Explanation:

The state government of Himachal Pradesh has unveiled a transformative scheme aimed at providing a significant boost to employment opportunities for its unemployed youth while simultaneously promoting environmentally friendly initiatives.

Under this ambitious program, unemployed Himachali youth over the age of 23 will be eligible for a 50% subsidy on loans to purchase e-taxis and e-buses. Notably, these loans will not require any collateral guarantees, making the scheme accessible and attractive to many young people seeking employment.

While officially announcing the e taxi scheme, the state government has highlighted the potential financial benefits, stating that for an e-taxi costing Rs 20 lakh, the state government would provide a substantial subsidy of Rs 10 lakh.

It is noteworthy here that the launch of this e-taxi scheme marks the first phase of the broader Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Yojna. As part of this initiative, a new website by the Transport Department has been launched to facilitate online registrations. This step is crucial for streamlining the application process and ensuring that eligible candidates can easily apply for the scheme. In its initial rollout, 500 permits for e-taxis will be issued, with plans to increase the number of permits based on future demand.