Shimla, July 19 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh’s rugged and mountainous Pangi Valley has emerged as a model of sustainable development after being declared the state’s first natural farming sub‑division, the government said on Sunday.
Supported by a Rs 5 crore revolving fund and an assured minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 60 per kg for naturally grown barley, the initiative promotes chemical‑free and climate‑resilient agriculture in the tribal belt.
The government aims to develop tribal regions spanning high‑altitude districts and subdivisions of Lahaul‑Spiti, Kinnaur, Pangi, and Bharmour. These areas are characterised by sparse population, tough terrain and prolonged winters that affect connectivity and service delivery.
Recognising these challenges, the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has prioritised tribal development through focused investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, livelihoods and social welfare.
Scheduled areas comprise 42.49 per cent of the state’s geographical area but are home to only 3.92 lakh people, representing 5.71 per cent of the state’s population. The population density in these regions is just 7 people per sq km, compared with the state average of 123.
Despite these constraints, the government has achieved 100 per cent electrification and safe drinking water coverage in all permanent and seasonal tribal habitations. The tribal population also records a favourable sex ratio of 1,018 women per 1,000 men compared to the state average of 972.
The government continues to earmark nine per cent of its annual development outlay under the Tribal Sub Plan (STP), significantly higher than the Scheduled Tribe population share. During 2024‑25, Rs 890.28 crore was allocated under STP, while Rs 638.73 crore has been provided under the Scheduled Tribe Component for 2025‑26.
Education remains a key priority of the present state government. During 2025‑26, 3,361 tribal students benefited under the pre‑matric scholarship scheme, 5,693 received post‑matric scholarships, and 304 received merit scholarships.
Healthcare delivery in tribal regions has witnessed significant improvement. The tribal belt is served by two district hospitals, six community health centres, 49 primary health centres and 123 health sub‑centres. In addition, 568 Anganwadi Centres are providing nutrition and maternal and child healthcare services to 5,084 Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries.
A major achievement of the government has been the establishment of Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans in Lahaul‑Spiti and Bharmour, equipped with specialist doctors, MRI and CT scan facilities, laboratories and adequate nursing and paramedical staff, bringing advanced healthcare services closer to remote communities.
Women empowerment has emerged as another important pillar of development, with 3,234 women from tribal communities becoming Lakhpati Didis through Self‑Help Groups and livelihood programmes.
Further strengthening social security, eligible women in tribal areas are receiving Rs 1,500 per month in financial assistance under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana.
The decision to celebrate Himachal Day in Kaza marks the first such celebration in the state’s 75‑year history, symbolising the government’s commitment to bringing governance to the doorstep of tribal communities and ensuring inclusive development across the state’s remotest regions.
The government is also promoting sustainable livelihoods through tourism and renewable energy. A five per cent interest subsidy is being provided for establishing, expanding and upgrading homestays in tribal areas for investments up to Rs 5 crore, creating new opportunities for income generation and employment.
–IANS
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