SHIMLA - Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has strongly refuted the statement made by Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur regarding the alleged financial assistance of Rs. 400 crore provided by the Central government to Himachal Pradesh during the ongoing disaster.
In an official statement released today, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi categorically denied receiving any aid from the Central Government for the current disaster in the state.
He clarified that the Central Government allocates Rs. 360 crore annually to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), disbursed in two installments – June and December.
However, he emphasized that no funds have been received from the Central Government for the present monsoon season disaster.
Negi further revealed that Himachal Pradesh's outstanding funds of Rs. 315 crore under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) were still pending with the Central Government, urging for their immediate release.
He urged the Central Government to address the dire situation and disburse an interim relief of Rs. 2000 crore, considering the extensive loss of government and private property, damage to power and water projects, and the long-term restoration required for roads.
Expressing disappointment, Minister Negi called upon Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to put aside their political motives and collaborate with the state government in securing the much-needed financial support from the Government of India.
He stressed the gravity of the tragedy faced by Himachal Pradesh and emphasized the urgency for swift action in providing assistance to the affected areas.
