CM Sukhu urges tailored norms for hill states, seeks Nabard support for solar, e-buses and rural value chains

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has urged the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) to provide funding support for ground-mounted solar projects under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).

In a meeting with Nabard Deputy Managing Director Goverdhan Singh Rawat, Sukhu said such financing would enable Panchayats to achieve energy self-sufficiency while advancing the state government’s ‘Green Himachal’ vision. He also suggested that electric buses be included within the ambit of RIDF assistance.

Calling for differentiated norms for hill states, Sukhu proposed that allocation decisions consider factors such as forest cover, greening measures and ecological contributions. He further sought Nabard’s backing to build efficient supply and value chains in fisheries and animal husbandry, aimed at raising farm incomes. Greater flexibility in project execution was also highlighted as a requirement.

Nabard officials, while noting challenges under Section 118 for cooperative societies, advised that milk procurement be handled through existing Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) and stressed the need to expedite PACS computerisation.

The Chief Minister assured that all inputs from Nabard would be carefully examined for integration into the state’s development roadmap. Nabard representatives, in turn, committed to placing the proposals before higher authorities for possible inclusion in future policies.