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Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Guv visits disaster-affected areas in Mandi, calls for stronger disaster preparedness
1 2 Mandi: Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla visited the disaster-affected areas of Thunag, Bagsiad, and Janjehli in the Siraj assembly constituency of Mandi district on Sunday. During the visit, the governor met the affected families and distributed essential relief materials. The governor first interacted with disaster victims in Thunag and remarked that the sub-division suffered the most damage in the recent natural calamity, with extensive losses to private property, land, and livestock. He said cases amounting to over Rs 3 crore in compensation had been approved for final sanction. Commending the resilience of the local people, he said, "Despite the massive loss, the courage and determination of the residents here are truly commendable. While complete compensation for the damage is not possible, all possible assistance will be provided." He emphasised the need to consider both internal resources and additional arrangements to tackle such situations effectively. Shukla also visited the relief camp at Bagsiad and held discussions with the affected residents at the PWD Rest House in Thunag. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo He later visited Panchayat Ghar Pakhred and reviewed the situation in the affected areas of Jhundi and Pakhred panchayats. The governor also met disaster-hit families in Janjehli and offered words of comfort. He said five truckloads of relief material had been dispatched to Mandi and one to Kullu from Raj Bhavan. He assured that more assistance would be sent promptly if requested by the district administration. Calling the calamity a major disaster, the governor said that immediate restoration is a challenge and there is a pressing need to take preventive measures to avoid such situations in the future. Referring to the Supreme Court's observations on environmental protection, he said they must be taken seriously and acted upon collectively. Leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who also accompanied the governor, said the people are still in deep shock as their sources of livelihood were destroyed. He appreciated the state govt for restoring essential services like roads, electricity, and water supply through the district administration. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla visits disaster affected areas in Mandi
Shimla: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday visited the disaster-hit areas in Mandi district to assess the ground situation and express solidarity with the affected families. Shukla visited Tungal Colony near Jail Road in Mandi, one of the severely impacted areas, and interacted with the victims. He assured the families of all possible support from the administration. The governor said both state and central govts were working in close coordination to ensure timely relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in the affected regions. He emphasised the commitment of the govt to provide shelter, food, medical aid, and other essential services to the victims without delay. Shukla also reviewed the ongoing relief operations and directed officials to strengthen their efforts to provide swift and effective assistance. He appreciated the proactive response of the district administration, disaster response teams, and local volunteers for their tireless efforts in helping those affected. Mandi deputy commissioner Apoorv Devgan briefed Shukla on the relief and rehabilitation works being carried out across the district. He also visited Panchayat Bhawan, where arrangements had been made to accommodate displaced families, and interacted with the victims. Shukla also paid a visit to historic Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Paddal and met the family that lost three of its members in the tragedy. MSID:: 123062873 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Himachal Governor flags off relief consignments for Mandi, Kullu; stresses lifestyle change to prevent disaster losses
ANI Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla (File Photo) Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday flagged off three vehicles carrying essential relief material from Raj Bhavan to the flood-affected districts of Mandi and consignments, sent via the State Red Cross Society, include tents, blankets, tarpaulins, sanitary items, food supplies, and other daily-use goods meant to aid over 1,200 families impacted by recent floods and landslides. Speaking to the media at the flag-off ceremony, the Governor emphasised the urgent need for behavioural and lifestyle change in the wake of recurring natural disasters in the region."The kind of damage we are witnessing will continue unless people adapt their way of life. If we don't bring change, the losses will be far greater," said Governor Shukla, referring to his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in added that this was not the first dispatch of relief from Raj Bhavan. "Earlier, three trucks had already been sent from Rajasthan through the Red Cross. Today, three more have been sent - one will go to Kullu and two to Mandi," he informed. "We are sending blankets, tarpaulins, tents, and daily-use items like soap, sanitary products, biscuits, candles, and matches. One truck is carrying supplies sufficient for nearly 400 people. In total, we aim to support around 1,200 to 1,300 families," the Governor also announced his visit to the affected areas."I will go to Mandi today. Tomorrow, I plan to visit the Seraj region, including Thunag. After spending a day or two with the affected people, I will return to Raj Bhavan," he said. Referring to the Supreme Court's recent observation that, if the current environmental degradation continues, Himachal could vanish from the map, he said that he had already discussed with the Indian Prime Minister and people of the state will have to change their lifestyle in the hills . "I believe the concern is valid. Everyone should think seriously about it. If we don't change how we live, the destruction will only increase," he the issue of central assistance, the Governor clarified that the support has always been there from the Union government."Central aid is provided after a detailed assessment by the Central Team. The Centre always extends support whenever Himachal asks for it." He added. He also addressed recent statements by the Chief Minister, where CM Sukhu has asked the Governor to refrain from statements which hamper the government's efforts in the fight against drugs. "I only said that rehabilitation centres are necessary. At no point did I claim the police or government are not doing their work." He said."I don't know in what context the Chief Minister made those comments. Perhaps he knows, but I never questioned the role of the government or its officials or policies," Said queries about a new vehicle for the Governor's office in light of Delhi's regulatory norms, he explained that the vehicle is being changed only because the existing old vehicle is not allowed in Delhi."A new rule in Delhi prohibits the use of certain vehicles beyond a point. If a vehicle has to go from here to Delhi, it must comply with those norms. There's no personal requirement from my side for a new car." He Verma, Secretary to the Governor, and other officials were present during the flag-off.
News18
6 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
Himachal Cabinet Approves Rs 92 Lakh Mercedes Benz For Guv Despite State Facing Financial Crisis
Last Updated: The decision comes as the state reels under a looming fiscal deficit projected to exceed Rs 1 lakh crore in 2025–26, according to official reports. The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Friday approved the purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz worth Rs 92 lakh for Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla. The decision comes as the state reels under a looming fiscal deficit projected to exceed Rs 1 lakh crore in 2025–26, according to official reports. 'The Mercedes currently being used by the Governor has completed its service life. We have decided to procure a new vehicle for him," said Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan. Shukla is presently using a Mercedes 350 acquired in 2019 during the previous BJP regime. Before that, the Raj Bhavan used a 2013-model Mercedes 250. A Raj Bhavan official said a formal proposal was submitted to the government after a mechanical inspection of the current vehicle. 'So far, we haven't received any official response," the official added. The decision follows a recent public disagreement between the Governor and Chief Minister over drug-related issues in the state. In other key decisions, the Cabinet approved reservations for Other Backwards Classes (OBCs) in upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. Previously, reservations were limited to SC/ST communities and women. A dedicated commission will soon be formed to collect ward-wise OBC population data to allocate seats accordingly. Himachal has 76 ULBs under the Urban Development Department. The last elections were held in March 2021, and the next are due in 2026. The Cabinet also recommended convening the state Assembly's monsoon session from August 18 to September 2. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Himachal OKs reservation for OBCs in polls to urban local bodies; monsoon session from Aug 18
1 2 Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh cabinet of ministers on Thursday decided to introduce other backward classes (OBC) reservation in upcoming polls to urban local bodies. In a meeting chaired by chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the cabinet also approved the constitution of a backward classes commission to compile accurate data on the population of backward classes before the finalisation of the reservation roster. The cabinet recommended to governor Shiv Pratap Shukla to convene the monsoon session of the vidhan sabha from Aug 18 to Sep 2. Approval was also granted to a one-time relaxation of two years in the upper-age limit of candidates for the competitive exams of TGT and JBT posts, to be conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog. A decision was also taken to reserve one seat per course in all govt, govt-aided and private technical institutions, including ITIs, polytechnics, engineering, and pharmacy colleges, for orphans. The cabinet also gave its nod to initiate the operation of lotteries in the hill state. Approval was also given for the engagement of 290 additional Asha workers to strengthen healthcare services in remote and tribal regions. It also decided to fill five posts of law officer (English) and two posts of law officer (Hindi) in the Himachal Pradesh secretariat. It also gave the nod to the creation and filling up of three posts of research officer in the offices of integrated tribal development project at Bharmour, Pangi, and Spiti. It was decided to launch Phase II of the Himachal Pradesh Sadbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme, 2025, for a period of three months from Sep 1, aiming to resolve approximately 30,000 pending cases related to state value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products up to the 2020–21 financial year. BOX OTHER DECISIONS: MAJOR AND MINOR Monsoon disaster help The cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for providing financial assistance in the form of rent support for monsoon disaster-affected families residing in relief camps. Families will receive rent assistance through direct benefit transfer (DBT) at the rate of Rs 5,000 per month in rural areas and Rs 10,000 per month in urban areas for a maximum period of six months. Liquor and mining To check illegal activities at manufacturing units, the cabinet decided to post two home guards each at distilleries, bottling, and brewery plants. It also approved the posting of a state taxes and excise officer at each such plant, with mandatory rotation within the same district after a prescribed period. Approval was also granted for the auction of 10 minor mineral quarries in Kangra and re-auction of 11 such quarries in Bilaspur, which is expected to generate Rs 18.82 crore for the state exchequer, in addition to creating direct and indirect employment opportunities and helping curb illegal mining. Tourism and travel The cabinet approved the establishment of a tourism investment promotion council under the chairmanship of the chief minister to entertain projects entailing investment of more than Rs 50 crore each. The council will process the cases within 30 days. To streamline and monitor free or concessional travel facilities, the cabinet granted approval to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for issuing the Him Bus Card to eligible beneficiaries. RELIEF & USING MORE SPACE The cabinet also approved a one-time legacy policy to regularise unregistered construction equipment vehicles. Under this policy, owners can register their vehicles upon payment of the applicable one-time tax and 50% of the due penalty, to be paid in lump sum. The policy will remain in effect for three months from the date of notification. As per estimates, there are 2,795 such vehicles It was decided to approve the recommendations of the cabinet sub-committee led by technical education minister Rajesh Dharmani to suggest optimum use of unutilised vacant govt buildings. It was also recommended to designate a nodal agency for providing space to govt departments, boards, and corporations for setting up offices A decision was taken to make the water tariff rates uniform in the municipal corporation, Solan, irrespective of the service provider, by applying the rates of Jal Shakti Vibhag, and it will benefit thousands of water consumers
