Himachal Pradesh Monthly Current Affairs [September 2023]

Books launched in the month of September:

Jeevan Ka Aadhar–Aap ka Poushtik Aahar authored by Lalit Gupta. This booklet would provide essential information about the nutritional and dietary elements necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
‘First Freedom Struggle’ authored by Jagdish Sharma.

CM calls on youth to take lead in setting up solar projects

The government was encouraging the youth to set up solar power projects in the state. So that it would ensure a stable income source for them as the government will purchase the electricity generated from these solar projects for a span of 25 years.
The State Government is committed to harness solar power in order to promote clean energy and provide self-employment opportunities to the youth.
A substantial 40 percent subsidy is being provided by the government to set up solar power projects with a capacity ranging from 250 KW to two MW on their land.
A target has been set to make Himachal Pradesh a ‘Green Energy State’ by 31st March, 2026 and to achieve this goal, the government is diversifying its energy sources.
As part of the strategy, the government has set an ambitious target of initiating new solar energy projects with a combined capacity of 500 MW in the fiscal year 2023-24.
This proactive approach towards renewable energy not only supports environmental conservation but also creates opportunities for economic growth and employment, thereby making Himachal Pradesh a pioneer of clean energy in the country.

CM announces to set up ‘Rajya Chayan Aayog’ in place of Staff Selection Commission:

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Mukhya Mantri Sporting Abilities, Rebuilding Aspirations and Livelihood Scheme (SABAL).
This scheme intends to take special care of such children in around 400 schools across Hamirpur, Solan and Shimla districts.

‘Abhyas Himachal’ and ‘Shikshak Sahayata’ chatbots launched by CM:

Chief Minister launched ‘Abhyas Himachal’ and ‘Shikshak Sahayata‘ chatbots, accessible via the Swift Chat app, offering ease similar to WhatsApp and powered by conversational Artificial Intelligence.
These chatbots will enable students to revise lessons at their convenience, from any location from their mobile phones.
This facility features a quiz-based format and provides educational videos that can be utilized by both students and teachers to enhance the learning and teaching experience in the classroom as well.

“Sampark Science TV Program” launched by CM:

The Chief Minister also launched “Sampark Science TV Program,” designed to transform ordinary TVs into Smart TVs.
This innovation aims to enhance children’s learning experiences, especially in subjects like mathematics and English.
The device comes preloaded with educational materials, eliminating the need for an internet connection.

Sabal Yojana for specially-abled children:

Sabal Yojana was aimed to improve the lives of specially-abled children in the state.
The initiative focuses on providing essential facilities and opportunities for them.
The state government has made a provision of two per cent reservation in government jobs for specially-abled individuals and the recruitment process for this, was set to commence on a mission mode shortly.
CM announced to enhance the education stipend provided to specially-abled children to Rs. 1000.

The Chief Minister announced to set up ‘Rajya Chayan Aayog’ in place of the Staff Selection Commission in Hamirpur:

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu decided to establish Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog to conduct examinations for the recruitment of various Group-C posts under the State Government, PSUs, Boards, Corporations, Local Bodies etc. in place of disbanded Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission Hamirpur.

CM announces five thousand to the meritorious students

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over Medhavi Chattar Samaan Samaroh-2023, organised by a daily newspaper here today distributed prizes to 260 students of 10^th and 12^th standard.
He also announced to give Rs 5000 each to the meritorious students and said that the state government was working with an objective to bring qualitative changes in the education sector.

Cabinet approved ‘Mukhyamantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna- 2023’

The Cabinet approved ‘Mukhyamantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna- 2023’ and decided to allocate Rs. 40 crore under the Scheme.
This scheme will provide better opportunities for availing loans to small entrepreneurs and skill based workers like cobblers, tailors, barbers, mobile repairing vendors, vegetable and fruit vendors etc. for their business.

Cabinet decided to bring the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2023:

Cabinet decided to bring the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the upcoming Monsoon session of HP Vidhan Sabha to address the issue of delayed decisions of Revenue Court cases and to streamline the various revenue operations like partitions, corrections, mutations, appeals and demarcations etc. to facilitate the public.

Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021 amended:

It also gave its nod to amend Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021 in order to manage the shortfall of energy during the lean period due to climatic, topographic and other associated reasons.
The new provisions will encourage the installation of rooftop-based solar projects and contribute to power generation.

Mukhya Mantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna (MMLDKY):

In a bid to bolster small-scale enterprises and support skill-based workers, the State Government has decided to launch Mukhya Mantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna (MMLDKY).
Under the scheme, the State Government will provide accessible loans of up to Rs. 50,000 with a substantial 50 percent interest subsidy.
MMLDKY scheme has been prepared to encompass small enterprises and skill-based workers such as cobblers, tailors, barbers, mobile repairing vendors, vegetable and fruit vendors, and more, residing and conducting their businesses in rural areas.
In its initial phase, the scheme targets the inclusion of 75,000 individuals falling in the age group of 18-55 years.
To ensure seamless implementation, the State Government has earmarked a substantial budget of Rs. 40 crore for the scheme.
The entire loan approval process will be streamlined through an online application system, set to be developed by the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance.

The historical Bantony Castle thrown open for General Public

Revamped at a cost of Rs. 25 crore
Spanning across 20,000 square meters, the newly renovated marvel boasts of stunning Anglo-Gothic architecture and is expected to be a major attraction for the tourists and locals.
Visitors to the Bantony Castle can now explore captivating exhibits dedicated to various facets of history, which include insights into Mahatma Gandhi’s visits to Shimla, detailed biographies of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar and Satyanand Stokes, a comprehensive history of Shimla city and a tribute to the bravehearts of Indian freedom struggle.

History of Bantony Castle: Built in the 19th century, the 20,000-square metre estate is the former summer palace of the Maharaja of Sirmaur Surender Bikram Prakash. Named after the former Governor-General of India, Lord William Bentinck, the two-storey monumental castle was designed by TEG Cooper during the First World War. The main building is a two-storey structure constructed in the mock Tudor Style, part chalet and crowned with a sloping roof with mini towers.