Shimla, Dec. 28 -- The Union ministry of finance has released financial assistance of Rs 601.92 crore for Himachal Pradesh for the damages suffered by the state in 2023. This budget has been allocated for post-disaster relief and rescue operations under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The ministry's letter stated that the first instalment of central assistance has been released to Himachal Pradesh for compensation and reconstruction of losses caused by floods, cloudbursts, and landslides during the 2023 monsoon season. The central government has approved a total of Rs 1,504.80 crore for Himachal Pradesh of which 40% of this amount has now been released. The release of the second instalment will require 75% of the amount to be spent first. This amount has been released based on a recommendation from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The order clarifies that the next instalment will be released only after the state government has utilised at least 75% of the funds already received. Revenue, horticulture and tribal development minister of Himachal Jagat Singh Negi said that the assistance was long overdue. "This is not a big favour. This was our right. The money that was due in 2023 is being released in 2025, and even that is being given in instalments," he said....