Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 26: Calling for a fair and transparent mechanism for distribution of relief among the flood-affected people, senior PDP leader and Member Parliament, Tariq Hameed Karra today said the existing lopsided system of relief distribution adopted by the State Government is proving inadequate in reaching out to the sufferers expeditiously.
Mr Karra during his visit to various relief and ration distribution hubs in and around Srinagar today, including EDI Pampore, witnessed a messy situation there, perpetuated by complete lack of coordination among various official agencies responsible for the management of relief distribution. He said the relief distribution at these hubs is not only selective but is unfortunately being done mostly on political considerations.
“I was told by some officials at these hubs that they were being forced to dispatch truckloads of relief during night to the ruling party legislators for distribution among the cadres of a particular political party,” he said and added that by resorting to such highhandedness in relief distribution the National Conference leaders are only depriving the genuine flood-sufferers of the much-needed respite.
Mr Karra said he told the officials manning these relief hubs, not to succumb to any political pressure and ensure that the relief reaches the neediest people. He also urged people not to resort to bullying-tactics against the officials manning these hubs and allow them to discharge their duties without any pressure.
Mr Karra said due to the chaos at these relief distribution centres, most of the relief material, coming as charity from various State Governments and NGOs, is yet to be opened. He said while most of the relief material from these hubs has been channeled to particular areas on the recommendations of the ruling party leaders, there are certain worst-affected areas where not much relief has gone, and the people there continue to be dependent upon local relief committees. “The State Government must ensure judicious distribution of relief so that the people in need benefit from whatever is available at present,” he said.
Mr Karra said the impact of floods on business, horticulture, agriculture and tourism sectors, constituting the core of state’s economy, has been devastating and the State and Central Governments must look beyond surveys and try to help the people to pick up the threads again especially in Srinagar and some other towns like Anantnag, Pampore, Beerwa, Magam and Bandipora.
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