Himachal Pradesh is taking a big step towards a brighter future, combining youth empowerment with green mobility through the launch of the new Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana 2023. This important scheme from the Himachal government is all about helping the state’s young people. Its main goal is to make it easier for them to start their businesses and become job creators, not just job seekers. The scheme specifically wants to encourage young people to set up new industrial enterprises, especially those that are good for the environment..
Many young people have been feeling disappointed because of unemployment. This problem got worse when a lot of industries/factories closed during the lockdown, leading to financial difficulties and frustration for many. Considering these challenges, the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana has been started by the Himachal Pradesh government to tackle these issues. It aims to make the youth of the state empowered, self-reliant, and financially stronger. Beyond helping individuals, this scheme has a bigger vision: to help Himachal Pradesh become the first green energy state in India and a leading example for electric vehicles by 2026. This way, Himachal is covering the way for a future that is both economically strong and environmentally friendly, creating a truly self-reliant Himachal for its youth.
What is Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana?
The Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana (Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme) 2023 is a comprehensive programme initiated by the Himachal Pradesh state government. Its core purpose is to provide incentives and support for the youth to establish new industrial enterprises, with a particular focus on the developing green sector. This scheme has been launched as part of the state’s clean energy mission.
This scheme encourages youth to venture into e-buses, electric trucks, dental clinics, commercial solar power projects up to 1 MW, and fisheries projects. Most of the project cost will be funded by banks, with the beneficiary required to make only a partial financial contribution. Additionally, enterprises are required to start commercial production within two years of receiving the first loan installment from the bank.
Details and Key Features of Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Initiated by | Government of Himachal Pradesh |
| Budget | ₹680 Crore |
| Main Objective | Youth Employment + Green Energy Leadership |
| Subsidy | 50% of the cost of e-taxi |
| Who Can Apply? | Unemployed youth of HP |
| Additional Benefits | Road tax waiver, toll exemption, permit fee waiver |
| Status | Active |
| Nodal Department | Labour and Employment Department of himachal pradesh |
Objectives of the Scheme
- Combating Unemployment: To alleviate the disappointment and financial hardship caused by unemployment, particularly among the youth.
- Youth Empowerment: To foster self-reliance and financial stability among the state’s young population
- Green Energy Leadership: A crucial objective is to transform Himachal Pradesh into the country’s first green energy state. By 2026, the scheme aims for Himachal Pradesh to become a model state for electric vehicles.
- Promoting Entrepreneurship: To establish a robust enterprise-based environment across the state
How Does The Scheme Support Youth & Green Initiatives?
- Financial Support and Loan Facilities: The scheme offers substantial financial assistance, with banks providing up to 90% of the project cost as a term or composite loan for setting up new industries
- Support for Green Initiatives: The scheme specifically aims to provide incentives to new projects, particularly those related to the green sector. Youth are encouraged to purchase e-buses, electric taxis, and electric trucks. This is intended to help Himachal Pradesh develop as a model state for electric vehicles by 2026.
- Addresses Unemployment and Economic Problems: A basic objective of the scheme is to combat the increase in unemployment, especially among youth, which resulted from factory closures during the lockdown. It seeks to alleviate the disappointment and frustration caused by poverty and economic problems.
- Empowerment and Financial Strength: The scheme’s objective is to make the youth of the state empowered, self-reliant, and financially strong. Unemployed youth in Himachal Pradesh are the primary beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To benefit from the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana, applicants must meet specific criteria–
- The beneficiary must be a resident of Himachal Pradesh.
- Age Limit: The applicant’s age should be between 18 and 45 years.
- Female applicants receive a relaxation of 5 years in the maximum age limit.
- For E-taxis, the applicant must be older 23 years of age.
- Educational Qualification: The beneficiary should be at least 10th pass.
- Prior Scheme Benefits: The applicant should not have availed benefits from any other central or state government scheme.
- Financial Standing: The applicant should not have been declared bankrupt by any bank or institution.
- Employment: Applicant must be unemployed or underemployed.
What Benefits Are Offered?
The Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana offers a range of significant benefits designed to foster self-employment and entrepreneurship among the youth of Himachal Pradesh, with a particular emphasis on green initiatives.
1. Financial Assistance for Project Setup:
- Banks will provide up to 90% of the project cost as a term or composite loan for setting up a new industry. This means banks will cover the majority of the project expenses.
- The beneficiary is only required to bear 10% of the expenditure themselves.
- Enterprises are required to commence commercial production within two years of receiving the first loan instalment from the bank under this scheme.
2. Investment Subsidy:
- The government will provide a 25% subsidy on the investment for plant and machinery or equipment.
- This subsidy can go up to a maximum of ₹60 lakh.
- It’s important that the total project cost, including working capital, should not exceed ₹1 crore
3. Enhanced Benefits Based on Categories:
To ensure broader inclusion and support for specific groups, the scheme offers increased subsidies
- For Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Beneficiaries:
- The investment subsidy limit is increased to 30%.
- For Women and Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities) Beneficiaries:
- The investment subsidy limit is set at 35%.
4. Projects under this scheme
- Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- Youth will be actively encouraged to purchase e-buses, electric taxis, and electric trucks.
- A significant 50% subsidy limit is fixed for all categories of beneficiaries purchasing e-taxi, e-truck, e-bus, and e-tempo. This scheme was first briefed in the EV Policy of Himachal Pradesh.
- This focus aligns with the scheme’s aim for Himachal Pradesh to become the country’s first “green energy state” and a model state for electric vehicles by 2026.
- Commercial Solar Power Projects:
- Facilities and incentives are provided to encourage youth to set up commercial solar power projects up to 1 MW.
- Dental Clinics:
- Facilities will also be provided to encourage the youth to set up dental clinics. The applicant can avail the benefits to purchase dental equipment/machinery from this scheme.
- Fisheries Projects:
- The scheme supports youth in undertaking fisheries projects by providing the necessary facilities
It’s important that the total project cost, including working capital, should not exceed ₹1 crore
Required Documents:
- Aadhar Card
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate
- Birth/School Certificate (for age proof)
- Income Certificate
- Driving License (for commercial use)
- Passport-size Photo
- Bank account details
How to apply for the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme
To apply for this scheme, the applicants must visit the Govt portal http://rgssy.com/applicant-register.
