Himachal Cabinet Expands Special Relief Package More Than a Year After Devastating Flashfloods

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Himachal Cabinet Expands Special Relief Package More Than a Year After Devastating Flashfloods

Shimla, Dec 12 (NationPress) Over a year has passed since flashfloods caused by cloudbursts devastated villages in Himachal Pradesh. During a meeting on Thursday chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state Cabinet resolved to prolong the special relief package for the regions impacted by this disaster.

The affected locales include Samej and Rampur in Shimla district, Jaun-Bagipul and Nirmand in Kullu district, and Tikkam Thalu-Kot in Mandi district.

This relief initiative will provide enhanced compensation to the families impacted by the disaster. For homes that were completely destroyed, the compensation amount will be raised to Rs 7 lakh, a significant increase from the previous Rs 1.5 lakh.

The heavy rains and cloudbursts that occurred in July 2023 resulted in considerable losses, both in terms of human lives and properties.

Moreover, the Cabinet approved criteria for the recruitment of 80 ‘Khanan Rakshak’ in the Department of Industries, with an age restriction set between 20 and 30 years.

It has also resolved to fill 26 vacancies in the Department of Sainik Welfare and has approved hiring 17 Punjabi teachers and 14 Urdu teachers in the Department of Education.

The Cabinet sanctioned the engagement of guest teachers in the Education Department to address short-term vacancies, with compensation provided on an hourly basis.

Additionally, it was decided to regularize the services of 928 part-time water carriers as Class IV employees who have completed 11 years of service, either daily or part-time, in the Education Department.

The Cabinet endorsed recommendations from the Cabinet Sub-Committee concerning home stays and determined to announce the Himachal Pradesh Home Stays Rules, 2024, which will prioritize genuine Himachalis.

Furthermore, the requirement for a no-objection certificate from the HP Pollution Control Board, local authorities, or any other departments has been eliminated.

However, establishing sewerage systems and garbage disposal methods will remain mandatory. In addition, the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems will be promoted in home stay facilities.

The Cabinet also agreed to accept the recommendations from a high-powered committee regarding the hydropower sector.

As part of these measures, the government will evaluate and develop a policy aimed at reviving projects up to 25 MW that have not demonstrated tangible progress. Presently, there are over 700 stalled projects in the state.