Revival and Rehabilitation Scheme for Defunct MSMEs and Cashew Processing Units 2026

This scheme by the Himachal Pradesh Government aims to award and recognize the cleanest Gram Panchayats at Read More... block, district, division, and state levels, promoting better sanitation practices. Read less

Details

Himachal Pradesh is all set to reward its cleanest villages! The Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puruskar (MVSSP) is a special initiative by the state's Rural Development Department, working under the umbrella of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). Its main goal is to find and celebrate those Gram Panchayats that are setting the highest standards in cleanliness and hygiene.

What is this Scheme?

Think of MVSSP as an annual cleanliness competition for villages. It's designed to encourage communities in rural Himachal Pradesh to move away from old habits like open defecation and adopt safe sanitation practices. Gram Panchayats are evaluated on how well they manage waste, maintain their sanitation facilities, and get their communities involved in keeping things clean. The best ones get recognized and rewarded.

Who can Benefit from this Scheme?

The primary beneficiaries are Gram Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh that are committed to maintaining excellent sanitation and hygiene. This scheme is for those village councils that have successfully made their areas open defecation-free and are actively working towards a cleaner environment.

Why this Scheme is Important

The MVSSP plays a crucial role in motivating Gram Panchayats across Himachal Pradesh. By offering substantial cash prizes and public recognition, it incentivizes continuous improvement in sanitation. Winners are celebrated by the state's top officials, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and inspiring other Panchayats to follow suit. This ultimately leads to healthier and more sustainable rural communities.

Objective

This scheme by the Himachal Pradesh Government aims to award and recognize the cleanest Gram Panchayats at block, district, division, and state levels, promoting better sanitation practices.

Benefits

1. Entitlement in the scheme shall be limited to ₹15 Lakhs per applicant unit and it can avail only once.

2. Financial Assistance under the scheme provided for the following components-

a) Building Renovation - 25% of the total revival project cost limited to ₹2 lakh:

i) Building Renovation includes maintenance and repair of existing factory buildings, construction of fresh

roofing in the factory shed, infrastructure for Waste Disposal / Treatment facilities etc.

b) Plant & Machinery and Electrification - 40% of the total revival project cot limited to ₹8 lakh:

i) It will be available for the purchase of new machinery, Repair and Maintenance of Existing machines,

industrial electrification etc.

c) Working Capital (Margin) - 50% margin of working Capital loan approved by financial institution subject to

i) Assistance is limited to ₹2 lakhs for defunct MSMEs.

ii) Assistance is limited to ₹5 lakhs for Cashew Units.

d) Maximum Limit ₹12 lakhs for defunct MSMEs per unit.

e) Maximum Limit ₹15 lakhs for defunct cashew processing per unit.

Note 01:Bank Sanction of fresh working capital loan is mandatory for availing Working Capital (Margin) Assistance, but a bank loan is not mandatory for assistance for building renovation, plant and machinery, electrification etc.

Note 02:The assistance under the scheme shall be released to the eligible entrepreneur by the bank on a pro-rata basis.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

The Gram Panchayat must have achieved and maintained 'Open Defecation-Free' (ODF) status.
Gram Panchayats that have won an award at a specific level are barred from competing at the same level for the next three years. However, they can aim for awards at higher levels.
A Gram Panchayat that wins the state-level award cannot participate in the MVSSP competition for three years following their win.

How To Apply

To participate, Gram Panchayats need to submit a completed application form, which should include:

A formal resolution passed by the Gram Panchayat indicating their intent to join the MVSSP competition.
The official application form itself.
Details of the Gram Panchayat, including its name and information about its open defecation-free status.
Contact details for the Gram Panchayat head and its members.
The application must be attested by the Gram Panchayat head and at least three other members.
Proof that confirms the Gram Panchayat's open defecation-free status.
Any other supporting documents or evidence that showcase the sanitation work done by the Gram Panchayat.

Note: The specific requirements and submission process might vary slightly. It's always best to check the latest guidelines from the relevant authorities or the official website.

Documents Required

Completed Application Form
Gram Panchayat Resolution for participation
Name of the Gram Panchayat
Details of Open Defecation-Free status
Contact information of Gram Panchayat head and members
Attestation from the Gram Panchayat head and three other members
Proof of Open Defecation-Free Status (certificates or similar documents)
Any other supporting documents or evidence requested by the authorities.

FAQ’s

What is the main objective of the Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puruskar?

The main goal is to identify and reward Gram Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh that demonstrate outstanding cleanliness and sanitation practices at block, district, division, and state levels.

Which Gram Panchayats can apply for this award?

Any Gram Panchayat in Himachal Pradesh that has successfully achieved and maintained 'Open Defecation-Free' status is eligible to participate.

If my Gram Panchayat won an award last year, can we apply again this year?

If you won at a particular level, you cannot compete at that same level for the next three years. However, you are welcome to compete at higher levels during that period.

How are the Gram Panchayats evaluated for this award?

Assessment committees are formed at block, district, division, and state levels. These committees evaluate Gram Panchayats based on specific norms and marking criteria to determine the cleanest ones.

Who are the members of these assessment committees?

The committees typically include members from the Panchayat Samiti, NGOs, government officials from relevant departments, local press representatives, and other stakeholders.

What kind of prizes can winning Gram Panchayats expect?

Winners receive cash prizes. The amounts range from ₹1 lakh for the block level, ₹3 lakh for the district level, ₹5 lakh for the division level, up to ₹10 lakh for the state-level winner.

Is there any restriction for a state-level winner?

Yes, a Gram Panchayat that wins the top award at the state level is not eligible to participate in the MVSSP competition for three years following their win.

When do the assessments for the competition usually take place?

The assessments are generally conducted between April and July each year, though the exact dates can vary annually.

What are the key documents needed to apply for the MVSSP?

You will need the official application form, a Gram Panchayat resolution, details about your ODF status, contact information, and attestation from the Panchayat head and members, along with proof of ODF status and any other supporting documents requested.

What happens if a district has a large number of Gram Panchayats?

In districts with more than 300 Gram Panchayats, two Panchayats can receive the district-level award of ₹3 lakh.