All disaster-affected families to get uniform compensation

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet today decided to extend the special relief package earlier limited to Mandi district to all disaster-affected families across the state. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, which discussed 55 agendas over five hours.

Industries and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the cabinet reviewed the ongoing relief and restoration efforts in areas hit by monsoon-related disasters. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced Rs 1,500 crore in Central aid during his visit to the state, but the funds have yet to be released. Despite this, the state government has resolved to expand financial support to all affected families.

Chauhan said compensation for completely damaged houses had earlier been raised from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. “The cabinet has now approved that instead of the earlier first instalment of Rs 1.5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh will be disbursed in one go to help families reconstruct their homes promptly,” he stated. The move aims to ensure equitable assistance and faster recovery for all regions impacted by natural calamities.