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Various social security pensions in Himachal reaching 4.47 lakh people, says Govt
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Government has released a report regarding the social security pensions which, it claimed, is being provided to about 4.47 lakh people in the state.
A budget provision of Rs. 443 crore has been made to provide social security pension for this current financial year, the report said.
These social security pensions include old-age pension, national old age pension, national widow pension, national disability pension, disability relief allowance etc., the report said.
The old age pension of Rs. 750 is being provided to those above 60 years old with an annual income not exceeding Rs. 35000. For people above 70 years or more will be given a monthly pension of Rs.1300 barring income criteria.
Tthe age limit of social security pension for old aged persons from 80 years to 70 years without any income criteria, benefiting about 1.30 lakh elderly people, government claims in the report.
The government of India is providing Social Security Pension of Rs. 200 per month under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme to those who are between the age group of 60-79 years, 60 years and are living below poverty line, said the report.
An additional amount of Rs.550 per month is being borne by the State Government to provide a pension of Rs. 750. Apart from this, under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension is providing Rs. 500 per month to those pensioners who are 80 years and above and come under BPL category.
An additional expenditure of Rs. 800 per month is being borne by the State Government to provide a pension at the rate of Rs.1300 per month.
The GoI under national widow pension scheme is providing a pension of Rs. 300 per month to the eligible widows of selected BPL families in the age group 40 to 69 years.
An additional expenditure of 450 rupees per month is being borne by the State Government to provide a pension of Rs. 750, said the report.
Under national disability pension scheme, those who have 80 percent or more disability and are between 18 to 79 years and living Below Poverty Line are given a sum of Rs 300 per month by the Government of India.
The State government ads additional amount of Rs.1000 per month to provide a pension at the rate of Rs.1300.
Apart from this, disability relief allowance at the rate of 750 rupees per month to those having a disability is between 40 to 69 percent with an annual income not more than Rs. 35000 per month.
Individuals with more than 70 percent disability, who are not working in a government / semi-government / corporations/boards, are being given the sum of Rs 1300 per month without any income limit. Disability relief for mentally challenged persons is being provided without any income limit, said the report.
Government is providing pension to the widows / abandoned / single women whose annual income is not more than Rs. 35000. This pension is being given at the rate of Rs. 750 per month.
Leprosy rehabilitation allowance is being provided to the leprosy patients at the rate of 750 rupees per month. No age and income criteria are applicable for this allowance.
Further, transgenders, identified by the notified State /District level Medical Boards of Health and Family Welfare Department, are being provided transgender pension without any age and income limits.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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