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HP Economic Survey 2017-18: State recorded 6.3% growth rate, 1, 58,462 per capita income
Shimla: The Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today presented the Economic Survey 2017-18 of Himachal Pradesh in the Vidhan Sabha. The HP Economic and Statistics Department has prepared this document.
The Growth rate of the Pradesh for the current financial year 2017-18 has been estimated at 6.3%. Per Capita Income is estimated at `1, 58,462, he said.
The GSDP of State at current prices in 2016-17 increased to `1,24,236 crore from `1,13,355 crore in 2015-16 and as per advance estimates it is likely to be about `1,35,914 crore in 2017-18.
The growth rate of the state for the last three years is below the national growth rate, he informed.
He informed that the Swachh Bharat Mission is being implemented in all the 12 districts of the State. Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme total 156.54 lakh man-days have been generated and employment has been provided to 4,32,005 households, he further added.
List of HP Economic Survey 2017-18 highlights
- 2,144 Bank branches are functioning in the State as on 30.09.2017
- The Credit Deposit Ratio of Pradesh is 44.60
- The average population per branch in the State comes to 3,202 against the National level of 11,000
- The total revenue of `4,613.15 crores have been mobilised upto December, 2017
- During December 2016 to December 2017, the All India Wholesale Price Index shows an inflation rate of 3.6%.
- The Consumer Price Index for Himachal Pradesh increased by 5.3% in December 2017
- There are 18,38,036 ration card holders which are being provided with essential commodities through 4,922 fair price shops
- There are 152 Gas agencies, 386 Petrol pumps and 25 wholesale kerosene oil dealers working in the state
- The Agriculture sector in the State generates about 10% of the total Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)
- 43 percent of Kisan credit cards have been disbursed to farmers by banks.
- During the year 2016-17, the anticipated foodgrain production is 17.45 lakh MT against the achieved production of 16.34 lakh MT during the year 2015-16, thus registered an increase of 6.8 percent. For 2017-18 the target is 16.45 lakh MT
- Fruit production was 5.00 lakh tonne in 2017-18 (up to Dec., 2017) against 6.12 lakh tonne in 2016-17. Apple constitutes about 85% of total fruit production. During 2017-18 (up to Dec., 2017) 4.28 lakh tonne of apple were produced against 4.68 lakh tonne in 2016-17
- Under Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) 36 blocks for Apple, 41 blocks for Mango, 15 blocks for Kinnow, 13 blocks for Plum and 5 blocks of peach have been covered
- During the year 2016-17, One State Level Hospital, One Zonal Hospital, 397 Veterinary Hospitals, 1,772 Veterinary Dispensaries, 30 Central Veterinary Dispensaries 9 Polyclinics and 6 Veterinary check posts provide veterinary aid in the State
- 60 percent subsidy on good quality Rams are being provided to the sheep breeders
- `1.00 has been increased in milk procurement rates w.e.f. 1.04.2017 which will benefit 42,350 families
- About 6,098 fishermen in the Pradesh depend directly on fisheries for their livelihood
- 35,668 hand pumps have been installed up to March 2017.
- There are 622 medium and large scale industries and about 45,597 small-scale industries presently working in the State
- The minimum wages for the unskilled category of workers have been increased to ` 210 per day from ` 200.
- There are 8,34,714 applicants registered in the State employment exchanges as on 31.12.2017
- Out of the total assessed hydel potential of 27,436 MW, only 10,519 MW has been harnessed up to Dec. 2017 by various agencies, which is 38.34% of the total potential
- The total road length was 37,158 kms. in the State as on 31.12.2017 and 10,241 villages were connected with roads
- HRTC has a fleet strength of 3,254 buses plying on 2,693 routes covering a distance of 6.14 lakh Km per day
- There are 63 operational helipads in the State
- 196.02 lakh tourist visited Himachal Pradesh during the year 2017 which is 2.9 times of its population
- During the year 10,751 Primary Schools, 2,103 Middle Schools, 922 High Schools, 1,836 Senior Secondary Schools and 137 Degree Colleges were functioning in the State
- The State Government is providing free textbooks to the students belonging to S.C., S.T., O.B.C. & B.P.L. families.
- Free education is being provided to girl students in the State up to University level including vocational and professional courses
- To improve the quality of education every possible step has been made under Sarv Sishka Abhiyan
- To remove the gap in male-female literacy, girls hostel have been set up in the Educationally Backward Blocks
- Netbooks/laptops were provided to 10,260 meritorious students of 10th and 12th class
- The intake capacity of students in Technical Education at Degree level is 4,070 B-Pharmacy 858 Diploma level 7,837 and ITI’s/ITC’s 47,784
- Medical and Family Welfare Services are provided through a network of 85 Civil Hospitals, 91 Community Health Centres, 577 Primary Health Centres and 16 ESI and 2,085 Sub Centres etc. besides other Private Institutions
- Ayurvedic treatment is provided through 2 Regional Hospitals, 31 Hospitals and 1,175 Ayurvedic health centres, 3 Unani health centres and 14 Homeopathic health centres during 2017-18
- Under NRHM 95 health institutions are identified to provide 24 hours emergency services
- Under Social Security Schemes, the old age pension is given `700 per month to all the persons of 60 years or above but below 80 years, having individual annual income below `35,000 and the persons above 80 years pension is given `1,250 per month without any income criteria
- Under Mukhya Mantri Kanyadaan Yojna the marriage grant of `40,000 has been given to the guardians of the destitute girls and 691 beneficiaries were covered
- Under Beti Hai Anmol Scheme 16,908 girls have been benefited
- Under National Rural Livelihood Mission assistance to 3,280 women, SHGs will be provided
- Under Lal Bahadur Shastri Kamgar Avam Shahari Ajivika Yojna an amount of `1.50 crore has been provided
- Under National Urban Livelihood Mission 260 self-help groups have been formed and 160 beneficiaries were provided skill training
- Under Rajiv Awas Yojna 846 Dwelling units will be constructed in the State
- On the basis of 2017 projected population, Aadhar card number of 75.73 lakh residents have been generated.
- For better and timely work, the State has implemented Service Guarantee Act. 183 services in 25 departments have been covered
- Public Service Delivery helpline has been set up for the people of the State
- Additional interim relief of 8 percent has been provided to government employees and pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2016
- Under Smart City Mission, Municipal Corporation Shimla has also been approved by Government of India
- All persons above the age of 70 years and above will be provided old age pension.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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