Himachal unveils E-Taxi initiative: 50% subsidy for youth employment

22 Nov 2023 CW Team

The launch of the e-taxi scheme marks the commencement of the first phase of the Rs 6.8 billion Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Yojna. The Transport Department has also introduced a website for online registration to facilitate the process. This scheme for the youth was a key commitment outlined in the Pratigya Patra of the Congress Party.

Sukhu stated that initially, 500 permits would be issued, with the possibility of an increase in the future based on demand. The government is dedicated to providing employment opportunities for the youth and transforming Himachal into a green state by 2026. Unemployed youth seeking to purchase e-taxis or buses are encouraged to apply through the government's portal within a month. Eligible individuals aged 23 and above will be linked to the startup scheme, and e-taxi permits will be issued.

Upon issuance of the e-taxi permit, registration with the Labour Department will occur, streamlining the loan process without requiring collateral after depositing the margin money. The subsidy will be released directly through banks to facilitate the purchase of the taxi.

To support the operation of e-vehicles, charging points will be established at Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum petrol pumps, with plans for e-charging stations on six identified corridors by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the State Electricity Board.

The government aims to replace the entire fleet of around 3,000 HRTC buses with e-buses, with the purchase of 350 e-buses in the near term and 1,500 within three years to promote e-buses in the private sector. Out of a total of 107 permits, 24 e-bus permits have been issued, and a Rs 5 million subsidy will be provided for an e-bus costing Rs 10 million.

In the second phase of the scheme, the focus will shift towards encouraging youth to establish solar energy projects. Plans for a third phase include providing subsidies for agriculture-related work and preparing a scheme to offer a 90% subsidy to youth engaged in pisciculture. The details of this scheme are currently being finalised and will be rolled out soon.?

Unemployed individuals from Himachal Pradesh aged 23 and above are set to receive a 50% subsidy on loans to acquire e-taxis and e-buses, without the need for collateral, as part of a state government initiative to boost employment and support eco-friendly initiatives. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a subsidy of Rs 10 lakh would be granted for the purchase of e-taxis, which are intended to be affiliated with various government departments, ensuring a monthly income of approximately Rs 40 thousand. The launch of the e-taxi scheme marks the commencement of the first phase of the Rs 6.8 billion Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Yojna. The Transport Department has also introduced a website for online registration to facilitate the process. This scheme for the youth was a key commitment outlined in the Pratigya Patra of the Congress Party. Sukhu stated that initially, 500 permits would be issued, with the possibility of an increase in the future based on demand. The government is dedicated to providing employment opportunities for the youth and transforming Himachal into a green state by 2026. Unemployed youth seeking to purchase e-taxis or buses are encouraged to apply through the government's portal within a month. Eligible individuals aged 23 and above will be linked to the startup scheme, and e-taxi permits will be issued. Upon issuance of the e-taxi permit, registration with the Labour Department will occur, streamlining the loan process without requiring collateral after depositing the margin money. The subsidy will be released directly through banks to facilitate the purchase of the taxi. To support the operation of e-vehicles, charging points will be established at Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum petrol pumps, with plans for e-charging stations on six identified corridors by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the State Electricity Board. The government aims to replace the entire fleet of around 3,000 HRTC buses with e-buses, with the purchase of 350 e-buses in the near term and 1,500 within three years to promote e-buses in the private sector. Out of a total of 107 permits, 24 e-bus permits have been issued, and a Rs 5 million subsidy will be provided for an e-bus costing Rs 10 million. In the second phase of the scheme, the focus will shift towards encouraging youth to establish solar energy projects. Plans for a third phase include providing subsidies for agriculture-related work and preparing a scheme to offer a 90% subsidy to youth engaged in pisciculture. The details of this scheme are currently being finalised and will be rolled out soon.?