The Sukhvinder Singh Government of Himachal Pradesh is currently grappling with financial crises and the indifference of the central government.
Himachal Pradesh is also dealing with the aftermath of devastating incessant rainfall. On Saturday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh urgently appealed to the Union government to release the pending natural disaster funds that have been withheld by the Centre.
In an official press statement, a state spokesperson quoted the Chief Minister, stating that the state has formally requested the Centre to promptly release the pending amount of Rs. 315.80 crore under the disaster fund. These funds, earmarked for natural disasters, have been withheld for several years.
According to the state’s finance spokesperson, the allocation includes Rs. 121.71 crore for the year 2020-21, Rs. 133.56 crore for 2021-22 from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), and Rs. 61.07 crore for 2019-20 from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The delay in receiving these funds was primarily due to objections raised by the Accountant General, which, through persistent efforts, the State Government has successfully resolved.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the Chief Minister highlighted that the state recently experienced severe devastation caused by incessant rains and flash floods. To address the immediate needs arising from this natural calamity, the State Government urgently appeals to the Union Government to expedite the release of the allocated funds.
Mr. Sukhu stressed that if the requested amount is released promptly, it will play a crucial role in supporting the state’s recovery efforts and providing much-needed relief to those affected by the recent disaster. Despite the challenges, the State Government remains hopeful that the Union Government will heed their call and extend support during this trying time.
Mr. Sukhu tweeted releasing a picture, “Pankaj Lakhanpal, President, Him Academy Public School, Hamirpur, presented a check of Rs. two lakh towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in Shimla today. Gratitude to Pankaj Lakhanpal for this pious work. #CMReliefFund”
हिम एकेडमी पब्लिक स्कूल, हमीरपुर के अध्यक्ष पंकज लखनपाल ने आज शिमला में मुख्यमंत्री राहत कोष के लिए दो लाख रुपये का चेक भेंट किया। इस पुनीत कार्य के लिए पंकज लखनपाल का आभार।#CMReliefFund pic.twitter.com/0tRfyxwarn
— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) July 22, 2023
Also, on July 20th, the chief minister released a video sharing, “Today, the Air Force and Administration successfully executed a challenging mission to deliver a medical team (comprising a Doctor, Pharmacist, and Medicines) to the remote Shakti village in Banjar, Kullu.
With reports of 2-3 critically ill patients in Moror/Shakti, the chopper expertly landed near the river to ensure the safe arrival of the medical team. Wing Commander Shailesh Singh from
@IAF_MCC
and medical officials deserve commendation for their outstanding efforts in accomplishing this difficult task.”
Today, the Air Force and Administration successfully executed a challenging mission to deliver a medical team (comprising a Doctor, Pharmacist, and Medicines) to the remote Shakti village in Banjar, Kullu.
With reports of 2-3 critically ill patients in Moror/Shakti, the chopper… pic.twitter.com/IcJ6yY9Xa7
— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) July 20, 2023