Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday (September 15) donated his savings of approximately Rs 51 lakh to the 'Aapda Rahat Kosh' to assist the hill state's disaster-affected people. In a show of kindness and empathy for the people of the state, Chief Minister and his wife Kamlesh Thakur presented a cheque for Rs 51 lakh to State Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena today at their official residence, 'Oak Over' in Shimla.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister, also donated his one-year salary and contributed Rs 11 lakh to the State Relief Fund.
Speaking to the media about his donation, Chief Minister Sukhu expressed his deep empathy for the affected individuals, saying, "I could well understand the pain of the people and their plight during the recent monsoon fury in the state in which more than 260 precious lives were lost."
He futher highlighted the collective effort of the society in coming together during these trying times. "Every section of the society had voluntarily contributed towards the relief fund. Elders parted away with their pensions to help those in distress, children broke their piggy banks, and the State government employees contributed generously from their salaries to contribute towards the 'Aapda Rahat Kosh'," he added, ANI reported.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sukhu praised the unity displayed by the people of Himachal Pradesh in facing the catastrophe.
It's worth noting that Chief Minister Sukhu has a history of contributing to the state through his fixed deposits, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and engages in charitable works for the benefit of the state on a regular basis.
In a separate event on Friday, Chief Minister Sukhu recognised and rewarded the academic excellence of 260 meritorious students from Classes 12 and 10 in a felicitation ceremony, news agency ANI reported. Each of these accomplished students received Rs 5,000 in recognition of their achievements.
Priyanka Gandhi Urges PM Modi To Declare Himachal Calamity 'National Disaster'
In a related development, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the recent devastation caused by heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh a "national disaster," akin to the Kedarnath tragedy of 2013.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Gandhi requested financial assistance for the victims and their families, as well as for the reconstruction efforts in the state, which has been severely affected by flash floods and landslides triggered by the monsoon rains.
She described the people of Himachal Pradesh as resilient and hardworking and noted the immense destruction caused by the recent calamity, including loss of life, damage to property, and the distressing plight of those affected.
As the state deals with this crisis, Gandhi emphasised the importance of government assistance, particularly financial assistance, to help the state rebuild and assist those affected by the disaster.
Himachal Pradesh's situation remains dire, with losses estimated at Rs 8,679 crore since the start of the monsoon season, and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu pleading with the central government to declare the calamity a national disaster, citing losses of Rs 12,000 crore.