Himachal Pradesh Renames Solar Scheme, Declares New Industrial Areas, and Summons Vidhan Sabha

The Government of Himachal Pradesh recently enacted several legislative and administrative measures, including the renaming of a key solar power scheme, the declaration of new industrial zones, and the formal summoning of the state's legislative assembly. These actions, published in the Official Gazette, reflect ongoing efforts in energy promotion, economic development, and administrative governance across the state.

The Non-Conventional Energy Sources Department issued a notification on November 1, 2025, which amended the existing "Scheme For Setting Up Solar Power Projects With Interest Subsidy for Bonafide Himachalis." This scheme was notably renamed the "Rajiv Gandhi Startup Swarozgaar Saur Urja Yojana" and came into force with immediate effect. The amendments primarily focused on revising interest subsidy rates for ground-mounted Solar Power Projects (SPPs) ranging from 100 kW to 2 MW. Specifically, the notification stipulated a five percent interest subsidy for projects located in tribal areas and a four percent interest subsidy for those in non-tribal areas. The legislation provided: “5% interest subsidy shall be provided for setting up ground-mounted Solar Power Projects (SPPs) ranging from 100 kW to 2 MW in tribal areas.” All other terms and conditions of the original scheme remained unchanged. Concurrently, the Industries Department, through a notification dated November 3, 2025, declared five new "Industrial Areas" across the state, including locations in Hamirpur and Solan districts, to foster industrialization. This declaration, made on the recommendations of the Standing Committee, also took immediate effect.

Further administrative actions included the Elementary Education Department's order on November 1, 2025, for the opening of three new Government Primary Schools in District Solan, which are slated to become operational from the academic session 2026-27. The Town and Country Planning Department, on October 29, 2025, nominated seven non-official members to the Special Area Development Authority, Keylong, District Lahaul & Spiti, exercising powers under sub-section (1) of Section 67 of the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977, with immediate effect. The Law Department issued multiple notices in late October and early November 2025, inviting public objections within seven days of publication against applications for notary appointments in District Kangra, Kullu, and Sirmaur, under Rules 4 and 6 of the Notaries Rules, 1956. A corrigendum from the General Administration Department on November 3, 2025, rectified a previous notification by nominating Sh. Sanjay Thakur as a non-official member in the H.P. Rajput Kalyan Board, replacing Sh. Karam Chand Sharma, effective immediately. Additionally, the Panchayati Raj Department issued a corrigendum on October 24, 2025, clarifying the official Hindi and English name of Gram Sabha at Sr. No. 176 of Schedule-A as “कौलां वाला टोबा” (Kaulan Wala Toba) for use in the Local Government Directory and other government schemes.

The legislative intent behind the renamed solar scheme, "Rajiv Gandhi Startup Swarozgaar Saur Urja Yojana," is to promote the adoption of solar energy by providing targeted financial incentives, thereby supporting bonafide Himachalis in establishing solar power projects and contributing to the state's renewable energy goals. This measure addresses the need for sustainable energy development and aims to stimulate local entrepreneurship in the green energy sector. The declaration of new industrial areas by the Industries Department underscores the policy rationale of accelerating industrialization and economic growth by providing designated zones for industrial activities, thereby attracting investment and creating employment opportunities. The summoning of the Fourteenth Vidhan Sabha for its Tenth Session, as ordered by the Governor on November 4, 2025, under Article 174(1) of the Constitution of India, ensures the continuity of legislative functions and allows for deliberation on state matters. The opening of new primary schools aims to expand access to elementary education in underserved areas of District Solan, addressing existing gaps in educational infrastructure. The nominations to the Special Area Development Authority are intended to strengthen local governance and ensure community representation in planning and development decisions. The public notices for notary appointments uphold transparency and due process in the legal profession, allowing for public scrutiny before official appointments are made. The corrigenda issued by the General Administration and Panchayati Raj Departments serve to maintain accuracy in official records and administrative appointments, ensuring clarity and correct implementation of policies and schemes.

Keywords: Himachal Pradesh, Solar Power Projects, Interest Subsidy, Industrial Areas, Vidhan Sabha, Notary Appointments, Primary Schools, Gram Sabha, Legislative Assembly, Renewable Energy

Geo Tags: India, Himachal Pradesh District: Solan, Lahaul & Spiti, Kangra, Kullu, Sirmaur, Una, Hamirpur