Despite the Centre’s announcement of a Rs. 1,500 crore relief package for disaster-hit Himachal Pradesh, not a single rupee has been received by the state so far, claimed Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi while addressing the media today.
Taking a sarcastic dig at the delay, Negi questioned whether the funds were being dispatched via “road, train, or bullock cart.”
Highlighting the severity of the damage, the Minister revealed that the state incurred losses exceeding Rs. 5,000 crore during the recent monsoon season. Between June 20 and September 19, Himachal Pradesh reported 427 deaths, complete destruction of 651 pucca and 1,012 kutcha houses, and widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, horticulture, and private property.
Negi pointed out that Himachal offers the highest disaster compensation in the country following amendments to its relief manual. “While the Centre provides Rs. 1.30 lakh for a fully damaged house, our government is offering Rs. 7 lakh,” he said. He added that aid is also being extended for partially damaged structures, livestock, orchards, and household goods.
To date, over Rs. 270 crore has been disbursed from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, according to the Minister.
On the horticulture front, Negi noted that under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), 67,000 metric tonnes of apples have been procured this season, with over 2.25 crore apple boxes reaching the markets. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through the Universal Carton system, urging growers not to fall for “BJP’s misleading propaganda.”
Negi also accused BJP leaders of politicizing natural disasters, asserting that despite financial limitations, the state government remains resolute in extending maximum support to affected families.
