Himachal Pradesh News
Rajesh Dharmani Announces Rs 2 Crore Innovation Fund to Boost Youth Skills and Startups in Himachal Pradesh
In a major push to strengthen the startup ecosystem and enhance employability among young people, Himachal Pradesh’s Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani has announced the creation of a Rs 2 crore innovation fund aimed at promoting creativity, entrepreneurship, and industry-ready skills across the state.
In a major push to strengthen the startup ecosystem and enhance employability among young people, Himachal Pradesh’s Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani has announced the creation of a Rs 2 crore innovation fund aimed at promoting creativity, entrepreneurship, and industry-ready skills across the state.
Chairing a high-level meeting with various departments and the Himachal Pradesh Technical Education Board, Dharmani emphasized that the government’s core focus is to provide high-quality, modern skill training aligned with global industry standards.
A Big Push for Young Innovators
According to the minister, the newly established innovation fund will nurture fresh ideas and help young minds turn concepts into viable businesses.
“The youth of Himachal are full of new ideas. We are taking effective steps to encourage them to become entrepreneurs,” Dharmani said, underlining the government’s commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem.
The initiative is expected to provide financial and institutional support to emerging innovators, especially those from technical institutions.
Special Focus on Girls and Inclusive Growth
In a move aimed at inclusive development, Dharmani also revealed that a new scholarship scheme—particularly focused on supporting girls—will soon be introduced. The goal is to ensure equal opportunities in technical education and entrepreneurship.
This step is being seen as an important effort to bridge gender gaps in skill-based sectors and emerging industries.
Future-Ready Technical Education System
Highlighting the rapidly changing global job market, the minister stated that the state is developing a future-focused technical education framework aligned with international industrial demands.
Students will be trained in:
- Digital and IT-enabled skills
- Emerging technologies
- Market-oriented vocational courses
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based programmes
Dharmani stressed that integrating AI and advanced digital tools into the curriculum is no longer optional but essential in today’s information-driven era.
New ITI Courses in High-Potential Sectors
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Himachal Pradesh will soon introduce new courses in:
- Horticulture
- Natural farming
- Dairy technology
The state also sees immense potential in the bio-pharma sector, and the minister urged departments to tap into innovation opportunities in this field.
Stronger Industry Linkages and Apprenticeships
To improve employability, the Technical Education Board has been directed to design courses based on current market demand. The government plans to:
- Strengthen industry partnerships
- Expand apprenticeship programmes
- Encourage entrepreneurship through real-world exposure
Dharmani also suggested incorporating success stories of local entrepreneurs into academic curricula to inspire students and provide practical role models.
A Vision Beyond Classrooms
The minister noted that trainees from government technical institutions are already performing impressively at the national level. With structured innovation funding, upgraded curriculum, and stronger industry ties, Himachal Pradesh aims to position itself as a rising hub for skill-based startups and tech-driven entrepreneurship.
The Rs 2 crore innovation fund marks a significant step toward empowering youth, creating job creators instead of job seekers, and aligning the state’s technical education system with the demands of the future.
