Shimla: Chairing a review meeting of HIMUDA today Urban and Town Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani announced that youth-led startups will be encouraged under the HIMUDA Startup and Student Innovation Policy.
Under this policy a startup fund of Rs. 25 lakh for one year has been allocated by HIMUDA. Each eligible startup proposal will receive funding of up to Rs. 5 lakh. The primary objective of the policy is to create a robust ecosystem to promote innovation and startups in the state. This initiative is expected to accelerate economic growth and generate employment opportunities, playing a significant role in shaping a vibrant startup ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh.
Minister Dharmani also emphasized that along with sustainable development goals, well-planned development projects are being promoted across the state. He instructed HIMUDA officials to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects. Highlighting the state’s tourism potential, he informed that a Tourism Village will be developed in Narghota, Kangra district. Furthermore, HIMUDA has been directed to explore opportunities for Spiritual Township’ projects to further enhance tourism prospects in the state.
The Minister also highlighted efforts to develop Himachal Pradesh as an IT Hub, directing that work on IT Township projects should continue. In Shimla, he reviewed the Mountain City project at Jathiya Devi aimed at reducing congestion in the city. Discussions were also held regarding real estate projects in collaboration with private partners.
HIMUDA has streamlined several long-standing non-functional posts and, to strengthen its operational framework, 46 new posts across different categories have been created.
The meeting was attended by HIMUDA Vice-Chairperson Yashwant Chajta, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, CEO HIMUDA & Secretary Dr. Surender Kumar Vashisth and other senior officials.