The Richest Person in Shimla: An Overview of Wealth and Real Estate Success
As of August 2023, the richest person in Shimla is Ravi Sharma, a real estate developer. With an estimated net worth of over 250 million, Sharma has significantly contributed to the rapid growth of the Shimla real estate market through his extensive property holdings and investments.
Ravi Sharma: The Top Tycoon
Ravi Sharma is a prominent figure in the Shimla real estate sector. His extensive property holdings and strategic investments have propelled him to the top of the local wealthiest individuals. Despite the challenges in accurately assessing wealth due to various reasons, including agricultural businesses that are not subject to regular taxes, Sharma's net worth stands out clearly.
Vikramaditya Singh: A Political Philanthropist
Admittedly, the wealthiest person in Shimla remains a subject of debate. While Ravi Sharma leads in the real estate sector, Vikramaditya Singh, a member of the Indian National Congress, has significant wealth. He was born on October 17, 1789, and is a prominent political figure in Himachal Pradesh. Singh is currently a member of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly since 2017 and has served as a leader of the Indian National Congress.
He is also the grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir, and the son of Raja VirBhadra Singh, who was the 6 times Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Singh's political and business acumen have contributed significantly to his wealth and influence in Shimla.
Agri Riches and Rural Wealth
The Shimla hills are not only famous for their real estate and political clout but also for the vast agricultural estates of the rural populace. Some individuals have amassed significant wealth through large apple farms, particularly in the upper regions of Shimla. Interestingly, many of these agricultural businesses are not subject to regular taxes, making it challenging to assess their exact net worth accurately.
One such example is Brij Bihari Lal Butail, a prestigious veteran Congress leader, who owns an estimated 150 crore worth of property, along with other movable assets. His assets include real estate and land worth around 147 crore. However, it's worth noting that he and his wife have not listed any jewelry in their names, although his wife does own jewelry worth 16 lakh, including 550 grams of gold. This background illustrates the diverse and sometimes complex nature of wealth in Shimla, blending both agricultural and real estate ventures.
Influential Political Advisors and Entrepreneurs
Among the politically influential figures, Brij Bihari Lal Butail stands out. Beyond his immense wealth, he has had a significant political influence. He has served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for four terms and was the political advisor to the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, he has held the office of the Cabinet State Revenue Minister, underscoring his extensive network and connection within the political realm.
While the figures like Ravi Sharma, Vikramaditya Singh, and Brij Bihari Lal Butail are leading wealthy individuals in Shimla, the question of the richest person remains open. It depends on how wealth is measured and declared. For instance, the actual rich person is usually one who has a significant turnover and declares it to the tax department, much like international leaders such as Bill Gates and Larry Ellison.
For those interested in delving deeper into the wealth of these individuals, the RTI (Right to Information) Act can be a useful tool. However, many may have valid reasons to decline providing information, thus complicating the assessment process.