CM Sukhu announces Rs 8.5 lakh relief for Boh cloudburst victims

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Dharamshala, July 27

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced a significant increase in financial assistance for families affected by natural disasters, raising the total relief package for those whose houses have been completely damaged to ₹8.5 lakh. He also launched a sharp attack on the BJP over alleged paper leak cases and recruitment scams, announcing that the state government would soon bring out a White Paper on corruption during the previous BJP regime.

Addressing mediapersons in Dharamshala, Sukhu said the state government has enhanced relief to ensure the rehabilitation of disaster-hit families. He said beneficiaries whose homes have been fully damaged will receive ₹7.5 lakh for reconstruction, along with an additional ₹1 lakh for household essentials such as furniture, beds, and children’s books.

The Chief Minister also announced higher compensation for losses suffered by farmers and livestock owners. Financial assistance has been increased to ₹55,000 for the death of a cow, ₹15,000 for the loss of a sheep or goat, ₹1 lakh for partially damaged shops, and ₹10,000 per two kanal of agricultural land washed away due to disasters.

He said the state government stands firmly with every disaster-affected family and assured that there would be no shortage of funds for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Responding to BJP national president J.P. Nadda’s remarks on the paper leak issue, Sukhu said that not a single examination paper had been leaked during the Congress government’s three-and-a-half-year tenure. He alleged that several recruitment examinations, including police recruitment and Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission examinations, witnessed paper leaks during the BJP government’s tenure from 2017 to 2022.

The Chief Minister said that within four months of assuming office, his government dissolved the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission and initiated strict action against those allegedly involved in recruitment irregularities.

Announcing further action, Sukhu said the state government would soon release a White Paper on the alleged corruption, paper leak cases, and recruitment scams that occurred during the previous BJP government’s tenure. He said a proposal would be placed before the Cabinet to constitute a committee that would compile the details and present the findings before the public.

Reacting to the BJP’s proposed protest against the Congress government, Sukhu said the party should first resolve its internal differences. He maintained that the Congress government is stable and enjoys the support of the people.

Rejecting speculation about divisions within the Congress legislature party, the Chief Minister said his government does not believe in “horse-trading” and that those who wish to leave are free to do so. He also claimed that some BJP leaders are in contact with the Congress but asserted that the party would not induct anyone facing allegations of corruption.