Munish Sood
Mandi
In line with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s earlier announcement, a fixed deposit of ₹21 lakh has been created in the name of Nikita, a toddler who tragically lost her entire family in the devastating flash floods that struck the Seraj region of Mandi district last year.
Deputy Commissioner Mandi, Apurv Devgan, visited Shikawari village in Thunag tehsil on Thursday and formally handed over the fixed deposit certificate to Nikita’s aunt and legal guardian, Kiran Devi.
Nikita, barely 11 months old at the time of the disaster, was one of the youngest survivors of the catastrophic cloudburst and flash floods that ravaged the Seraj belt on June 30. Her parents and grandmother were swept away by the raging waters, leaving her completely orphaned. Local residents discovered her alone in the damaged house after the floodwaters receded, her cries alerting villagers who rushed to rescue her.
The incident drew widespread sympathy across Himachal Pradesh. During a public programme in Mandi, CM Sukhu had pledged financial assistance of ₹21 lakh to secure Nikita’s education and future. The fixed deposit now ensures long-term financial security for the child.
In addition, the Himachal Pradesh government is extending monthly assistance of ₹4,000 under the Sukh Ashray Scheme to support Nikita’s upbringing, education, and healthcare.
Deputy Commissioner Devgan emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that Nikita grows up in a safe and dignified environment. “This support is not just financial assistance, but a responsibility the government has taken towards a child who lost everything in the disaster,” he said.
SDM Thunag Ramesh Kumar, Nikita’s aunt Kiran Kumari, Tara Devi, and Anmantran Singh were also present on the occasion.
