State Government Hikes Compensation for Flood and Landslide Victims in Himachal – Cabinet Meeting

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, convened on Monday and approved several major decisions, most notably a comprehensive relief package for families affected by the recent natural disasters during the monsoon season, including cloudbursts and floods.

Compensation Significantly Increased

Under the newly approved package, compensation for fully damaged houses has been increased from Rs 1.30 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. Similarly, for partially damaged homes, the amount has been raised from Rs 12,500 to Rs 1 lakh. Compensation for damaged shops and dhabas has also seen a tenfold increase from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Financial aid for damaged cowsheds has been revised from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000.

Tenants whose belongings were destroyed will receive Rs 50,000, while homeowners will be entitled to Rs 70,000. For the loss of milch animals, compensation has been raised from Rs 37,500 to Rs 55,000 per animal. For goats, pigs, sheep, and lambs, the amount has been increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 9,000 per animal.

Support for Farmers and Horticulturists

Compensation for fully damaged polyhouses has been fixed at Rs 25,000, and Rs 50,000 will be provided for clearing silt from homes. For agricultural and horticultural land, compensation has been increased from Rs 3,900 to Rs 10,000 per bigha. The rate for silt removal has been revised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,000 per bigha, and crop damage compensation has risen from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per bigha.

Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme Approved

The Cabinet also approved the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme aimed at strengthening forest protection and development through community involvement. The scheme will be implemented with an outlay of Rs 100 crore over five years. Community-based organizations like Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, self-help groups, and other registered bodies will actively participate. Each participating group will be eligible to receive up to Rs 1.20 lakh per hectare for plantation activities, with proportional aid for plots smaller than one hectare. Additional incentives of Rs 1.20 lakh per hectare will be provided based on the survival rate of planted saplings.

Amendments to Municipal Election Rules

To streamline municipal elections, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Election Rules, 2015. These include:

• Standardized format for final publication of wards under Rule 9
• No modifications to voter lists once the election program under Rule 35 is notified
• Transfer of authority to notify the election schedule from Deputy Commissioners to the State Election Commission
• Nominated members will now be allowed to take the oath of allegiance to the Constitution alongside elected members

Expansion of Medical and Police Infrastructure

Approval was granted to increase seats in B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology courses. IGMC Shimla will see an increase from 10 to 50 seats, and RPGMC Tanda from 18 to 50. Dhaneta PHC in Hamirpur will be upgraded to a Community Health Centre, along with the creation and filling of necessary posts. A new police post will be established at Khaira under Sunni police station in Shimla district.

Administrative Reorganizations and Civic Upgradations

The Cabinet approved:

• Upgradation of Nagar Panchayat Jawali in Kangra to a Municipal Council
• Reclassification of Municipal Council Sunni to a Nagar Panchayat by excluding certain areas
• Transfer of jurisdiction of Hatli Police Post in Chamba from Chuwadi to Sihunta Police Station
• Reorganization of Ratti-Nagchala Special Area and Ner Chowk Planning Area in Mandi district
• Transfer of newly created sub-tehsil Loharghat’s jurisdiction from Arki to Nalagarh subdivision

Early Release of Prisoners

Following recommendations of the State Sentence Review Board, the Cabinet approved the premature release of 15 prisoners, conditional on their behavior post-release. This move is a first in the state.

Condemnation of Misbehavior and Appeal for Public Support

The Cabinet strongly condemned the misbehavior with Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi during his visit to disaster-affected areas in Seraj, Mandi. It also denounced the disrespect shown to the national flag during the incident. Citizens were urged to generously contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund, which will play a crucial role in helping affected families.

The Cabinet concluded with an expression of grief over the loss of lives and property in the recent disasters. It extended condolences to bereaved families and expressed solidarity with those affected. The government acknowledged the efforts of NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, state police, home guards, NGOs, and other individuals involved in relief and rehabilitation work.