The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to grant a special relief package for disaster-affected families across the state in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
The compensation of ₹1.30 lakh for a completely damaged house has been increased more than five times to ₹7 lakh. Apart from this, the compensation of ₹12,500 for a partially damaged house has been enhanced to ₹1 lakh.
An official spokesperson said the compensation of ₹10,000 given in case of a damaged shop or dhaba has been enhanced ten times to ₹1 lakh. The state government will also provide increased financial assistance of ₹50,000 instead of ₹10,000 for damaged cowsheds. It will also offer assistance of ₹50,000 for damage or loss of belongings of tenants, whereas the owner will receive ₹70,000 for the loss of belongings. ₹55,000 per animal will be granted for the loss of large milch animals instead of ₹37,500, while the compensation for the loss of goat, pig, sheep, and lamb has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹9,000 per animal.
In addition to this, the state government will provide ₹25,000 as compensation for fully fully damaged poly-houses and ₹50,000 for de-silting of houses.
According to the spokesperson, the state government will also give compensation of ₹10,000 per bigha for the loss of agriculture and horticulture land, raising it from ₹3,900 per bigha.
For de-silting activities, the state government has enhanced the compensation from ₹1,500 per bigha to ₹6,000 per bigha. The state government has also increased the compensation for crop loss from ₹500 per bigha to ₹3,000 per bigha.
It also expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by the recent disaster across the state. The Cabinet extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed solidarity with all those affected by the disaster. It also expressed gratitude to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, State Police, Home Guards, NGOs, and other individuals who extended invaluable support in carrying out relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Cabinet condemned the incident of misbehavior with the Revenue Minister and the act of disrespect shown towards the National Flag by certain anti-social elements during his recent visit to the Seraj area of Mandi district.
The spokesperson said the Cabinet made a fervent appeal to the general public to contribute generously towards the Aapda Rahat Kosh, as the money collected would go a long way in helping the affected families. A detailed presentation on the recent disaster and the response measures undertaken was also given during the meeting.
The Cabinet approved the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, aimed at strengthening forest conservation and development through a community-driven approach. The scheme will be implemented across the state with an outlay of ₹100 crore over five years.
Under this initiative, community-based organisations such as Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self-Help Groups, and other registered community groups will be actively involved in forest conservation and development activities. Each participating organisation will be eligible to receive up to ₹1.20 lakh per hectare for plantation efforts. If the land parcel for plantation is less than one hectare, the financial assistance will be given proportionately. In addition to this, an incentive of ₹1.20 lakh per hectare will be granted based on the survival rate of the planted saplings.
It was decided to amend the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Election Rules, 2015 to address procedural gaps and practical difficulties encountered during municipal elections. Rule 9 has been amended to introduce a standard format for the final publication of wards, ensuring uniformity across the state.
Rules 27 and 28 have been revised to include a provision that no changes or additions to the electoral roll will be allowed after the election programme is notified under Rule 35. Further, Rule 35(3) has been amended to transfer the authority of notifying the election programme from the Deputy Commissioner to the State Election Commission, which will now be responsible for issuing the notification at least seven days prior to the filing of nomination papers.
Additionally, Rule 88 has been amended to allow nominated members to take the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India along with elected members.
The spokesperson said the Cabinet gave its ex-post approval to enhance seats for B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technique, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technique courses. The number of seats will be increased from 10 to 50 at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and from 18 to 50 at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC), Tanda.
The Cabinet also decided to allot land in favour of Himachal Pradesh Milkfed for the establishment of a Milk Processing Plant at Mehandali in Rohru tehsil of Shimla district.
It also approved a 50 per cent concession in motor vehicle tax for owners scrapping vehicles that fall under Pre-BIS, BS-I, and BS-II emission norms through a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility.
To improve patient care, the Cabinet approved the creation and filling of eight posts of various categories in the Pain and Palliative Care Cell under the Department of Radiotherapy at IGMC, Shimla.
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