Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), July 28 (ANI): The Himachal Pradesh state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved a comprehensive special relief package to support families affected by recent natural disasters across the state.
In a significant move, the cabinet increased compensation for fully damaged houses from ₹1.30 lakh to ₹7 lakh. For partially damaged houses, the compensation has been raised from ₹12,500 to ₹1 lakh. Similarly, financial aid for damaged shops or dhabas has been enhanced tenfold—from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh.
The state will now provide ₹50,000, up from ₹10,000, for damaged cowsheds. Tenants will receive ₹50,000 for the loss or damage of personal belongings, while house owners will be granted ₹70,000. Compensation for the loss of large milch animals has been increased from ₹37,500 to ₹55,000 per animal. For smaller livestock—goats, pigs, sheep, and lambs—the assistance has risen from ₹4,000 to ₹9,000 per animal.
Other key measures in the relief package include:
- ₹25,000 for fully damaged poly-houses.
- ₹50,000 for de-silting houses.
- ₹10,000 per bigha for damage to agricultural and horticultural land (up from ₹3,900).
- ₹6,000 per bigha for de-silting activities (up from ₹1,500).
- ₹3,000 per bigha for crop loss (up from ₹500).
The Cabinet expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. It acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, State Police, Home Guards, NGOs, and individuals involved in relief and rehabilitation.
The Cabinet also condemned recent incidents of misbehavior toward the Revenue Minister and disrespect shown to the National Flag during his visit to the Seraj area in Mandi district. It appealed to the public to generously contribute to the Aapada Rahat Kosh to aid affected families.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given on the recent disaster and the state’s response initiatives.
Other Major Approvals
Forest Conservation Initiative:
The Cabinet approved the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, a ₹100-crore scheme aimed at promoting forest conservation and development through community participation over five years. Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self-Help Groups, and other registered community organizations will be eligible for up to ₹1.20 lakh per hectare for plantation activities, with proportional payments for smaller land parcels. An additional ₹1.20 lakh per hectare will be granted based on sapling survival rates.
Municipal Reforms:
Amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Election Rules, 2015 were approved to resolve procedural challenges:
- Rule 9: Introduced a standard format for final publication of wards.
- Rules 27 & 28: Prohibit changes to the electoral roll after the election schedule is notified under Rule 35.
Medical Education Expansion:
The Cabinet gave ex-post approval to increase seats in paramedical courses:
- B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Techniques, Radiology & Imaging, and Anaesthesia & OT Technique
- IGMC, Shimla: Seats increased from 10 to 50
- RPGMC, Tanda: Seats increased from 18 to 50
Infrastructure and Services:
- Milk Processing Plant: Land allotted to Himachal Pradesh Milkfed in Mehandali, Rohru tehsil, Shimla district.
- Vehicle Scrapping Incentive: 50% concession in motor vehicle tax for scrapping pre-BIS, BS-I, and BS-II vehicles through registered scrapping facilities.
- Healthcare Expansion: Creation of eight new posts in the Pain and Palliative Care Cell at IGMC, Shimla.
- PHC Upgrade: The Primary Health Centre at Dhaneta (Hamirpur district) will be upgraded to a Community Health Centre, with necessary staff positions created.
- New Police Post: Approved at Khaira under Police Station Sunni (Shimla district), with supporting staff.
- Jurisdiction Transfer: Police Post Hatli shifted from Chowari to Sihunta Police Station (Chamba district) for better administrative efficiency.
- Urban Governance: Nagar Panchayat Jawali (Kangra district) will be upgraded to a Municipal Council.
- Special Planning Areas: Approval given to reconstitute the Ratti-Nagachala Special Area and the Nerchowk Planning Area in Mandi district. (ANI)
- 618 words, 3 minutes read time.
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