Thunag College classes to be shifted to Sundernagar due to disaster: Jagat Singh Negi

Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi today said that due to the recent disaster in Mandi district, it was no longer feasible to continue holding classes at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Thunag. Presently, around 300 students were enrolled in the college. The matter had been thoroughly discussed with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and many students along-with their parents had also met the Chief Minister to express their concerns.

Jagat Singh Negi said that keeping student’s safety as the topmost priority, the State Government has decided to shift the college classes to Sundernagar as a temporary arrangement. The Horticulture and Forestry University, Nauni had been directed to immediately identify a suitable location in Sundernagar and start academic activities at the earliest. He said that the student’s education had already suffered due to the disruption caused by the disaster and assured that extra time would be given to them so that they could prepare for examinations.

The Minister said that the students of Thunag College had a narrow escape during the disaster. He said that the previous government started the college without ensuring proper infrastructure. Most of the students were forced to stay in privately rented accommodations (PGs), which posed additional risks. He said that the admission process for 100 students for the new academic session was currently underway and to avoid any delay and ensure uninterrupted studies these classes would also be held in Sundernagar.

While speaking on the issue of disaster relief, the Minister said that after the 2023 disaster a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of Rs. 10,000 crore was submitted. However, the Central Government released only Rs. 2,006 crore after a delay of two years and even then the State was required to contribute 25 percent of the amount. He said that the 2025 monsoon also caused extensive damage yet the Centre had not provided any assistance so far.

Sh. Negi called upon the BJP leadership to speak up for the interests of Himachal Pradesh at the Centre. He said that BJP national president and Union Minister JP Nadda, who hails from Himachal along with the four BJP MPs from the State, should raise their voices and take up the matter of relief funds with the Union Government.

In response to a question, he welcomed the decision of Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur to accompany Chief Minister to Delhi and said that presenting a united front before the Centre would strengthen the State’s case and help in securing adequate support for the rehabilitation of disaster-affected families.

He said that if Sh. Thakur would have agreed in 2023, the State might have received the full relief amount. He also targeted Mandi MP and actress Kangana Ranaut and said that visiting disaster-hit families by crossing rivers and walking through dangerous terrain was not something an actress can handle. He said that Kangana was more suited for Bollywood where the stage is ready, makeup artists are present and even the dialogues are written for her.