News
CM Sukhu Disburses ₹81 Crore in Relief to Disaster-Affected Families, Launches ‘Madhu Mandav’ Beekeeping Initiative
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed ₹81.28 crore in financial aid to 4,914 disaster-affected families in Mandi, Kullu, and Bilaspur through DBT. He also launched the ‘Madhu Mandav’ initiative to promote beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood in disaster-hit areas.
Mandi, November 10, 2025 — In a major relief effort for disaster-affected families, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday disbursed ₹81.28 crore to 4,914 beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during a public function at Paddal Ground, Mandi.
A total of 1,513 beneficiaries whose homes were completely destroyed received the first installment of ₹4 lakh each out of the total ₹7 lakh relief package. Of these, 781 beneficiaries are from Mandi district, 631 from Kullu, and 101 from Bilaspur. Another 3,401 families whose houses were partially damaged received ₹1 lakh each — including 1,547 from Mandi, 1,541 from Kullu, and 313 from Bilaspur district.
So far, ₹14.46 crore in relief assistance has already been distributed to 4,375 affected families in Mandi. The state government is currently implementing 27 disaster mitigation projects in the district with a total outlay of ₹72 crore. Additionally, the State Executive Committee has approved five more projects worth ₹18.84 crore, while proposals for seven additional mitigation projects are under preparation.
CM Launches “Madhu Mandav” Initiative
During the event, Chief Minister Sukhu also launched the Madhu Mandav initiative in Mandi district to promote beekeeping as a sustainable source of livelihood in disaster-affected areas. Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive financial assistance, training, and technical support to establish beekeeping units. Honey produced under this initiative will be marketed under the brand name Him-Era Mandav.
Support for Orphaned Child
In a compassionate gesture, the Chief Minister presented a cheque of ₹7.95 lakh to Nikita, a young girl who lost her parents in the floods at Panglyur in the Seraj Assembly constituency. He also announced an additional financial assistance of ₹21 lakh for her, assuring that the government stands firmly with children like her who have lost their families to natural disasters.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, MLAs Chander Shekhar and Anil Sharma, former ministers Kaul Singh Thakur, Rangila Ram Rao and Prakash Chaudhary, and several senior Congress leaders and officials were present on the occasion, including Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma.
