Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Nov 30: Central Government today said that they have provided Rs 10, 000 crore to the State for the rehabilitation of the last year’s flood victims and is waiting for utilization certificate to release more funds.
When asked by the Division Bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court comprising Justice MH Attar and Justice J R Kotwal, how much amount was paid by the Centre to the State Government for rehabilitation of flood victims, the Union Counsel S A Makroo (ASGI) informed the court that approximately Rs 10,000 crore have been provided to the State Government but utilization certificate is not been submitted as to where the said amount has been incurred so that more amount could have been released for rehabilitation.
Court after submission of the union counsel observed that there is a huge gap in the amount as the State Government has proposed Rs. 44,000 Crore for the rehabilitation and observed that Centre should show further magnanimity and generosity by providing the required amount for bringing back on track the flood affected people of the State.
The status report filed by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance says that steps are being taken by the Central Government for providing financial assistance to the flood affected people of the State for restoration of the damaged infrastructure.
The report revealed that under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan for the State an amount of Rs. 80, 000 Crore has been announced by the Prime Minister of India while visiting the Valley on November 7. “The package includes support for flood relief, reconstruction, flood management, assistance for small trade and business, development projects under Road and Highway, Power, Skill Development, Sports, Agriculture and Food Processing, Tourism, etc”, the report said.
Earlier, court had directed the Ministry of Finance to respond to the proposal of the special package of Rs. 44,000 crore as relief for flood victims. And in response the Ministry filed its status report before the court.
Court said that nothing is said in the status report of the Centre about the recommendation made by the State Government for sanctioning and disbursement of Rs. 44,000 crore. “Ours is the great country. It has big heart, broad mind and large shoulders to provide adequate assistance to its suffering people”, observed the Court.
Court directed the counsel representing State advocate T Khawaja (AAG) to respond to the status report of Centre within a period of two weeks. “AAG Khawaja sought and is granted two weeks time to file response to the status report”, court said.
The Division Bench while hearing a Public Interest Litigation which was immediately filed after last year’s devastating floods by two advocates seeking therein that flood victims be provided the relief in proper mode and manner.
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