Govt completes distribution of ex-gratia to flood victims

JAMMU, Dec 31: The Government has completed the process of distribution of ex-gratia of Rs five lakh to each of the families of those who lost their lives in the September devastating floods in the state.
“The ex-gratia amount of Rs five lakh announced by the Government in favour of all those families whose next of kin lost their lives due to September floods has been handed over to the affected people,” State Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khandey said.
He said that besides this, an amount of Rs 156 crore in Kashmir division and Rs 42 crore in Jammu division has been disbursed as relief among the flood-affected families.
Khandey who reviewed the relief and rehabilitation measures underway in the State after the devastating floods, instructed the officials concerned to ensure zero pendency in respect of the disbursement to the flood victims.
He said the district administrations concerned should ensure suitable facilities to all those families who have preferred to stay in pre-fab shelters constructed for them at various places across the state.
Khandey said the relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims shall remain priority of the Government and as such directed the administration to continuously keep up its efforts in this regard.
While reviewing the demolition drive underway to clear encroachments especially along river and canal embankments and water bodies, the Chief Secretary directed the officials to step up the effort further and submit weekly reports. (AGENCIES)