Excelsior Correspondent
-Excelsior/Rakesh
JAMMU, Sept 20: Congress demanded enhancement of cash assistance and relief to the affected people who have suffered extensive damage to their property in the worst-ever floods in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The party also requested the State Government to make equitable and fair distribution of financial aid and relief in both the divisions of the State.
Addressing a press conference, Kapil Singh, senior Congress leader and former general secretary, Pradesh Youth Congress, J&K said that the financial assistance and relief being provided to flood victims in Jammu is very less and there is an immediate need to enhance it so that the affected people are rehabilitated properly.
Singh said the State administration is providing a meager Rs 70,000 compensation for the cemented houses which have been completely damaged due to floods, while Rs 12,600 is being given for severely damaged cemented houses.
Similarly, the amount being given for fully damaged ‘kuccha’ (mud houses) is Rs 17,600, while those having severely damaged kuccha houses are being paid just Rs 3,800, he said.
The Congress leader said a paltry amount of Rs 1300 for clothing and Rs 1400 for utensils is being given to the victims, which is adding insult to their injuries.
“We request the Central and the State Governments for taking a sympathetic view to the losses suffered by the people due to floods and enhance the cash assistance immediately”, he added.
He also highlighted the problems being faced by the people of Marh constituency (Nikki Tawi Island) and asked the district administration to immediately restore regular supply of potable water and power in Marh area.
The Government has distributed 10 kg flour and 5 kg rice for flood affected persons in Nikki Tawi area which is insufficient and this quota must be enhanced to make people survive, he added.
Among others present were Balwant Manhas, Janak Raj, Vikram Singh, Bhushan Sharma and Sikander Charak.
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