The Himachal Pradesh state government has directed its officers to start rural development-oriented schemes for the state in order to sustain the rural economy in the wake of COVID 19 pandemic.<br />'' <br />'' Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has said the main aim of the State Government is to revive the rural economy of the State. He stated that Senior Officers of the state have been directed to start rural development-oriented schemes for the youth so that they do not have to migrate to cities in search of employment. During the last two and a half years, several schemes have been launched in the state aimed at developing rural areas. <br />''<br />''In view of COVID 19 pandemic one such scheme Mukhya Mantri Ek Bigha Yojna is proving a big success as about 3500 families have registered themselves to avail the benefits. Under this scheme subsidy would be given to households for planting vegetables and fruit at their backyards. On the other hand Mukhya Mantri Gram Kaushal Yojna has been started in 18 blocks of four districts of the State. The scheme was launched with a view to revive the traditional handicraft, handloom, local artifacts, wood and metal craft, besides providing gainful employment to the rural youth.  <br />