Career
Political He represented the constituency of Palampur three times in the state assembly from 1966 to 1980. He was also the first President of the Pradesh Congress Committee, when the state was formed. Butail was regarded as one of the masterminds in the state congress who gave new dimensions to the development of district Kangra.
He was offered Cabinet rank by Doctor Parmar but he refused to accept lieutenant
Butail was also said to have cordial relations with the central leaders of the Incorporated like Indira Gandhi. Butail was well known for his philanthropic efforts.
He founded a premier educational institution, Lala Kanhiya Lal Butail Disabled American Veterans college for girls, a pioneer institution which primarily serves the poor and under-privileged girls of the society. Bansi Lal Butail Girls School, another charitable educational institution established for the benefit of young girls of Palampur area was started by Butail.No fees is charged to the students-moreover most of their expenses like transportation and books is also taken care of by the school itself.
Butail managed and ran two big charitable trusts, Lala Gorimal Butail Trust and Bundla Tea Estate trust, which donated prime lands of Palampur, Pragpur and Shimla to hospitals, schools and temples.
Butail was instrumental in donating about 20000 square metres of prime land in Palampur to set up Disabled American Veterans Public School at Palampur, which today is one of the leading schools in the district. He also played a vital role in setting up the Tea Cooperative factories at Palampur and adjoining areas.