Himachal Pradesh has taken some innovative steps that have made service delivery in the sectors of Police and Safety, Transport, Health and e-Governance much more transparent and efficient. Himachal Pradesh is ranked 19th in the SKOCH State of Governance 2018. The state was ranked 18th in 2017 and 10th in 2016.

SKOCH studied their projects in varied sectors and found that one project namely ‘Sehbhagita: Hamari aur Aapki’ has potential and can perform. Initiated by the Police Department, it is based on the idea that for solving any social problem, society must stand together with the state police. More interaction would not only build trust but also create deep assets for information and keep criminals and crimes under check. Such an idea makes everyone responsible for keeping a vigil on any wrongdoings in any area.

Around 300 different government bodies and 32 Panchayats are actively engaged while around 15000 people are engaged directly or indirectly in this project which literally mean “Partnership: Yours and Ours”. People have started volunteering for the meetings, presentations and discussions and police are informed about illicit liquor and illegal sale of contrabands more frequently now with public participation.

Besides this, SKOCH studied a few other projects including one in hospital safety at the time of any disaster. Department of Elementary Education in Himachal Pradesh has rolled out an impressive system for the automated reporting and management of mid-day meal in schools. The primary objective of this mobile App is instant reporting of meals served in various schools of the state, primarily through SMS from the mobile phones of teachers.

The state has started electric bus service between Manali and Rohtang Pass. Himachal Road Transport Corporation purchased 25 Electric Buses during the year 2017-18 as a pilot project. Starting this year, all these 25 electric buses will be plied on Manali- Rohtang Pass route during tourist season and on other routes during offseason. Rohtang Pass is at an altitude of 13,050 feet and at a distance of 55 Kilometers from Manali. This pass remains open during May to November for tourists and vehicular operation. Not only the plying of electric buses is cost-effective, it also curbs environment pollution especially in high altitude tourist flux areas.

State Economy

Between 2011-12 and 2017-18, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.02 per cent to S1.36 trillion ($ 21.13 billion).

According to the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), during April 2000 to June 2018, FDI inflows in the state totaled to $1.47 billion.

With a hydro power potential of 27,436 MW (of which just 9,755 MW has been harnessed), Himachal Pradesh accounts for 25.9 per cent of the country’s total hydro power potential. As of September 2018, the state had a total installed power capacity of 4,046.81 MW of which 2,910.48 was contributed by hydro power.

Himachal Pradesh has made significant achievements in the field of industrialisation in the past few years. The rich natural resources of the state are favourably suited for investments in major sectors such as procurement of agricultural produce, hydroelectric power, cement and tourism. Himachal Pradesh has made significant achievements in the field of industrialisation in the past few years.

The four agro-climatic conditions in the state support cultivation of multiple crops, vegetables and fruits around the year. The state government is focusing on increasing productivity levels besides diversification towards high-value crops. Production of food grains is targeted at 1.67 million metric tonnes in 2018-19.