The Newz Radar
New Delhi: In an outstanding stride towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, Himachal Pradesh emerged as the “Best Performer” in the State’s Startup Ranking 2022, under category B (population less than 1 crore).
The award was presented during an event organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on January 16.
The journey to this achievement began in 2016 when Himachal Pradesh proactively initiated the development of a startup ecosystem in the state.
The consistent efforts were recognized over the years, marking the state as an “aspiring leader” in the State Ranking Framework Exercise in 2018 and an “Emerging Startup Ecosystem” in 2019. In the subsequent “State’s Startup Ranking 2020-21,” Himachal Pradesh’s commitment was acknowledged again, earning the title “Aspiring Leaders.”
The state received praise for several initiatives contributing to its thriving startup ecosystem. Noteworthy accomplishments include the formulation of a comprehensive and inclusive Startup Policy, the simplification of public procurement norms for startups, and the launch of the Him Startup Yojana (HIMSUP) – a venture fund with a budget allocation of Rs 10 crore aimed at promoting and encouraging new entrepreneurs.
In the latest evaluation under the “State’s Startup Ranking 2022,” Himachal Pradesh was assessed on seven reform areas and 27 action points, securing the coveted title of “Best Performer”. This recognition positioned the state alongside stalwarts like Gujarat and Karnataka in its category.
The Industries Minister of Himachal Pradesh commended the Industries Department and the startup team for their dedicated efforts, emphasizing the significance of the “Best Performer” award for the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed the state’s aspirations to become a global leader in building the startup ecosystem, committed to accelerating industrialization and generating employment opportunities.
Acknowledged initiatives included the development of an interactive startup portal for ecosystem enablers, effective mechanisms for awareness and outreach in Higher Education Institutes, and initiatives providing startups with showcase and marketing opportunities.
The Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, received a certificate of appreciation, while R D Nazeem, IAS, Principal Secretary Industries, Rakesh Kumar Prajapati, IAS, Director Industries, and Deepika Khatri, Joint Director, Department of Industries, were individually honoured with certificates of commendation for their outstanding contributions.
The state government plans to introduce a new startup policy with special provisions for rural-based startups and women-led startups. Additionally, three new incubation centers will be established at the Indian Institute of Management, Sirmaur, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur, and the Department of Digital Technologies & Governance, Shimla.
Himachal Pradesh, with the highest number of incubation centers per capita, has solidified its position as a capacity-building pioneer, funding leader, sustainability promoter, incubation hub, mentorship champion, innovative leader, and institutional champion.
In a parallel achievement, the state was recently adjudged as an “Outstanding Performing” state under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises at World Food India, receiving recognition from the President of India.
