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

The Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puruskar (MVSSP) is a Himachal Pradesh Government initiative to reward the cleanest Read More... Gram Panchayats at block, district, division, and state levels. Read less

Details

In Himachal Pradesh, the government is actively promoting cleanliness and hygiene in rural areas. A key part of this effort is the Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puruskar (MVSSP), a scheme that recognizes and celebrates the cleanest Gram Panchayats.

What Is This Scheme?

The MVSSP, or Himachal Pradesh State Sanitation Reward Scheme, is an annual competition. It's part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) under the Rural Development Department. The main goal is to encourage Gram Panchayats to maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation, moving away from practices like open defecation.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme directly benefits Gram Panchayats that work hard to achieve and maintain excellent sanitation conditions. By participating and winning, these local governing bodies receive recognition and financial rewards, which can be used to further improve their area.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The MVSSP plays a crucial role in motivating communities. It highlights the importance of a clean environment for public health and well-being. The competition fosters a healthy rivalry among Panchayats, pushing them to adopt better waste management, improve sanitation infrastructure, and ensure community involvement in cleanliness drives.

Objective

The Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puruskar (MVSSP) is a Himachal Pradesh Government initiative to reward the cleanest Gram Panchayats at block, district, division, and state levels.

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 an Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.
Gram Panchayats that have won an award at a specific level (e.g., block level) cannot participate at that same level for the next three years. However, they can compete at higher levels.
A Gram Panchayat that has won the state-level award is barred from participating in the MVSSP competition for three years following their win.

How To Apply

To participate in the Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puruskar competition, Gram Panchayats need to submit a completed application form. This form should include a resolution passed by the Gram Panchayat to participate. Details about their ODF status and contact information for the Gram Panchayat head and members are also required. The application needs to be attested by the Gram Panchayat head and three other members. It's important to check the latest official guidelines for any specific application submission links or offline addresses.

Documents Required

To apply for the MVSSP award, Gram Panchayats need to provide:

A completed application form specific to the MVSSP competition.
A formal resolution passed by the Gram Panchayat for participation.
Details confirming the Gram Panchayat's Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.
Contact details of the Gram Panchayat head and members.
Attestation from the Gram Panchayat head and three other members.
Proof that validates the ODF status of the Gram Panchayat.
Any other supporting documents that showcase the sanitation efforts and achievements of the Gram Panchayat.

Note: It's always best to check the official guidelines from the Rural Development Department, Himachal Pradesh, for the most up-to-date list of required documents.

FAQ’s

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

The main goal of MVSSP is to find and award the cleanest Gram Panchayats at different levels – block, district, division, and state – in Himachal Pradesh, encouraging better sanitation practices.

Can a Gram Panchayat that won at the district level apply for the district award again next year?

No, if a Gram Panchayat wins an award at a certain level, it cannot compete at that same level for the next three years. However, it can still participate in competitions at higher levels.

What kind of details need to be in the Gram Panchayat resolution for the application?

The Gram Panchayat resolution should clearly state the Panchayat's intention and willingness to participate in the Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puruskar competition.

Who judges the Gram Panchayats in this competition?

Assessment committees are formed at block, district, division, and state levels. These committees, made up of government officials, NGO members, local press, and other stakeholders, conduct the evaluations based on set criteria.

When does the assessment for the MVSSP typically happen?

The assessments of the Gram Panchayats participating in the MVSSP competition are generally conducted between April and July each year.

Besides cash, are there other recognitions for the winning Gram Panchayats?

Yes, winners at the state and division levels are often honored by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, especially during Independence Day celebrations. District and block winners are also recognized by senior dignitaries.

Is there a specific income or age limit for Gram Panchayats to apply for this award?

This award is for Gram Panchayats based on their cleanliness and ODF status, not for individuals. Therefore, there are no income or age limits for the Panchayat itself to apply.

What proof is needed to show that a Gram Panchayat is Open Defecation-Free?

You will need to submit documents or certificates that officially verify the Gram Panchayat's status as being Open Defecation-Free.

Can a Gram Panchayat that won the state-level award in 2022 apply for the award in 2023?

No, a Gram Panchayat that wins the state-level award is not eligible to participate in the MVSSP competition for three years after winning. So, if it won in 2022, it cannot apply again until 2025.

What is the minimum number of Gram Panchayats required for two awards at the district level?

At the district level, two Gram Panchayats can be awarded if the district has more than 300 Gram Panchayats.