The Haryana government has announced a financial aid package of Rs 5 crore to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to support recovery efforts following heavy rainfall and flooding in the state.

This follows similar contributions of Rs 5 crore each to Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab for flood relief, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said.

Speaking to the media yesterday after an informal cabinet meeting, Saini urged ministers, MLAs, and legislators to contribute one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to expedite rescue and rehabilitation efforts for affected families. He also appealed to state government officials, employees, social organizations, and industrial bodies to voluntarily contribute to the fund to ensure timely assistance reaches those in need.

“The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund is open to all, and anyone can contribute as per their wish,” Saini said in response to a question about opposition involvement in relief efforts.

Highlighting Haryana’s commitment to supporting neighbouring states, Saini emphasized the state’s solidarity with Punjab, describing it as a “brother” state. He noted ongoing relief support to Punjab and confirmed discussions with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to assess further needs following the natural disaster.

Saini also gave reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Punjab, underscoring the importance of fulfilling “neighbourly duties” during crises.

Responding to queries about opposition leaders visiting flood-affected areas, Saini remarked, “It’s good that the opposition leader has stepped out; earlier, they only fulfilled their responsibilities through tweets.” He contrasted this with Prime Minister Modi’s approach, stating, “Whenever a crisis strikes, the Congress’s ‘yuvraj’ goes abroad, but Modi cancels his programs to be among the people. He is the first Prime Minister to stand with the public during such times.”

Addressing concerns about crop damage, Saini said farmers are actively registering losses on the e-compensation portal. He personally assessed the damage in the fields and noted that Rs 88.5 crore had already been disbursed to farmers as compensation a month ago. “In this hour of crisis, the Haryana government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people,” he affirmed.