Unemployed individuals from Himachal Pradesh aged 23 and above are set to benefit from a 50 percent subsidy on loans for the acquisition of e-taxis and e-buses, with no collateral guarantee required. This initiative, launched under the first phase of the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Yojna, aims to generate employment opportunities and promote environmentally friendly practises.
In the scenario where the e-taxi costs Rs 20 lakh, a subsidy of Rs 10 lakh will be extended. These e-taxis will be affiliated with various government departments, ensuring a monthly income of approximately Rs 40,000, as announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
The scheme, a key promise outlined in the Congress Party's Pratigya Patra, is part of the government's commitment to providing employment to the youth and transitioning Himachal into a green state by 2026. The subsidy for unemployed youth seeking to purchase e-taxis and e-buses will be accompanied by the absence of collateral guarantees for bank loans, Sukhu affirmed during media interactions.
In the initial phase, 500 permits will be issued, with a provision for an increase based on future demand. Interested youth are required to apply for e-taxis through the government's online portal within a month. Eligible individuals above 23 years of age will then be linked to the startup scheme, and e-taxi permits will be issued.
Once the e-taxi permit is granted, registration with the Labour Department will initiate the loan process without the need for collateral guarantees. The subsidy, obtained after depositing the margin money, will be directly released through banks to facilitate the purchase of the taxi.
To support the seamless operation of e-vehicles, charging points will be established at all Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum petrol pumps. Additionally, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the State Electricity Board are tasked with providing e-charging stations along six identified corridors.
The government's broader plan includes replacing the entire fleet of approximately 3,000 HRTC buses with e-buses. Initial procurement involves 350 e-buses, with a further 1,500 planned over the next three years to encourage e-buses in the private sector. Out of a total of 107 permits issued, 24 pertain to e-buses, and a subsidy of Rs 50 lakh will be provided for each e-bus costing Rs 1 crore.
The second phase of the scheme will focus on encouraging youth to establish solar energy projects, with the draft currently in the finalisation stage. Additionally, the third phase will extend subsidies for agricultural ventures, and plans are underway to offer a 90 percent subsidy to youth involved in pisciculture.