The Himachal Pradesh government has expanded its startup scheme to empower youth, introducing phase II of the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start Up Yojna for solar power projects and a new overseas job portal. These initiatives aim to transform job seekers into job creators, offering skill development, financial support, and global opportunities for young Himachalis, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Himachal Govt Bolsters Youth Employment with Expanded Startup Initiatives
The Himachal Pradesh government is intensifying efforts to address youth unemployment by expanding its startup ecosystem and introducing innovative schemes to create sustainable job opportunities. The state has rolled out phase II of the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start Up Yojna, targeting youth aged 21 to 45 for setting up solar power projects (SPPs) with capacities ranging from 100 kW to 500 kW. This initiative, announced in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aligns with the state’s clean energy goals while promoting self-employment. The scheme is expected to stimulate economic growth by enabling young entrepreneurs to contribute to renewable energy development, with the government providing incentives and support for project setup.
In another significant move, the state is launching a dedicated website and mobile application to facilitate overseas employment for Himachali youth. Chief Minister Sukhu directed the Labour and Employment Department to develop this digital platform, which will serve as a comprehensive database for job aspirants, ensuring transparency and protection against exploitation in foreign job markets. Around 10,000 youths from Himachal migrate abroad annually for work, and another 5,000 pursue higher education overseas. In 2023–24, these workers sent back remittances worth ₹2,030 crore, contributing 0.2% to India’s national remittance figure—a notable share for a state with a small population. The platform, managed by the Himachal Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (HPSEDC), a licensed recruitment agency, will connect youth with certified training agencies to align their skills with global demands, particularly in sectors like nursing, healthcare, machine operation, driving, and skilled trades such as electrician and plumbing work.
The Chief Minister’s Startup/Innovation Projects/New Industries Scheme, initially launched to transform educated youth from job seekers to job creators, continues to be a cornerstone of the state’s employment strategy. The scheme offers incentives for startups, including financial assistance, mentorship, and access to incubation centers in host institutions across Himachal. These centers focus on building capacities, fostering networking, and providing infrastructure to support innovative projects. Institutions submit proposals to the Directorate of Industries, where an empowered committee sanctions assistance for approved ideas. The scheme emphasizes entrepreneurship in focus areas like technology, renewable energy, and small-scale industries, with incubation centers acting as hubs to drive innovation.
To further enhance overseas job opportunities, the government is studying best practices from states like Kerala and Telangana, which have robust overseas employment ecosystems. Kerala, for instance, has an overseas employment rate of 57.94 per 1,000 individuals, compared to Himachal’s 5.36 per 1,000. The state aims to bridge this gap by promoting safe migration through registered recruitment agencies and launching awareness campaigns to educate youth about legitimate pathways to international jobs. A dedicated database of Himachali NRIs is also in the works to strengthen connections and support systems for the diaspora.
Additionally, the government is promoting small-scale industries to create local job opportunities. A notable example is the establishment of a bamboo village in Una district on 24 kanal land at Boul village, under the National Bamboo Mission. With a budget of ₹1.17 crore and technical assistance from Pune-based “Bamboo India,” the project aims to train unemployed rural youth in crafting eco-friendly products like furniture, home decor, and hand fans. This initiative not only boosts rural economies but also provides sustainable livelihoods.
The state’s focus on skill development is evident in its collaboration with certified training agencies to prepare youth for high-demand global roles. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the hardworking and honest nature of Himachali youth, underscoring the government’s commitment to securing well-paying jobs abroad while protecting them from fraudulent agencies. The HPSEDC will play a pivotal role in aligning training programs with international standards, ensuring that youth are equipped to compete in global markets.
These initiatives reflect a multi-pronged approach to youth empowerment, combining entrepreneurship, skill development, and global opportunities. The expansion of the startup scheme and the introduction of the overseas job portal are poised to reshape Himachal’s employment landscape, offering young people diverse pathways to success while contributing to the state’s economic and environmental goals.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from sources including Hindustan Times, The Tribune, and ET EnergyWorld. Information is subject to change as new developments emerge. Readers are advised to verify details through official government portals like startuphimachal.hp.gov.in or himachal.nic.in for the latest updates.