Shimla, Nov. 10 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced a significant hike in financial assistance for families affected by natural disasters, raising the aid for partial loss from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. The announcement was made during a public gathering at Paddal Ground in Mandi, said the release.

Despite limited resources, the state government was steadfastly moving toward making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state, the release said.

Sukhu stressed that "Atmanirbhar Himachal" was not a political slogan but the passion and commitment of his government. The state had adopted 6,000 orphan children as "Children of the State" and was providing financial assistance for the higher education of wido...