Empowering Tribal Communities: Himachal’s Journey Toward Inclusive Growth
The Himachal Pradesh Government, led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is working with a clear vision: to ensure that the state’s tribal regions grow with dignity, opportunity, and sustainability. With tribal communities making up nearly 6% of the population, their welfare isn’t just a policy—it’s at the heart of the development agenda.
Focused Investment in Tribal Growth
- Dedicated funding: 9% of the State Plan is reserved for tribal development.
- Strong commitment: ₹2,386 crore invested in the last three years, with another ₹638 crore earmarked for 2025-26.
Farming & Livelihoods
- Natural farming milestone: Pangi valley became the state’s first Natural Farming Sub-Division in April 2025.
- Farmer support: Barley procurement at ₹60/kg has already benefited local cultivators.
- Women-focused welfare: The Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojna launched in Spiti in 2024.
Youth Employment & Self-Reliance
- Transport sector boost: 40% subsidy for buses and traveler vehicles, plus road tax exemptions.
- Renewable energy opportunities: 5% interest subsidy for solar projects (100 KW–2 MW).
Infrastructure & Connectivity
- Roads & bridges: ₹476 crore spent, 3,148 km of roads built (61% paved).
- Snow-bound areas: Tender processes fast-tracked to begin construction as soon as weather allows.
- Kinnaur connectivity: A new road planned at Nigulsari to bypass landslide-prone NH-5.
Education & Research
- Eklavya Model Schools: Four operational campuses with 1,008 students enrolled.
- Expansion underway: New campuses at Pangi and Kukumseri, plus residential facilities at Nichar.
- Tribal Research Institute: DPR worth ₹40 crore submitted for approval.
Health & Veterinary Care
- Healthcare network: 2 regional hospitals, 6 civil hospitals, 46 primary health centres, and more.
- Ayurveda & veterinary services: 73 ayurvedic dispensaries, 48 veterinary hospitals, and 118 dispensaries.
Tourism & Culture
- Border tourism: Shipki-La in Kinnaur has seen tourist footfall triple.
- Future plans: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La under consideration.
- Unique experiences: Buddhist circuits, astro-tourism at Kaza, and eco-tourism at Chandra Tal, Rakchham, and Nako-Chango.
Sustainable Energy
- Solar solutions: Off-grid systems installed in 148 households across remote villages.
- Power plants: 2 MW solar plant commissioned at Kaza; more projects underway in Pangi and Spiti.
Land & Community Welfare
- Forest Rights Act: Over 1,000 land titles distributed by September 2025.
- Community spaces: Tribal Bhawans under construction at Rampur and Nurpur.
The Bigger Picture
Thanks to sustained investment and inclusive planning, tribal regions today enjoy higher per capita incomes than the state average and show stronger social indicators, including a healthier sex ratio.
Chief Minister Sukhu’s vision is clear: every village, every family, and every individual in Himachal’s tribal and border areas should share in the prosperity of the state.
