Himachal Assembly session: CM Sukhu says state got ‘lowest-ever’ aid from Centre despite worst rain disaster
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The Newz Radar
DHARAMSHALA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed disappointment over the “meagre” financial assistance received from the Centre for disaster relief following the recent rain devastation in the state.
During his address in the Vidhan Sabha during the winter session in Dharamshala, CM Sukhu said the state government had submitted a memorandum seeking Rs 9,905 crore in compensation for the disaster-induced losses. However, only Rs 633.73 crore had been disbursed by the Centre, amounting to a mere 6.4 per cent of the requested funds, he said.
According to CM Sukhu, as per the disaster relief regulations, Himachal Pradesh was entitled to a minimum of Rs 1,605 crore. Nonetheless, the Centre had released only Rs 633.73 crore, including Rs 200 crore already provided under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) on September 16, he said.
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Expressing concern, CM Sukhu highlighted that this marked the “lowest assistance ever received from the Centre”. He contrasted this with previous years when the state received more substantial aid, such as Rs 396.9 crore in 2018-19 for a loss of Rs 2,099.48 crore and Rs 248.46 crore in 2019-20 for a total loss of Rs 1,551.26 crore.
The Chief Minister underscored the severe impact of the recent disaster, noting 500 lives were lost, 4,000 houses were completely damaged and 13,000 houses were partially damaged. He accused the Centre of providing insufficient support, alleging political motives in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
In response, Opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur disputed the claims, asserting that there was still a possibility of additional aid from the Centre. He criticised the state government for blaming the Center and accused the Congress of attempting to play the victim.
Meanwhile, CM Sukhu pledged the government’s commitment to resettling every affected family and addressed concerns about the state government’s borrowing of Rs 12,000 crore. He clarified that the Centre had granted a loan for the current year, with a capped limit of Rs 6,644 crore, reduced from Rs 8,424 crore due to adjustments related to the old pension system.
