New Delhi/Shimla: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, conducted the 5th edition of the States’ Startup Ranking, aimed at encouraging States and Union Territories to take proactive steps towards strengthening startup ecosystems within their respective jurisdictions.

A total of 34 States and Union Territories participated in this edition of the ranking exercise. The results of the States’ Startup Ranking 5.0 were announced at a special awards ceremony organised by DPIIT on 16 January 2026 graced by the Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. During the ceremony, Himachal Pradesh has been recognised as a “Top Performer” in developing a strong startup ecosystem in the state.

In this ceremony, RD Nazeem, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) has been lauded for enabling environment for startups and connecting education institutions with industrial stakeholder, Dr. Yunus, IAS, Commissioner Industries for shaping the startup landscape through visionary initiatives and effective implementation strategies and Deepika Khatri, Joint Director, Industries for her visionary leadership and proactive initiatives, including promoting women-led startups across the State.

The award has been received by Anshul Dhiman, Joint DirectorSWCA Baddi and Deepika Khatri, Joint Director(Industries).The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Govt. of India appreciated following several praiseworthy initiatives of the Department of Industries, Himachal Pradesh:

Hosting 5 incubators offering mentorship and startup support, each funded with Rs 30 lakh (non-recurring) and Rs 10 lakh (recurring) to strengthen operations.

Undertaking 5 state-led initiatives, including pitching sessions to connect startups with investors and support financing.

Offering up to Rs 10 lakh or 75% patent expense reimbursement under its Industrial Investment Policy 2019.

Promoting circular economy startups through research and innovation for sustainability under STIP 2021.

DPIIT, Govt. of India also recognized the state as Institutional Support Pioneer, Infrastructure Support Pathfinder and Market Access & Reach Champion.

On this occasion Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu stated that our government is committed to strengthen startup ecosystem in the state as well as generate employment opportunities to the aspiring entrepreneurs. He further stated that all-round facilities wouldbe provided for existing and new startups through various modes. Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan shared that this recognition of top performers is the outcome of sustained and restless efforts of the Department of Industries. He assured that institutional as well as technical platform would be given to all aspiring startups in future also. RD Nazeem, IAS,Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) apprised that Government is in the mode to connect the startup with angel investor as well as E-commerce companies. The State Government is dedicated to building a robust startup ecosystem by fostering new innovative ideas, offering plug-and-play facilities, facilitating investor connections, providing seed money. Dr. Yunus, IAS, Commissioner Industries informed that present startup ecosystem would be taken to the next level through knowledge & technical based interventions and outreach awareness programs would also be paid attention for inclusive and supportive system. Further, Tilak Raj Sharma, Additional Director (Industries) intimated that state’s startup supportive mechanism has been given recognition since the inception & Startup recognition journey of state from DPIIT started from Aspiring leaders in 2018, Emerging startup ecosystem in 2029, Aspiring Leaders in 2021, Best Performer in 2022 and now “Top performer 2024 in developing a strong startup ecosystem in the state”. He further added that emphasis is also now being laid on promoting rural-based and women-driven startups.

Shimla: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmaon Thursday inaugurated 70 MW Dhubri Solar Power Project of SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL) in the august presence of Prasanta Phukan, Minister of Power, Assam, Bhupender Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, SJVN, Dr. Krishna Kumar Dwivedi, ACS (Energy) & Chairman, APDCL, Rakesh Kumar, Managing Director, APDCL, Ajay Kumar Sharma, Director (Personnel), SJVN along with other senior officials from the Government of Assam and SJVN. On the occasion, Bhupender Gupta expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership. He also extended his gratitude to Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, the Government of India and the Government of Assam, for their guidance and support in execution of the project and for other ongoing and upcoming projects in the State. He further stated that completion of the project underscores company’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity in the region and reinforcing its dedication to achieving national objectives of energy security and sustainability.

 Ajay Kumar Sharma highlighted that the Dhubri Solar Power Project, in addition to generating direct and indirect employment for local communities during both the development and operational phases, will significantly strengthen Assam’s renewable energy portfolio through the supply of clean and green electricity. The 70 MW Dhubri Solar Power Project has been developed by SGEL on 330 acres of land provided by Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) on a 28-year lease basis at Village Khudigaon Pt-II, Bilasipara Revenue Circle, District Dhubri, Assam. The project was awarded to SGEL by APDCL on 16 February 2023 through a tariff-based competitive bidding process at a tariff of Rs.3.92 per unit. The EPC cost of the project stands at Rs.367.44 crore. The Project is designed to generate 141.13 million units of electricity in its first year at a Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of 23%, with an estimated cumulative generation of approximately 3,230 MU over 25 years. The project is expected to result in a reduction of approximately 1,58,270 tonnes of carbon emissions. This Project is first large-scale solar project in the state of Assam and also SJVN first operational project in North Eastern Region. The foundation stone of the project was virtually laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 04 March 2024.