 25 IT Centres and 397 Veterinary Hospitals will be constructed.
Ware house Infrastructure Fund (WIF): NABARD has sanctioned ₹4.18 crore to the State Government for the financial year 2019-20. One Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Store Project at Churah, Chamba with 500 MT capacity is being implemented by HPMC. For Modernization and Upgradation of Cold Stores into CA stores at Rohru, Oddi and Patlikuhal with capacity of 3,480 MT and ₹8.54 crore has been sanctioned upto December,2021.
Food Processing Fund (FPF): NABARD has established a Food Processing Fund (FPF) with a corpus of ₹2,000 crore in 2014-15 for providing financial assistance for establishing the designated food parks and also for setting up of individual food/agro processing units. M/s Cremica Mega Food Park has been extended financial assistance of ₹37.94 crore out of total project cost of ₹103.85 crore in the State. The farmers of the state are expected to benefit from the hub and spoke model of this project and it is expected to create employment opportunities in the State.
Refinance Support: NABARD extended Long Term Refinance for diverse activities viz. rural housing, small road transport operators, land development, minor irrigation, dairy development, selgroup, farm mechanization, poultry, plantation, horticulture, sheep/goat/ piggery rearing, packing and grading house activity and other sectors to the tune of ₹646.00 crore during 2021-22.Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank and Cooperative Banks also released ₹219.19 crore under long term refinance and ₹69.44 crore to Commercial Banks as on December,2021. In addition, ₹6.02 crore as refinance has been released to Commercial Banks.
NABARD has also supplemented the efforts of Cooperative Banks and RRBs for crop loan disbursement by sanctioning Short Term (ST) credit limit of ₹1,960 crore against which the banks have drawn refinance assistance of ₹1,960 crore during 2020-21. Further, ₹1,060 crore was sanctioned in the current year out of which ₹960 crore has been drawn as of December,2021.To mitigate the impact of Covid-19, NABARD has provided Special Liquidity Facility of ₹660 crore to Cooperative and Rural Banks in H.P.
Special Refinance Schemes: To give boost to the agriculture and rural sector in the post Covid era, NABARD launched 4 new schemes:
a) Transformation of PACS (Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies) as MSCs (Multi Service Centres): The scheme aims to convert around 35000 PACS to Multi Service Centres (MSCs) across the country in the next three years in a structured manner. Under this scheme, an amount of ₹11.15 crore has been sanctioned to 42 PACS in the State as on December,2021.
b) Special Refinance Scheme in NABARD watershed and WADI Project areas: The scheme aims to promote sustainable economic activities, livelihood and employment opportunities in watershed and WADI areas by providing concessional refinance facility @3 per cent to the banks for extending cheaper credit to the ultimate beneficiaries.
c) Special Refinance Scheme for Promoting Micro Food Processing Enterprises: The scheme aims to provide a fillip to the Formalization of Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Enterprise Scheme. NABARD will extend concessional long term refinance to all eligible banks/FIs at 4 per cent to accelerate capital formation in Micro Food processing enterprises.
d) Schematic Refinance for Water Sanitation and Hygiene Activities: The Scheme aims to meet credit requirement of banks/FIs to enable them to provide timely and hassle free credit to eligible beneficiaries /entrepreneurs to facilitate WASH activities.
Government Sponsored Schemes:
a) Under National Livestock Mission ₹1.48 crore subsidy has been released in the financial year 2019-20, ₹2.36 crore in 2020-21 and ₹25.85 lakh in 2021-22 as on December,2021in the State.
b)The New Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme has been extended for the term loans sanctioned upto March, 2022.
Micro Credit: The Self Help Group (SHG) movement has spread across the Himachal Pradesh and is now on a firm base. The movement has given added support in human resources and financial products. As of 31st March 2021 the cumulative number of credit linked SHGs stood at 60,293 and the number of credit linked SHGs with loans outstanding was 13,367 with an amount of ₹14,508.14 lakh. The announcement in Union Budget 2014-15, of financing of Joint Farming Groups “Bhoomi Heen Kissan” (landless farmers) has given further credence to effort of NABARD in innovating and reaching out to the landless farmers through Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) mode of financing. As on March,2021, 11,661 Joint Liability Groups have been provided loan disbursement of ₹16485.65 lakh. During the year 2020-21, NABARD sanctioned ₹40.00 lakh each to Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank (HPGB), State Bank of India and UCO Bank for promotion and credit linkage of 1,000 JLGs over a period of 3 years. Further, NABARD facilitates short duration skill development training for SHGs members having availed credit facility from the bank. During 2020-21 and 2021-22, 39 Micro Entrepreneurship Development Programme (MEDPs) have been sanctioned and1170 SHG members were trained individually or in group mode. In another Livelihood Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) 1,470 SHG members were trained during the year 2021-22 as on December,2021.
Promotion of Farmers’ Producer Organization: A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a legal entity formed by primary producers, viz. farmers/milk producers, fishermen. An FPO can be a producer company, a cooperative society or any other legal form which provides for sharing of profits/benefits among the members. The main aim of FPO is to ensure better income for the producers through an organization of their own. In Himachal Pradesh, NABARD has sanctioned a grant of ₹10.89 crore for formation / promotion of 107 FPOs in all the 12 districts. These FPOs will undertake production, primary processing and marketing of vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, milk and flowers on aggregation basis. As on December,2021, ₹6.59 crore has been released for these FPOs. These FPOs cover around 15,000 farmers across the state with an annual turnover of ₹27.00 crore. In another Central Sector Scheme, NABARD will be implementing agency for 10,000 FPOs formation and Promotion with the concept of “One District One Product”. FPOs will be promoted and nurtured through Cluster Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) in the State. NABARD has formed 16FPOs under the scheme with total sanctioned grant of ₹2.88 crore.
Watershed Development: NABARD has sanctioned 38 Watershed Development Projects (Watershed and spring shed Project) in ten districts of the State. As on December,2021, an amount of ₹17.99 crore has been disbursed under these projects covering 35,127 hectares benefitting 237 villages with 78,031beneficiaries.These projects will enhance the availability of water, environment protection, increase productivity and income of the farmers and conserve diminishing pastures and facilitate animal husbandry. The remaining two districts i.e. Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti shall be covered in next financial year.
Tribal Development through the Tribal Development Fund (TDF): NABARD has sanctioned 12 Tribal Development projects till 31.12.2021 with a total grant of ₹18.33 crore covering 3,355 families. These projects aim at setting up of WADIs (small orchards) as well as dairy units in selected villages covering about 2,355 acres of area for plantation of Mango, Kinnow, Lemon, Apple, Walnut, Pear, Wild Apricot. These projects are providing tribal people with an opportunity to raise their income level through the WADIs and Dairy initiatives.
Support through the Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF): Under FSPF, till now a cumulative grant assistance of ₹32.13 crore for 31 projects has been sanctioned benefitting around 16087 farmers. During the year 2021-22 one project has been sanctioned with a grant support of ₹19.88 lakh with an objective to promote millets and traditional crops in district Kangra. More projects that shall enhance the income as well as productivity of the farmers shall be given priority under the fund.
NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD and is engaged in providing consultancy in all spheres of agriculture, rural development and allied areas. NABCONS leverages on the core competence of NABARD in the areas of agricultural and rural development, especially multi disciplinary projects, banking, institutional development, infrastructure, training, etc. NABCONS is involved in the following major assignments during current financial year:
1)Project Management Consultancy for Integrated Cold Chain Project at Parala and Kharapathar to H.P State Agricultural Marketing Board.
2) Setting up PMU (Project Management Unit) under Agri-Infrastructure Fund (AIF) at State Level in Himachal Pradesh.  Third party Impact Assessment of PM Adarsh Gram Yojna.
3) Impact Evaluation Study of FPOs in Himachal Pradesh.
4) Comprehensive Study of Handloom Sector in Himachal Pradesh.
5) NABCONS is Central Technical Support Agency for DDU-GKY in Himachal Pradesh.
6) Third Party Survey of Toilets constructed by SJVN in four States.
7 Third Party Inspection of Border Area Development Programme.
NABARD’s Initiatives for Climate Change in H.P. : NABARD has been designated National Implementing Entity (NIE) for Adaptation Fund (AF), Green Climate Fund (GCF) set up under United Nation‟s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) set up by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). NABARD in its efforts to meet the future challenges of climate change has facilitated the preparation, development and sanction of a projection „Sustained Livelihoods of Agriculture dependent communities in drought prone district of Himachal Pradesh through climate smart solutions‟ in Sirmour district from the executing entity i.e. department of Environment, Science and Technology, Government of Himachal Pradesh. MoEF&CC has sanctioned ₹20.00 crore for the project. ₹19.12 crore has since been released by NABARD till December, 2021.

6.PRICE MOVEMENT AND FOOD MANAGEMENT

The last two years were unprecedentedly hit by the global pandemic of COVID-19 that induced social distancing and disrupted economic activity globally. The stimulus spending in major economies, to counter the impact of pent-up consumer spending due to COVID-19 has pushed the prices up in many advanced and emerging economies. On the domestic front, two opposing forces were at play. On the one hand, there was a dampening of demand owing to lower economic activity; on the other, supply chain disruptions caused spikes in food inflation and continued to persist during the unlocking of the economy. The surge in energy, food and non-food commodities and prices coupled with disruptions of global supply chain and rising freight costs across the globe stoked global prices during the year. Crude oil prices also witnessed an upswing during the year on the back of increased demand from recovering economies and production restrictions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies. A system of regular weekly monitoring of prices of essential commodities was done so that effective measures can be taken in time to check undue price rise.
The Consumer Price Index measures the average change in prices over time when consumers pay for a basket of goods and services, commonly known as inflation. Containment of inflation is an important priority of the Government. Inflation hurts the common person the most since individual income is not indexed to prices. Inflationary tendencies are measured by different indices such as Wholesale Price Index, Consumer Price Index (Rural), Consumer Price Index (Urban), Consumer Price Index (Combined), Consumer Price Index (Industrial worker), Consumer Price Index for (Agriculture Labourers) and Consumer Price Index for (Rural Labourers).
CPI-Combined inflation was 4.6 per cent in 2016-17 and 5.2 per cent in 2020-21 in the State. In the current financial year during the months of (April-December) CPICombined was 6.0 per cent as compared to 5.3 per cent in 2020-21 (April to December). This inflation was mainly due to a spike in food inflation, which continued to persist during the unlocking of the economy, though recently there has been a moderation in retail inflation.
Given below (Figure-6.2) is the comparative analysis between the calendar year 2017 and 2021. General inflation in 2021 is 5.8 per cent against 5.0 per cent in 2017. Inflation in the group, clothing and footwear, increased from 5.4 per cent in 2017 to 7.2 per cent in 2021. This is due to import restriction in clothing and footwear. Inflation in the fuel and light group came down from 13 per cent in 2017 to 9.3 per cent in 2021. Pan, tobacco and intoxicants also came down from 11.9 per cent in 2017 to 4.2 per cent in 2021.
Consumer Price Index-Rural (CPI-R) inflation: CPI-R inflation was 4.7 per cent in 2016-17 which remained constant at 4.7 per cent in 2020-21. This is due to supply management response by the Government through the Public Distribution System (PDS) system which resulted in easing the food prices. In current Financial Year, 2021-22, during (April-December), CPI-R index was 6.1 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2020-21. This was mainly driven by the rural demands. (Figure-6.1)
Consumer Price Index-Urban (CPI-U) Inflation: CPI-U was 4.1 per cent in 2016-17 and increased to 7.1 per cent in 2020-21. In financial year 2021-22 from (April to December), this index was 5.2 per cent as compared to the same period in 2020-21 (Figure-6.1).
Components wise Consumer Price Index inflation (rural-urban) (April – December 2021) Rural inflation is 6.1 per cent from April to December, 2021 as compared to urban inflation at 5.2 per cent. The large gap witnessed between rural and urban CPI inflation from 2017-18 to 2020-21 was largely on account of differential rates of fuel and light group. The gap, sustained up to 2021-22 (Table 6.1) is now increasing. The divergence observed at sub group level in rural and urban inflation, is not just in a single component but multiple components. Figure 6.3 shows the component-wise rural and urban inflations. It was observed that from April to December, 2021 the variability of rural inflation in three sub group‟s i.e. food and beverage, clothing and footwear and miscellaneous groups, is high as compared to that of urban sub group inflation. Fuel and light group in urban sector show the highest inflation of 22.4 per cent as compared to 12.5 per cent in rural inflation.
Drivers and contributors to rural inflation: The major driver of rural inflation was fuel and light which was 40.84 per cent as compared to other components of total inflation in April to December, 2021-22. Clothing and footwear is the second largest contributor to the total inflation and its contribution is 24.0 per cent. Pan, tobacco and intoxicants component is the smallest contributor of 2.6 per cent (Figure-6.4)
Drivers and contributors to urban inflation: During 2021-22 (April to December) the major driver of urban inflation is fuel and light which contribute almost half of the total inflation 46.5 per cent. The second largest contributor in the urban inflation is the Pan, tobacco and intoxicants group which is 15 per cent though its contribution has decreased from 29.3 per cent to 15per cent in 202122. (Figure-6.5)
CPI-IW is a price index released by the Labour Bureau to measure the impact of price rise on the cost of living for working-class families spread across certain selected industries. The base year has been revised from 2001 to 2016 in September 2020, CPI-IW The new series of CPI-IW covers the industrial workers from the existing seven sectors viz. Factories, mines, plantation, railways, public motor transport undertaking, electricity generating and distribution establishments and ports & docks. In Himachal Pradesh, the CPI-IW inflation was lower as compared to the National average during the month of December, 2021 as shown in Table 6.2, 6.3 and Figure 6.6.
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) measures and tracks the changes in the price of goods before they reach consumers – the goods that are sold in bulk and traded between businesses rather than between consumers. It is called the Business to Business (B2B) price variation. The WPI is one indicator of a country's level of inflation. While WPI inflation has been higher in the current financial year compared to the previous year in all the three major groups, it was above 20 per cent in „fuel and power‟ group reflecting the higher international petroleum prices as mentioned (Table 6.4). Within the primary articles group, „Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas‟ sub-group has witnessed very high inflation and stood at 55.7 per cent in December 2021. Similarly, mineral component has also witnessed high inflation throughout the year. Impact of rising international prices in WPI manufacturing was clearly visible, especially in food products. Within the manufacturing food products, edible oils were a major contributor to inflation. During 2021-22 (April to December), edible oils inflation in WPI was 36.4 per cent. The high import dependency on edible oils has meant that high international prices in these products are also reflected in the domestic prices.
Consequent to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, production activity remained muted in 2020-21 and global crude oil prices reached record lows due to less demand. Therefore, the WPI based inflation rate touched a low of 1.3 per cent in 202021. With the economic activity picking up in 2021-22 and edging up of high global crude oil prices, the low base of 2020-21 led to WPI inflation reaching a peak of 14.2 per cent in November, 2021 and 12.5 per cent during April to December 2021-22 (as against 0.04 per cent April to December, 2020-21). Therefore, the high WPI based inflation rate in 2021, is largely attributable to the low base of the previous year. On the other hand, retail inflation that had remained high during 2020-21 due to the supply chain disruptions and high food inflation and remain moderated in 2021-22 on the account of effective supply side management, resulting in a divergence between WPI and CPI based inflation.
Monthly Wholesale Price Index (WPI): The Wholesale Price Index, at National level during December 2020 was 125.4 which increased to 142.4 in December, 2021 showing an inflation rate of 13.6 per cent. The month-wise average WPI for the year 2021-22 is given in Table 6.4 Figure-6.7 shows the monthly WPI inflation comparison between (April to December) 2021-22 and (April to December) 2017-18. The WPI inflation stayed between the ranges of 0.9 to 4.0 per cent from April to December 2017. The WPI inflation increased from 10.7 to 14.2 per cent during April to December 2021. This is a sizeable increase in WPI inflation and indicates that the retail prices will remain high throughout India in the coming months.
There can be many reasons that could have contributed to the volatility in inflation in the emerging market economies such as the adoption of more resilient monetary and Fiscal Policy framework, structural reforms of labour and product markets that strengthen competition, and adoption of Monetary Policy framework for targeting inflation. Twenty-four emerging markets and developing economies have been witnessing moderation in inflation since 2014 backed by low food inflation. During the current financial year, however, inflation trends have been different for fuel, power and non-food manufactured products. Food inflation has been on an upward trend, mainly backed by rising vegetables and pulses prices while inflation in non-food has decreasing trend from 2019-20 to 2020-21 but after May, 2021 onwards a sharp increase has been noticed due to restart of industrial activities (Table 6.4).
Monthly Wholesale Price: Department of Economic and Statistics collects, compiles and analyses the data on 104 commodities through a network of District Statistical Offices. The prices are collected every first Friday of the month from the selected shops in the district. After scrutiny at headquarters, these prices are made available to the stakeholder. Figures 6.8, 6.9 and 6.10, show the volatility between April to December 2017 and April to December, 2021 in these commodities.
(Figure 6.8) The fat grain wholesale prices co-efficient of variation in 2017 (April to December), and 2021(April to December) are analyzed by the statistical tools of coefficient of variation and it is found that the commodities of maize, barley, corn flour and wheat are highly volatile during 2021-22.
As is apparent from Figure 6.9, the pulses wholesale prices co-efficient of variation in 2017 (April to December), and 2021(April to December) are calculated and the commodities like soyabean, kabuli channa, malka, masur dal, rajmaa, moong and kulth are found to be more volatile.
(Figure 6.10) The vegetable wholesale prices co-efficient of variation of methi, green coriander, cauliflower, tomato, capsicum, petha, cucumber, tinda, pea, spinach and ginger remain volatile from April to December 2021.
Weekly Retail Price: The Department of Economic and Statistics collects, compiles and analyses data on essential commodities through a network of District Statistical Offices. Weekly prices are collected every Friday from specified shops in the district and after scrutiny, are uploaded to the website www.weeklyprices.hp.gov.in. These weekly prices are compiled, analysed and a report is sent to the Director, Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department and to the Government of H.P. (Volatility in essential commodities Figure 6.11)
An escalation in the retail price was also witnessed after the COVID-19 restrictions, possibly due to labour shortage. Price volatility was analysed for various essential commodities over two time periods April to December of 2017 and 2021. Coefficient of variation, a measure of spread of data about the mean, has been used as a measure of volatility. The prices of urd dal, gur, wheat kalyan, sugar packet, wheat atta and rice parmal remained stable since April 2017 due to adequate supply arising out of adequate domestic production and also due to maintenance of adequate buffer stock of rice and wheat for meeting the food security requirements. There was a significant rise in volatility for cement, kerosene oil, ground nut oil, vanspati ghee, rice parmal, sugar, mustard oil and tea brooke bond during April-December of 2017 and 2021.
One of the main constituents of the Government strategy for poverty alleviation is Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) which ensures availability of essential commodities like Wheat, Wheat Atta, Rice, Sugar etc. through a network of 5,043 Fair Price Shops. The total families for distribution of essential items have been divided into two categories viz.
i) National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA-2013)
a) Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
b) Priority Households
ii) Other than NFSA (Above Poverty Line (APL)
In the State, the TPDS has 19,30,866 ration cards and covering 73,89,337 cards population from digitized record. These card holders are provided with essential commodities through 5,043 Fair Price Shops that include 3,275 Cooperative Societies, 15 Panchayats, 59 Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation (HPSCSC), 1,673 Individual and 1 Self Help Group and 20 Mahila Mandals. Distribution of essential commodities during the year 2021-22 is (upto December, 2021) shown in Table 6.6.
Presently, following food items are being distributed under Himachal Pradesh State Specially Subsidized Scheme TPDS and which is as per Table 6.7.
The Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation is a “Central Procurement Agency” for all controlled and non- controlled essential commodities in the state and procuring and distributing food grains and other essential commodities under the TPDS and NFSA. During the current financial year, upto December, 2021 the Corporation procured and distributed various commodities under TPDS to the tune of `1,442.12 crore as compared to `1,221.38 crore during the corresponding period of last year.
Presently, the Corporation is also providing other essential items like LPG, Diesel/ Petrol/ Kerosene Oil and lifesaving drugs/ medicines at reasonable rates to the consumers of the State through its 117 wholesale godowns, 59 retail shops, 54 LPG agencies, 4 petrol pumps and 36 medicine shops. In addition to this, the procurement and distribution of non- controlled commodities like sugar, pulses, rice, atta, detergents, tea leaves, exercise note books, cement, CGI sheets, medicines, furniture. Items under supplementary nutritional programme, MGNREGA cement and petroleum products etc. through wholesale godowns and retail shops of the Corporation which certainly has played an important role in stabilising prices of these commodities prevailing in the open market. During the current financial year, upto December, 2021 the Corporation procured and distributed various commodities under the scheme to the tune of `746.00 crore as compared to `687.81 crore during corresponding period of last year.
The Corporation is arranging the supplies of rice and other supplementary items under the mid-day-meal scheme to primary and upper primary schools as per the allocation made by the concerned Deputy Commissioner. During 2021-22 (upto December, 2021) the Corporation arranged the distribution of 10,724.42 metric tonne (MT) rice as compared to 10,054.32 MT during the corresponding period of last year under this scheme. The Corporation is also arranging the supplies of specially subsidized items (pulses of various kinds, fortified mustard and refined oil and iodised salt) under the State Sponsored Scheme as per the decisions of the purchase committee constituted by the Government. During 2021-22, (up to December, 2021) the Corporation has distributed these commodities under the said scheme to the tune of `655.80 crore as compared to `513.31 crore during corresponding period of last year to the ration card holders as per the scale fixed by the State Government. During the year 2021-22 for the implementation of this scheme, a budget provision of `220 crore has been made as State subsidy. During the year 2021-22 the corporation is likely to achieve a total turnover of over `1,550 crore as compared to `1,500 crore during the year 2020-21.
Government Supplies: HPSCSC is managing the procurement and supplies of ayurvedic medicines to Government hospitals, cement to Government Departments/ Boards/ Corporations and other Government institutions and galvanized iron (GI)/ductile iron (DI)/cast iron (CI) pipes to Jal Shakti Department, school uniform to Education Department of Government of Himachal Pradesh. During the current financial year, 2021-22 the tentative position of Government supply remain as under:

MNREGA Cement Supplies: During 2021-22, (upto December), the Corporation managed the procurement and distribution of 64,10,960 bags cement amounting to `163.01 crore to various panchayats for developmental work in the State.
Food Security in Tribal and inaccessible Areas of the State: The Corporation is committed to provide all essential commodities, petroleum products including kerosene oil and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in tribal and inaccessible areas, where private traders do not venture to undertake these operations due to economic non-viability of the trade. During the current financial year, 2021-22 the supplies of essential items and Petroleum products to tribal and snow bound area were arranged as per the tribal Action Plan of the Government.
Dividend: The Corporation is earning profit since its inception i.e. 1980. During 2020-21 a net profit of 1.11 crore was earned and a sum of `35.15 lakh was proposed to be paid as dividend to the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Under the task and responsibilities assigned by the Government of India to States for implementation of NFSA-2013, the HPSCSC is playing major role in implementing the scheme through timely procurement, storage and supply of allocated food grains through its 117 wholesale centres to Fair Price Shops for further distribution among the beneficiaries of the State. During 2021-22 (up to December, 2021), 62,472 MT rice and 364 MT wheat at the rate of `3.00 and `2.00 per kg per month have been distributed to the identified beneficiaries. In addition to above, in the absence of separate Warehouse Corporation of the State Government, the HPSCSC is managing storage capacity itself, through 22,945 MT owned and 37,111 MT hired godowns in the State. In view of successful implementation of the NFSA, 2013 additional storage capacity is being created and efforts are being made for construction of godowns. Seven godowns capacity of 550 MT at Nerwa, District Shimla, 1000 MT at Siddhpur Sarkari District Kangra, 300 MT at Rajgarh, District Sirmaur, 500 MT Bilaspur (first phase), 907.47 MT at Chamba, 500 MT at Chetru District Kangra, and 500 MT at Sandhol District Kangra is complete and possession has been taken over from the executing agency. The construction work at Bilaspur (second phase), and Thunag is in progress and Khandaghat, Paonta Sahib and Kala Amb will soon be started. Hence, approximately 5,000 MT own storage capacity will be available soon for the storage of various items.

7.AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND ALLIED SECTORS

Agriculture and allied sectors hold a significant position in any development process with its role in engaging and employing people, providing food and ensuring food security and raw materials. Agriculture is a pivotal sector for the economy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-being.
Crops, livestock, fishing, and forestry contributed 13.31 per cent to State‟s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in 2020-21 (constant prices). The share has been falling steadily over the years. The agricultural sector in Himachal has undergone significant structural changes in the form of decline in share of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) indicating a shift from the agrarian economy. Agricultural performance is subject to year to year fluctuations due to vagaries of nature as well as price volatility.
At the State level, the share of crops, livestock, forestry, and fishing sector in Gross Value Added (GVA) has shown decline over the years from 15.89 per cent in 2015-16 to 13.31 per cent in 2020-21. The share of crops in GVA declined from 8.99 per cent in 2015-16 to 7.85 per cent in 2020-21. The growth rate of agriculture and allied sectors has been fluctuating as seen in Figure 7.1. However, the importance of agriculture for the livelihood of the rural population and food security of large masses is significant in the economy.
Out of the total geographical area of Himachal (55.67 lakh hectare), the area of operational holdings is about 9.44 lakh hectares and is operated by 9.97 lakh farmers with an average holding size of 0.95 hectare. Distribution of land holdings according to 2015-16 Agricultural Census shows that 88.86 per cent of the total holdings belong to small and marginal farmers. About 10.84 per cent of holdings are owned by semi medium and medium farmers and only 0.30 per cent by large farmers. The distribution of land holdings in Himachal Pradesh has been depicted in Table-7.1.
About 80 per cent of the total cultivated area in the State is rainfed. Rice, Wheat and Maize are important cereal crops of the State. Groundnut, Soyabean Sunflower, Rapeseed / Mustard, Urd, Bean, Moong and Rajmash are Kharif and on the other hand Toria, Gram and Lentil are the Rabi season‟s important crops. Agro-climatically, the State can be divided into four zones viz.:
Sub-Tropical, sub-mountain and low hills.
Sub- Temperate, Sub humid mid hills.
Wet -Temperate high hills.
Dry Temperate high hills and cold deserts. The Agro-climatic conditions in the State are congenial for the production of cash crops like seed potato, off-season vegetables and ginger. The State Government is laying emphasis on production of off-season vegetables, potato, ginger, pulses and oilseeds besides increasing production of cereal crops, through timely and adequate supply of inputs, demonstration and effective dissemination of improved farm technology, replacement of old variety seed, promoting integrated pest management, bringing more area under efficient use of water resources and implementation of wasteland development projects. There are four distinct seasons with respect to rainfall. Almost half of the precipitation is received during the Monsoon season and rest is distributed among other seasons. The State receives an average rainfall of 1,251milimeter. Kangra district gets the highest rainfall followed by Chamba, Sirmaur and Mandi.
The performance of agriculture is closely related to the pattern of monsoon. As per report from Indian Metrological Department (IMD), during the monsoon season of 2021 (June-September), in Himachal Pradesh the rainfall received was “Excess” in district Kullu, “Normal” in districts Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmour, Solan, Una, “Deficient” in district Chamba, and “Scanty” in Lahul/Spiti. For Himachal as a whole, the total rainfall during the entire monsoon season was 10 per cent below the annual normal rainfall. Table 7.2 and 7.3 give southwest monsoon rainfall data in various districts.
The economy of Himachal Pradesh is largely dependent on agriculture and any fluctuation in the production of foodgrains affects the economy significantly. The year 2020-21 remained an average year and against the production target of 9.21 lakh Mitric Tonne (MT) for Kharif, 2020 season, the total production of 8.89 lakh MT is estimated to be achieved. As per reports of IMD, during Dec 2020, Jan, Feb and Mar 2021, the departure of rainfall was to the extent of 22 per cent, 57 per cent, 81 per cent, 62 per cent respectively, which was deficient resulting into dry spell in the state and as such, the Rabi crops, mainly Wheat and Barley, were badly affected during the growth period therefore low production in Rabi season is to be expected. Total production is estimated to be 6.39 lakh MT. The foodgrains production was 15.28 lakh MT in 2020-21 as against the food grain production of 15.94 lakh MT in the year 2019-20. The production of Potato was 1.96 lakh MT in 2020-21as against 1.97 lakh MT in 2019-20. The production of vegetables during the year 2020-21 was 18.67 lakh MT as against 18.61 lakh MT in 2019-20.
The target of foodgrains production for 2021-22 is 16.35 lakh MT which includes 9.21 lakh tonne for Kharif, 2021 season and 7.54 lakh tonne during Rabi, 2021-22 seasons. Kharif production mainly depends upon the behaviour of south west monsoon because about 80 per cent of the total cultivated area is rainfed. The sowing of Kharif crops starts from the end of April and goes up to the mid of June. During this season, Maize and Paddy are the principal crops and other minor crops include Ragi, Millets and pulses. During this season, about 20 per cent of area is sown in the month of April-May whereas remaining area is sown in the month of June and July which is a peak Kharif sowing period. Due to normal rains in most parts of the state, the sowing was done on time and the overall crop condition was normal. However, during the month of Aug, 2021, there was heavy rainfall in some pockets of the state and standing Kharif crops, particularly Maize and Vegetables crops, were affected and therefore production is anticipated to be below target.
The sowing of Rabi Season normally starts in October and goes up to the first fortnight of December. During sowing season, normal rainfall occurred in the State. The per cent departure of rainfall in the months of October, November and December, 2021 was to the extent of 106 per cent, 95 per cent, and 60 per cent, respectively as per reports of IMD. If the rains are received during the month of Jan, 2022, the crop conditions will be normal. The crop wise production of foodgrains and commercial crops in Himachal Pradesh during last years is shown in Table 7.4.
There is limited scope of increasing production through expansion of cultivable land. Like rest of the country, Himachal too has almost reached a plateau in so far as cultivable land is concerned. Hence, emphasis has to be on increasing productivity levels besides diversification towards high value crops. Due to an increasing shift towards commercial crops, the area under food-grains production is gradually declining. In 1997-98, this area was 853.88 thousand hectares which has declined to 727.69 thousand hectares in 2020-21. The foodgrains area and production is reflected at Table 7.5

High Yielding Varieties Programme (H.Y.V.P): To increase production of foodgrains, emphasis has been laid on distribution of seeds of high yielding varieties to the farmers. Area brought under high yielding varieties of principal crops viz. Maize, Paddy and Wheat for, 2018-19, 2019-20, 202021 and targeted for 2021-22 is given in table 7.6.
There are 20 Seed Multiplication Farms from where foundation seed is distributed to registered farmers. In addition, there are 3 Vegetable Development Stations, 12 Potato Development Stations and 1 Ginger Development Station in the State.

Plant Protection Programme: To increase the production of crops, adoption of plant protection measures is of paramount importance. During each season, campaigns are organised to fight the menace of crop disease, insects and pest etc. The scheduled castes/ scheduled tribes, farmers of backward areas and small and marginal farmers are provided plant protection chemicals and equipments at 50 per cent cost. Agriculture Department is making attempts to reduce consumption of plant protection chemicals by gradually switching to biological control of pests/diseases. Distribution of chemicals is shown in Table 7.7.

Soil Testing Programme: To maintain fertility of the soil, soil samples are collected from the farmers‟ fields and analysed in the soil testing laboratories. Soil testing laboratories have been established in all the districts (except Lahaul and Spiti), and four mobile soil testing vans/labs out of which one, exclusively for the tribal areas, is in operation for testing soil samples at site. At present 11 soil testing labs have been strengthened,10 mobile labs and 47 mini labs have also been setup by the department.The Government of India has launched a new scheme based on which the sample of soil shall be drawn on Global Positioning System (GPS) basis. Soil testing service has also being included under Himachal Pradesh Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011 in which the soil health cards are being made available to the farmers through online service within prescribed time limit.
Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana under Zero Budget Natural farming: The State Government has launched the “Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana” in the State. Government intends to encourage “Zero Budget Natural Farming”, so as to bring down the cost of cultivation. The use of chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides is being discouraged. The budget provided for pesticides/ insecticides to the department of Agriculture and Horticulture will be used for providing bio-pesticides and bio- insecticides. A budget provision of ₹20.87 crore has been kept for 2021-22.
Fertilizer Consumption and Subsidy: Fertilizer consumption in 1985-86 was 23,664 MT which has increased to 65,241MT in 2020-21. To promote balanced use of chemical fertilizers, a subsidy of ₹1,000 per MT on complex fertilizers has been allowed. Use of water-soluble fertilizers is promoted in a big way for which subsidy has been allowed to an extent of 25 per cent of cost and targeted consumption of fertilizer consumption for the year 2021-22 will be 56,500 MT.
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched in the State from Kharif, 2016 season. In this insurance scheme, Maize and Paddy crops have been covered during Kharif season and Wheat and Barley crop during Rabi season. The different stages of risk leading to crop loss due to delayed sowing, post harvest losses, localized calamities and losses to standing crops (from sowing to harvest) have been covered under this new scheme. From kharif 2020 onwards the scheme is now optional for both the loanee and non-loanee farmers. Under PMFBY, claims beyond 350 per cent of premium collected or percentage of claims to sum insured exceeds 35 per cent whichever is higher at the national level, of all the companies combined and is paid by Center and State equally. Under PMFBY and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), a total of 1,76,510 farmers have been covered in Kharif 2020 and Rabi, 2020-21 seasons. A budget provision of ₹9.30 crore has been made for the year 2021-22 which is utilized for the payment of State share of premium subsidy.
Agriculture Marketing
For the regulation of agricultural produce in the State, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural/ Horticulture Produce Marketing Act, 2005 has been enforced and the Himachal Pradesh Marketing Board has been established. Himachal Pradesh has been divided into ten notified market areas to safeguard the interest of the farming community. The regulated markets established in different parts of the State provide useful services to the farmers. A modernised market complex at Solan is functional for marketing of agricultural produce, besides construction of market yards in different area. At present 10 market committees are functioning and 63 markets have been made functional. Market information is being disseminated through different media i.e. AIR, Doordarshan, print media and internet to farmers. 19 wholesale markets of states are connected through electronic-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM).
Tea Development
Total area under tea cultivation is 2,310.71 hectares with a production level of 11.45 lakh kilograms in 2020-21. Small and Marginal farmers are provided agriculture inputs on 50 per cent subsidy basis. Tea is mainly cultivated in district Kangra, Mandi and Chamba and at present there are 5,900 tea growers in the State.

Soil and Water Conservation: Two soil and water conservation schemes are being implemented under State sector.
The schemes are:
1)Soil Conservation Works.
2) Water Conservation and Development. Agriculture department has prepared a plan to harvest rain water by constructing tanks, ponds, check-dams and storage structures. Besides this, low lifting water devices and efficient irrigation system through sprinklers are also being popularized.
Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Yojana: To achieve faster and more inclusive growth in agriculture sector, Government of Himachal Pradesh has started “Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Yojana covering an area of 100 hectare in the State and 5,000 polyhouses are being constructed under this scheme. This scheme will be implemented in two phases. In first phase it will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2022-23 and 2,522 polyhouses will be constructed with an outlay of ₹78.57 crore. Under this project 85 per cent assistance for setting up of polyhouses is provided and this scheme a budget provision of ₹22.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana -Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR): RKVY-RAFTAAR was initiated in 2007 as an umbrella scheme for ensuring holistic development of agriculture and allied sector. The Projects worth ₹14.20 crore have been approved for the year 2021-22. The main objectives of the scheme are as under:
1) To strengthen the farmer‟s efforts through creation of required pre- and postharvest agri-infrastructure that increases access to quality inputs, storage, market facilities etc. and enable farmers to make informed choices.
2) To provides flexibility and autonomy to States in the process of planning and executing Agriculture and Allied sector schemes.
3)To promote value chain addition linked production models that will help farmers increase their income as well as encourage production/productivity.
4) To mitigate risk of farmers with focus on additional income generation activities-like integrated farming, mushroom cultivation, bee keeping, aromatic plant cultivation, floriculture etc.
5)To attend National priorities through several sub schemes.
6 To empower youth through skill development, innovation and agrientrepreneurship based agri business models that attract them to agriculture.
National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET): NMAET has been launched to make the extension system farmer-driven and farmer arrangement of technology dissemination.It‟s a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 90:10 ratio in Centre and State share, respectively. This scheme has been divided into three sub-missions.
1) Sub Mission on Agriculture Extension (SAME): A budget provision of ₹16.67 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
2) Sub Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP): A budget provision of ₹4.79 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
3) Sub Mission on Agriculture Machanization (SMAM): A budget provision of ₹21.58 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been formulated for enhancing agricultural productivity especially in rain fed areas.There are three different components of this scheme.
1) Rainfed Area Development (RAD): A budget provision of ₹5.33 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
2) Soil Health Management (SHM).A budget provision of ₹2.16 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
3) Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yogna (PKVY), Enhasing water Use efficiency. A budget provision of ₹10.64 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM): NFSM is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that was launched in 2007. Under this Mission, 11 Districts in Wheat (except Shimla), two Districts Kangra and Mandi under Rice and nine districts except Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti under Maize and all districts under pulses viz. Mash, Moong, Pea, Lentil and Gram have been selected in the State. All Districts have also been selected for Nutri-Cereals (Jawar, Bajra, Kodomillet, Prosomillet, Foxtailmillet, Littelmillet, and Fingermillet). The Mission provides assistance for laying cluster demonstrations, distribution of certified seed, micro-nutrients, plant and soil protection material, improved implements and machinery. Under this scheme a budget provision of ₹15.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): To improve agricultural productivity, Government of India has started a scheme, called PMKSY. Micro-irrigation projects (“Har Khet Ko Pani”) and end-to-end irrigation solutions are the key focus of this scheme. The major objectives of this scheme is to achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water, enhance adoption of precision-irrigation and other water-saving technologies. Under this scheme a budget provision of ₹10.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22 under State Plan.
Efficient Irrigation through Micro-Irrigation Scheme: For efficient system of irrigation, the Government has launched a scheme named „Efficient Irrigation through Micro-Irrigation Systems‟ with an outlay of ₹154.00 crore. Through this project 8,500 hectare area will be brought under Drip/Sprinkler Irrigation System benefitting 14,000 farmers. Subsidy at 80 per cent for the installation of sprinkler and drip irrigation system would be provided to the farmers.
Uttam Chara Utpadan Yojana: To increase fodder production, the State Government has launched a scheme; „Uttam Chaara Utpadan Yojana for fodder development by bringing an area of 42,000 hectare under fodder production. Quality seed of fodder grasses, cuttings, and seedings of improved fodder varieties is supplied on subsidized rates to the farmers. Subsidy on Chaff Cutters is available to the Schduled Caste / Schduled Tribe and Below Poverty Line farmers. The State Government is also encouraging for the cultivation of Azola Grass among the farmers. The State Government is providing 50 per cent assistance for the preparation of pit. A provision of ₹7.10 crore has been made for year 2021-22 under this scheme.
Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana: Monkey and wild life menace causes huge loss to crops annually. Present practices of crop protection by manual guarding not ensure 100 per cent protection. Therefore, Himachal Pradesh has introduced a “Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakhshan Yojana”. Under this scheme, subsidy of 80 per cent is provided to individual farmer and 85 per cent for group of farmers for solar fencing. Government of Himachal Pradesh from 2019 -20 has also approved installation of barbed and chain link fencing as well as composite fencing. The subsidy for installation of barbed and chain link (Woven Mesh) fencing system and for composite fencing would be respectively 50 per cent and 70 per cent for individual farmers. For the year 2020-21 a budget provision of ₹40.00 crore has been provided.
Mukhya MantriI Kisaan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Surakhsha Yojana: To provide Insurance cover to the farmers and agricultural labourers in the event of sustaining injury or death due to operation of farm machinery, the State Government has launched „Mukhyamantri Kisaan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Surakhsha Yojana in 2015-16. In case of death ₹3.00 lakh, permanent disability ₹1.00 lakh and for partial disabilities ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 is provided to the affected farmers. A budget provision of ₹40.00 lakh has been made for the year 2021-22.
Flow Irrigation Scheme: Under this scheme, besides renovating the source location of Kuhls, strengthening of Kuhls in common area will be undertaken and 100 per cent expenditure would be borne by the Government on community-based work. Government has decided to grant 50 per cent subsidy for construction of Bore-Wells and shallow wells by individual for irrigation purposes under this scheme. A budget provision of ₹15.00 crore has been kept for the year 2021-22.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evem Utthan Mahabhiyan Yojana (PMKUSUM): State Government has introduced a new scheme called PM-KUSUM with a view to provide assured irrigation to crops, enhance the production and productivity where electricity accessibility in remote areas is costly in comparison to solar power vehicle pumps. Under this scheme, 85 per cent assistance will be provided to small and marginal groups of farmers and 80 per cent will be provided to medium and large groups of farmers on individual and community basis for installation of solar pumping machinery. A budget provision to the tune of ₹12.51 crore has been kept for the year 2021-22.
Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana: Government has launched a new scheme “Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana”. Under this scheme check dams and ponds will be constructed. A budget provision of ₹25.01 crore has been kept for 2021-22. Under this scheme, 100 per cent expenditure would be borne by the Government for implementation of community based small water saving scheme.

Mukhya Mantri Krishi Kosh Yojana Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs): are require basic inputs during sowing, harvesting and post harvest infrastructure like grading and packaging machines, transport vehicles, storage godowns and pack house etc. for which long term capital is required. Considering this fact, State Government has introduced a new scheme viz. Krishi Kosh for supporting seed money, interest subvention and credit guarantee cover to the farmers. A budget provision of ₹5.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
Krishi Utpadan Sarankshan Yojana (Anti Hail Net): To save crops from hailstorms, the State Government has started Krishi Utpadan Sanrakshan Yojana (Anti Hail net) from the year 2020-21. Under this scheme, the State Government will provide 80 per cent subsidy to farmers on purchase of anti-hail nets. All the vegetable producing farmers of the state are provided anti-hail nets to protect their crops from natural calamity like hailstorms, stray animals and monkeys. A budget provision of ₹10.00 crore has been made for the year 2021-22.
The rich diversity of agro-climatic conditions, topographical variations and altitudinal differences coupled with fertile, deep and well drained soils favour the cultivation of temperate to sub-tropical fruits in Himachal. The region is also suitable for cultivation of ancillary horticultural produce like flowers, mushroom, honey and hops.
This particular suitability of Himachal has resulted in shifting of land use pattern from agriculture to fruit crops in the past few decades. The area under fruits, which was 792 hectares in 1950-51 with total production of 1,200 tonnes increased to 2,34,779 hectares during 2020-21 with total fruit production of 6.24 lakh tonnes, while during 2021-22 (up to December, 2021) it has been reported as 6.97 lakh tonnes. During 202122, it was envisaged to bring 1,549 hectares of additional area under fruit plants against which 1932.49 hectares of area was brought under plantation and 5.35 lakh fruit plants of different species were distributed up to 31st December, 2021.
Apple is the most important fruit crop of Himachal Pradesh, which constitutes about 49 per cent of the total area under fruit crops and about 85 per cent of the total fruit production. Area under apple has increased from 400 hectares in 1950-51 to 3,025 hectares in 1960-61 and 1,14,646 hectares in 2020-21.
The area under temperate fruits, other than apple has increased from 900 hectares in 1960-61 to 27,870 hectares in 2020-21. Nuts and dry fruits exhibit area increase from 231 hectares in 1960-61 to 10,029 hectares in 2020-21, citrus and other sub tropical fruits have increased from 1,225 hectares and 623 hectares in 1960-61 to 25,654 hectares and 56,580 hectares in 2020-21 respectively. The fluctuations in the production of apple during last few years have attracted the attention of the Government. The State is trying to explore and harness the vast horticulture potential of the hill State through diversified horticulture production in varied agro-ecological zones. During the year 2021-22 for promotion of mechanized farming 8,900 Power Sprayers, 584 Power Tiller {<8 brake horsepower (BHP)} and 136 Power Triller (>8BHP) are being distributed on subsidy among the orchardist under Horticulture Development Scheme.
MSub-Mission of Agriculture Mechanisation (SMAM):
Under SMAM assistance is provided to the farmers for the purchase of various modern farm tools and machinery in form of back ended subsidy. Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh is nodal department of the scheme. During the year 2020-21 funds amounting to ₹21.50 crore has been allocated to the Department of Horticulture out of which ₹12.00 crore has been spend under this scheme and 4,000 farmers have benefitted upto 31st December 2021. During 2021-22, 73216.67 MT C-grade Apple fruit valued at ₹69.55 crore and 15.02 MT valued to ₹1.43 lakh have been procured.
In warmer areas of the state, Mango has emerged as an important fruit crop. Litchi is also gaining importance in certain regions. Mango and Litchi are fetching better market prices. In the middle zone, the agro-climatic conditions are highly suitable for the successful cultivation of new fruits like Kiwi, Olive, Pomegranate, Pecan and Strawberry. The production of fruits is given in table 7.8
To bring diversification in horticulture, a total area of 373.57 hectares has been brought under flower cultivation up to 31.12.2021. To promote flower cultivation, two Tissue Culture Laboratories have been established under Model Flower Cultivation Centres at Mahogbagh (Chail, District Solan) and Palampur, District Kangra. Ten Farmers Cooperative Societies are functioning for the production and marketing of flowers in district Shimla, Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti, Solan, Hamirpurand Chamba. Ancillary horticultural activities like Mushroom and Bee keeping are also being promoted. During 2021-22 up to December, 2021, 524.72 MT of pasteurized compost for Mushroom was prepared and distributed from the department units located at Solan, Rampur, Bajoura and Palampur. A total of 18,308.03 MT of Mushroom, 1,566.08 MT of Honey has been produced upto 31st December 2021.
The Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme was initially launched in Himachal Pradesh in 6 Blocks for Apple crop and in 4 Blocks for Mango crop during Rabi season 2009-10 on pilot basis. In view of the popularity of this scheme, the coverage under this scheme has been extended to consecutive years. Presently, the scheme is being implemented in 42 Blocks for Apple, 39 Blocks for Mango, 18 Blocks for citrus, 14 Blocks for Plum and 5 Blocks for Peach crops. In addition, to protect Apple fruit crop from hailstorm 19 Blocks have been covered under Add-on cover scheme. From the year 2016-17 name of the scheme has changed to Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (R-WBCIS) and sum insured has been revised and bidding system has been introduced. During Rabi season 2019-20, 84,624 farmers have been covered under R-WBCIS for apple, peach, plum, mango and citrus fruit crops, who have insured their 64,33,231 trees for which the state government has borne premium subsidy of ₹20.31 crore.
For the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme, KVY-RAFTAAR during the year 2021-22, funds amounting to ₹374.64 lakh have been approved by State Level Sanctioning Commette (SLSC) on 30-09-2021.
Himachal Khumb Vikas Yojana (HKVY) was launched during 2019-20 to promote mushroom cultivation in the State. During the year 2021-22 ₹5.00 crore were received and ₹65.85 lakh has been spent. Under the scheme 168 units were established and 411 farmers were benefited. The district wise status is shown as in the table 7.9.

For providing employment to the skilled and unskilled unemployed youth and promoting Commercial Floriculture Farming in the State, funds have been allocated under „ Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana‟ amounting to ₹11.00 crore during the year 2021-22, out of which 1.82 crore have been spent and also 99 farmers benefited upto 31st of December 2021. Similarly, to produce quality fruit crops and increasing production, to increase honey production and other bee products, „Mukhya Mantri Madhu Vikas Yojana‟ has been started and fund of ₹6.20 crore have been allocated during the year 2020-21. Under the scheme „Krishi Utpaad Sarankshan‟ an amount of ₹20.00 crore was allocated for the year 2020-21 for construction of permanent supports(Steel and Bamboo) out of which ₹19.62 lakh have been spent and 79 farmers were benefitted upto 31st December 2021.
Centrally sponsored scheme, “Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture” (MIDH) is being implemented in the State under which assistance is provided as subsidy ranging from 40-85 per cent to farmers for carrying out various horticultural activities like cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, species and establishment of new gardens, mushroom production, green house cultivation of high value flowers and vegetables, Anti Hail Nets, horticulture mechanization, post harvest management etc. funds amounting to ₹48.89 crore have been approved in the year 2021-22 out of which ₹12.22 crore have been received from Government of India as first installment and a total number of 2,60,421 farmers have benefited from the year 2003-04 to December, 2021 under this Mission.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Per Drop more crop (PMKSYPDMC) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme which is being implemented in the State since 2015-16. In the year 2017-18, the PMKSY-PDMC guidelines were modified with a provision of subsidy at 55 per cent for small and marginal farmers and 45 per cent for big farmers. The State is providing 25 per cent additional state share to give 80 per cent subsidy to small and marginal farmers. For the year 2020-21, Government of India has sanctioned ₹1,200 lakh for PMKSY-PDMC. Till date (2015-16 to December, 2021) 5,813.71 hectare area has been covered under micro-irrigation benefitting 24,306 farmers.
HPMC, a State Public Undertaking, was established with the objective of marketing fresh fruits and vegetables, processing the unmarketable surplus and marketing the processed products. Since its inception, HPMC has been playing pivotal role in the life of fruit growers of the State by providing them remunerative returns of their produce. During the year 2020-21 HPMC had registered overall turnover of ₹70.93 crore. Under Market Intervention Scheme, during the year 2021-22 the State Government continued the policy of Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) of Mango, Apple and citrus fruit in the State with the support price as under:
1) The Corporation has successfully commissioned 5 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Stores in the following Apple growing areas of District Shimla and Kullu namely Jarol Tikker, (Kotgarh) 640 MT, Gumma (Kotkhai) 640 MT, Oddi (Kumarsain) 700 MT and Rohru 700 MT, capable to store total 2,680 MTs.
2) Grant in aid to the tune of ₹8.00 crore for the up gradation of Apple Juice Concentrate (AJC) Plant at Parwanoo has been received from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and work of up gradation has been successfully completed in the year 2018 by undertaking trial production in the same year. Plant was set up for commercial production in 2019 and during that production of Apple Juice Concentrate (AJC) stood at 1,012 MT. During apple season 2021 a total 617.83 MT of AJC was produced at Food Processing Plant (FPP) Parwanoo.
3) At Fruit Processing Plant (FPP), Jarol Sundarnagar during the calendar year 2019-20 total 235 MT of AJC and 2020-21, 112 MT of AJC was produced. Further, during the latest apple season of 2021 a total of 81.27 MT AJC was produced.
4) HPMC has entered into a MoU with the parties M/S PH4 (PH4 Food and Beverages Private Limited) for manufacturing of Apple Cider at Food Processing Park (FPP) Parwanoo and manufacturing of Fruits and Red Wine at FPP Jarol with M/S Mountain Barrel.This will help to boost the sale as well as profit margin of the HPMC in the coming years.
5) HPMC has planned to enhance its existing capacity of grading storage and processing of different fruit produced in the State from the World Bank funded Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project (HPHDP). Under the post harvest support infrastructure component of this project, the process of enhancing the existing storage capacity of CA Stores Jarol Tikker, Gumma and Rohru from existing 2,680 MT to 6,618 MT shall be completed by March, 2022.
Rearing of Livestock is an integral component of rural economy. In Himachal Pradesh, there is a dynamic relationship between Common Property Resources (CPRs) such as forests, water and grazing land, livestock and crops.
Livestock is integral to the sustainability of economy of Himachal Pradesh. The contribution of major livestock products during the year 2020-21 was 15.76 lakh tonnes of milk, 1,482 tonnes of wool, 1,111 million eggs and 4,306 tonnes of meat which is likely to be of the order of 16.54 lakh tonnes of milk, 1,500 tonnes of wool, 1100 million eggs and 4,500 tonnes of meat during 2021-22. Milk Production and per capita availability shown in Table 7.11.
Animal Husbandry plays an important role to boost the rural economy and as such for livestock development programme attention is paid in the State by way of:
Animal Health and Disease control
Cattle Development
Sheep Breeding and Development of Wool
Poultry Development
Feed and Fodder Development
Veterinary Education
Livestock Census Under Animal Health and Disease Control Programme, 1 State level Veterinary Hospital, 3 Zonal Hospitals,10 Polyclinics, 60 Sub-Divisional Veterinary Hospitals, 362 Veterinary Hospitals, 30 Central Veterinary Dispensaries, 6 Veterinary Check posts and 1,759 Veterinary Dispensaries are functioning in the State as on 31st December, 2021 to provide veterinary and animal husbandry services to the farmers for their livestock.
For improving the quality of sheep and wool, Government Sheep Breeding Farms at Jeori (Shimla), Tal (Hamirpur), and Karachham (Kinnaur) are supplying improved sheep to the breeders of the State. One Ram centre at Nagwain in district Mandi is also functioning where improved Rams are reared and supplied to breeders for cross breeding. The flock strength of these farms are 1,312 during the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021 In view of the increasing demand for pure Hoggets and the established popularity of the Soviet Marino and American Rambouillet in Himachal, the State has switched over to pure breeding at the existing Government farms and 9 Sheep and wool Extension Centres continue to function for the welfare of shapheards. During 2021-22, the wool production is likely to be 1,500 tonnes. Angora rabbit farms are functioning at Kandwari (Kangra) and Nagwain (Mandi) for distribution of rabbits to the breeders.
One Horse Breeding Farm at Lari in Lahaul and Spiti district has been established with the objective to preserve Spiti breed of horses. 67 horses have been kept in this farm during the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021. One Yak breeding farm has been also established in the premises of horse breeding Lari. During the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021 the strength of yaks was 62 in this farm. Under feed and fodder development scheme, 16.00 lakh fodder roots, 64,000 fodder plants have been distributed during 2021-22 up to December, 2021.
Welfare scheme for the Livestock Owners
1) Scheme for General BPL farmers : The livestock breeders belonging to BPL families of general category are provided pregnancyration for their indigenous/ crossbred cows at 3 kg per day for last three months of the pregnancy on 50 per cent subsidy. The Budget provision for the year 2021-22 is `266.41 lakh.The main objective of the scheme is as under:
a. Increase the milk production.
b. To reduce inter calving period.
c. To improve the health of pregnant cows.
2) “Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojana” During 2021-22 the Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojana is being implemented with the provision of `50.00 lakh to the farmer‟s having milch cattle/buffaloes with milk production of 15 liters or more per day. Under this scheme incentive of `1,000 per beneficiary per animal is provided.
Poultry Development Scheme: To develop poultry sector in Himachal Pradesh, department has instituted following poultry development schemes especially in rural areas of the State:
a. Backyard Poultry Project: 50-100 numbers of chicks of 3 week old Low Input Technology (LIT) birds‟ are distributed among the poultry breeders on cost price. During 2021-22 under this Scheme 3,31,055 lakh chicks were distributed among the 8,249 beneficiaries.
b. 200-Chick Scheme: Under this scheme the 900 poultry breeders belonging to BPL Families of Schedule Cast Category are to be provided with inputs (like 200 days old LIT birds, feed for initial feeding, feeders and drinkers) worth ₹10,000 per beneficiaries. Under this scheme 545 beneficiaries have been provided assistance till December, 2021.There is also provision of training regarding poultry management for the beneficiaries.
c. Him Kukkut Palan Yojana: There is a provision of budget of ₹396.00 lakh for the establishment of 100 poultry units in the State. The beneficiaries are provided 3000 number day-old-broiler chicks, feed, feeders and drinkers. The beneficiaries are provided 60 per cent subsidy on both Capital Investment (construction of shed, provision of feeders and drinkers) and Recurring cost (Cost of chicks, feed etc.)
d. Innovative Poultry Productivity Project (IPPP): LIT Bird (Under National Livestock Mission): In this scheme 200 beneficiaries are to be provided with 400 four-week-old LIT birds (in two installments of 200 LIT birds each at an interval of 72 weeks) and assistance of ₹15,000 will be provided to beneficiaries for provision of shelter, feed and miscellaneous expenditure. 100
e. Innovative Poultry productivity Project (IPPP): Broilers (Under National Livestock Mission): Under this scheme 200 beneficiaries are to be provided with 600 four week old LIT birds (in four installments of 150 LIT birds each installment) feed and funds will be also provided to beneficiaries for construction of shed.
RGM is important in enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to meet growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative for the rural farmers of the country. The various initiatives that are currently being undertaken and implemented in the State of Himachal Pradesh under RGM are:
Establishment of Murrah Breeding Farm under National Livestock Mission or promotion of Murrah in the State: With a motive to produce High Genetic Merit Murrah Buffalo bulls for use at Sperm Stations across the Country and in order to provide elite Murrah Buffalo Heifers/Adult Buffaloes for sale to the farmers and for commercial use within and outside the State, it was envisaged to set up a breeding farm of high pedigree Murrah Buffaloes in Himachal Pradesh. An amount of ₹ 506.45 lakh has been received from the Government of India for the establishment of breeding farm of Murrah buffalo in District Una, under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
Establishment of Gokul Gram: In order to promote indigenous cattle rearing in the State, and with an objective of conservation, propagation and development of indigenous breeds to enhance productivity of local cattle and increase economic returns from animal products in a sustainable manner, to propagate high genetic merit bulls of indigenous breeds and to optimize modern farm management practices, promote Common Resource Management and utilize raw material from indigenous cattle as Natural Farming (Subash Paleker Natural Farming) inputs, “Gokul Gram” is proposed to be established under the Rashtriya Gokul Gram Mission. Funds amounting ₹ 995.10 lakh has been sanctioned by the Government of India on January 1, 2019, for the establishment of Gokul Gram in district Una.
Nationwide Artificial Insemination Scheme (NAIP): With an objective of delivery of quality artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep, enhancement in milk production and productivity of bovines and thereby increasing farmers income and in order to increase acceptability of artificial insemination services among farmers. This objective is achieved through implementation of organized farmers awareness programme. This component will be implemented in all the Districts of the State over a period of 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26, covering all breedable cattle and buffalo population. A total amount of 3058.36 lakh has been received from Government of India under first, second and third phases. Total 11,31,681 free artificial insemination have been done in the State under this scheme in all three phases.
Progeny Testing (Jersey) Program in District Kangra: The programme is being implemented in approximately 800 revenue villages in District Kangra through a network of 115 veterinary institutions of the Department, with the following objective.
1) To achieve a steady genetic progress with respect to milk, fat, solids not fat and protein yields, fertility traits and type characters in Jersey cattle population.
2) To establish a system of genetic evaluation and selection of bull mothers and bull sires for production of future generation of bull calves.
3) To produce the required number of genetically evaluated bull calves for semen stations through progeny testing.
Under the programme, amount of ₹168.25 lakh has been received from the Government of India through National Diary Development Board and so far, a sum of ₹ 48.25 lakh has been utilized under various components.
Introducing Embryo Transplantation Technique (ETT): under Rashtriya Gokul Mission for the conservation and propagation of Sahiwal and Red Sindhi breeds of cows. The Government of India has released funds to the tune of ₹195.00 lakh for the establishment of Embro Transfer Technology Laboratory at Palampur District Kangra for Conservation and Propagation of Sahiwal and Red Sindhi breeds through Embryo Transfer Technology.
Centre of excellence cum Training Center: To popularize Automation of dairy farm operations like Milk collection and storage, feeding system, manure management and sanitation, health management, integrated herd management including that of young stock and adult stock management and data storage for bringing the Indian Dairy industry at international level, Himachal Pradesh Livestock Development Board has received an amount of ₹1292.21 lakh in this project on 1.07.2021 for the establishment of a Center of Excellence cum Training Centre at Una district in Himachal Pradesh under Rashtriya Gokul Mission from the Government of India.
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
1) Rural Backyard Goat Development scheme: This is a centrally sponsored scheme under National Livestock Mission (90 per cent Central share, 5 per cent State Share and 5 per cent farmer share). Under this scheme funds to the tune of ₹504.90 lakh has been received from the Government of India during the year 2021-22
2) Rural Backyard Pig Development Scheme: This is a centrally sponsored scheme under National Livestock Mission (90 per cent Central Share, 5 per cent State share and 5 per cent farmer share). During 2021-22, 1,995 pig units will be established with funds of ₹397.95 lakh.
3) Risk Management and Livestock Insurance Scheme: 60 per cent subsidy is provided on the insurance premium of cattle and pack animal of APL farmers while 80 per cent subsidy is provided to farmers belonging to BPL families/ SC/ ST categories. During the year 2021-22, there is provision of ₹318.95 lakh for insurance of 20,000 animals in eight district of Himachal Pradesh namely, Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Sirmour and Una. Till date 1,005 animals were insured of 817 beneficries.
Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases
For prevention and control of some major diseases of livestock funds are being provided by the Government of India on the pattern of 90 per cent Central Share and 10 per cent State Share to provide free vaccination facility against contagious disease namely, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia and Black Quarter (HSBQ), Enterotoxaemia, Pestedes Petits Ruminants (PPR), Ranikhet, Marek‟s and Rabies. With implementation of this scheme, outbreaks of above-mentioned diseases are prevented thereby saving livestock owner from losses.
Provision of Subsidized Rams to Sheep Breeders of all categories in Himachal Pradesh Under this scheme, a 60 per cent subsidy is provided to breed rams to sheep breeders of all categories of Himachal Pradesh having flocks of minimum of 50 sheep (maximum 2 ram per beneficiary). Budget provision for the year 2021-22 is ₹14.50 lakh. Objectives of the Scheme are:
1) Genetic improvement of indigenous sheep breeds and dissemination of superior germplasm amongst the migratory flocks of sheep in Himachal Pradesh.
2) To improve quality and quantity of meat and wool being produced in the state, ensuring better economic returns to sheep breeders.
3 To resolve the problem of inbreeding amongst the migratory sheep flocks of sheep breeders of all categories.
Krishak Bakri Palan Yojana:To improve the socio-economic status of all categories of goat farmers under this scheme, it has been proposed to distribute units of 11 goats (10 females+1 male), 5 goats (4 female+1 male) and 3 goats (2 female + 1 male) of Beetal/Sirohi/Jamnapari and White Himalayan long hared breeds on 60 per cent subsidy to goat farmers. There is also a provision of insurance besides feed and fodder for goats during the last trimester of pregnancy. Budget provision of ₹ 54.75 lakh had been kept for the year 2020-21 under the scheme.
Rural Backyard Sheep Development Scheme: Under this scheme, sheep unit of 10+1 at 95 per cent subsidy will be provided to poor/marginal farmers in State of Himachal Pradesh. Under this scheme funds to the tune of ₹1188.00 lakh has been received from the Government of India during the year 2021-2022.
Livestock census is being conducted quinquennially by the Government of India. So far, 20 such Censuses have been conducted. Livestock Census is significant for the development of Animal Husbandry in State. New policies related to animal development are prepared based on the exact number of livestock and poultry.
Himachal Pradesh Milkfed has 1,084 milk producers Co-operative Societies. The total membership of these societies is 46,973 out of which 220-woman dairy cooperatives are also functioning. At present the Milkfed is running 22 milk chilling centres having a total capacity of 91,500 litres milk per day and 11 milk processing plants having a total capacity of 1,00,000 litres milk per day. One milk powder plant of 5 MT per day at Duttnagar in Shimla district and one cattle feed plant of 16 MT per day capacity at Bhor in District Hamirpur is functioning. The average milk procurement is about 1,37,000 litres per day from the villages through village dairy co-operatives.
Milkfed is marketing approximately 23,000 litres of milk per day which includes milk supply to various prestigious dairies in bulk and supply to army units in Dagshai, Shimla, Palampur and Yol, Dharamshala areas. Milkfed is also manufacturing Milk Powder, Ghee, Butter Dahi, Paneer and Sweetened Flavoured Milk, Khoa under the brand name of „Him‟.
New Innovations of Himachal Pradesh Milkfed
Himachal Pradesh Milkfed is manufacturing Panjiri, Bakery Biscuit, Sevian and Pasta to Welfare Department under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) Project. During 2020-21 Milkfed has manufactured and supplied 23,750 quintal of Fortified Panjiri, 5,050 quintals of Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP) and 26,500 quintals of Fortified Bakery Biscuit and 10,590 Wheat Seviyan to Anganwadis of the State.
A training programme to around 1,000 milk producers at village level for educating them to produce good quality of milk.
Deposited about 11,134 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) forms of the farmers in the concerned banks and around `8.00 crore of credit has been distributed through KCC to the milk producers/farmers.
Milkfed equipped its labs with modern equipment under National Programme for Dairy Development Scheme.
During the year 2021-22, to improve dairy activities in the State one new plant of 50,000 litres per day capacity milk at Milk Processing Plant Mandi shall be made operational, thereby providing benefit to dairy co-operative of the state.
One new plant of 50,000 litres per day capacities at Milk Processing Plant Chakkar District Mandi is being established thereby providing benefit to dairy cooperative of Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur and other districts.
Distributed incentive ₹2,000 to 937 milk producers of Mandi, Shimla and Kullu Districts under National Programme of Dairy Development by Chief Minister on 29.12.2021 using Digital Platform.
A new Bakery Biscuit Plant of capacity of about 6 MT per day to be functional in Milk Processing Plant Kangra.


Wool Procurement and Marketing Federation (WPMF)
The main objective of WPMF is to promote the growth and development of wool industry in the state of Himachal Pradesh and to free wool growers from exploitation by the middlemen/traders. In pursuance to the above objective, the WPMF is actively involved in procurement of sheep and angora wool, sheep shearing at pasture level with the imported automatic machines sheep wool scouring and marketing of wool. During the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021, 43617 sheep has been shorn and the sheep wool procurement amounts to 1,13,764 kg and the value of the same was ₹72.09 lakh.
The Federation is also implementing a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the benefit and upliftment of the sheep breeders in the state with the technical assistanance of Animal Husbandry Department. Under health care, particularly dipping and deworming, 3,75,000 sheep and goats shall be covered in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla and Kinnaur with an outlay of ₹1.20 crore and also 1,25,000 in “goat clusters” in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una, Solan, Bilaspur and Sirmaur under health care component alongwith nutritional supplementation with an outlay of ₹1.00 core. During current financial year the benefits of these schemes is likely to percolate to approximately 18,000 breeders.
The Beas, Satluj and Ravi rivers receive many streams during their downstream journey and 106ones106 precious cold water fish fauna such as Schizothorax, Golden Mahseer and exotic Trouts. Cold water resources of the State have shown their potential with the successful completion of ambitious Indo-Norwegian Trout farming project and tremendous interest shown by the hill populace for the adoption of evolved technology. The commercially important fish species in Gobind Sagar and Pong Dam reservoirs, Chamera and Ranjeet Sagar Dam have become a tool for the upliftment of local population.
About 5,902 fishermen in the State depend directly on reservoir fisheries for their livelihood. During 2021-22, up to December, 2021, cumulative fish production was 9,897.82 MT valued at ₹138.92 crore. Around 7.78 tonne trout has been sold from the State farms and ₹135.09 lakh has been earned during current financial year up to December, 2021. The sale of fish in the last year is shown in Table 7.15.
The Department of Fisheries has constructed carp as well as trout seed production farms in the State to cater to the requirement of reservoirs, rural ponds and commercial farms in public and private sector. Up to December, 2021, total of 18.42 lakh fingerlings of 70 mm and above of common carp, 8.63 lakh of the same size of Indian Major Carp (IMC) and 11.33 lakh of Rainbow Brown Trout have been produced in the State. The approximate value of total seed production produced during the year 2021-22 up to December, 2021 is ₹83.70 lakh. The department is implementing various schemes for the promotion of Fisheries and Aquaculture which are as under:
Insurance and Welfare Schemes: The Department of Fisheries has initiated many welfare schemes for the upliftment of fishermen. Fishermen are covered under Insurance Scheme, where ₹5.00 lakh is given (in case of death/ permanent disability) and even losses to their gear and crafts are also being borne by the State Government to the extent of 50 per cent under Risk Fund Scheme. A contributory saving scheme has been initiated by the State Government and matching state‟s shares of deposited saving is provided to them during the close season. The amount so generated is paid to fisherman in two equal installments. During the year 2021-22 an amount of ₹160.06 lakh, (₹53.35 lakh contributed by the fisherman plus ₹106.71 lakh as financial assistance from the State and Centre Government) will be provided to 3,557 fisherman under Saving–cum–Relief Fund Scheme now renamed as “Livelihood and nutritional support for socioeconomically backward active traditional fishers families for conservation of fisheries resources during fishing ban/lean period” under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Trout Livestock Insurance Scheme: During the financial year 2020-21, State government has started this new scheme with an objective to provide insurance cover to livestock of cold water fish farmers of the state. The premium amount is shared between State Government and the beneficiary in the ratio of 65:35, respectively. The wide insurance cover is being provided through United India Insurance Company Limited. During 2021-22, Government has insured 24 trout units constructed by 15 trout farmers. Each trout unit is covered for maximum input cost of ₹2.50 lakh per annum with a premium of ₹19,175. There are 625 trout growers with 1,244 raceways/units that get direct benefit from this initiative.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Government of India has launched this scheme and state government is implementing this scheme during 2021-22. Under the umbrella of this scheme, state government has submitted various projects amounting to ₹4,950.31 lakh for funding approval to the Government of India. Of this amount, ₹2,879.53 lakh is the Central share, ₹331.15 lakh State share and ₹1,739.63 lakh beneficiaries share. Approval for current year is still awaited from the Government of India. Achievements of the fisheries sector during the financial year 2021-22 up to December, 2021 and proposed targets for 2021-22 are shown in Table 7.16.
Forests in Himachal Pradesh cover an area of 37,947 Sq. Km. and account for 68.16 per cent of total geographical area of the State. However, presently 28.60 per cent of the total geographical areas support forest cover. The main objective of Himachal Pradesh Forest Policy is proper utilization of forests, and their conservation and extension. The aim of the Forest Department is to enhance the forest cover in the State to 30 per cent of its geographical area by 2030 to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan programme taken up by the Forest Department aims at fulfilling these policy commitments. Some of the important plan programme activities are as under:
Experimental Silvicultural Felling/Subsidiary Silviculture operations: Forest wealth of Himachal Pradesh is estimated at more than ₹1.50 lakh crore. Supreme Court of India has allowed the State for silviculture green felling of three species, Khair, Chil and Sal, on experimental basis in three ranges- Nurpur range of Nurpur Forest Division, Bharari range of Bilaspur Forest Division and Paonta range of Paonta Forest Division. The felling of trees was carried out during 2018-19 and during current financial year fencing, plantation, recuperation of areas is being carried out as per recommendations of the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee.
New Schemes: In order to sensitize the local communities, students and general public about the importance of forests and their role in environmental conservation, for sustainable harvest handling and value addition the following new schemes have been launched:
1) Samudayik Van Samvardhan Yojana: The main objective of this scheme is to ensure participation of local communities in conservation and development of Forests through plantation improving quality of forest and increasing the forest cover. The scheme will be implemented through existing Joint Forest Management Committee/Village Forest Development Societies (JFMCs/VFDSs). During the year 2018-19, 20 sites were selected and 11 new sites have been reserved for 2021-22. During current year, plantation and soil conservation activities will be carried out in all the 31 selected sites (JFMCs/VFDSs) as per approved Micro Plan.
2) Van Samridhi Jan Samridhi Yojana: This scheme has been started to strengthen the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) resource base in the State through active community participation to, empower the local rural communities to collect conserve and market the NTFPs to augument their income. An outlay of ₹250.00 lakh has been kept under this scheme during the year 2021-22.
3) Ek Buta Beti ke Naam: To sensitize people about the importance of daughters and forest conservation, a new scheme “Ek Buta Beti Ke Naam” has been launched during 2019-20. It is believed that by planting a sapling in the name of a girlchild and with the effort of nurturing each sapling into a tree, communities would be sensitized to be more committed towards the rights of the girl-child leading to realization of her full potential. Upon the birth of a girl-child anywhere in the State, the Forest Department would gift 5 saplings of identified species alongwith a planting „kit‟ to grow robust and healthy tall plants. These are planted by parents of the girl during monsoon or winter season either on their homestead land or forest land. During the year 202122 a provision of ₹651.00 lakh has been kept under this scheme.
4) Swarim Vatika: Himachal Pradesh is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Purana Rajatva Diwas from 25th January, 2021. This program will last for one year. On the occasion of this auspicious occasion, the Forest Department constructed 68 Swarim Vatika during the year 2021-22. The objectives are to make people aware of the importance and protection of forests, create awareness about and increase the forest cover in urban areas and to establish recreation places for the people.
5) Jal Bhandaran Scheme: In the year 2021-22, under this scheme, 120 places have been identified for construction of dams, in which water conservation can be done, for this work in the year 2021-22, an amount of about ₹25 crore has been kept.
Himachal Pradesh Forest Eco-systems Climate Proofing Project (KfW assisted): Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystems Climate Proofing Project with the assistance of KfW Bank (Credit Institute for Reconstruction), Germany is being implemented in Chamba and Kangra districts of the State for the period of 7 years w.e.f. 2015-16. The outlay of the project is ₹308.45 crore. The Funding pattern of the project is 85.10 per cent loan and 14.90 per cent State share. The main objective of this project is the rehabilitation, protection and sustainable use of the selected forest ecosystems in HP, to increase and secure the resilience of forest ecosystems against climate change and ensure flow of forest based products and other services, which benefit the forest dependent communities. In the long run this will contribute to strengthening the adaptive capacity of forest ecosystems to climate change, protection of biodiversity, stabilization of catchment areas, conservation of natural resource base and at the same time result in better livelihoods for the people of Himachal Pradesh. Provision of ₹55.00 crore has been kept for the current financial year out of which ₹ 24.20 crore have been spent.
Himachal Pradesh Forest Eco systems Management and Livelihood Improvement Project: A new Project, namely “Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystems Management and Livelihood Improvement Project” for 8 years (2018-2019 to 2025-26) amounting to ₹800 crore has been started with the assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Funding pattern of the project is 80 per cent loan and 20 per cent State share. The project will be implemented in Bilaspur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti districts and tribal areas of Pangi and Bharmour Sub-divisions of Chamba districts with Project headquarter at Kullu/Shamshi, district Kullu and Regional office at Rampur, district Shimla. The objectives of the project are to conserve the forest and mountain ecosystem and improve livelihood of the forest and pasture dependent communities by increasing forest cover, density and productive potential using scientific and modern forest management practices; enhancing biodiversity and forest ecosystem conservation and to reduce pressure/stress on forest resources by providing the village communities with alternative livelihood opportunity. During the financial year 2021-22, the Government has provided ₹45.00 crore under this project and expenditure to the tune of ₹29.50 crore has been incurred upto 31.12.2021.
World Bank Aided Integrated Development Project for Source Sustainability and Climate Resilient Rain-fed Agriculture: The World Bank has agreed to support this new project (Source Sustainability and Climate Resilient Rain-fed Agriculture) at a cost of ₹650.00 crore. The funding pattern of the project is 80 per cent loan and 20 per cent is State share. The project period is 7 years. The project would be implemented in 900 Gram Panchayats in Shiwalik and Mid Hills agro-climatic zones spread across various watershed in the state. The key objectives of this project include comprehensive treatment of around 2 lakh hectare non-arable and 20,000 hectare arable lands; and enhancement of water productivity/ efficiency, milk production and livelihood improvement in the project area. An outlay of ₹79.99 crore has been approved under this project during the current financial year out of which expenditure of ₹41.57 crore have been incurred upto 31.12.2021.
Environment Forestry and Wildlife: Himachal Pradesh is home to a very impressive, diverse and unique fauna– many of which are rare. The scheme aims at protection, improvement of environment and wildlife, development of wildlife sanctuaries/national parks and improvement of wildlife habitat so as to provide protection to various species of birds and animals facing extinction. An outlay of ₹31.98 crore has been approved for year 2021-22.

8.WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

With the aim of providing Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural family by the year 2024, Jal Jeevan Mission has been launched by the Government of India, on 15th August, 2019. `3.5 lakh crore has been proposed to implement this mission across the country. The programme focuses on the service delivery system at the household in sufficient quantity (55 Litre Per Capita per Day) on a regular basis and of prescribed quality. In Himachal Pradesh, it is targeted to include every rural household in this scheme by July, 2022. Out of 17.28 lakh households, 15.80 lakh were provided FHTC up to December, 2021. In Himachal Pradesh, 91 per cent of the households have been provided with domestic connection against a national average of 45.50 per cent. This places Himachal at 8th position in the country.
In the functional Assessment done by the Third Party Inspection Agency selected by the Government of India, the quantity and quality of drinking water available at the consumer level was checked on different parameters in which Himachal Pradesh has been observed as best. In overall functionality, the state is at the forefront of the country and overall performance of the state is even better than those states, whose percentage of taping is more than Himachal Pradesh.
To ensure participation of the general public, training for water quality testing is being given at the Gram Panchayat level and to the Rural Drinking Water Sanitation Committee through field test kits. In order to bring transparency, all water quality laboratories of the State have been opened to the general public, where water samples are tested at the affordable rates.
Urban Water Supply Schemes: There are 61 Towns/Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in Himachal Pradesh. The water supply schemes of 59 Towns/ULBs are under Jal Shakti Vibhag, Shimla Town is under Shimla Jal Prabandhan Board and Parwanoo under HIMUDA. The improvement of water supply schemes of 48 towns including Shimla and Parwanoo town is now complete. Rewalsar and Jawali are in progress.

Status of Sewerage Scheme: Out of 61Towns/ULBs in Himachal Pradesh, Sewerage schemes of 60 Towns/ULBs are under Jal Shakti Vibhag and Shimla Town is under Shimla Jal Prabandhan Board. Jal Shakti Vibhag has completed sewerage schemes in 32 towns and has installed 62 Sewage Treatment Plants throughout the State with treatment capacity of 85.61 MLD against which 56.05 MLD (65.47per cent) is being treated at present. At present, construction/up-gradation of sewerage schemes for 19 Towns is in progress and proposals for the rest of the 18 towns are being prepared.
Command Area Development: During the year 2021-22, `83.16 crore has been provided by Government of Himachal Pradesh which includes ` 83.10 crore for Himachal Pradesh Command Area Development (HIMCAD) activities in minor irrigation schemes to bridge the gap of potential created and utilized and rest of amount is for major/medium irrigation and minor irrigation schemes ongoing in the state including central share. There is a physical target of 3,640 hectare Culturable Command Area (CCA) for providing Command Area Development (CAD) activities, out of which 1,735.77 hectare has been achieved by November 2021 with an expenditure of `13.57 crore upto September, 2021. The Government of India has been launched the Incentivisation Scheme for Bridging Irrigation Gap (ISBIG) for providing CAD activities in the completed/ongoing irrigation projects since 2016-17 and accordingly the 6 projects of Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) have been considered under the programme. Detailed Project Report (DPRs) of these 6 projects have been submitted to Government of India for inclusion under this scheme.
Hand Pump Programme: The Government has an active programme to provide hand pumps to regions facing scarcity of water during summer season. A total of 40,624 hand pumps have been installed as of January, 2022. Government has announced a new scheme for providing hand pumps to individual beneficiaries at 75 per cent cost.
Adequate and timely supply of Irrigation water to crops is a pre-requisite in the agriculture production process, particularly in areas where rainfall is scanty and irregular. Out of a total geographical area of 55.67 lakh hectare of Himachal Pradesh, only 5.83 lakh hectare is cultivated. It is estimated that irrigation potential of the state is approximately 3.35 lakh hectare, out of this, 0.50 lakh hectare can be brought under irrigation through major and medium irrigation projects and the balance of 2.85 lakh hectare through minor irrigation schemes. As of November 2021, a total of 2.92 lakh hectares has been brought under the irrigation.
Major Irrigation: The only major irrigation project in the state is Shahnehar Project in Kangra District. The project has been completed and irrigation facility to 15,287 hectare land is being provided. The Command Area Development (CAD) works are in progress and out of 15,287 hectare, 9998.50 hectare land has been brought under CAD activities up to November, 2021 against target of 3,640 hectares.
Medium Irrigation: Medium Irrigation Projects Changer area Bilaspur 2350 hectares, Sidhatha Kangra, 3,150 hectares and Balh Valley Left Bank 2,780 hectare have been completed. The work of CAD Sidhatha is in progress and 2,705.10 hectare land has been brought under CAD activities as of November 2021. At present work of Medium Irrigation Project Phinna Singh Cultivated Command Area (4,025 hectares) and the Nadaun area in District Hamirpur (2,980 hectares) is in progress.
Minor Irrigation: During 2021-22, there is a budget provision of `315.24 crore in the state sector to provide irrigation facilities to an area of 8,000 hectare against which up to November, 2021 5,653.62 hectare has been covered with an expenditure of `18.59 crore up to September, 2021.
Plastic Waste Management
The State Government has banned use and littering of plastic items by notifications from time to time under Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995. A fine of `3.43 lakh has been collected from 385 violators in the year 2021-22. Under this Act, polythene bags, plastic & thermocol cutlery single use plastic spoons, bowls, katories, stirring sticks, forks, knives, straws has been completely banned in Himachal Pradesh. Under Buy-back Policy for non-recyclable plastic waste in the year 2021-22, `42.17 lakh has been paid on purchase of 1.00 lakh kg of specified plastic waste to the households and 804 registered rag pickers at `75 per kg in the State. The State Government is promoting use of biodegradable Pattals (leaf plates) and donas (leaf bowls) made of plant leaves. To support artisans/poor families involved in making traditional pattal and dona making machines are being provided under Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER). Till December, 2021 the provision of providing 100 pattal & dona making machines has been made under CER. In addition, it plastic waste shredders & compactors are being provided to all ULBs. Till December, 2021 the provision of more than 200 plastic waste shredders & compactors have been made under CER.
A State Knowledge Cell on Climate Change (HPKCCC Phase-I) has been set up in the Department of Environment, Science and Technology, Himachal Pradesh with the assistance of Department of Environment, Science and Technology, Government of India under National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystems (NMSHE) . Funding of ` 1.12 crore has been mobilized from Government of India to implement the activities under HPKCCC in Phase-II. The Climate Change vulnerability assessment of Beas River Basin has been completed and another study of Satluj River Basin covering 1,800 panchayats &12,500 villages of Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Solan, Mandi and Bilaspur has been initiated with the financial outlay of `88.50 lakh. The CC Vulnerability Assessment & Adaptation Plans for Kinnaur & Lahaul-Spiti districts have been prepared as a part of this initiative.
HP Climate Change Conclave - 2021 - “SECURE HIMALAYA- SAFE INDIA” Act for Himalaya: In order to promote multi-stakeholder engagement in the State including neighboring States in the Himalayan region as well as in the downstream and deliberate on the challenges associated with impact of climate change and disaster risk reduction, GoHP organized a two-day conference- “Secure Himalaya- Safe India” on 18th to 19th December, 2021 at Shimla, with focus on reducing climate change induced risks & vulnerabilities in the Western Himalayan region and a Resolution has been made for entire Himalayan Region to combat impact of Climate Change.
State Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2030: The Government of has prepared and adopted revised State Climate Change Action Plan Version-II 2021-2030. The Chief Minister released the Action Plan from Shimla on 18th December, 2021. This document will provide strategic action points for different stakeholders.

Climate Adaptation and Finance in Rural India (CAFRI) project: To support implementation of Himachal Pradesh SDG Vision 2030 targets and State Action Plan on Climate Change with special attention to vulnerable target groups such as women’s self-help groups and women Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) and their associations, Climate Adaptation and Finance in Rural India (CAFRI) project was launched in the State.
CAFRI is a continuation of commitment from GIZ India for the state under the bilateral programme wih MoEF&CC, Government of India supplemented with various activities related to capacity development and planning, implementing, financing, monitoring adaptation initiatives at different level of governance.
Setting up of Knowledge Network on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (HPKNCC & DRR): To implement SDG-13 Vision 2030 targets the State Government has decided to setup Knowledge Network on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (HPKNCC & DRR) in the State. This knowledge network will bring together policymakers, adaptation researchers, private and other non-governmental sectors at State and regional levels to support the objectives outlined in the State Mission for Climate Change, Strategic Knowledge and Information.
Setting up of Digital Climate Change Reference centre: Foundation stone has been laid to setup Digital Climate Change Reference Centre for adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts in collaboration with the Government of India and GIZ in the Department of Environment, Science and Technology and work is likely to be completed by 31st March, 2022.
Implementation of Project Sanctioned under National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) MoEF&CC, GoI: Under this project drought prone areas of three Developmental Blocks of Sirmaur District have been covered with outlay of `20.00 crore. The rural small and marginal farmers including rural women are being provided a package of Climate Smart Farming Technologies along with required social engineering and capacity building which leads to improved food security and enhanced livelihood options to enhance resilience.
Under this project following targets have been achieved:
1) 3 major lift irrigation schemes, 1 solar based LIS, 35 Minor Irrigation Schemes, 21 small ponds & 23 Kuhls (Irrigation channels) constructed & made functional.
2) 7 Training Modules (in regional language and English) developed and distributed among stakeholders.
3) Training of 332 Extension Officers from all 12 districts (Horticulture and Agriculture) Completed. A total of 6 Trainings has been conducted at Block level (Pachhad, Poanta Sahib & Sangrah) and training imparted to 240 lead farmers.
4) 696 trainings conducted & 30,880 farmers trained on climate change adoption.  3 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in three Blocks registered.
5) Assurance Fund created in line with insurance schemes for farmers.
6) Moisture Management for vegetables- provision of drip and sprinkler irrigation – 4.1 hectare under drip irrigation and 2.68 hectare under sprinkler irrigation covered.
7) Promotion of Inter-cropping of maize and pulses and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Cultivation in late but excess moisture condition- 787 quintal of maize, wheat, mustard and vegetables seed distributed.
8) 243.74 quintal green fodder (sorghum & bajra), 40 quintal oats & 35 quintal berseem distributed, 22.78 quintal maize, 6.60 quintal ginger. 20 quintal garlic distributed 4.32 ha. under early on setting cultivars of fruit (pomegranate, kiwi, strawberry, guava, litchi
Capacity Building of marginal Farmers in rural areas: Government of India has sanctioned a project titled as “Capacity building of marginal farmers in rural areas of Himachal Pradesh on biotechnological interventions for Climate Change Adaption to ensure sustainable livelihood” for Lamba Thach Panchayat of Seraj block, district Mandi. Government of India has sanctioned `59.00 lakh for different programmes of Capacity Building.
Himachal Pradesh Environment Leadership Awards scheme is one of regular scheme of the Department of Environment, Science & Technology. `25.00 lakh have been earmarked to be utilized during the year 2021-22 and 24 applications have been received for awards in different sectors.
Creation of Model Eco Villages: The State Government through Department of Environment, Science & Technology is implementing Model Eco Villages scheme in the State. This scheme is focusing towards the perspective of developing low impact lifestyle as to reduce the “ecological footprint” by as much as 50% of the base assessment from the launch of the scheme. Under this scheme, 50.00 lakh will be utilized over a period of 5 years by the identified village for adoption of Model Eco village scheme. Till date 15 villages have been included under this scheme and 1.84 crore has been utilized under this scheme upto December, 2021.
Research & Development Projects : To promote research & development, "H.P. Specific Research & Development Projects 2021-22" are being funded to develop Academic institutions, National laboratories and other recognized R&D Institutions in different fields of the State. Upto December, 2021 ` 21.80 lakh has been spent under the scheme.
Setting up of Demonstration Micro Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities: State Government has started the process for setting up of 10 demonstration Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities as pilot projects in the State. Municipal solid waste management facilities through expert agencies having capacity to dispose of approximately 0.5 ton to 5 ton of waste are being installed at 10 different locations in Himachal Pradesh as pilot projects on PPP mode. 4.48 crore under NMHS (National Mission on Himalayan Studies) by MoEF&CC, Government of India has been approved for the purpose Technical Staff has been deployed in each ULBs to help implement the programme.

9.INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Himachal Pradesh has made significant achievements in industrialization in the past few years. The State has a well developed industry sector which has witnessed an average contribution to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of around 30 per cent during the last 4 years. The state is an emerging manufacturing hub for pharmaceuticals, textiles, light engineering goods, health, power, telecom and information technology. The State has laid emphasis on public private partnerships for investments in hydro power projects. The state government has recently announced various measures to promote industrialization in the state. To promote Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in the State, the State government has announced online application filing for speedy approvals.
Further, the present government in the state has initiated significant reforms in the recent times that have put the state on high growth path. The State government amended the Industrial Policy 2004 and notified the “Himachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Development Policy 2019” and “Rules Regarding Grant of Incentives, Concessions and Facilities for Investment Promotion in Himachal Pradesh 2019” to promote and incentivize industry by creating a conducive environment for sustainable inclusive development that generates income and employment opportunities, and encourages skill development thereby establishing Himachal Pradesh as a model industrial hill State of India.
The vision statement in the industrial policy 2019 is,“To create an enabling ecosystem to enhance the scale of economic development & employment opportunities; ensure sustainable development and balanced growth of industrial and service sectors to make Himachal as one of the preferred destination for investment”
Development of Industrial Areas/ Estates: Creation and maintenance of high quality industrial infrastructure is a prime pre-requisite for industrial development. Industries department has developed 62 Industrial areas and estates for industrial development in State. During the current financial year, the State Government has notified Chak village in District Una as industrial area.
State Government has been taking numerous steps to improve business climate with an aim to make it more conducive to start new businesses and create enabling ecosystem to operate. State Government has implemented number of reforms aiming at improving the business environment and has been widely acknowledged. Himachal has embarked on a mission to leverage technology to complement the governance framework.
Himachal Pradesh has adopted Ease of Doing Business as its top priority area to offer industry a stable, predictable, and fair playing field besides increasing access to information and transparency for industrial development. Himachal registered a quantum jump of 9 points i.e. from 16th position to 7th position in the rankings announced by Department for Promotion on Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India (GoI) on 05th September 2020. This made “Himachal top ranking State amongst Hilly States” of the Country. Also, Himachal was recognized as "Top Improvers since 2015" by DPIIT, GoI in this ranking.
Single Window System (SWS) has been made fully operational and all the industry related services has been integrated with the Single Window portal of the Industries Department which will act as one stop interface with the investor.
Minimizing Regulatory Compliance Burden (MRCB): In a major bid to realize the nation’s goals of improving “Ease of Living” and “Ease of Doing Business”, DPIIT has also introduced “Reducing Compliance Burden” initiative across country. Key objectives behind the MRCB exercise are to identify/ reduce/ eliminate all the burdensome compliance, minimize physical touch points between Government to Business (G2B)/Government to Citizen (G2C) and provide hassle-free delivery of services by Government. As part of the initiative taken by the State for minimizing regulatory compliances in the State, active measures have been taken. The Directorate of Industries is a Nodal Agency to implement and coordinate with all departments in the State of Himachal Pradesh. A State Task Force is constituted in this regard under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary with other Administrative Secretaries as members to minimize the various regulations in the State.
Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMFPE): Under Atama Nirbhar Bharat, “Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMFPE)”scheme has been launched, with an objective to assist Food Based Micro Enterprises of unorganized sector and bring them to organized sector. The Department is working proactively to implement this scheme in the state. Seed Capital of ₹70.98 lakh was disbursed to 185 self help groups’ members during 2020-21. 3 Incubation Centers (one incubation centre will be established in Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan and other two will be established under Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidayalya (CSKHPKV) at Palampur and at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kukumseri with grant of ₹3.72 crore, ₹2.59 crore and ₹2.52 crore respectively) has been sanctioned by Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India (MoFPI, GoI). Under this scheme 126 individual applications have been sanctioned for credit-linked capital subsidy.
Prime Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit linked subsidy programme of Central Government. This scheme was launched on 15th August, 2008 by merging of two schemes, Prime Minister Rozgar Yojna and Rural Employment Generation Programme. Under the scheme the maximum cost of the project in manufacturing sector is ₹25 lakh and ₹10 lakh under Service Sector. General Category Candidate get 15-25 per cent subsidy depending upon the location of the proposed venture/unit and contribution towards project cost is 10 per cent. For other category candidates gets 25-35 per cent depending upon the location of the proposed venture/unit and their own contribution is only 5 per cent. Under this scheme, as of January, 2022 loans worth ₹ 21.45 crore have been sanctioned for 725 cases against a target of 1,451 cases.
The objectives of PMEGP are:
To generate employment opportunities in rural as well as urban areas of the country through setting up of new self-employment ventures/projects/micro enterprises.
To bring together widely dispersed traditional artisans/ rural and urban unemployed youth and give them self-employment opportunities to the extent possible at their place.
To provide continuous and sustainable employment to a large segment of traditional and prospective artisans and rural and urban unemployed youth in the country, so as to help arrest migration of rural youth to urban areas.
To increase the wage earning capacity of artisans and contribute to increase in the growth rate of rural and urban employment.
Mukhya Mantri Swavalamban Yojana (MMSY)
MMSY is one of the important flagship programmes of the State Government. It is an ambitious scheme of the State Government to provide self-employment opportunities for youth of Himachal Pradesh. This scheme became very popular in spite of “COVID-19 Pandemic” with a phenomenal increase in the sanctioned cases. The scheme has been made available online with the provision of 60 per cent “Front Loading” of subsidy. The scheme has been recently amended by adding activities related to agriculture, animal husbandry, sericulture and mining in order to provide benefits to rural youth. The age limit for women has been revised from 18-45 years to 18-50 years, so that more women could take the benefit of the scheme and become self-dependent. This scheme is being regularly monitored at higher level and is very popular amongst the youth.
Under MMSY, upto December, 2021, more than 5,000 projects have been sanctioned by the Banks, which have generated 15,073 self-employment opportunities.
Himachal State Food Mission: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) had launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) during the 12th Plan (2012-13) for implementation through States/ UTs. Further, the Government of India has approved continuation of the Mission during the remainder of 12th Five Year Plan (2013-17). The basic objective of NMFP is decentralization of implementation of Ministry’s schemes, which will lead to substantial participation of State governments/Union Territories (UTs). This scheme has been delinked from central assistance and has been continued by the State Government from 2015-16 onwards. During 2021-22, under “Himachal State Food Mission” 14 Projects were sanctioned involving Grant-in-Aid of 2.27 crore.
Sericulture Industry: Sericulture activities are providing part time employment to the weaker section of the State. In order to promote silk worm rearing in the State, 146 community based organizations and “Resham Sathi” have been nominated under various projects.
Mining: To bring transparency and save time, the entire process of sanctioning the mining lease is now online. Strict provisions have been made to check illegal mining. The penalty has been raised from `25,000 to `50,000 and the provision for imprisonment has been modified to provide for up to 2 years or both for an offence. On one hand, Government is committed to check illegal mining and punish the offenders with the strict provisions made in the rules, on the other hand, it is making all efforts to make mining material available for legal activities. The border Districts of State viz: Kangra, Una, Solan and Sirmaur are prone to illegal mining. In order to curb illicit mining a complete ban for grant of mineral leases for open/free sale has been imposed. Further, 5 mining check posts in District Una and one in District Solan have been established to check illegal mining as well as overloading. During the last 04 years, the department has auctioned more than 220 mining sites through tendercum-auction mode.
Status of Industrialization in Himachal Pradesh: As on 31.01.2022, 33,094 enterprises have registered on the Udyam portal in the state, out of which 31,217 are Micro, 1,637 are Small and 240 are Medium enterprises. In addition to this 48 large industrial units are also working in the state. District wise data of registration on Udyam portal including manufacturing and services enterprises is listed in table 9.1.
MSMEs contribute significantly to the economic and social development of the state by fostering entrepreneurship and by generating employment opportunities. The government has taken several initiatives to nurture and promote the MSMEs. The revision in the definition of MSMEs brought in w .e. f. 1st July, 2020 as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat package introduced a composite-criteria of investment and annual turnover-and identical limits for manufacturing and services sector (Table 9.2).
The modified definition of MSMEs will facilitate expansion and growth of these enterprises. The resulting economies of scale can enhance productivity without the MSMEs losing out on several government incentives including market support, export promotion, preferential procurement in the public sector and incentives through the Micro Small Enterprises- Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP), Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) and enabling of information technology ecosystems. This enabling environment will promote competition and avoid dwarfism among MSMEs. The recent measures taken by the Government to improve the ease of doing business for the MSMEs include the launch of the new Udyam Registration Portal in July 2020. The registration process under this is fully online, digital, paperless and is based on self-declaration. New registration process has boosted the ease of doing business for MSMEs by reducing transaction time and costs.
KVIC is a statutory body formed in April 1957 (During 2nd Five Year plan) by the Government of India, under the Act of Parliament, 'Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956'. It is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with regard to khadi and village industries within India, which seeks to - "plan, promote, facilitate, organize and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary." The KVIC has its state wing at Shima and having 13 working Khadi Institutions in the State. The status of production and sale through KVIC affiliated/registered Societies and Institutions is shown in table 9.3.
In addition to Khadi Programme, KVIC is also implementing PMEGP. Under this programme Credit Linked Back ended subsidy scheme is under implementation all over India with the involvement of Khadi & Village Industrial Board (KVIB) and Directorate of Industries in the respective State. With the active support of local Government agencies and Banks, KVIC is implementing PMEGP scheme since 2009 and generating employment opportunities to educated and uneducated youth. The status of industrial units, utilisation of subsidy and employment generation is depicted in table 9.4.
KVIC has also identified clusters for regeneration of traditional industries in the state. Under SFURTI Sirmour Beekeeping Cluster has been identified and Mahila Samaj Kalyan Samiti, Rajgar, Sirmour will be the implementing Agency. With the technical support of Lee Bee International institute of Bee Keeping and Agro Enterprises, Ludhiana, 300 artisans will be covered involving project cost of ₹ 255.76 lakh.
The HPKVIB is a statutory body created by an act of Legislative assembly (Number 8 of 1966). It came into existence on 8th January, 1968. The original Act of 1966 has been subsequently amended during the year 1981 and 1987. The department of Industry is administrative department of KVIB. The objectives of the board are broadly given as under:
The social objective of providing employment.
The economic objective of producing saleable articles.
The wider objective of creating self-reliance amongst the poor and building up of a strong rural community spirit.
The Board is playing a pivotal role in rural industrialization and employment generation by encouraging rural artisans/entrepreneurs to establish micro/village industries at their doorsteps thereby, utilizing locally available raw material and skills.
It is a major agency in the State to promote the setting up of small, medium, and large-scale industrial units. The Corporation also acts as a State-level financial institution. HPSIDC is the major agency for the promotion and establishment of industrial units is Himachal Pradesh. It is also the major State-level financial Institution and provides long-term loans for industrial projects. The important activities of the Corporation are:
Stimulate industrialization throughout HP.
Promotion, Development & Financing of Industries.
Development of Industrial Infrastructure.
Facilitator – providing guidance & assistance to entrepreneurs.
Marketing of Steel & Bitumen as dealer of Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)/ Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
Development of industrial areas/ estates.
The HPSIDC has been engaged as State implementing agency for execution of two prestigious projects viz State of art industrial areas at Kandrori, district Kangra and Pandoga, district Una, under the Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS) of the Government of India. The projects has an outlay of ₹275.00 crore.
The HPSIDC likely to earn a gross profit of ₹1494.95 lakh during 2021-22 and after making a provision for taxation and dividend of ₹480.48 lakh, net profit of ₹1014.47 lakh is expected in 2021-22.
Chief Minister has launched the portal UNNATI and mobile App of HPSIDC. This portal would give users the ability to work in collaboration with others and focus on individual projects. Apart from real time collaboration, UNNATI portal would allow users to share and work on documents together from any place and any time.
Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Board (HPIDB): HPIDB has been established for furtherance the purpose of Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Act-2001 and to provide for framework for participation by persons other than the State Government and Government agencies in financing, construction, maintenance and operation of infrastructure projects and to raise resources on behalf of the State Government for infrastructure projects development. At present, the investments raised through this organization are bridging the gap of the expenditure under State Plan. So far, various developmental works in the following sectors have been undertaken.
1) State Roads and Bridges Projects.
2) Irrigation and Public Health Projects.
3) Health infrastructure.
4) Power projects.
5) Urban Local Bodies and other infrastructures. HPIDB is also acting as Public Private Partnership (PPP) cell of the State Government in addition to its existing activities. The HPIDB has successfully awarded 20 projects on PPP mode and other projects which are in pipeline for different sectors as shown in table 9.5 and 9.6:
During the year 2020-21, HPIDB has awarded Consultancy Assignments in Urban Infrastructure sector for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Shri Chintpurni Sadan, Block C, Chintpurni and Operation, Maintenance and Management (OMM) of High End Restaurant in ground floor of Town Hall, The Mall, Shimla of Municipal Corporation and one in Transport Sector for Development of Bus Stand and Car Parking complexes at Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh on PPP mode.
Investment/Outreach initiatives
) To attract investment in the State, the Government organized 1st Global Investors Meet-2019 on 07th and 08th November, 2019 at Dharamshala. The objective was to attract investment in the sectors of Agriculture Business, Food Processing and Post Harvest Technology, Manufacturing and Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Hospitality and Civil Aviation, Hydro and Renewable Energy, Wellness, Healthcare and Ayush, Housing, Urban Development, Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics, Information Technology, Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) and Electronics, Education and Skill Development.
1) Before organizing the main event, State Government organized three international road shows at Germany, Netherland and United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh. Apart from international road shows, six domestic road shows were organized at Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmadabad and Chandigarh and two mini conclaves at Manali and Shimla.
2) The Government signed 703 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in various sectors with proposed investment of ₹96,720.88 crore and proposed employment of 1,96,800 persons in the Global Investors Meet.
3) 1st Ground Breaking Ceremony (GBC) was organized on 27-12-2019 at Shimla, in which 236 MoUs worth ₹13,488 crore were grounded.
4) Despite COVID-19 pandemic situation, 102 projects with investment of ₹4,483 crore has been commissioned and civil works/machinery installation is in progress in 87 projects with investment of ₹ 6,917 crore. Approximately 84 per cent of total investment grounded has materialized.

5)The Government of Himachal Pradesh organized a roadshow at Chandigarh on 05.09.2021 to attract fresh investment in the State across various sectors. Total 27 MoUs were signed with a proposed investment of ₹3,307 crore.
6) 2nd Ground-breaking Ceremony (2nd GBC) was organized on 27th December 2021 at Mandi in which 287 MoUs with a proposed investment of ₹ 28,197 crore grounded. Direct/ indirect employment to 80,000 persons is expected under these projects. Below is the summary of confirmed MoUs (Table-9.8).
Industrial sector performance in terms of its contribution in Gross State Value Added (GSVA) has increased in 2021-22 over 2020-21 with 1.54 percentage point. The contribution of manufacturing sector in GSVA at Current Prices has decreased from 31.43 per cent in the year 2018-19 to 29.04 per cent in the year 2019-20 (Table 9.9). It has decreased to 28.91 per cent in the year 2020-21, this has occurred due to lockdown measures taken under second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, which has hampered the industrial production. State Government is taking many initiatives such as Incentives to Investors, and enabling EoDB etc. to increase its contribution. The contribution of mining and quarrying sector in GSVA at Current Prices has decreased from 0.32 per cent in the year 2018-19 to 0.25 per cent in the year 202122, due to the effect of COVID-19 and more contribution from the other sectors of the economy. It is also the result of stringent action taken to check illegal mining by the State Government. The details are as shown in Table 9.9 below:
The trend in growth rate of GSVA of manufacturing sector in Himachal Pradesh (at constant prices) for the period 2017-18 to 2021-22 is shown in figure 9.1. The growth rate of GSVA of manufacturing sector at constant prices was 10.1 per cent in 2018-19 and decreased to 0.88 per cent in 2019-20. After showing a negative growth rate of -7.33 per cent in 2020-21 it became 11.3 per cent in 2021-22.
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a yardstick for measuring industrial growth, it includes the relative change of physical production in the field of Industry during specific period as compared to the previous period. The main objective of this index is to estimate the contribution of Industrial sector to the Gross State Domestic Product. IIP in the State is being compiled on base year 2011-12. The IIP is estimated quarterly by collecting data from selected units of Manufacturing, Mining, Quarrying and Electricity, on the basis of quarterly indices, annual indices have been worked out and are shown in table 9.10. Table 9.10 :
The General Index has slightly decreased from 223.9 to 221.9 in the year 2020-21 showing a marginal decrease of 0.9 per cent mainly due to the dip in manufacturing indices in the June quarter, when the lockdown measures were enforced under COVID-19 pandemic. As regards the indices for year 2021-22, these have been worked out on the basis of two quarters (June and September, 2021). As compared with the quarterly indices of June and September quarter of 2020-21 with the same quarter of 2021-22, an increase of 5.9 per cent has occurred. This is attributed to increase in Industrial production, which is a healthy sign for growth in manufacturing sector as well as in economy of the State.

10.LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

As stated in the Annual Report of Ministry of Labour and Employment 2019-20, Government of India, economic development means not only creation of jobs but also working conditions in which one can work with freedom, safety and dignity. The free and safe working conditions in the State are attributable to State‟s planned interventions in the forms of policies and social security networks. Compared to other parts of the country, reported wage rate of workers in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors in Himachal Pradesh is higher (Periodic Labour Force Surveys). The higher wage rates in Himachal Pradesh attract in-migrants into the State, especially from States where wage rates are very low. The State now needs to create additional employment opportunities and employment-intensive growth for which the labour force has to move from low-value-added to high-value-added activities. The State aims to achieve job induced inclusive growth in the economy to create new jobs in both urban and rural areas of the State.
The employment assistance/ information service to job seekers is provided through 3 Regional Employment Exchanges, 9 District Employment Exchanges, 2 University Information and Guidance Bureaus, 65 Sub Office Employment Exchanges, one Special Employment Exchange for Physically Handicapped and Central Employment Cell. For Vocational Guidance and Employment Counseling to the youth as well as in the matter of collection of Employment Market information all 77 Employment Exchanges have been computerized and are online.
Minimum wages: Himachal Pradesh Government has constituted a Minimum Wages Advisory Board under the Minimum Wages Act-1948 for the purpose of advising the State Government in the matter of fixing and revising the minimum rates of wages for the workers. The State Government has enhanced the minimum wages for unskilled category of workers from `275 to `300 per day or 8,250 to 9,000 per month w.e.f. 01.04.2021, working in all existing 19 scheduled employment under the provisions of Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
Employment Market Information Programme: At the district level, the employment data is being collected under the Employment Market Information Programme since 1960. The total employment in the State as on 31-03-2020 in Public Sector was 2, 75,526 and in private sector was 1,83,293. The establishments in Public Sector and Private Sector are 4,407 and 1,814 respectively.
Vocational Guidance: The Department of Labour and Employment provides Vocational/ Career Guidance to the youth and also organizes guidance camps as well in Schools/Colleges/ITIs/Polytechnics etc. Accordingly apart from providing information about Schemes/Welfare programmes being implemented for the youth, information about skill development, career options, employment/ self employment opportunities etc., is also provided by the officers/competent officials of the department and officers / representatives from different departments/organizations. During this financial Year, due to covid-19, the desired results could not be achieved by the Department. However, applicants visiting Employment Exchanges were provided vocational guidance and upto 31.12.2021, 10,708 youth were provided individual/group counseling by the competent officials of the Department.
Central Employment Cell: To provide technical and highly skilled manpower to all the industrial units, Institutions and establishments, the Central Employment Cell which has been set up in the Directorate of Labour and Employment of the State remained engaged in rendering its services during the year 2021-22. Under this scheme, assistance is provided to the employment seekers, in finding suitable jobs in private sector according to their qualifications. The Central Employment Cell organizes Campus Interviews for Private Sector Employers for their requirement of unskilled labour. During this financial year, upto 31.12.2021 Central Employment Cell has organized 1 job fair and 138 Campus Interviews wherein 1,663 candidates were selected by employers.
Special Employment Exchange for specially abled: The special employment exchange for the placement of disabled persons (physically, visually, hearing and locomotor impaired) was set-up in the Directorate of Labour and Employment in 1976. This special employment exchange renders assistance to the specially abled candidates in the field of vocational guidance and also provides employment assistance in Public and Private Sector. The Physically disabled persons who are among the weaker section of society have been provided a number of facilities or concessions which include free of cost medical examination through the Medical Boards constituted at the State and District level, relaxation of age by 5 years, exemption for qualifying type test for those who suffer from disability in the upper limbs extremities with 5 per cent reservation for appointment in Class-III & Class-IV posts. During the financial year 2021-22 (upto November, 2021) 531 specially abled persons were brought on the Live Register of the Special Employment Exchange bringing the total number to 19,205 and 119 specially abled persons were provided employment.
Employees Insurance and Provident Fund Scheme: The Employees State Insurance (ESI) is applicable in the areas of Solan, Parwanoo, Barotiwala, Nalagarh, Baddi in Solan District, Mehatpur, Bathri & Gagret in Una District, Paonta Sahib & Kala Amb in Sirmour District, Golthai in Bilaspur District, Mandi, Ratti, Ner Chowk, Bhangrotu, Chakkar & Gutkar in Mandi District and Industrial Area Shoghi and Municipal area of Shimla in District Shimla. About 13,325 establishments with an estimated 3,15,331 insured persons are covered under ESI Scheme in Himachal Pradesh and under Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme about 17,28,643 workers have been brought under this scheme working in 23,363 establishments.
Under this Act, various provisions have been made to implement welfare schemes such as providing Maternity/Paternity Benefits, Disability Pension, Retirement Pension, Family Pension, Medical Assistance, Financial Assistance for marriage of self and upto two children, Skill Development Allowance, providing bicycles and washing machines to women workers, providing induction heater or solar cooker and solar lamps to beneficiaries. About 2,236 establishments are registered with the Department of Labour & Employment and 3,39,049 beneficiaries are registered with the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Benefits amounting to `317.19 crore under various welfare schemes have been provided to the eligible beneficiaries and `737.27 crore has been deposited with Himachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Welfare Board, Shimla upto December, 2021.
During this financial year, `80 crore has been made under Skill Development Allowance Scheme. Under this scheme there is provision of allowance to the eligible un-employed youth of the State for their skill up gradation and increasing their employability. This allowance is payable @ `1,000 per month and for 50 per cent or more permanent physically challenged @ `1,500 per month for duration of Skill Development Training subject to maximum period of two years, is provided. During the financial year, 2021-22 (upto December, 2021) `15.01 crore Skill Development Allowance has been disbursed amongst the 32,182 beneficiaries. The department is also implementing Industrial Skill Development Allowance Scheme, 2018. Under this
scheme there is a provision allowance to the eligible employed youth engaged in private industrial establishment of the State for their job skill upgradation and better employment opportunities. The disbursement criteria under this scheme are the same as for the Skill Development Allowance Scheme, 2013 and under this head an amount of `1.74 crore was disbursed among 2,398 beneficiaries.
Unemployment Allowance Scheme: During this financial year 2021-22, budgetary provision of `29.00 crore has been made under Unemployment Allowance Scheme. Under this scheme, there is provision of allowance to the eligible unemployed youth of the state @ `1,000 per month and for 50 per cent or more permanent physically challenged @ `1,500 per month for a maximum period of 2 years to enable them to sustain themselves for a certain period. During the period upto December, 2021, total 51,613 beneficiaries have benefitted under this scheme and `20.38 crore has been disbursed.
During this financial year (upto December, 2021) 1,68,239 applicants were registered under Employment Exchange Scheme. Of these, 616 placements were made in Government sector against 1,301 notified vacancies and 2,183 placements in private sector against 6,629 notified vacancies. The consolidated number on live registers of all employment exchanges as on December, 2021 is 8,73,060. The district-wise registration and placements done by the employment exchanges with effect from April to December, 2021 is given in Table 10.1 below:
Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN) is a State Government Corporation incorporated on 14th September, 2015 under the Companies Act, 2013 as a State Skill Mission. It is implementing three major projects for imparting training to the youth of Himachal Pradesh i.e (i) Asian Development Bank (ADB) assisted Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project (HPSDP) (ii) State component under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) scheme & (iii) Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP).
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Assisted Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project (HPSDP)
Contracts amounting to ₹429 crore were awarded and an amount of ₹163 crore were claimed as disbursement.
Setting up of Center of Excellence (CoE):In order to create institutional framework for long term skill development needs of the state, a CoE is being setup at Waknaghat, in district Solan with an estimated cost of ₹68 crore under ADB assisted HPSDP. This institute shall provide high quality training in Hospitality & Tourism and Information and Technology (IT) sector.
MoU‟s with reputed Government Training Institutions: With a view to focus on high and aspirational skilling, HPKVN has signed MoU‟s with various Government Institutions and Public Universities like National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Click-Through Rate (CTR), National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), University of Horticulture & Forestry (UHF) and National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) for imparting training to around 9,170 Himachali youth in higher aspiration industry driven job roles like Artificial Intelligence, Web Designing, Machine Learning, Advanced Tax law etc. More than 1167 candidates have been enrolled for the said courses.
Up-gradation of Tools & Equipment‟s in 50 ITI‟s, Women Polytechnic (Rehan, district Kangra) and Government Engineering Colleges: The Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project is also facilitating the upgradation of 50 ITIs where 23 trades shall convert from State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT) to National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) certificates and this will benefit 23,000 students. The process for procurement of requisite equipment‟s is in progress. This includes equipment‟s for various trades such as Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Hand Tools, Embroidery, Information and Technology and Beauty & Wellness etc. Additionally, equipment‟s for Women Polytechnic (Rehan, district Kangra) and Government Engineering Colleges is also to be procured. Construction of Women Polytechnic, Rehan has been completed and trainings are underway. The Women Polytechnic, Rehan will have a residential facility for 300 candidates/trainees.
Short Term Training Programmes through Government Industrial Training Institutions (ITI‟s) of Himachal Pradesh: HPKVN under its Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project has started short term up skilling and multi skilling training in 54 ITI‟s and more than 8,347 students have been enrolled in various sectors such as Automotive, Construction, Plumbing, IT-ITes, Capital Goods, Apparel & Made-ups, Electronics & Hardware, Beauty & Wellness, Iron & Steel, Media & Entertainment etc. This is aimed at creating a multi skilled workforce with higher employability potential, both in industry and self-employment sectors.

Graduate Job Training Programs: To increase the employability of final year graduating students of 25 Government Degree Colleges, HPKVN has introduced a National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) aligned graduate add on training program in sectors complementing their core studies. For example- Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sector (BFSI), Electronics, IT, Tourism Beauty & Wellness, Apparel, Media and Entertainment sectors. More than 1,850 students of 13 colleges have completed their training during the year 20192020 and 2020-2021. During the academic year 2020-21, 15 more Government Degree Colleges have been earmarked for imparting training to 5,500 students under Graduate Job Training Programme. The current cumulative enrolment figures stood at 5,947 (inclusive of 2,216 enrolments of 2019-20 & 2020-21 academic years).
Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc) Degree Programme: The B.Voc. Program is a joint effort of HPKVN and Department of Higher Education (DoHE). This 3 Years full-time Degree Programme is running in 18 Government Degree Colleges of the State in 2 sectors (Retail and Tourism & Hospitality). Presently more than 4,638 students have been enrolled till date.
Other Short-Term Training Programmes through Training Service Providers (TSP‟s): HPKVN has on-boarded training service providers to impart skills training to more than 9,000 youth of Himachal Pradesh in various sectors such as Automobile, Manufacturing, Power, Construction and Plumbing, BFSI, IT ITeS, Electronics, Healthcare, Tourism & Hospitality etc. During the year 2021-22 the cumulative enrollment figures under various short-term trainings was more than 2,648.
Livelihood based Skill training of Persons with Disability (PwD): HPKVN has launched „Nav Dharaana‟ a livelihood-based training programme for persons with disabilities for nurturing employment and entrepreneurship skills amongst the differently abled persons. The process for selection of training service provider for training approximately 300 PwDs in Retail, Hospitality, Agriculture and Food Processing sectors has been completed.
City Livelihood Centres (CLCs), Rural Livelihood Centres (RLCs) and Model Career Centres (MCC): Construction of CLCs, RLCs and MCCs are in progress to provide institutional support for skill development activities across the state. The construction work of CLCs (Sundarnagar, Nahan, Sidbhari, Shamshi), RLCs (Sadayana, Pragatinagar) has been completed and training in these CLCs and RLCs are to be started soon. The construction work of 1 CLC (Bilaspur) and 5 RLCs (Nalagarh, Nagrota Bagwan, Bangana, Seraj and Chaupal) is still in progress. Apart from this, 11 MCCs (Dharamsala, Chamba, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Baddi, Solan, Dadasiba, Udaipur and Kaza) are being constructed/renovated to provide appropriate career counseling support to Himachali youth as per their aspirations and to give them access to National Career Portal. The construction work in respect of MCC, Hamirpur has been completed.
HPKVN is the implementing agency for the state component of PMKVY 2.0 and 3.0. To fulfill the said mandate, HPKVN has enrolled more than 16,200 youth in 22 sectors under PMKVY 2.0 since the financial year 2018-19. Out of these training of more than 9,000 youth has been completed. During the financial year 2021-22, training through 5 government ITI‟s (with 303 enrollments) has commenced under PMKVY 3.0 state component and 1,800 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) trainings have been completed.
Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP): HPKVN is implementing World Bank assisted Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) with sanctioned funds of `2.1 crore and aimed at strengthening institutional mechanism and skilling ecosystem across the state. HPKVN has signed an MoU with Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Limited on 12th October, 2021 amounting to `44.80 lakh vide which capacity enhancement endeavors pertaining to skill upgradation, design intervention and marketing of state specific arts and crafts targeting 200 stakeholder artisans are to commence from February, 2022 in Bilaspur, Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Hamirpur and Kangra districts in Chamba Rumal, Wood Craft, Kullu Caps, Pottery Craft, Kangra Painting, Bamboo Craft, Pine Needle Training and Hand Knitting job roles with preferential enrollment of women, SC, ST, PwD‟s and other weak sections of the society.
Awareness Creation and Publicity: HPKVN has prepared an elaborate promotional and brand building plan to reach out to all Himachali youth who are seeking vocational education. Under this plan, widespread publication and distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material such as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), counseling booklets, program brochures, videos, posters and leaflets etc. is being developed. Regular TV and Radio programs are being broadcasted to create awareness about the various programs and schemes of HPKVN. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are also widely used.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), a new series launched by the Government of India in 2017, discontinuing the quinquennial employment and unemployment surveys of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), now National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), provides labour force data on an annual basis. The PLFS data is now the primary source of data on employment and unemployment at national and State level. The Government of India released the first Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2017-18 Report in May 2019 based on the survey conducted by NSO from July 2017 to June 2018 and second PLFS 2018-19 Report in June 2020 which is based on the survey conducted by NSO from July 2018 to June 2019. The Present report is the third annual report being brought out by NSO based on the survey conducted during July 2019 – June 2020. Estimates of the labour force indicators based on the usual status (principal status (ps) + subsidiary status (ss)) approach and Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach adopted in the survey for classification of the population by activity statuses. The reference period for usual status (ps+ss) approach is one year and for current weekly status approach, it is one week.
The situation of the labour force in Himachal Pradesh can be gauged from various indicators such as Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Rate (WPR), Daily Wage Rate and trends in industrial relations. According to Periodic Labour Force Survey 2019-20 (PLFS), “Persons who were either „working‟ (or employed) or „seeking or available for work‟ (or unemployed) constitute the labour force”. Labour force or in others words, the „economically active‟ population, refers to the population which supplies or seeks to supply labour for production and, therefore, includes both „employed‟ and „unemployed‟ persons. The Labour Force Participation Rate is defined as “the percentage of persons in the labour force among the persons in the population”.
Table 10.2 presents the LFPR in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and India in 2018-19 and 2019-20 as per the PLFS. As compared to 2018-19, LFPR of all ages has increased in 2019-20, in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and India. In 2019-20, LFPR (all ages) for Himachal Pradesh (57.7) is higher than Uttarakhand (41.0), Punjab (40.8), Haryana (34.3) and India (40.1).
WPR is an indicator used for analyzing the employment situation and knowing the proportion of the population actively contributing to production of goods and services in the economy. “WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population”. Table 10.3 shows the worker population ratio in the Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and India. It is clear at all ages the WPR of Himachal Pradesh in 2019-20 (55.6) is better than Uttarakhand (38.1), Punjab (37.8), Haryana (32.1) and India (38.2). It is evident from the survey results that more women (50.3 per cent) in Himachal Pradesh are actively participating in the economic activities than their counterparts, at all India level and among neighboring states (Figure 10.1). The WPR in usual status (ps+ss) was about 50.1 per cent at the all-Himachal level in 2018-19 which has increased to 55.6 per cent in 2019-20. It was about 51.4 per cent in rural areas and 39.0 per cent in urban areas in 2018-19 which increased to 57.4 per cent and 43.5 per cent respectively. The WPR in usual status (ps+ss) for rural males increased to 61.6 per cent in 2019-20 from 56.0 in 2018-19 and for rural females, it has increased to 53.5 per cent in 2019-20 from 46.9 per cent in 2018-19.
“Unemployment Rate (UR) is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force”. It is measured in terms of usual status (ps+ss) and weekly status in the PLFS surveys, shown in table 10.4. This gives the portion of the labour force actively seeking or available for work. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020-21, unemployment under usual status (ps+ss) for persons of all ages among the neighboring states and India, shows that Himachal has an unemployment rate of 3.7 per cent (least) as against the India of 4.8 per cent, Uttrahakand 7.1 per cent, Punjab 7.4 per cent, Haryana 6.5 per cent (Figure 10.2).
The unemployment rate in Himachal Pradesh has declined from 5.2 per cent in 2018-19 to 3.7 per cent in 2019-20. The unemployment rate in the usual status (ps+ss), was 4.4 per cent among males and 2.3 per cent among females in rural areas, while the rates were 4.1 per cent among males and 9.7 per cent among females in urban areas (Table 10.4).

11.POWER

Power is lifeblood of any economy. It is crucial input for nearly all the goods and services of the modern world. Himachal Pradesh has traditional and renewable sources of energy such as hydro, solar and fuel wood.
Himachal Pradesh has immense potential for hydropower as it is naturally blessed with abundant streams and rivers flowing down from towering mountains. Hydro power generation is the engine for the economic growth of the Himachal, as it makes a direct and significant contribution to economy in terms of revenue generation, employment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life. Himachal Pradesh has an estimated Hydro Potential of 27,436 Megawatt (MW) out of which about 24,567 MW has been assessed as harness able. The Government has decided to forgo the rest to safeguard the environment, to maintain ecological balance and protect social concerns. The State has been accelerating the pace of Hydropower development through the active involvement of both the public and the private sector. Table 11.1 below summarizes the status of generation and consumption of Electric power in the state.
An independent Directorate of Energy was created during the year 2009; prior to this, it was a part of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board. Directorate of Energy is nodal office of Department of Multi Purpose Project (MPP) and Power Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP), it works for effective and prompt coordination between all power utilities of power sector of the State of Himachal Pradesh. It looks after the allotment of Hydroelectric Projects above 5MW capacity and its functions include, monitoring of Hydro Power Projects above 5 MW, grant of Techno Economic Clearance (TEC), issues related to Hydro Power Safety, environmental and social issues, management of Local Area Development Fund, quality control, management of power flow, sale of GoHP Power share received from various Central, State and private Hydro Electric Projects, implementation of Energy Conservation activities in the state and safety aspects for all large Dams in the capacity of DAM Safety Organisation for the State.
Major Achievements:The major achievements of the Directorate of Energy are the completion of projects with a total capacity of 438.4 MW as described. First 6 numbers of projects with aggregated capacity of 233.4 MW have been commissioned during 01.04.2021 to 31.12.2021 and last 2 numbers of projects with aggregated capacity of 205 MW likely to be commissioned during 01.01.2022 to 31.03.2022 (Table 11.2).
1) 7 projects with aggregated capacity of 3.25 MW were commissioned between 01/04/2021 and 31/12/2021; whereas, two projects of 0.90 MW solar power projects are likely to be commissioned during 01/01/2022 and 31/03/2022.
2) The realization of Capacity Addition Charges/Upfront Premium was `218.055 lakh in 2020-21.
3) During the period 01/04/2021 to 31/12/2021, `41.16 crore has been transferred to various Deputy Commissioners/LADCs for further disbursement to project affected families.
4) Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy-2021 of the State envisages clean and green energy development through expeditious of full energy potential specially hydro and solar, add additional 10,000 MW of green energy though hydro, solar and other green energy sources by 2030, expeditious development of green energy sources, a four pronged strategy by way of participation of State, Joint, Central and Private sectors. It also aimed at developing adequate and efficient transmission network in the State by creating transmission Master Plan to facilitate planning and timely execution of hydro and solar projects. It also lays stress on renewal energy sources viz. solar, wind, biomass and other nonconventional energy sources.
5) Revenue received from sale of GoHP share of power up to 31st December 2021 is `936.70 crore and anticipated from January 2022 to March 2022 is `77.00 crore.
HPSEBL is responsible for the supply of uninterrupted and quality power to all consumers in Himachal Pradesh. Power is being supplied through a network of transmission, sub transmission and distribution lines. Since its inception, Board has made big strides in executing the targets entrusted to it as per table 11.3.
The following initiatives have also been started by the HPSEBL:
1) HPSEBL has started the process for installation of Smart Meters in Shimla and Dharamshala towns of Himachal Pradesh. 1,51,740 Smart Meters are to be installed in both towns out of which 1,18,581 Smart Meters will be installed in Shimla and 33,159 in Dharamshala. Total project cost is `168.35 crore. As of 31.12.2021, 20,365 Smart Meters have been installed in Shimla and 14,438 in Dharamshala.
2) The GIS/GPS Mapping of electrical infrastructure and consumers is integrated with Billing Software for working out Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.
3) To provide better services to consumers, HPSEBL is setting up new Consumer Call Centre with IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) facility computer telephony. Call Centre Solution implementation is under process and work has already been awarded to the firm. Further Consumer Call Centre shall be integrated with System Application and Products – Industry Specific Solution for Utilities Customer Relationship Management (SAP-ISU CRM) system, so that the complaint logging and consumer data shall be stored in one location and call centre agents are easily able to see consumer related data in a single screen so that they can answer the queries accurately.
Hydro Electricity Generation: 27 hydro electric projects with installed capacity of 489.35 MW are under operation in HPSEBL. One project, Uhl Stage-III (100 MW), is under construction by Beas Valley Power Corporation Limited (BVPCL), a subsidiary company of HPSEBL. During current Financial Year 2020-21, 1,961.13 MU of energy has been generated by HPSEBL’s own power houses and additional 1903.39 MU of energy is expected to be generated during 2021-22 (up to December 2022).
Transmission: The transmission wing of HPSEBL has installed 54 Extra High Voltage (EHV) Sub-Stations with a transformation capacity of 4,974.89 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) and 3,630.47 Circuit Kilometres (CKM) EHV lines till financial year2020-21. During 2021-22 upto December, 2021, 1.39 CKM EHV lines have been commissioned
Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), was incorporated in December 2006 under the Companies Act 1956, to plan, promote and organize the development of all aspects of hydroelectric power. HPPCL the technical and organizational capabilities at par with other generating companies like National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC)/ Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL)/ National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
Projects under Operation/ Execution stage are as under:
1) The proposal of Triveni Mahadev Hydro Electric Project (HEP) (78 MW) has been found viable from techno commercial angle in preliminary studies hence HPPCL is preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of this project jointly with HPSEBL.
2) DPRs of Kashang Stage-IV (48 MW). Bara Khamba (45 MW) in district Kinnaur are being prepared.
3) For Gyspa Dam project (300 MW) fresh terms of Reference for obtaining permission for investigation works from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has been requested. Tender will be flouted after ToR are issued.
4) Bara Khamba HEP (45 MW) in District Kinnaur. DPR is being prepared in house jointly with HPSEBL.
Other areas of Power development: In addition to hydro power, H.P. Power Corporation intends to diversify its power development activities to include other renewable sources such as solar to meet the growing energy demands for the development of the State and the Nation.
1) Berra- Dol Solar Power Project (5 MW): HPPCL has constructed Berra-Dol solar power project of 5 MW capacity near Shri Naina Devi Ji Shrine in District Bilaspur. This was the first Solar Power Project in the State which was built in the Government sector. From the date (04/01/2019) of operation of the project 24.69 MU has been generated from the project upto 31/12/2021.
2) Aghlor Solar Power Project (10 MW): HPPCL has also decided to set up another solar power plant of 10 MW capacities at Aghlor in District Una. The Detailed Project Report of the scheme has been also prepared. HPPCL is pursuing the matter of transfer of land with Industry Department.
Financial Achievements in Respects of Projects under Construction/Implementation Stage: Following table presents achievements of the projects under construction/implementation stage of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited are hereunder:
HPPCL had generated total revenue of `920.53 crore till December, 2021, whereas, out of which `581.13 crore was generated till 31/03/2021 and `339.40 crore was generated during 01/04/2021 to 31/12/2021.
This corporation is an undertaking of Government of Himachal Pradesh established with an aim to strengthen the transmission network and to facilitate evacuation of power from upcoming generating plants. The tasks entrusted to Corporation by Government of Himachal Pradesh include execution of all new works; both Transmission Lines and Sub-Stations of voltage rating 66 KV and above, formulation, up-gradation, and execution of Transmission Master Plan of Himachal Pradesh for strengthening of transmission network, and evacuation of power. HPPTCL is discharging the functions of a State Transmission Utility (STU) and coordinating the transmission related issues with Central Transmission Utility, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power (Government of India), Himachal Pradesh Government and HPSEB Ltd. Besides, Corporation is also responsible for planning and coordination of transmission related issues with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSUs), HPPCL and other State/Central Government Agencies. Government of India has approved (Asian Development Bank) ADB loan for implementation of transmission projects covered in Power system Master plan (PSMP) of Himachal Pradesh. The loan was split into Tranche I, II and III respectively. All these three Tranches have been successfully closed up to 29.09.2021. Table 11.9 presents the details of commissioned projects by HPPTCL under GEC-1.
In addition to the above, Green Energy Corridor-I (GEC-I) scheme has been initiated for developing economical transmission system in order to encourage green renewable energy generation. The scheme has been funded partly (40 per cent) as grant from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and partly (40 per cent) as low fixed interest rate loan from German Development Bank, KFW, and rest from equity. With financial assistance from Rural Electrification Corporation Limited, HPPTCL has commissioned 5 projects. Completion of these has resulted in the addition of 163 MVA transformation capacity and 102 CKM of transmission line in the existing State transmission network of districts of Chamba, Kullu and Kinnaur.
Under GEC-I, HPPTCL has awarded 10 transmission projects out of which 3 projects have been commissioned and remaining 7 projects are under various stages of execution. Completion of all these projects shall result in addition of 847 MVA transformation capacity and 183.88 CKM of transmission lines in various districts.
1) Major Achievements: In the FY 2021-22, HPPTCL has commissioned 2 transmission lines with approximate cost of `106 crore, till 31st December 2021, which has resulted in the addition of 73 circuit kilometres to the existing transmission network. In addition to this 5 transmission lines having total length of 205 circuit kilometres and 6EHV substations having transformation capacity of 651.5 MVA are on the completion, which is amounting to `556.25 crores. In FY 2021-22 HPPTCL has incurred capital expenditure of approximately `300 crore till 31st December 2021 and targeted additional expenditure of `60.00 crore by 31st March 2022.
HIMURJA has made concerted efforts to popularize renewable energy programmes throughout the State with financial support of MNRE, Government of India and the State Government. HIMURJA is also assisting the Government for exploitation of Small Hydro projects (upto 5 MW) in the State. Following programmes are launched by Himurja:
Following Solar Power Plants are the main Himurja projects run all over the State.
Small Hydro Electric Projects Upto 5 MW Capacity Being Executed Through Private Sector Participation: During the current financial year, up to December, 2021,4.80 MW capacity has been commissioned and anticipated to have an installed capacity of 9.80 MW by March 2022.
The allotted projects up to 5 MW capacity up to December, 2021, are mentioned in the Table 11.12.
Micro Hydel Projects up to 100 KW programme and Projects under State Sector: Under State sector 12 projects of 32.24 MW capacity were sanctioned up to December, 2021. Out of 12 projects 4 were commissioned, 3 were allotted on BuildOperate-Transfer (BOT) basis and 5 were on Pre-Implementation Agreement Stage.
Important Policy Initiatives:
1) Hydro Power Policy amended.
2) Free Power royalty rationalized.
3) Mandatory purchase of power by HPSEBL for projects up to 10MW.
4) The tariff determination process streamlined.
5) Exemption in open access charges for projects up to 25MW.
6) Allocation of projects up to 10MW for captive use of industrial units.
7) Reduction in upfront premium and capacity addition charges.
8) Nominal charges for Government/Forest land announced.
9) One time Amnesty to the project developers by redefining zero date for projects which are under investigation and clearance stage where IAs have already been signed and by redefining Scheduled Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) for projects under construction stage.

12.TOURISM AND TRANSPORT

Himachal Pradesh is a considerably to the growth, development and economy of the State. the tourism sector to the State is quite significant. Himachal Pradesh is a visitors from across the globe. COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020 was able to attract about 52 lakh 4011 Tourism Units, 828 Stays are registered in the departmen The department, with the Project-2 under Infrastructure has submitted a proposal of $291.04 Government of India, which has been approved by the Department of Economic Affairs Ministry of Finance, Government DPRs for projects to be taken under Tranche The infrastructure created under and will increase the tourist inflow and has potential to increase per visitor spending a length of stay in the State.
Interest Subvention Scheme: Due to COVID-19 impact on tourism industry the Government of Himachal Pradesh has notified Interest Subvention Scheme on Working Capital Loan for Hospitality Industry on 02-07-2020 to support business investment and economic growth over the short term by providing loans for immediate needs like running day to day business, paying wage, rent and utility bills etc. The Revised Interest Subvention scheme was notified on 17-06 2021 and is valid upto 31-03-2022.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: The Government of India, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the “Swadesh Darshan Scheme” in the year 2017 for Himachal Pradesh. The following projects are being executed:
1) Convention Center at Kiarighat Distt. Solan.
2) Construction of Heliport at Shimla.
3) Beautification of Dal Lake at Distt. Kangra.
4) Villlage Haat at Kangra.
5) International Standard free standing artificial climbing wall.
6) Light and Sound Show at Town square Mall Road Shimla.
7) Construction of Paragliding Centre at Bir Billing Distt. Kangra.
8) Art and Craft Centre at Bhalei Mata Chamba.
9) Development of Maa Hateshwari Temple Hatkoti Shimla.
10) Signases, Ganteries, CCTV and WiFi for the entire Circuit.
Publicity: Tourism Department prepares different types of promotional publicity material like brochures/pamphlets, folders, Monal magazine, calendars, guide map and coffee table book etc. and participates in various tourism fairs, marts and exhibition organized at the national and international level.
Civil Aviation: To attract high end tourist in the State, regular flights are scheduled from the three airports at Jubbarhatti (Shimla), Bhunter (Kullu) and Gaggal (Kangra) in Himachal Pradesh. The Government is making sincere efforts for expansion of airstrips of Gaggal, Kangra Airport. Proposal for the construction of Greenfield Airport in Mandi District is under consideration of the Central Government. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik-2 (UDAN), five heliports are being developed in Himachal Pradesh-Shimla and Rampur (District Shimla), Baddi (District Solan) Kangnidhar (District Mandi) and Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) (Manali, District Kullu). Out of these, heliports at Shimla and Baddi have been completed. At present M/S Pawan Hans Ltd. (PHL) has been running helicopter service under UDAN-2 on the Chandigarh-Shimla-Chandigarh sector and also on Shimla-Kullu and Shimla-Dharmshala. In order to increase helicopter services in the State, PHL has also started Non schedule Operation (NSOP) from Rampur and Kangnidhar Heliports under UDAN-2.
Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein: The State Government has launched a new scheme “Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein” in the year 2018-19 with an amount outlay of 50.00 crore for the development of unexplored areas from tourism point of view. Under the scheme amount of 50.00 crore was provided every year 2018-19 to 2021-22 and total 200.00 crore has been provided since inception.
In order to provide more facilities to the tourist/visitors, the Department has developed the following places from tourism point of view under this scheme:
1) Billing, District Kangra as Paragliding Destination.
2) Chansal District Shimla as Ski Destination.
3) Janjehli District Mandi as Eco-tourism destination.
4) Infrastructure for Promotion of Water Sports activities at Larji, Tatapani and Pong Dam.
5) Paragliding Destination at Ser Jagas District Sirmaur and Eco-Tourism in Churdhar from Nohradhar valleys.
6) Tourism related public facilities at both ends of Atal Rohtang Tunnel.
7) Construction of Shiv Dham.
The State Government, being very conscious of the ecological sensitivity of the region, has resolved to protect and enhance its natural resources and to follow the path of sustainable development in all sectors can be seen from the State’s Hydropower policy, sustainable tourism policy, sustainable forest management policies and environmental master plans. The State also plans to encourage investors who see sustainability as a viable economic venture. The Tourism Sector Policy 2019 is designed in such a manner that it will accelerate economic development, minimize social inequality, reduce poverty, conserve tangible and intangible heritage (by making use of state-of-the-art technologies) all in a sustainable manner. One of the most important objectives of this policy is “to create an enabling environment for investments for sustainable tourism”. This policy has been framed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 8 and 12 through various objectives directed towards the socio-economic growth of host communities, offering quality experience to travelers, protection of the natural-cultural environment and State’s destinations, and creating an investment friendly environment for private investors.
The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is a pioneer in the development of tourism infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. It provides complete package of tourism services, including accommodation, catering, transport, conferencing and sports activities. It has the largest chain of finest hotels and restaurants in the State with 54 hotels with 1047 rooms and 2,370 beds.
The Tourism Industry in India and across the globe has been hit hard by COVID 19 Pandemic as such the Tourism Industry of the State as well as the HPTDC was also adversely affected. Hotels of the Corporation were closed in the month of May, 2020 due to lockdown imposed by the State Government. HPTDC has started the operation of a newly constructed Hotel New Ros Common at Kasauli which consists of 32 rooms having a total capacity of 66 beds and also opened a ‘Café Atal’ at Sishu, District Lahaul & Spiti. In the current financial year HPTDC generated a turnover of 55.76 crore up to December, 2021 against the target of 68.00 crore.
Roads are a very vital infrastructure for rapid economic growth of the State. The development of important sectors of economy such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Industry, Mining and Forestry depends upon efficient road network. In the absence of any other suitable and viable modes of transportation like railways and waterways, roads play a vital role in boosting the economy of the hilly State like Himachal Pradesh. Starting almost from a scratch the State Government has constructed 40,020 kms. of motorable roads (inclusive of jeepable and track) till December, 2021. The State Government has been y high priority to road sector.
The target fixed for 2021-22 and achievements made up to December, 2021 are given as under in table 12.1:
In the State10,591 villages as shown in table 12.2 are connected with roads as of December, 2021:
National Highways (Central Sector): At present, 2,592 kms., 19 National Highways are the main lifelines of the State Road network out of which 1,238 kms. are maintained/ developed by State Public Works Department. In addition, the National Highway Authority of India has developed/ maintained 5 National Highway shaving length of 785 kms. and Border Road Organization has also developed/ maintained 3 National Highways covering of 569 kms.
The Transport department functions under the provisions of section 213 of the Motor Vehicle act, 1988. The Transport department is primarily established for enforcement of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1972 and the rules framed thereunder. The Transport Department of Himachal Pradesh assists other organizations in the development of transport facilities and endeavors to provide an efficient, adequate and economic transport service for the movement of passengers and goods by road. In discharging statutory functions, the department has shaped up as one of the major revenue earning departments to the Government in the shape of taxes on motor vehicles. The revenue generation during the year 2020-21 was 382.64 crore whereas 365.28 crore is generated for the year 2021-22 (December, 2021) against the target of 487.71 crore.
During 2021-22 (December, 2021) offences and 244.20 lakh amount was realized 2021, the department has registered 19,05,073 vehicles distribution as shown in the table Table 12.
Achievements of Transport Department The Transport Department has attained the following remarkable achievements during the year 2021-22:
1) Inspection and Certification Centre: In order to improve the inspection and Certification of vehicles in a scientific way, State has started the process for establishment of Inspection and Certification centre at Baddi District Solan under the financial assistance of MoRTH, The project cost is 16.35 Crores.The work was started on 01-01-2020 and the administrative block has been completed and civil work is in progress.
2) Creation of Transport Nagar: State has notified a Committe for identification of suitable land under the Chairmanship of respective Dputy Commistioners (DCs) Suitable land has been identified at Nadaun in District Hamirpur where the process has been initiated by the Department. Further, the land has also been identified at Kala Amb, Paonta, and near Totu at Shimla for Transport Nagar.
3) Driving Training School (DTS) and Pollution Check Centre: In order to impart training to aspirant candidates, department has given licenses to 338 driving training schools in the State which include 8 under ITI, 10 under HRTC and 320 Private Driving Training Schools. Beside this 357 Pollution Check Centre has also been authorized in the state.
Employment Generation: Government has notified “ Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgar (Parivahan) Yojna” on 30.12.2021. which will help to privide employment opportunities to unemployed youth. Transport Department has fixed a target of employment generation for the year 2021-22 to 19,150 out of which employment to 10,018 persons has been provided up to December, 2021. The detail is as under:

4) Electric Vehicle Policy-2022: Himachal Pradesh State Government has notified Electric Vehicle Policy, 2022 to make Himachal Pradesh a model state in every category of electric vehicle (private, shared and commercial) and to provide sustainable, safe, eco-friendly, inclusive and modern transport. The main object of this policy is to provide benefit to the consumers, vehicle manufacturers and to set up electric charging stations. The policy aims to cover about 15 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in the State for electric vehicles upto year 2025, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Government of India’s vision.
5) Guidelines for safe Transportation of School Children: The State government is seriously concerned with the safety of School children and has issued detailed guidelines for School buses vide notification dated 10-10-2018. The directions contained in this notifications have been circulated to all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and other concerned departments for strict implementation with the directions for achievement of 100% target for checking of vehicles ferrying School Children.
6) Rent a Motor Cycle & Motor Cab Scheme: The rent a Motor Bike scheme is a notified Scheme under the provision of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The State of Himachal Pradesh vide notification no tpt-A(4)9/2015 dated 25.05.2017 adopted the Rent-A Bike Scheme notified by Central Government in the year 1997. Thereafter State of HP vide notification no.Tpt-A(4)9/2015 dated 06-03-2019 notified this scheme in the State.The State Transport Authority granted 990 vehicle purchase permission to the applicants
7) Fleet Strength of Private buses and Taxies: In Himachal Pradesh total strength of Private Stage Carriage Buses is 3303 and the Strength of Taxies (Seating Capacity 4+1) is 28034, Maxi (6+1 and above) is 12267 upto December, 2021. The District wise and RTO Wise Detail is as under:
Road Transport is the main stay of economic activity in the Pradesh as other means of transport namely Railways, Airways, Taxies, Auto Rickshaw etc. are negligible therefore, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation assumes paramount importance in the State. The passenger transport services to the people of Himachal Pradesh, within and outside the State are being provided by HRTC with a fleet strength of 3,023 buses, 75 Electric Buses, 21 Taxies & 50 Electric Taxies.
HRTC Schemes for the benefits of Passengers:For the benefit of the people, the following schemes are in operation during the year:
1) Green Card Scheme: Green cardholder is allowed 25 per cent discount in fare, if the journey under taken by passenger is of 50 km. The cost of this card is 50 with a validity of two years.
2) Smart Card Scheme: Corporation has introduced Smart Card Scheme. The cost of the card is 50 with a validity of Two years. This provides a discount of 10 % on fare and is valid in HRTC Ordinary, Super Fast, Semi Deluxe and Deluxe buses. In Volvo and AC Buses discount is allowed from 1st October to 31st March.
3) Samman Card Scheme for Senior Citizen: Corporation has introduced Samman Card Scheme for the senior citizen of the age of the 60 years or above. Under this scheme, the discount of 30 per cent in fare is allowed in ordinary buses.
4) Free Facility to Women: Women have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses on the occasion of “Raksha Bandhan” and “Bhaiya Dooj”. Muslim women have been allowed free travelling facility on occasion of “Id” and “Baker Id”.
5) Discount in fare to Women: The Corporation has also allowed 25 per cent discount in fare in ordinary buses within the State to the women.
6) Free Facility to Students of Government Schools:The students of Government schools up to +2 classes have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC ordinary buses for travel to and fro between theri their residence and School.
7) Free Facility to the person suffering from serious disease: Free travelling facility is provided to cancer, spinal injury, kidney and dialysis patients along with one attendant in HRTC buses for the purpose of medical treatment on referral slip issued by the Doctor within and outside the State.
8) Free Facility to the Special abled persons: The Corporation is providing free travelling facility to special abled persons having disability of 70 per cent or more along with one attendant within State.
9) Free Facility to the Gallantry Awardees: The Gallantry Award winners have been allowed free travelling facility in HRTC’s ordinary buses in addition to Delux Buses in the State.
10) Luxury Buses: The Corporation is plying 56 owned and 32 buses super luxury (Volvo / Scania) and 08 luxury AC buses under Wet-Leasing scheme to Inter State routes and 08 Tempo Traveler Interstate to provide better transport facility to the public. xi) 24X7 Helpline: 24x7 HRTC/ Private Bus Passenger’s helpline No.9418000529 and 0177-2657326 have been introduced to lodge and address the complaints of passengers.
11) Taxies on sealed roads: Taxies Services have also been introduced by the Corporation in Shimla Town for public on sealed/ restricted roads.
12) Free travelling facility to the families of Martyrs: HRTC extended free travelling facility to War Widows, Parents and Children up to the age of 18 years of Armed forces personnel martyred in War and Widows, Parents and Children up to the age of 18 years parents of Armed Forced Personnel and Para Military Troops, who were martyred on duty.
13) Facility of electric buses to tourist place: The Corporation has introduced electric buses for the tourists and visitors to the famous tourist places.
14) Facility of sanitary pad vending machines for women: For the benefit of women sanitary pad vending machines have been installed at 38 Bus Stands.
15) Facility of wheelchair to special abled person at Bus Stands: For the benefit of special abled person, wheel chair has been provided at 42 Bus Stands.
16) The Corporation Purchased Five Super Luxury AC Volvo buses and five Tempo Traveller to provide better transport facility to the public and remote area.
17) On the demand of public Corporation started Volvo buses from Shimla to Chandigarh International Airport and Shimla to Katra (Jammu).

13.SOCIAL SECTOR

Education has been the most critical aspect of nation-building. Education boosts economic growth, builds human resources, reduces poverty and increases income. United Nations Sustainable Goal-1 on education (number-4), which aims to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all” and also towards the “Education 2030 Framework for Action”, provides a set of targets to be followed by member countries to provide universal education by 2030. Education has a catalysing impact on every other sector in the economy by providing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce which in turn boosts productivity and efficiency. Himachal Pradesh‟s educational parameters have been better than the national averages since its inception. There has been a tremendous growth in the availability of educational institutions in the last few decades. Despite its harsh climatic conditions and rough terrains, the state made an impressive progress in its educational infrastructure and resulted in the rise of student enrolment and literacy rate.
According to Census 2011, the literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh was 82.80 per cent which is 8.8 percentage points higher than the national average at 74.0 per cent. These rates were 89.53 per cent for men and 75.93 per cent for women in the state. These are significant improvement from the Census 2001 rates, which were 85.35 per cent for men, 67.42 per cent for women and 76.48 per cent overall. The gender gap reduced from 17.93 percentage points in 2001 to 13.6 percentage points in 2011. The more recent numbers are provided in the survey conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) on “Household Social Consumption: Education”, which was conducted as its 75th round of survey during 2017–18. The report estimates the state‟s overall literacy rate to improve to 86.6 per cent in 2017. Similarly, male literacy rate increased to 92.9 per cent and female rate to 80.5 per cent, with gender gap 12.4 percentage points.
Percentage children aged 6-14 enrolled in Government school: Figure 13.1 shows that percentage of children in the age group 6-14 enrolled in Government schools have increased from 58.6 per cent in 2018 to 60.9 per cent in 2021. Enrollment in government schools increased by more than 6.8 percentage points from 2020 to 2021. The increase of 7.1 percentage points has been observed in the girls enrollment from 2020 to 2021, whereas the increase of 6.2 percentage points has been noticed in the enrollment of boys in the same age group.
Percentage Enrolled children with access to smart phones in Himachal Pradesh: The availability of smart phones in children‟s homes has almost doubled from 2018 to 2021. For example, in 2018, 58 per cent of children in government schools had at least one smart phone at home. This proportion increased to 90 per cent in 2020 and grew further to 95.6 per cent in 2021 (Figure- 13.2).
Percentage enrolled children who receive help from family members while studying at home by school type: We use the term „learning support at home‟ to refer to the effort that families put into helping children with learning activities when they are studying at home In Himachal Pradesh, 90.4 per cent children enrolled in private schools received help from their family members while studying at home, whereas only 81.8 per cent children of Government schools are helped by their family members and if we look at both the institutions together, this number is 84.8 per cent (Figure-13.3).
Distribution of enrolled children by parent’s education: If we look at the education level of parents of these children in Himachal Pradesh, 65.6 per cent have high, 30.4 per cent medium and 4 per cent low level of education. „Low‟ parental education includes families where both parents have completed Standard V or less (including those with no schooling). At the other end of the spectrum, the „high‟ parental education category comprises families where both parents have completed at least Standard IX. All other parents are in the „medium‟ category for the year 2021 (Figure 13.4)
Percentage enrolled children who have text books for their current grade: Almost all enrolled children have textbooks for their current grade (97.3%). Of all the students, 97.5 per cent enrolled in Government schools have text books compared to 96.9 per cent enrolled in Private schools in the year 2021. In 2020, the same numbers were 96.4 per cent and 96.2 per cent, respectively. This became possible due to the initiatives of State Government to provide free textbooks and in this respect, the position of Himachal Pradesh is far better than the adjoining States(Figure 13.5).
As on 31.12.2021 there are 10,734 Primary Schools and 2,022 Middle Schools in Government Sector. To overcome shortage of trained teachers, efforts are being made to make fresh appointments of teachers in the schools regularly. An attempt has also been made to cater to the educational needs of specially abled children. The policies of the Government in the field of elementary education are implemented with following aims:
1) To achieve the goal of universalization of Elementary Education.
2) To provide Quality Elementary Education.
3) Access of education to every child in the State.
The following incentives were provided during the year 2021-22:
The programme has been launched as “Har Ghar Pathshala” as an online mode of education. Aiming to minimize the effect of COVID-19 on education, this is a very successful learning programme which has benefitted about 8 lakh Government school students. It is a home based, teacher facilitated, self study programme on a daily basis, for class 1st to 12th with the following objectives:
1) To ensure students learning is not hampered due to closure of schools in this pandemic.
2) Dissemination of content in the form of videos and worksheets through WhatsApp groups on daily basis.
3) To conduct weekly quizzes on a WhatsApp and Chatbot.
4) Conduction of live classes by teachers with students:
Har Ghar Pathshala Phase-1 has been able to reach out to an estimated 6.4 lakh (80%) students in the State and about 4 lakh (50%) students remained engaged with the programme every week over the last 18 months. Key engagement metrics for the programme are as under:
5) Average of 2.5 lakh students watch content on the Har Ghar Pathshala website on a daily basis.
6) Average of 4 lakh students participated in weekly WhatsApp quiz.
7) 25,000 teachers conduct daily live classes on an average.
e-Parent Teacher Meet (e-PTM): The e-PTM drive has been extremely successful; the parents of around 94 per cent of students participated in the meeting, and found that Har Ghar Pathshala programme was useful.
Highest Priority is being given to education in the State. Up to December, 2021, there are 930 Government High schools, 1,882 Government Senior Secondary Schools and 139 Government Degree Colleges including 7 Sanskrit Colleges, 1 State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), 1 B.Ed. College and 1 Fine Art College, running in the State.
To improve the educational status of the deprived sections of the society, various scholarships/ stipends are being provided by the State/ Central Governments at various stages. The scholarship schemes are as under:
Promotion of Sanskrit Education: Continuous efforts are being made by the State, as well as Central Government to promote Sanskrit Education. The details are as under:
1) Award of scholarships to students of High/ Senior Secondary Schools studying Sanskrit.
2) Providing grant for the salary of Sanskrit Lecturers for teaching Sanskrit in Secondary Schools.
3) Modernization of Sanskrit Schools.  Grant for various schemes for promotion of Sanskrit and for research/ research projects.
Teachers Training Programmes: During 2021-22 the State Council of Educational Research and Training Solan and Government College of Teacher Education Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh organized online Training Programmes and 156 teachers of Government Schools and 99 Principals / Headmasters of colleges and schools have been given training.
Free Text Books: The State Government provides free text books to all students of 9th and 10th classes. 1,34,626 students have benefitted under this scheme, during 2021-22.
Free Education to Handicapped Children: Free and compulsory education for children with 40 per cent or above disabilities is being provided in the State upto 10+2 level and they have been exempted from paying any fee and funds upto 10+2 level . Further, Children with special needs are exempt from paying fees up to university level.
Free Education to Girls: Free education, without any tuition fee, is being provided to girl students in the State up to University level.
Information Technology education is being imparted in all Government Senior Secondary Schools on self finance basis where students have opted for IT education, as an optional subject. The department is charging Information Technology fee of `110 per month per student. The students of SC (BPL) families get a 50 per cent fee concession. In 2021-22, 90,034 students are enrolled in Information Technology education out of which 4,826 SC (BPL) students have benefitted from this scheme.
Following schemes are running under Samagra Shiksha:
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): The RMSA is running in sharing pattern of 90:10 (90% GOI and 10 % State Government)The activities under RMSA are being taken up to strengthen infrastructure in the existing secondary schools, training in service teachers, self defense training and Kala Utsav with annual grant to schools in the State.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Project: To improve and strengthen the teaching and learning activity by using smart class rooms and multi-media teaching aids, department has successfully implemented ICT in 2,555 Government High/ Senior Secondary Schools up to 2021-22 and 117 Government schools are being covered during this financial year.
Vocational Education: Under the National Skill Qualification Framework Scheme (NSQF), vocational education is being provided in 1,003 schools and 97 more schools will also be covered before 31.03.2022. Under this scheme: trades i.e. Automobile, Information Technology (IT)/ Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS), Tourism & Hospitality, Telecom, Healthcare, Security, Retail, Agriculture, Media & Entertainment, Banking Finance Services and Insurance, Physical Education , Apparels, Makeups & Home Furnishing, Beauty & Wellness, Electronics & Hardware and plumbing are being taught to the students .
Inclusive Education for Specially abled at Secondary Stage: Under this scheme, 12 model schools have already been established in all the districts out of which 4 schools are with residential facilities. 7,498 children with special need have been enrolled in Government schools and 28 medical Assessment Camps have also been organized in 202122.
Rashtriya Ucchtar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): The Rashtriya Ucchtar Shiksha Abhiyan has been implemented in the State to improve the higher education system. Under this scheme RUSA grant is being given to 70 colleges and Himachal Pradesh University (HPU).
Mukhya Mantri Digital Device Yojana: Under this scheme, department has proposed to procure 10,000 Smart Phones to be distributed to the meritorious students of class 10th and 12th(4450 students each class) and 900 college students of final year (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com 300 each) with the aim to strengthen the learning activities in schools for the academic session 2021-22. The examination of this session will be held in March, 2022 under Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education, Dharamshala for school students and under HPU, Shimla for college students.
Medha Protsahan Yojana: The objective of the scheme is to assist meritorious students of Himachal Pradesh by providing them coaching for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)/ National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)/ Indian Institutes of Technology-Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE)/ All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)/ Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC)/National Defence Academy (NDA)/ Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)/ Staff Selection Commission (SSC)/Banking etc. In total 390 students will benefit from this scheme.
Installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance System: Budget provision has been made to install CCTV Surveillance System in 100 Government Schools during the year 2021-22.
Swaran Jayanti Utkrisht Vidalaya and Utkirsht Mahavidyalaya Yojana: The Higher Education Department, Himachal Pradesh has identified 68 schools of each assembly constituency and designated as Utkrisht Vidyalayas under Swaran Jayanti Utkrisht Vidyalaya Yojana in the current financial year and approved budget of `44.00 lakh for each school for the development and beautification of school campus and environmental friendly features. Beside this, 18 Government Degree colleges have been designated as Utkrisht Mahavidyalya and a budget of ₹75.00 lakh has been approved for these colleges.
Khel Se Swasthaya Yojana: Sports accessories such as Kabbaddi mats, JUDO mats, Wrestling, Weight lifting and Boxing rings have been provided to 129 Sr. Sec. Schools and 57 Government Colleges to encourage the students for the participation in sports activities under this Yojana in 2021-22.
Swaran Jayanti Super 100 Yojana: The department has started the process to provide financial assistance of `1.00 lakh each to the top 100 meritorious students of 10th class of Government schools for undergoing coaching for admission in professional / technical courses under this Yojana and for the same an amount of ₹1.10 crore has been sanctioned during the financial year 2021-22.
C.V Raman Virtual Class rooms for schools and Colleges: Under CV Raman Virtual Classroom Yojana, the process of establishing virtual class rooms in 30 schools and 20 colleges is under way in the current financial year 2021-22.
Swaran Jayanti Vidyarthi Anushikshan Yojana: The Scheme “Swaran Jayanti Vidyarthi Anushikshan Yojana” was launched by the Hon‟ble Governor on 05-09-2021 on the occasion of Teachers Day, under which students of Government schools studying in 9th to +2 classes, get free coaching for JEE-NEET Entrance Exams. For this, study material is being uploaded on “Har Ghar Pathshala Portal” every Saturday and Sunday.
Bachelor of Vocational Degree courses (B.Voc): B.Voc Degree Program started in 6 more colleges in 2021-22 in two sectors “Retail Management” and Hospitality & Tourism. These colleges are Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya Shimla, Government Degree College Seema, district Shimla, Government Degree College Sarkaghat, district Mandi, Government Degree College Ghumarwin, district Bilaspur, Government Degree College Dhaliara, district Kangra and Government Degree College Haripur Manali, district Kullu. In addition to this, placement has been provided to 76 students during the year 2021-22.
Atal School Vardi Yojana: The department has distributed two sets of school uniforms to 1,72,392 students of 11thand 12th class under Atal School Vardi Yojana and also distributed free text books to 1,24,412 students studying in 9th and 10th class of Government schools during the year 2021-22.
Other initiatives taken by the department during COVID -19: COVID-19 provided new opportunities to leverage path of technology for students in the field of academic inputs, self study, self assessment and examination in the school system. The students are encouraged to make full use of Digital Learning Initiatives and are also encouraged to keep themselves safe from COVID-19 virus by adopting various safety measures.
1) Due to COVID-19, the schools were closed for the last 7 months and the department has provided online education to the students of all classes at their home.
2) During COVID-19 pandemic, the department of Higher Education, H.P. has successfully conducted the examination and declared result of the students studying in the Final year of the colleges in the state in the current financial year 2021-22.
3) In order to protect the children from COVID-19 disease, all the students aged between 15-18 studying in all the schools in the State have been vaccinated.
The department is providing Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training and has reached a stage where aspiring students of the State can get admission in Engineering/ Pharmacy in diploma and degree as well as certificate courses in following institutions in Himachal Pradesh:
Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme Phase-III (TEQIP-III) was started from April, 2017 which ended in September, 2021. Three colleges of the State viz Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College, Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Engineering College and Himachal Technical University have been selected under this project with an initial project cost of `10.00 crore to each of the selected Institution and `20.00 crore sanctioned to Himachal Pradesh Technical University and an amount of `28.56 crore has been spent by the three engineering colleges and `10.29 crore has been spent by the Himachal Pradesh Technical University during this financial year.
Short Term Training under Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project: Under Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project (HPSDP), Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN) has signed a MoU with 61 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) for providing National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) aligned Short Term Skill Training to youth of Himachal Pradesh. At present, 8,398 candidates of 58 Government ITIs are undergoing training. Under this project, the target for 3 years is 38,181 trainees for 106 of job roles.
Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) Project: 19 ITIs have been selected under Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely STRIVE to upgrade the infrastructure of these ITIs, so that quality training could be imparted to the trainees and an amount of `30.71 crore has been allocated under this scheme. For 2020-21, `12.24 crore have been sanctioned by Government of India and transferred to ITIs as per their allocation and `11.80 crore has been allocated for State directorate. The funds to the tune of `2.83 crore have been received in the State in the financial year 2021-22 and a sum of ₹30.00 lakh has been received under State Project Implementation Unit.
Initiatives taken in view of COVID-19: 1) More faculties have been trained through offline/online Faculty development Programme conducted by National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), National Institute of Technology (NIT) etc.
2) Conducted online/offline admission and counselling process with respect to engineering and pharmacy courses for the year 2021-22 and started the classes of admitted students as per All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)/State Government institutions. Besides, the classes of existing students are being arranged offline mode and wherever required online mode.
3) Signing of workable MOUs with the reputed Industries/Institutions for better Industry-Academic Interactions in order to provide training to both faculty and students.
Health and Family Welfare: State Government‟s vision is to ensure good health and well being of all citizens of the State by providing good health services, elimination of communicable and noncommunicable diseases and also expanding its health care service in this decade. State has made considerable progress on this front and is in better position in health indicators than the rest of the Nation. In Himachal Pradesh, Health and Family Welfare department is providing services which include curative, preventive, primitive and rehabilitative services through a network of Hospitals, Community Health Centers etc. which are given below in the table.
A brief description of various health and family welfare programs carried out in the State during 2021-22 are as under:
Presently six Medical Colleges and one Dental College are functioning under this Directorate of Medical Education and Research in Government sector, besides, this one medical college and four Dental Colleges are there in private sector. The institution wise allocation and expenditure of funds during 2021-22 up to December, 2021 is given in the following table:
Academic Achievements
Academic achievements in Medical Education and Research are as follows:
1) Bachelor of Medicines and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Post Graduate (PG): During academic session 2021-22, total 870 MBBS seats were filled in Government and Private Sector (720 in Government and 150 in (Private Sector). Another 309 Post Graduate (PG) seats in various specialties were allotted in Indira Ghandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla, Dr. Rajinnder Prashad Government Medical College (Dr. RPGMC) Tanda and Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Solan
2) Bachelor of Dental Surgery ( BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS): 355 Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) seats and 95 Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) seats were filled in both Government and Private sector during Academic Session 2021-22.
3) Nursing : 280 seats for Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) training course, 1,540 seats for General Nursing and Midwifery(GNM) course, 1,780 B.Sc. Nursing, 435 Post Basic B.Sc Nursing and 181 seats for M.Sc Nursing Degree course have been approved in various Government and Private institutions during academic session 2021-22,
4) Scholarship/Stipend: State Government has enhanced the stipend of Bachelor of Medicines and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Intern students from `15,000 to `17,000 per month.
5) Diplomate of National Board (DNB) Courses: DNB Courses in various specialties have been started in all the new Medical Colleges of the State. Super Specialty courses in cardiology, Neurosurgery, Neurology and Gastrology are being run in IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC Tanda.

The Institution wise major achievements up to December, 2021 are given at Table 13.9:
AYUSH Vibhag plays a vital role in the Health Care System of the State of Himachal Pradesh. AYUSH was established in 1984, Health Care services are being provided to the general public through AYUSH health infrastructure in the State. To meet out this objective, State AYUSH Policy, 2019 was framed and notified on 6th November, 2019. Under this policy, 52 MoUs worth `1,335.25 crore were signed with prospective Investors in AYUSH Sector. Overall view of the AYUSH infrastructure is given below:
prospective Investors in AYUSH Sector. Overall view of the AYUSH infrastructure is given below:
One Model Nursery in public sector is being established Under Medicinal Plant Component of National Ayush Mission by spending `25.00 lakh at Jogindernagar and two small nurseries were established by spending `12.50 lakh at Kullu and Shimlaby Himalayan Forest Research Institute. The cultivation of Medicinal Plants is also being promoted in 70 hectare area in farmers land with subsidy component of `54.44 lakh. One drying shed and one storage Godown has been constructed for medicinal plants in Charak Government Ayurvedic Pharmacy- Paprola, District Kangra.
One Model Nursery in public sector is being established Under Medicinal Plant Component of National Ayush Mission by spending `25.00 lakh at Jogindernagar and two small nurseries were established by spending `12.50 lakh at Kullu and Shimlaby Himalayan Forest Research Institute. The cultivation of Medicinal Plants is also being promoted in 70 hectare area in farmers land with subsidy component of `54.44 lakh. One drying shed and one storage Godown has been constructed for medicinal plants in Charak Government Ayurvedic Pharmacy- Paprola, District Kangra.
Status of COVID-19 Vaccination:
1) The process of COVID-19 vaccination was started on 16th Janurary, 2021 in the State. As per COVID-19 Portal as of 30th January, 2022 the total number of doses given were 1,19,20,817, of which 1st dose given to 62,77,737 and 2nd dose to 55,51,179. In addition to this 91,901 doses were given as precautionary dose.
2) The vaccination process for the age group 15 to 18 years has started from 3rd January, 2022. The 1st dose of COVAXIN has been given to 3,88,301 children.
3) The Precautionary vaccination process for Health Care Workers (HCW), Frontline Workers (FLW) and 60+ comorbidities group has started from 10th January, 2022. As of now 32,658 HCW, 14,848 FLW and 44,395 persons of the age group of 60 plus suffering from comorbidities have been vaccinated.

Initiatives taken to effectively deal with COVID-19 Pandemic: Keeping in view the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic, State Government had taken various steps from onset of the pandemic as per the Government of India directions to control the spread of this pandemic in 1st and 2nd wave and the State Government is well prepared to tackle the 3rd wave also. In order to curb COVID-19 Pandemic, the guidelines have been issued from time to time and preparedness is ramped up as per case load. The following initiatives have been taken for containment and management of COVID -19 in the State.
Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Contact tracing teams was formulated in the districts for containing of the spread of COVID-19. The containment Zones in the districts were notified by the district administration. The active surveillance is being carried out at containment zones and passive surveillance in the buffer zones by health workers. Micro plans for containing local transmission of Corona Virus Disease (COVID)-19 were formulated. All the COVID-19 patients in the home isolation in rural and urban areas are being regularly monitored by the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Worker in the respective areas. COVID-19 Sero Survey has been conducted all over the state from 1st September 2021 to 15th September 2021. iv. Information Education and Communication (IEC) The people in the State are being made aware of preventive measures regularly through mass media campaigns. A special campaign of “Suraksha Ki Yukti- Corona Se Mukti” has effectively being launched throughout the state for awareness of the general public. The Public representatives are generating awareness in the respective areas regularly under leadership of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers. The tourists visiting the State are regularly made aware through different IEC media to follow preventive measure relating to COVID -19. v. Testing All contacts of COVID-19 positive cases and COVID-19 suspects with InfluenzaLike Illness/Severe Acute Respiratory Infection symptoms are target population for testing. In order to further increase the testing in the state, walk in kiosks were established at the suitable places in all major towns of the state for rapid antigen testing during preferred timing every day. Auto SMS to all persons being tested for COVID-19 by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Rapid Antigen are being sent as soon as result is available. This has reduced the unnecessary travel/wait/anxiety for want of result by general public and has brought more
Information Education and Communication (IEC): The people in the State are being made aware of preventive measures regularly through mass media campaigns. A special campaign of “Suraksha Ki Yukti- Corona Se Mukti” has effectively being launched throughout the state for awareness of the general public. The Public representatives are generating awareness in the respective areas regularly under leadership of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers. The tourists visiting the State are regularly made aware through different IEC media to follow preventive measure relating to COVID -19.
Testing: All contacts of COVID-19 positive cases and COVID-19 suspects with InfluenzaLike Illness/Severe Acute Respiratory Infection symptoms are target population for testing. In order to further increase the testing in the state, walk in kiosks were established at the suitable places in all major towns of the state for rapid antigen testing during preferred timing every day. Auto SMS to all persons being tested for COVID-19 by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Rapid Antigen are being sent as soon as result is available. This has reduced the unnecessary travel/wait/anxiety for want of result by general public and has brought more transparency in reporting/sharing of result. Jeevan Dhara- Mobile Health and Wellness Centre have been initiated to provide healthcare services for the populations living in remote, inaccessible underserved areas. It is also used for testing the COVID-19 suspects in remote areas.
Treatment and Management: In order to minimize mortality and morbidity of the general population non COVID-19 Health services were enabled. Essential Health services were resumed in the month of April, directions for routine surgeries in non COVID-19 facilities were given in the month of August, Maternal and obstetric care services alongwith immunization were in continuation. Dedicated facilities were created for management of COVID-19 patients depending upon severity of illness. During the second wave of COVID-19, it was ensured that all the patients being admitted to the medical colleges received the best Medical care and there was no shortage of oxygen or any medicines.
Strengthening of Health systems/infrastructure: To provide quality health care to COVID-19 patients in Himachal Pradesh, oxygen cylinders and oxygen manifold were procured in a timely manner and provided to all the dedicated COVID-19 facilities. Also ventilators provided by GOI were installed in the facilities in order to manage the critical COVID-19 patients. Installation of High Pressure Pipe of Oxygen and 50 LMS Oxygen Plant at Palampur, NRV Pipe line of Oxygen at Una, PSA Plant and Manifold System at Tauni Devi and Bhoranj is under process. To handle any unanticipated increase in COVID-19 cases Makeshift Hospitals were established at Nalagarh (Solan), Radha Swami Satsang Bhawan Solan, Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda (Kangra), Dedicated Covid Health Centre (DCHC) Parour Kangra, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College & Hospital Nerchowk (Mandi), DCHC Radha Soami Satsang Beas Khaliyar Mandi and Pakawah Una. These facilities are utilized as per the need of the area/hospital.
Introduction National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has released the Fourth Edition of the State Health Index for 2019–20.The report, titled “Healthy States, Progressive India”, ranks states and Union Territories on their year-to-year incremental performance in health outcomes as well as their overall status. It is developed by NITI Aayog, with technical assistance from the World Bank, and in close consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). It is a weighted composite index based on 24 indicators for larger states grouped under the domains of „Health Outcomes‟, „Governance and Information‟, and „Key Inputs/Processes‟.
Methodology
1) Health Outcomes: It includes parameters such as neonatal mortality rate, under-5 mortality rate, sex ratio at birth.
2) Governance and Information: It includes parameters such as institutional deliveries, average occupancy of senior officers in key posts earmarked for health.
3) Key Inputs/Processes: It consists of proportion of shortfall in health care providers to what is recommended, functional medical facilities, birth and death registration.
4) Ranking of States: To ensure comparison among similar entities, the ranking is categorized as:
a) Larger States (19 states)
b) Smaller States (8 states)
c) Union Territories (7 UTs)
In this classification, Himachal Pradesh falls under the category of Larger States.
Key Results (H.P)
1) In terms of overall performance, Himachal Pradesh has been ranked 7thamong 19 larger states category with Overall Reference Year Index Score (2019-20) of 63.17.
2) In terms of incremental change from Base Year (2018-19) to Reference Year (2019-20), H.P‟s incremental rank in larger states category is15.
3) There‟s a negative incremental change of 0.06 (see below).
Observations
1) H.P is placed under Deteriorated rank category as its overall performance rank has slipped to 7th in reference year (2019-20) from 6th in the Base Year (2018-19).
2) The categorization of States has been done based upon Overall Performance and Incremental Performance between Base Year and Reference Year:
a) Overall Performance: States are categorised on the basis of Reference Year (2019-20) Index Score range: Front-runners: top one-third (Index Score>64.99), Achievers: middle one-third (Index Score between 47.78 and 64.99), Aspirants: lowest one-third (Index Score<47.78).
b) Incremental Performance: It is categorised on the basis of Incremental Index Score Range: Not Improved (0 or less), Least Improved (0.01-2.0), moderately Improved (2.01-4.0) and Most Improved (more than 4.0)
3) Therefore, in terms of Overall Performance, Himachal Pradesh is an Achiever but falls in the category of not improved states in Incremental Performance due to negative incremental change.
4) In Health Outcome Domain, H.P‟s Health outcome score is 68.76 with a positive incremental change of 2.26.
5) In Governance and Information Domain, H.P‟s Governance and Information Index score is 47.99 with a negative incremental change of 18.02.
6) In Key Inputs and Processes Domain, H.P‟s Key Inputs and Processes score is 51.65 with a positive incremental change of 4.20.
Social Welfare and Welfare of Other Backward Classes: The Social Justice and Empowerment Department of the State is engaged in socio-economic and educational upliftment of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, infirms, specially abled, orphans children, widows, destitute, poor children and women etc. The following pension schemes are being implemented under social welfare programmes:
Self Employment Scheme: The Department is also providing funds to three Corporations viz; Himachal Pradesh Minorities finance and Development Corporation, Himachal Pradesh Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation and Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe Corporation under the head investment for the running of various self employment schemes. There is budget provision of `13.00 crore for the year 2021-22 and upto 31.12.2021 an amount of `4.495 crore have been released.
Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan: The various programmes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes are being implemented effectively. Although the Scheduled Castes communities are deriving benefits under the normal Plan as well as Tribal Area Development Plan, yet in order to provide special coverage under individual beneficiaries programmes and development of infrastructure in Scheduled Castes concentrated villages, 25.19 per cent of the total State Development plan allocation is earmarked for Scheduled Castes Development Plan. During 2021-22 of `2,369.22 crore is being spent under Scheduled Castes Development Plan for the welfare of scheduled castes in the state.
The important schemes implemented during 2021-22 are as under:
Women State Home Mashobra: The main purpose of the scheme is to provide free shelter, food, clothing, education, health and medicines, counseling and vocational training to the young girls, widows, deserted, destitute and women who are in moral danger. At present children inmates are living in State home, Mashobra. For rehabilitation of such women after leaving State Home, financial assistance up to ₹25,000 per woman is provided. In case of marriage financial assistance of ₹51,000 is also provided to women.
One Stop Centre: One Stop Centre is a Central Sponsored Scheme. The main objectives of the scheme are to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, in both private and public spaces under one roof; and to facilitate immediate emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counselling support. Presently one “One Stop Centre” has been set up in Head Quarter of each District in Himachal Pradesh.
Mahila Shakti Kendra: Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme is approved under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao at Block level in all the districts of Himachal Pradesh. The objective of the scheme is to empower rural women through community participation. Student volunteers will play an instrumental role in awareness generation regarding various important government schemes/programmes as well as social issues.
Saksham Gudiya Board: The main objective of the scheme is to make recommendations for the policies for empowerment of girl child/ adolescent girls, acts, rules, policies and programme related to safety and security to review the implementation of various programmes being run by different departments for upliftment and empowerment and for protection of crime against girl child/adolescent girl.
The increase in expenditure on social services sector affirms the commitment of the government towards social well-being. The expenditure on social services (education, health and others) by the State as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased to 9.72 per cent from 8.48 per cent, during the period 2016-17 to 2021-22 (Advanced Estimate-A). An increase is witnessed across all social sectors during this period. For education, it increased from 4.17 per cent in 2016-17 to 4.72 per cent in 2021-22 and for health from 1.42 to 1.70 per cent during the same period. The share of expenditure on social services out of total budgetary expenditure increased to 33.91 per cent in 2021-22 (A) from 29.52 per cent in 2016-17 (Table 13.15).
Note:
1) Social services: It includes, education, sports, art and culture, medical and public health, family welfare, water supply and sanitation, housing, urban development, welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), labour and labour welfare, social security and welfare, nutrition, relief on account of natural calamities etc.
2) Expenditure on „Education‟ pertains to expenditure on „Education, Sports, Arts and Culture‟.
3) Expenditure on „Health‟: It includes expenditure on „Medical and Public Health‟, „Family Welfare‟ and „Water Supply and Sanitation‟.
4) The ratios to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices are based on 2011-12 base year. GDP for 2021-22 is BE Estimates.

14.RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PANCHAYATI RAJ

Rural Development Department implements poverty alleviation, employment generation and area development programmes in the rural areas of the State. The following State and Centrally sponsored developmental schemes and programmes are being implemented in the State.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAYNRLM): The Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) has been replaced by the DAY-NRLM w.e.f 01-04-2013 in the State. This programme is one of the flagship programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India (MoRD, GoI) which aims to reduce poverty by enabling the poor households to access gainful selfemployment and skilled wage employment opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. NRLM is being implemented across the State in 86 blocks.
1) The main features of this programme are as under:
a) Women employment through providing opportunities for livelihood earnings of all rural households by giving them necessary training under NRLM.
b) In this Financial Year, to impart training and to strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Organizations (VOs), State Rural Livelihood Mission has imparted training to 390 Internal Community Resource Persons (ICRPs). State has identified 5 active women from each block of the State and after imparting training in coordination with National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) Hyderabad, these ICRPs are deployed in their respective block every month to form new SHGs and to impart training to existing SHGs from time to time about panchsutra (regular meetings, regular savings, internal lending, regular repayment and bookkeeping) bank transactions, record keeping and schemes of other departments.
c) In Himachal Pradesh more than 30,987 women SHGs, 873 VOs and 15 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) have been formed. Under the NRLM Programme, women SHGs have been provided with financial assistance in he form of Start-up Fund, Revolving Fund (RF) and Community Investment Fund (CIF).
2) The incentives being provided to the women SHGs are as under:
a) Interest Subvention: SHGs will be eligible for interest subvention on credit upto `3.00 lakh at 7 per cent rate of interest per annum. SHGs availing capital subsidy under SGSY in their existing credit outstanding will not be eligible for benefit under this scheme. In addition to this, the scheme has been segregated into two categories of districts, category-I comprises of four districts (Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Una) and are covered under MoRD, GoI and remaining districts are covered under Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (HPSRLM) and will fall in category-II. For category-I districts banks will lend to SHGs at 7 per cent of interest upto an aggregated loan amount of `3.00 lakh. The SHGs will also get additional interest subvention of 3 per cent on prompt payment reducing the effective rate of interest to 4 per cent. For category-II districts banks will charge the SHGs as per their respective lending norms and the difference between the lending rates and 7 per cent subject to maximum limit of 5.5 per cent will be subverted by HPSRLM in the loan accounts of the SHGs.

b) Financial aid through Revolving Fund (RF) and Community Investment Fund (CIF): Under NRLM, SHGs and higher level Federations (village organizations and cluster/block level federation) of poor women have been formed. On performance basis, three months after the formation, SHGs are provided with Revolving Fund amounting to `15 thousand, if the group regularly holds meetings, keeps records of savings, inter-person loans and repayments. HPSRLM has disbursed RF amounting to `32.10 crore to more than 17,939 SHGs. As a result the SHGs are now actively participating in the income generation activities and initiating their own startup to improve their livelihoods and social status.
c) Startup Funds: All SHGs are provided `2,500 and VOs are provided ₹45,000 on Startup fund instantly after its formation. HPSRLM has started disbursing Startup Funds from 2018-19 and as of December, 2021, `4.40 crore has been disbursed to 17,784 SHGs and `2.40 crore to 532 VOs.
d) Revolving Fund (RF): Revolving fund of ten to fifteen thousand would be provided to those SHGs who have been practicing Punchsutra for the last 3 months and as of December, 2021, `32.10 crore has been disbursed to 17,939 SHGs.
d) Community Investment Fund (CIF): Community Investment Fund of `50 thousand would be provided to each SHG who have adopted regular internal lending of savings and revolving fund to the members by small loans for the last 6 months. These funds will be routed through the VOs to the SHGs in the shape of loan, 458 VOs, who are performing well, are covered under this scheme and are given additional funds amounting to `12.28 crore as CIF from NRLM.
e) Him Ira SHG Shop: To provide a sustainable livelihood opportunity to the SHG members and market linkage to the product produced by Self-Help groups, the state Government in the budget 2020-21 had announced to open the Him Ira shops managed and operated by the women SHG member, in every Assembly Constituency. The Rural Development department has decided to open 100 Him Ira SHG shops in the State. From April, 2021 to November, 2021 total sale recorded of 40 operational Him Ira shops is `45.00 lakh. In addition the department is organizing Him Ira weekly markets in 58 Development Blocks and total sale recorded `44.18 lakh from April to November, 2021.
3) The district-wise targets and achievements during the year 2021-22 under NRLM up to December, 2021 are as under:

Mukhya Mantri One Bigha Scheme: Mukhya Mantri One Bigha Scheme, launched in the month of May 2020, is a convergence scheme between NRLM & Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Any woman of a registered SHG with NRLM can avail the benefit of this scheme up to ₹1.00 lakh if she holds MGNERGA job card. Under this scheme, 11,271 applications were sanctioned. On the basis of sanctioned applications, 6,649 works were started and 1,756 works completed with total expenditure of `18.72 crore.
Deen Dyal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojna (DDU-GKY): Deen Dyal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana is being implemented in the State through Rural Development Department and is the flagship scheme of MoRD, GoI. The main purpose is to provide skills to rural youth, who are poor and provide jobs with regular monthly wages at or above the minimum wages. The benefits under this scheme are:
1) 70 per cent of the trained candidates get placements in various Sectors.
2) Training and Hostel facility is given free of cost.
3) Course duration varies from 3-12 months.
4) Candidate’s post placement tracking is done for one year.
With the objective to develop wasteland/ degraded lands, drought-prone and desert areas and to restore the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing natural resources, integrated wastelands development programme is being implemented on watershed approach in the State. This programme is being implemented on the funding pattern of 90:10 between Centre and State. Up to November, 2021, the progress made under Watershed Development Component - Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (WDC-PMKSY) is given below:

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G): The PMAY-G aims to provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all homeless households and households living in kutcha and dilapidated buildings, by 2022. The cost of unit (house) is shared between Central and State Government in the ratio of 90:10. Under this scheme, a financial assistance of `1.50 lakh from 2019-20 is being provided to the beneficiaries for construction of a house. The State Government has sanctioned an amount of `20 thousand in addition to building unit cost of `1.30 lakh, from 2019-20. The MoRD, GoI has allocated the target of 3,514 numbers of houses for the financial year 2021-22 under Awas plus survey. As of December, 2021 out of allocated target department has sanctioned 1,620 numbers of houses.
Mukhaya Mantri Awaas Yojana (MMAY): The State Government had announced this scheme for all categories of Below Poverty Line. There is a planned budget provision in current year 2021-22 of `20.93 crore and 1,257 houses of all categories have been proposed to be constructed in the State.
Saansad Adrash Gram Yojana (SAGY): The main objective of the SAGY is to ensure to holistic development of the identified Gram Panchayats and quality through improved basic amenities, higher productivity, enhanced human development, better livelihood opportunities and reduced disparities, access to rights and entitlements, wider social mobilization and enriched social capital. Under Phase-II of SAGY implementation, the following Villages have been identified:
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission (SPMRM) was launched by the Prime Minister on 21st February, 2016 and follows the vision of “Development of a cluster of villages that preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life with focus on equity and inclusiveness without compromising the facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature, thus creating a cluster of “Rurban villages”. The larger outcomes envisaged under this Mission are:
1) In Himachal Pradesh, 6 Rurban Clusters have been approved by Government of India in three phases. Under the mission, every Rurban Cluster is to be developed with a total Project cost of about `50.00 crore where 70 per cent of funds shall be provided through convergence with other schemes of the Government and 30 per cent shall be provided as Critical Gap Funding (CGF). GoI provides an amount of `15.00 crore per cluster as CGF.
2) Six clusters have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, which are given below:

Matri Shakti Bima Yojana: The scheme covers all women living below the poverty line within the age group of 10-75 years. The policy provides relief to family members/insured women in case of their death or disablement arising due to any kind of accident surgical operations like sterilization, mishap at the time of child birth/delivery, drowning, washing away in floods, landslide, insect bite and the scheme also gives benefit to married women in case of accidental death of her husband. The compensation amount is as under:
1) Death `2.00 lakh.
2) Permanent total disability `2.00 lakh.
3) Loss of one limb and one eyes or both eyes and both limbs `2.00 lakh.
4) Loss of one limb/one ear `1.00 lakh.
5) In case of death of husband `2.00 lakh. During 2021-22, 103 numbers of families have been provided financial assistance of `206.00 lakh till 31st December, 2021 under the scheme.
The Government of India has launched the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin on 02.10.2014 and Himachal Pradesh has been declared as Open Defecation Free (ODF) State on 28-10-2016. Now the focus of SBM-G is on following activities/components:
1) ODF sustainability
2) ODF Plus activities (Aspiring, Rising & Model).
3) Incentive to those individual households who do not have toilets for construction of Individual household Latrine (IHHL) under No one left behind.
4) Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) (Grey Water, Plastic Waste & Faecal Sludge Management).
5) Construction of Community Sanitary Complex (CSCs).
6) Menstrual Hygiene.
7) GOBAR-Dhan Projects.
8) IEC/capacity building.
The Government of India has circulated phase-II guidelines for the implementation of SBM-G which are applicable w.e.f. 01.04.2020 in the State and the salient features are as under:
Achievements during the year 2021-22
1) 6,600 Individual Household Latrines have been constructed.
2) 178 Community Sanitary Complex (CSCs) have been constructed.
3) 445 villages have been taken up Solid Waste Management activities.
4) 121 villages have taken up for Liquid Waste Management activities.
5) 81 sites for Plastic Waste Management Units have been identified, work on 28 sites is in progress and 7 units are running.
6) The work for establishment of 14 GOBAR-Dhan Projects has been awarded to M/s Bajwa Energy Developers, Uttrakhand and work has been started on 5 sites.
Panchwati Panchwati Yojana was started during the year 2020-21. The main objective of this yojana is to construct such parks and gardens that create places, which could be used by the elderly for recreational purpose. These parks and gardens are being developed on leveled land of minimum one bigha with convergence of MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission (G) and 14th Finance Commission. Under this scheme 217 sites were identified for development of Panchwati and work has been started on 70 sites in the financial year 2021-22. So far an amount of `156.82 lakh has been spent.
Rural Model School With a view to provide the modern facilities in the Government Primary Schools in the rural areas of the State and to make them as Aadarsh Vidyalaya (Model School), the department has launched a new scheme Aadarsh Vidyalaya (Model School) during the current financial year. Under this scheme 166 Government Primary Schools have been identified
Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) The Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was notified by the Government of India on September, 2005. Progress made during the year 202122 is summarized below:
There are 12 Zila Parishads, 81 Panchayat Samities and 3,615 Gram Panchayats constituted in this State. The major achievements of the department are as below:
1) Implementation of 15th Finance Commission recommendations has started in the year 2020-21. During this financial year `317.00 crore has been approved by Centre to State Government out of which `158.50 crore has been distributed to the Panchyati Raj institutions.
2) Under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), Ministry of Panchayti Raj, Government of India (MoPR,GoI) has approved `164.43 crore for the State out of which `34.42 crore has been released by MOPR for the following activities/components:
a) Capacity building and training of elected representatives and officials of PRIs.
b) Recurring cost on additional facilities and maintenance of four District Panchayat Resource Centre (DPRCs) Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Solan.
c) Co-location of Common Service Centre (CSCs) with the Gram Panchayat.
d) As per recommendation of State Finance Commission, `248.55 crore was provided to Panchayats for meeting committed liabilities and capital works.
e) The Government is providing Grant-in-Aid to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for meeting the expenditure on travelling and daily allowances of the elected representatives of PRIs.
f) Out of 412 newly created Gram Panchayats `20.49 crore has been provided to 183 newly constituted Gram Panchyats for construction of new Panchayat Ghar, `1.19 crore has been provided to 10 old Gram Panchayats for construction of its new Panchayat Community Centre and `3.19 crore has been provided to 37 old Gram Panchayats for repair/upgradation of their respective Panchayat Ghar.
g) Training has been imparted to 27,000 newly elected PRIs/officials during Financial Year 2021-22. vii. Various IT applications have been introduced by the department whereby the general public can avail various online facilities relating to pariwar register, ration cards, marriage registration etc. Access to the accounts of the panchayats is available through e-Gram Swaraj application.

15.HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Government of Himachal Pradesh through the Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) is providing houses, flats and plots of various categories to meet the housing demand of the people of various income groups. In the current financial year 2021-22, an expenditure of `33.92 crore was incurred up to December, 2021. During the current year there is a target to construct 159 flats, 11 houses and, to develop 180 plots of different categories. Construction work of 80 flats has been completed. Additionally, 61 plots have been developed. HIMUDA proposes to develop new housing colonies in Dharamshala, Sohala (Sirmaur), and a commercial complex in Shimla. An estimated 1,007 plots, 1,076 flats and 2 cottages would come up in these colonies. Planning of new housing colony in Shimla near airport is in progress. Construction work of Housing colonies at Flowerdale, Chhabrogti (basement flats), Dhrampur (Solan), Kamli Road Parwanoo, Rampur (Shimla), Dehra and Rajwari (Mandi) is in progress.
HIMUDA’s Initiatives: In HIMUDA 6,61,330 person days of wage employment is estimated to be generated during the year 2021-22 through construction of different works which are being executed by HIMUDA.
There are 61 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Himachal Pradesh including Municipal Corporations at Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan, Mandi and Palampur. The Government is providing grants-in-aid every year to these local bodies to enable them to provide civic amenities to the general public. As per the recommendations of the State Finance Commission, `161.25 crore has been released to the ULBs so far and balance funds will be released during the current financial year. This includes development grant and gap filling grant between income and expenditure.
Maintenance of Roads in Municipal Areas: About 3,288 kms of roads, paths, streets and drains are being maintained by 61 Urban Local Bodies. In the current Financial Year 2021-22 funds of `6.00 crore have been provided by the Government for these Roads.

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAYNULM): The main objective of NULM is to reduce poverty among the urban poor through the promotion of diversified and gainful self-employment and skill wage employment opportunities, resulting in an appreciable improvement in their livelihood on a sustainable basis. This scheme has following main components:
1) Employment through skill training and placement.
2) Social Mobilization and Institution Development.
3) Capacity Building and Training.
4) Self Employment Programme.
5) Shelter for Urban Homeless.
6) Support to Urban Street Vendors.
7) Innovative and special Projects.
For current Financial Year, Government of India has released the 1st installment amounting to `5.20 crore under this scheme Progress during 2021-22 is as follows:
1) 372 Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed.
2) 1516 beneficiaries were provided skill training under this scheme and 782 candidates have been provided placement.
3) 204 individuals and 83 SHGs were provided loan assistance on subsidized interest for setting up their micro enterprises.
4) Around 4,934 loan applications have been submitted to banks under PM SVANidhi Scheme out of which 3,824 applications have been sanctioned and loan to 3,634 applicants have been sanctioned and disbursed.
Central Finance Commission Grant: The 15th Finance Commission has recommended two types of grants to be released to Urban Local Bodies and Cantonment Boards. First is the Untied Grant (40 per cent) to be released unconditionally and the second is Tied Grant (60 per cent) subject to fulfillment of certain conditions as laid down in the 15th Finance Commission Report. There is a budget provision of `156.00 crore for 2021-22. In addition, the Government of India has also provided Health Sector Grant amounting to `5.53 crore under 15th Finance Commission to the Urban Local Bodies in the state during current financial year. The 2nd installment of Tied Grant amounting to `51.75 crore for the Financial Year 2020-21 and the 1st installment of `46.80 crore for the current Financial Year 2021-22 has been released to the Urban Local Bodies and Cantonment Boards during 2021-22
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Shimla and Kullu have been included under this mission. During 2021-22 there is a budget provision of `30.00 crore. Out of total 75 projects, 47 projects have been completed.
Smart City Mission (SCM): Smart City Mission was launched in June, 2015. Municipal Corporation, Dharamshala was approved by Government of India under the mission. In 2017-18, Municipal Corporation, Shimla was also selected under Smart City Mission by Government of India. During the current financial there is a budget provision of `100 crore as under this Mission. In addition the Government of India has released Central share of amounting `68.00 crore. Out of 74 projects in Dharamshala Smart City Limited (DSCL) 19 projects have been completed and 28 more have been initiated. In Shimla Smart City Limited (SSCL) out of 53 projects, 28 most do-able projects have been identified. These are further bifurcated into 163 components, out of which 34 components have been completed and for 71 components, work is in progress.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) is a flagship Programme of Government of India and is being implemented in all notified towns by Ministry of Housing Affairs, Government of India. The main aim of Swachh Bharat Mission is to make cities/towns open defecation free and provide a healthy and livable environment to all. Following actions/ progress has been made under the Mission:
1) Funds have been disbursed to ULBs for construction of individual household toilets and Community/Public toilets for providing adequate toilet facilities in the towns. Till date more than 6,715 individual toilets for the households not having toilet facilities, have been constructed under the mission and 391 Community & 1,273 public toilet seats have been installed newly or renovated.
2) For Awareness, Various Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are being conducted regularly in the State to make general public aware through Swachhta pakhwada, hordings/ banners, nukkadnataks, print & electronic media etc. For the year 2021-22 there is a budget provision of `5.00 crore for implementation of this scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna Housing for all (Urban): A new mission “Housing for all” (Urban) has been launched by the Government of India effective from 17.06.2015 to 31.03.2022. The aim of this scheme is to provide houses for slum dwellers under in-situ slum rehabilitation component providing affordable houses for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Groups (MIG) through credit linked subsidy component, providing houses through public private partnership component. The Government is also providing funds for construction of beneficiary houses through subsidy for beneficiaryled individual house component. For the current financial year 2021-22, there is a budget provision of `5.20 crore for implementation of this scheme.
Construction of Parking: To solve the parking problems in the urban areas of the Pradesh `10.00 crore has been provided during the current financial year 2021-22 out of which `1.73 crore has been released to 3 Urban Local Bodies, so far for the construction of Parking Places. The funds under this scheme are released in the ratio of 50:50 (i.e. 50 per cent is provided by the Government and 50 per cent by the concerned ULBs).
Development of Parks: For construction of parks in Urban Local Bodies manner, `5.50 crore has been provided in the budget during the current financial year. The funds under this scheme are released in the ratio of 60:40 (i.e.), 60 per cent is provided by the Government and 40 per cent by the concerned Urban Local Body.

Atal Shresth Shahar Yojana (ASSY): the Budget Speech for the year 2020-21 the Chief Minister Himachal Pradesh has enlarged the scope of “Atal Shreth Shahar Yojana” to cover top three Municipal Councils and top three Nagar Panchayats for Puruskar in which each Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat will be ranked for prize money for 1st, 2nd & 3rd position. The prize money for Municipal Councils given is `1.00 crore, `75.00 lakh, `50.00 lakh respectively and for Nager Panchayats the prize money is `75.00 lakh, `50.00 lakh and `25.00 lakh, respectively. The best performing Urban Local Bodies are felicitated with Atal Shreth Shahar Puruskar by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on 25th December every year. Award under ASSY 2020 and 2021 are being finalised. However, details of winner during 2019 are appended below:

Mukhya Mantri Shahri Ajeevika- Guarantee Yojana (MMSAGY): The Government of Himachal Pradesh, keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic has notified a scheme known as Mukhya Mantri Shahri Ajeevika Guarantee Yojana (MMSAGY) on 16.05.2020 to enhance livelihood security in urban areas by providing 120 days of guaranteed wage employment to every household in the financial year. The scheme has been re-notified on 19-4-2021. All adult members of the households who register under this scheme will be eligible to work. Local residents of the ULBs residing within the jurisdiction of the ULB either in their own house or on rent are eligible. The upper age limit for providing work is 65 years. The Urban Development Department has developed online portal for MMSAGY. The beneficiary can register himself without visiting municipality office. Under this scheme 6,539 beneficiaries have been registered and 3,603 beneficiaries have been given wage employment. `295.85 lakh have been budgeted for the scheme
To ensure functional, economical, sustainable and aesthetical living environment through planned, equitable and regulated development, the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977 has been enforced in 55 Planning Areas (1.60 per cent of the total geographical area of the State) and 35 Special Area (2.06 per cent of the total geographical area of the State).
Initiatives
1) For simplification of map approval process, requisite NOCs i.e from Fire Development, Jal Shakti Vibhag, Public Works Department, Forest Department, State Electricity Board, State Pollution Control Board and Revenue Department has been changed to self declaration vide notification dated 20.08.2020.
2) Necessary amendment have been done vide notification dated 26.02.2021in the clause 28 of the General Regulations, Appendix-1 of the HPTCP Rules, 2014 regarding relaxation in set-backs, height of floors and building etc. in private constructions, by the competent authority, keeping in view the site conditions.
3) The draft proposal of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for delegation of powers to the Registered Private Professionals (RPP) empanelled under Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Rules, 2014 for grant of development permission upto 500 square metres of plot area for residential use only in all notified Planning/ Special Area and Urban Local Bodies (ULB,s) across the state have been prepared.
4) The work for preparation of GIS-based Development Plans for Shimla Planning Area and Kullu Valley Planning Areas under AMRUT Sub-Scheme of GOI is under finalization. This will ensure comprehensive planning for the development of these Areas.
5) The existing land use map of additional Bilaspur planning area has been adopted and for additional Hamirpur planning area is under process.
6) In order to meet the increasing parking requirement and ensure smooth flow of traffic on all major roads of the towns, relief has been granted by the state Government vide notification dated 04.12.2020. As per the notification now building owners can utilize 50% frontage of such setback for developing uncovered parking.
7) Himachal Pradesh energy conservation building code in shape of Appendix-11 in the Himachal Pradesh Town and country Planning Rules, 2014 for commercial building is being considered in order to promote Green Building and energy conservation concept.
8) New Development Plans for 15 Planning/ Special Areas namely Waknaghat, Chail, Sujanpur, Chamunda, Chopal, Mehatpur, Jabli, Sarahan, Hatkoti Dhualakuan- Majra, Jogindernagar, Nerchowk, Bhota, Chintpurni, Bharmour are under preparation and 12 Development Plans namely Chamba, Dalhausie, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, Kasauli, Palampur, Solan, Nahan, Mandi, Kullu (AMRUT) and Shimla (AMRUT) are under revision.
Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority started its functioning from 01-01-2020. This authority is in the process of registering Real Estate projects and Real Estate Agents besides attending complaints. This Authority has registered 19 Real Estate Projects and 27 Real Estate Agents upto December, 2021. About 50 complaints have been registered with the authority so far out of which 15 have been disposed of and hearings in the remaining 35 are under process. This Authority is dealing all the cases of registration of Real Estate Projects, Real Estate Agents and complaints through online mode.
National Building Organization has entrusted the Department of Economic and Statistics, Government of Himachal Pradesh to collect and compile the Building Construction Cost Index (BCCI) of the State. Department has been preparing and releasing the State level BCCI with base year 2011-12. These indices are collected and compiled on quarterly basis, on the basis of quarterly indices, annual indices have been worked out and are shown in following table.
As per the above table, the material cost index has increased from 120.42 to 132.64 in 2020-21 which has further increased to 138.83 in the year 2021-22, due to COVID-19 pandemic the supply chain of building material remained disrupted during 2020-21 hence resulted increase in building material prices. The labour cost index has also increased from 123.05 to 132.31 in 2020-21 and increased to 138.30 in the year 2021-22, due to the out migration of labourers in pandemic period the labour cost increased mostly in the year 2020-21, caused the increase in the labour cost indices. Similarly the component other expenditure, which includes contractual and supervisory charges etc. comes under the index of other expenditure, this has also increased due to COVID effect from 120.78 to 131.87 in 2020-21, and increased to 138.24 in the year 2021-22. Increase in all these indices have resulted an increase in overall BCCI from 121.45 to 138.63 in the year 2021-22.

16.INFORMATION AND SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY

Under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), Department of Information and Technology, Himachal Pradesh (DIT-HP) created secure network called HIMSWAN (Himachal State Wide Area Network). HIMSWAN provides secured network connectivity to all State Government Departments upto block level and provides efficient electronic delivery of G2G (Government to Government), G2C (Government to Citizen) and G2B (Government to Business) services. HIMSWAN was set-up in February, 2008 and now 2,241Government Offices across the State are connected through this network. Considering the growing demand, the bandwidth has been upgraded with the latest Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology. It has played a pivotal role during COVID-19 pandemic. Several Government meetings with field functionaries were held virtually using HIMSWAN.
To keep the Government applications / websites running in the event of a power outage, natural disaster or any other disruption, a disaster recovery (DR) site of HP State Data Centre has been setup for Himachal Pradesh State Data Centre (HPSDC) at Delhi in October 2020. During financial year 2021-22, 17 new Applications/ Websites have been hosted in HPSDC cloud, after successful security audit closure. Overall, 187 Websites/ Applications have been hosted in HPSDC.
Himachal Online Seva Portal: During current financial year, the Department has added 31 new services in Himachal Online Seva portal for online delivery. Out of these 31 services, 28 are for the horticulture Department and 3 for the Urban Development Department. A total of 96 online services for various departments including Revenue, Women & Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Urban Development etc. are now being provided through this portal. Before COVID-19 period, there were around 100 transactions per day on the portal. However, during COVID-19 lockdown and thereafter owing to massive IEC campaign and improvement in service delivery quality through online platform, the transactions, on the average, have increased from 100 to 8500 per day.
E-Office: E-Office is being implemented in various departments of the State to enable paper-less offices. During this year, 77 departments and 87 branches of HP Secretariat covering 5,104 officers / officials have started e-Office and 68,792 files have been created in e-Office. The scanning of old files in HP Secretariat has been completed. All offices will gradually shift to paperless mode by using e-office.
CM Dashboard: The State Government has taken an initiative towards Good Governess by setting up the CM Dashboard. It is a configurable multilingual Dashboard platform for Chief Minister, Governor, Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioners and DMs/DCs. This CM Dashboard facilitates presentation of real time data on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of selected government schemes/projects to all State, Division, and District level officers for planning, evaluation and monitoring.
Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline is an effort to reach out to citizen proactively and facilitating them by providing the Helpline facility through Citizen Call Centre and other appropriate modes which serves the citizens for the following purposes:
1) Grievance registration.
2) Capturing the suggestion and demands from citizens.
3) Provide information related to Government Schemes.
4) Escalation to concerned officials for timely resolution. A total of 1,23,703 complaints have been registered in the MMSS helpline in this financial year till December 2021, out of which 88,510 (71.55 per cent) have been resolved to the satisfaction of the citizens. Status snapshot and table is appended below:
Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC): High-tech state-of-the-art Command and Control Centers are proposed to be setup in Shimla and Dharamshala with the aim to ensure convergence of various citizen services at one place using Information and Communication Technology (ITC) as a tool. ICCC would be utilized to capture data pertaining to various citizen centric services in real time manner and provide useful information to the public using One City One App and to provide emergency as well as disaster management services to the citizen.
Bharat Net: Bharat Net is an initiative of Government of India to provide broadband services to the Gram Panchayats of the country. It aims to provide broadband connectivity especially in rural areas. It is the world’s largest rural connectivity scheme to be connected by the optical fiber network. Under Phase II of Bharat Net-159 remote Gram Panchayats are being connected using very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) links. Material has been delivered in 159 locations, out of which VSAT have been installed at 156 locations.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The IT Department has identified 140 (Centre-74; State-66) schemes with concerned departments during financial year 2021-22, out of which DBT has been implemented in 59 schemes (Centre-30; State-29). As per guidelines of Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, the DBT for all the schemes is to be routed through National Automated Clearing House (NACH). Out of the 59 DBT schemes, 16 (Centre1; State-15) have been converted to NACH platform during this financial year. Further, as per directions of MeitY, GoI, the notifications under section 7 of Aadhaar Act 2016 are to be issued for enabling Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for different identified schemes. During the current financial year, an amount of `1,186.03 crore has been transferred through DBT to 11.91 lakh beneficiaries under 47 schemes.
IT Department developed and implemented various IT Applications and solutions to facilitate the smooth operation of day-to-day business of administration and citizens during the COVID-19 period. The State Government at various levels is using these technology platforms provided by the Department for information gathering, monitoring and decision- making as well as office working in an efficient manner. The citizens are using them for getting contactless services online without the need to visit Government offices. Till now, following applications have been rolled out across the State by IT Department:
1) COVID-19 Integrated Portal: The website (http://covidportal.hp.gov.in/) is a consolidated repository for COVID-19 related information, applications and portals developed for the use of Citizens and Government Officials.
2) COVID Government Orders: A website (http://covidorders.hp.gov.in) has been created as a common platform for all Government Orders, Advisories and Media Bulletins to avoid any misinformation or rumours during pandemic.
3) Himachal e-Pass Verification App (Android based QR Code scanning app): This Mobile app was developed and provided to police personnel at inter-state barriers to verify the validity of e-Passes by scanning QR codes on e-Passes issued by DCs. It was also used to generate MIS report regarding the persons who entered the State at the barriers.
4) COVID Capacity: This portal (http://covidcapacity.hp.gov.in/) was developed to monitor the real time availability of critical items like Hospital Bed capacity/availability, Oxygen availability and logistics related to these activities, such as patient data and other critical items like Oxygen Concentrators, PSA Plants etc. in dedicated Covid Hospitals.
5) Law & Order Monitoring & Reporting System: The portal (http://covid19lo.hp.gov.in) provides facility to SPs and Police Stations to upload Law and Order related information, as desired by MHA (GoI) and consolidate the same on the above portal.
6) Health Inventory: This website (http://covid19inventory.hp.gov.in) was developed for use by Health Department Officials to maintain inventory Isolation/Quarantine facilities in the State and stock of critical items such as Masks, PPE Kits and Ventilators etc.
7) Fake News Portal: The Portal (http://fakenews.hp.gov.in) is an initiative by State Government to protect Citizens from misinformation/rumours during this sensitive time. This portal provides list of fake news identified by Fake News Monitoring Unit of State Government.
8) Event Registration Portal (covid.hp.gov.in): This portal is developed for citizens to seek online permission to organize any event during COVID-19.
9) Donation: This functionality was provided on the CM portal (https://cmhimachal.nic.in/ ) to donate securely in the Himachal Pradesh COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
10) MMSS helpline@1100: The MMSS Helpline is contacting Covid-19 positive patients to seek their feedback on Government facilities and to identify the major source/cause of infection so that government may take necessary steps to control the spread of COVID-19.
Policy Initiatives Undertaken: Right of Way (RoW) Policy Based on Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules 2016 of Government of India, Himachal Pradesh RoW Policy 2021 has been notified by the State Government on 9th February, 2021.
New Initiatives: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has played a vital role during the pandemic, specifically in the following three areas:
1) Reducing footfall in the Government Offices by providing online services to the citizens.
2) Facilitating the concept of Work from home for the Government officers/ officials.
3) Monitoring, controlling and tracking the pandemic.
Strengthening the digital infrastructure in the following areas of State with the help of Information &Technology:
1) DIT is working to add more Government to Citizen Services through the eDistrict (Himachal Online Seva portal/ Lok Mitra Kendra).
2) High-speed secure internet connectivity through HIMSWAN is being extended to every Government office/ location. In order to maintain flawless/ uninterrupted speed of network for e-office, the minimum bandwidth in all offices through HIMSWAN being increased to 20Mbps.
4) On requirement basis, secured VPN connectivity will be provided to Government officials in order to increase productivity during work from home.
5) Single Sign On (SSO) will be implemented across all major portals of State Government to allow officers/ officials to login with the single username and password on these portals.
6) Facilitating the citizens for online building permissions with auto DCR are proposed to be created across all the ULBs.