Himachal Cabinet Approves ₹7 Lakh Relief for Disaster-Affected Families to Rebuild Homes

Shimla, July 28:
In a significant move to support disaster-affected families, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved a special relief package aimed at rehabilitation and recovery. The Cabinet has decided to increase the compensation for fully damaged houses from ₹1.30 lakh to ₹7 lakh. For partially damaged houses, the assistance has been enhanced from ₹12,500 to ₹1 lakh.

Relief amounts for damaged shops, dhabas, and cowsheds have also been substantially increased. Affected shop or dhaba owners will now receive ₹1 lakh, and cowshed owners will get ₹50,000. Tenants will receive up to ₹50,000 for household losses, while landlords will be entitled to ₹70,000. Compensation for livestock losses has also been revised: ₹55,000 for high-yielding dairy cows and ₹9,000 per goat, sheep, pig, or lamb.

The Cabinet also approved enhanced compensation for agricultural losses. Crop damage compensation has been increased from ₹500 to ₹3,000 per bigha. For damage to agricultural land, assistance of ₹10,000 per bigha will be provided. Up to ₹50,000 will be given for debris removal from homes. In the case of total loss of polyhouses, a relief amount of ₹25,000 will be granted.

The Cabinet expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives due to recent natural disasters in the state. It extended solidarity to the grieving families and acknowledged the vital role played by NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, State Police, Home Guards, NGOs, and volunteers in rescue and relief operations. A detailed presentation was also given on the ongoing disaster management and mitigation efforts.

The Cabinet strongly condemned the incident involving misbehavior with the Revenue Minister and the disrespect of the national flag in the Seraj region of Mandi district. It also appealed to the public to generously contribute to the disaster relief fund to support affected families.

In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana’, aimed at promoting community-based forestry development and conservation. With an outlay of ₹100 crore over five years, the scheme will involve Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, self-help groups, and registered community organizations in plantation activities. Each hectare will receive ₹1.20 lakh in support, along with an additional ₹1.20 lakh based on plant survival rates.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Election Rules, 2015. As per the changes, no modifications will be allowed to the voter list once the election schedule is notified. The authority to notify the schedule has now been transferred from the Deputy Commissioner to the State Election Commission. Nominated members will now also be permitted to take a constitutional oath.

Seats for B.Sc. courses in Laboratory Technology, Radiology, and Anesthesia & OT at IGMC Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda have been increased. At IGMC, seats have been raised from 10 to 50, and at Tanda, from 18 to 50.

The Cabinet also approved land allocation for setting up a milk processing plant in Mehdli, Rohru tehsil, Shimla district. Under the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, a 50% rebate on motor vehicle tax will be offered for scrapping pre-BS and BS-standard vehicles. Additionally, eight new posts have been sanctioned for the Department of Radiotherapy at IGMC Shimla.

Other key decisions include:

• Upgradation of the Dhaneta Primary Health Centre in Hamirpur to a Community Health Centre.

• Establishment of a new police post in Khaira, Shimla district.

• Transfer of jurisdiction of the Hatli Police Post in Chamba district from Chuwadi to the Sihunta police station.

• Reorganization of the Ratti-Nagchala Special Area and Nerchowk Planning Area in Mandi district.

• Jwali Nagar Panchayat in Kangra district upgraded to a Municipal Council.

• Sunni Municipal Council in Shimla district downgraded to a Nagar Panchayat.

• Jurisdiction of Loharghat sub-tehsil in Solan has been reassigned from Arki to Nalagarh subdivision.

In a landmark move, the Cabinet approved the premature release of 15 prisoners based on good conduct, marking the first time such a decision has been taken in the state under the recommendations of the State Sentence Review Board.