SHIMLA:  India's 77th Independence Day marked by solemnity due to ongoing disaster in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukvinder Singh Sukhu  sought special assistance of Rs 10,000 Crore from Central government to rebuild flood-ravaged Himachal. He announced the launch of the "Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp Yojana" to prioritize the health and nutrition needs of mothers and children. 

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over  the  somber State Level  Independence Day Function at Ridge, Shimla as over 300 people were killed in the recent spate of floods and heavy spells of rains in the state since July 8 on onwards.

 Chief Minister hoisted the national flag and took salute from the contingents of State Police, Home Guards, NCC, NSS Scouts and Guides.  Deputy Superintendent of Police Pranav Chauhan commanded the parade.

He paid tributes not only to the freedom fighters of the country but also to the victims of the disaster, highlighting the government's efforts to provide assistance. 

The traditional celebrations were notably subdued due to the ongoing crisis.

Chief Minister Sukhu, hoisting the national flag, paid his respects to the state's struggle while acknowledging the severe challenges posed by the disaster.

At least 50 lives were lost in the last 24 hours and over 300 since the monsoon's onset, leaving many homes buried and roads damaged, he said.

During his address, Sukhu expressed solidarity with affected residents and assured them of the government's unwavering assistance.

In a remarkable rescue mission, 303 stranded tourists were evacuated from Chandratal in Lahaul-Spiti district. The World Bank lauded the state's efforts in the rescue operation, he said.

The Chief Minister underscored the need for Central Government support in tackling the estimated Rs. 10,000 crore worth of losses.

He announced a special relief package, including increased financial assistance for affected families, with a comprehensive plan for disaster preparedness in the future.

He increased the financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 given earlier to one lakh rupees, Rs 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 for the goods damages.

He said that earlier compensation of about Rs. 1400 per bigha was given in case of silting of agriculture and horticulture land, which has now been increased to Rs. 5000 per bigha.

He said that Rs 3,600 per bigha was earlier given for damage to agricultural and horticultural land, which has been increased to Rs. 10,000 per bigha by the present state government.

He said that under the special package, the state government was spending Rs. 100 crore to provide relief to the affected people.

He said that apart from this, the state government has prepared a long-term plan for disaster preparedness, on which about Rs. 800 crore would be spent, so that the side effects of such disasters could be reduced in future.

Sukhu revealed the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Vidhva Avam Ekal Nari Awas Yojana to aid widows in constructing homes. He aimed to transform Himachal Pradesh into a self-reliant and prosperous state in the years ahead.

Furthermore, honoring sacrifices, Sukhu raised the honorarium for freedom fighters and their widows. He also pledged higher grants for dependents of soldiers who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty.

He said instead of Rs. 5 lakh, Rs. 7.50 lakh would be given to the dependents of soldiers who lost their lives in non-operational areas or in operational areas where there is no war.

He said that Rs. 3.75 lakh would be given to the soldiers who got more than 50 percent disability and Rs. 1.50 lakh to the soldiers with less than 50 percent disability during the operation.

The Chief Minister also announced to increase the amount of financial assistance given under the Vidhva Punarvivah Yojana from Rs. 65 thousand to Rs. 2 lakh.

He announced to increase the wages of MNREGA workers from Rs. 224 to Rs. 240 in general areas and from Rs. 280 to Rs. 294 in tribal areas. This would benefit 9 lakh families working under MNREGA.

Underlining the commitment to healthcare, a new scheme prioritizing maternal and child health was introduced.

Sukhu walked to The Ridge from Oak Over, his residence, that resonated with the spirit of the state, even as it grapples with one of its worst disasters in decades.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mohan Lal Brakta, MLA Harish Janartha, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Vice Chairman Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Cooperative Bank Devendra Shyam, OSD to the Chief Minister Ritesh Kapret, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Bharat Khera, ADGP Abhishek Trivedi and others were present.