Union Home Minister urged to release Rs 9,042 cr under PDNA: CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that he discussed various important issues of the state with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to New Delhi.

Talking to media persons here today on his return from Delhi, Sukhu said he had requested Union Home Minister to expedite the release of Rs 9,042 crore under Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) for year 2023-24. He said Himachal had suffered large-scale damage to infrastructure like roads, bridges and other facilities due to unprecedented rains in 2023 monsoons.

Sukhu said the Himachal Government had undertaken restoration work and provided relief to people who had suffered damage to their houses from its own resources. He said Home Minister has assured that the pending Rs 9,042 crore would be released at the earliest.

The Chief Minister further said that discussions were also held on the drug menace in the state. The Union Minister was apprised that drug-related cases had declined by 30 per cent in past two years and a new legislation was being introduced by the state government in the Vidhan Sabha to tackle this menace more effectively.

The Chief Minister said the state Congress in-charge Rajni Patil was in constant touch with the party leaders in Himachal Pradesh and the office bearers of the state party organisation would be announced soon after due consultation and approval from the high command.