What is the news?

 

• • • The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to start Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start Up Yojna, Phase (II) for setting up Solar Power Projects (SPPs) for youth aged between 21 to 45 years.

• • Aim: To promote self-employment, clean energy, and renewable energy targets in the state.
• • Target Group: Youths aged 21-45 years.

 

Project Details:

 

• • • Scheme Name: Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start Up Yojna, Phase (II)
  • • Focus: Setting up Solar Power Projects (SPPs) with capacities ranging from 100 kW to 500 kW.

 

Financial Assistance:

 

• • 70% bank loan facilitated by the government.

• • 30% equity provided by the government.

• • Beneficiary pays 10% as security deposit.

 

Estimated Income:

 

• • Rs. 20,000 per month for a 100 kW project.

• • Rs. 40,000 per month for a 200 kW project.

• • Rs. 1 lakh per month for a 500 kW project.

 

Income duration: 25 years.

 

Land Requirement:

 

• • 3 bighas for a 100 kW project.

• • 5 bighas for a 200 kW project.

• • 10 bighas for a 500 kW project.

 

Eligibility:

 

• • Young individuals between 21 and 45 years old who own at least three bighas of land are eligible to apply. This criterion ensures the availability of necessary space for the project and encourages rural youth participation.
• • Land Ownership Flexibility: Importantly, the land for the project does not need to be owned by the applicant themselves. They can utilize ancestral land or lease land for the project, expanding participation possibilities.

 

Objectives:

 

• • Create self-employment opportunities:* Empower young people to become entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector.
• • Promote clean energy: Contribute to Himachal Pradesh’s clean energy goals by increasing solar power generation.
• • Achieve renewable energy targets:* Help the state meet its ambitious renewable energy targets.

 

Benefits:

 

• • Creates self-employment opportunities for youth.

• • Contributes to the state’s clean energy initiatives and renewable energy targets.

• • Provides a steady income source for beneficiaries.

• • Boosts the state’s economy.

 

Implementation:

 

• • The scheme will be implemented through the Department of Industries.

• • Interested candidates can apply online or at designated offices.

• • Training and technical support will be provided to beneficiaries.

 

Significance:

 

• • This initiative could create significant employment opportunities for young people in Himachal Pradesh.

• • It aligns with the growing demand for clean energy and helps the state achieve its renewable energy goals.

• • The financial assistance and income generation potential make the project attractive for young entrepreneurs.

 

Additional Information:

 

• • The scheme was announced on January 1, 2024.

• • It is expected to benefit thousands of youth in the state.

• • For more details and application procedure, please visit the official website of the Department of Industries, Himachal Pradesh.

 

 

Expected Benefits:

 

• • Job Creation: The initiative is expected to create significant employment opportunities for the youth, both directly in project development and maintenance, and indirectly through the generation of additional economic activity.

• • Clean Energy Contribution: By promoting solar power generation, the scheme will contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

• • Rural Development: The program specifically targets rural youth, fostering entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth in these areas.

• • Sustainable Income: The monthly income generation opportunity empowers participants to achieve financial independence and improve their livelihoods.

QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

Benefits:

• • Promotes self-employment: The scheme empowers youth (21-45 years) to become entrepreneurs in the clean energy sector, generating income and creating jobs.

• • Boosts clean energy adoption: Encourages solar power generation, contributing to the state’s renewable energy targets and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

• • Financial assistance: 70% bank loans facilitated by the government and 30% equity provided by the government make the scheme accessible to young entrepreneurs with limited capital.

• • Steady income source: Estimated monthly income ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1 lakh provides financial stability and improves living standards.

• • Economic boost: Increased solar power generation contributes to grid stability and potentially attracts investments in related sectors.

 

Challenges:

 

• • Land availability: Securing 3-10 bighas of land, especially for larger projects, could be difficult for young entrepreneurs, particularly in densely populated areas.

• • Technical expertise: Beneficiaries might require training and technical support to ensure efficient project operation and maintenance.

• • Market access: Integrating generated solar power into the grid or finding buyers for surplus electricity could pose challenges.

• • Loan repayment: Timely loan repayment might be difficult for some beneficiaries if income generation falls below expectations.

• • Sustainability: Long-term project sustainability requires proper planning, maintenance, and market linkages.

• • Overall, the scheme has the potential to empower youth and accelerate clean energy adoption, but addressing the identified challenges is crucial for its long-term success.

 

Model Answer:

 

Comparison with other schemes:

 

• • Similarities: All schemes aim to empower youth entrepreneurs and contribute to economic growth.
• • Differences: The Himachal scheme offers a unique combination of financial assistance, clean energy focus, and targeted beneficiary group.
• • National Skill Development Mission: Focuses on skill development across various sectors, including renewable energy. However, financial assistance might be limited compared to the Himachal scheme.

• • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: Provides financial assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across sectors, but might not specifically target clean energy.

• • Startup India: Offers various incentives and support mechanisms for startups, but clean energy focus might be indirect.

 

Impact on sustainable development goals (SDGs):

 

• • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Creates employment opportunities and promotes sustainable livelihoods for youth.

• • SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Increases access to clean energy, reduces carbon footprint, and contributes to climate change mitigation.

• • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): Fosters innovation in the clean energy sector and promotes sustainable infrastructure development.

• • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Empowers young people, particularly in rural areas, and contributes to inclusive and equitable economic growth.

• • However, the overall impact depends on effective implementation, addressing scheme-specific challenges, and ensuring wider adoption of such initiatives across the country.

 

Remember, these are just two examples of Himachal HPAS Mains questions inspired by the current news. Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!