Sukhu Says State Has Yet to Receive ₹1,500 Crore in Central Relief

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today stated that the state government has not yet received the ₹1,500 crore aid announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following an aerial survey of disaster-affected areas in Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking to the media after returning from London, Sukhu said, “People are facing severe hardships. If relief comes after one or two years, it loses its relevance. People need help now.” He had traveled to London on a private trip.

He added that despite delays in central assistance, the state government would continue to support affected residents. “Those whose homes were destroyed will receive ₹7 lakh, while partially damaged houses will get ₹1 lakh. Assistance will also be provided to those who lost land, livestock, and orchards,” he said.

Regarding the Kangra Cooperative Bank case, Sukhu clarified that the state government did not demand a one-time settlement (OTS). “OTS requires RBI approval. Considering the irregularities in the bank over the past seven to eight years, we suspended the entire board of directors. The Enforcement Directorate is now investigating, and the truth will soon emerge,” he said.

Addressing questions from the BJP about his London trip, Sukhu explained that he had to fulfill personal responsibilities as a father. “I needed to accompany my daughter, who is pursuing higher studies there,” he said, adding that not a single rupee of public funds was spent on the trip.

— TNS