SHIMLA, JAN 4    :     Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and apprised him that the state government has submitted a post-disaster needs assessment report for the calamity faced by Himachal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

He urged the Union Minister for the speedy release of funds to help the reconstruction efforts being undertaken by the state government.

The Chief Minister also requested to include routes under the subsidized helicopter service scheme and informed the MHA that the state has already sent the details of the routes. He requested the early sanctioning of the same.

Sukhu further said that the state government has submitted proposals to the tune of 658.31 crore under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
He apprised the Union Minister that MHA has conveyed in principle approval only for 14 works amounting to Rs 3.87 crore.
He requested a speedy sanction of the remaining funds, as the development of these villages is of prime importance from a national security point of view.

The Union Minister assured the state of all possible assistance.(UNI)