DW BUREAU / Kangra The State Government was aware of the hardships faced by the private transporters of the State, therefore has provided several concessions to them. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing the 'Samman Samaroh' of Himachal Pradesh Private Bus Operator's Union at Dargola in Shahpur Vidhan Sabha area of Kangra district today. He said that the State Government has approved Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Transport Scheme to promote low cost transport operations in rural areas. Under this scheme, unemployed youth would be given permits for buses upto 18 seater at concessional tax rates and as many as 107 routes have been identified under this scheme and have been advertised. More such routes would be advertised soon to provide transport facilities in the rural areas, he added. Chief Minister said that the State Government was also aware of the hardships faced by the transporters during the Covid-19 pandemic as this was the most severely affected sector during pandemic. He said that the Government provided relief by waiving 100 percent tax to all commercial vehicles during the epidemic and loan amount of Rs. 11 crores were provided to stage carriage operators to run their buses smoothly under Interest Subvention Scheme on Working Capital. He said that the State provided tax relief for twenty months, which was probably maximum in the country as about Rs.120 crore benefits were provided to the transporters. He said that the frontline workers played a crucial role in helping the State Government to tackle spread of this deadly virus and at the same time keep the economy going. Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government has decided that "Zero Billing" would be done for consumption of upto 60 units benefitting about 4.50 lakh consumers. He said that cheaper electricity would also be provided at the subsidized rate of rupees 1 per unit which would benefit over 7 lakh consumers consuming between 61 to 125 units. The electricity rate would be 30 paise per unit for farmers, he added. Chief Minister said that he had announced in the budget to reduce age limit for old age pension, irrespective of income to 60 years for all. He said that all such pensioners who were currently getting a pension of Rs.850 per month, will now get Rs.1,000 per month, whereas such pensioners who are currently getting a pension of Rs.1,000 per month, would now get Rs.1,500 per month and all such pensioners who were currently getting a pension of Rs.1,500 per month, will now get Rs.1,700 per month. He said that women in the age group 60 to 65 years would also be entitled to old age pension without any income limit. Chief Minister announced opening of Model Career Centre in Shahpur constituency. He also announced opening of Veterinary dispensaries at Kutharna and Tatwani, upgradation of PHC Chari to CHC and Rs 1 crore for building of CHC Lang. He said that the matter for construction of indoor stadium at Shahpur would be taken up with the Government of India at the earliest. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sarveen Chaudhary while welcoming the Chief Minister said that the present State Government has provided several incentives to the private bus operators of the State to provide relief from the adversely affected economy due to the pandemic. (editor@dailyworld.in)