In a major move to support the rain-related disaster-affected people across Himachal Pradesh, the state government has announced a comprehensive relief package. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here on Monday.
Under the relief package, compensation for a fully damaged house has been increased from Rs. 1.30 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh. For partially damaged houses, the amount has been raised from Rs. 12,500 to Rs. 1 lakh. Compensation for damaged shops or dhabas has also seen a tenfold increase, from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh.
Owners of damaged cowsheds will now receive Rs. 50,000, up from Rs. 10,000. In case of loss of belongings, tenants will be given Rs. 50,000 while house owners will receive Rs. 70,000. The compensation for the loss of large milch animals has increased from Rs. 37,500 to Rs. 55,000 per animal, and for goats, pigs, sheep, and lambs from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 9,000.
The government will provide Rs. 25,000 for fully damaged poly-houses and Rs. 50,000 for desilting of homes. Compensation for agricultural and horticultural land has been increased from Rs. 3,900 to Rs. 10,000 per bigha. For crop loss, the amount has risen from Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,000 per bigha. De-silting compensation for land has also gone up from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 6,000 per bigha.
The Cabinet expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the recent natural calamity and conveyed condolences to the affected families.
It also acknowledged the support of the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, State Police, Home Guards, NGOs, and volunteers involved in relief efforts.
The Cabinet condemned an incident involving misbehavior with the Revenue Minister and disrespect toward the National Flag during his recent visit to the Seraj area in Mandi district. A public appeal was made for generous contributions to the Aapada Rahat Kosh to help affected families. A detailed report on the disaster and the state’s response was also presented during the meeting.
The Cabinet approved the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna with a budget outlay of Rs. 100 crore over five years. This community-driven forest conservation scheme will involve Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self-Help Groups, and other registered community organizations.
Each participating group will receive financial assistance up to Rs. 1.20 lakh per hectare for plantation efforts, with proportionate assistance for smaller plots. Additional incentives will be provided based on the survival rate of planted saplings.
Amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Election Rules, 2015, were approved to address procedural issues. A standard format will be adopted for ward publications. No changes to electoral rolls will be allowed once the election programme is notified. The authority to notify election programmes will now lie with the State Election Commission. Nominated members can now take the oath of allegiance alongside elected ones.
The Cabinet also approved land allocation to Himachal Pradesh Milkfed for a milk processing plant in Mehandali, Rohru. A 50 percent tax concession will be given to vehicle owners scrapping Pre-BIS, BS-I, and BS-II vehicles through Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities.
Approval was also granted for the premature release of 15 prisoners based on the recommendation of the State Sentence Review Board.