Shimla
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has made important announcements for traders in the budget speech. The Chief Minister has announced to make the Small Shopkeeper Welfare Scheme more flexible for small traders in urban areas. Under this scheme, fruit vendors, small dhaba owners, vegetable sellers and small businessmen, who are in debt and whose turnover is less than Rs 10 lakh, will be provided one time settlement (OTS) facility. Along with this, the government will also bear the interest on the loan. A budget of Rs 100 crore has been set for this scheme, so that small traders can improve their financial condition.
Apart from this, the Chief Minister has also announced to set up the first automatic driving test track in Haroli during 2025-26 in the state. This step is being taken to make the driving test process in the state more transparent and safe. Along with this, the government has also made many schemes to promote water transport services. 500 electric buses will be purchased in 2025-26, which will also benefit the environment and make traffic smooth. Online pass facility has now been started in the capital Shimla, which will give more convenience to the citizens in their transportation related works.
The Chief Minister has also announced the launch of drone taxi services in the state. Under this scheme, drones will be used in agriculture-horticulture and other works including delivery of medicines. Apart from this, drone taxi services can also be used in other works. Drone stations will be set up in Mandi, Hamirpur and Kangra districts, which will improve agriculture and other works in these areas and will also generate new employment opportunities.
The state government has also planned to change the industrial policy. Under this, a better and friendly environment will be created for investors in the state. For this, a high-level board will be constituted, which will consider all aspects related to industrial investment in the state. Along with this, all the necessary permissions will be provided to the industries within two months, so that the industries will not face any kind of hindrance. Apart from this, industries will be given subsidy at the rate of 40 paise per unit, which will be given through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) twice a year.
All these steps have been taken with the aim of accelerating the development of the state, increasing employment opportunities and providing better facilities to the citizens. It is the effort of the government that the state gets more progress in terms of technology and industry, so that the people here can live a more happy and prosperous life.
