Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Dec 1: State Government today refuted the Central Government claim that Government didn’t provide them details regarding fully and partially damaged houses in the September floods and bank details of the house owners.
The State Government today disclosed before Jammu and Kashmir High Court that the stand of Central Government regarding information has not been provided about particulars of house owners whose houses have damaged in devastating floods in September and their bank details, is false.
In compliance to earlier Court direction Commissioner Secretary to Government Revenue, Department, who was present in the court stated in his compliance that the contents in communication (dated: 24.22.14 by Ministry of Home Affairs, Disaster Management) are false and in fact in fact in majority of the cases it was provided on November 18th and 19th to the concerned authority in Central Government’ says the compliance report of Revenue Secretary.
In the said communication it is stated that no information has been received from the State Government about the partially and fully damaged houses as also the bank details of those house owners so that relief could have been released and admitted to their accounts.
After hearing both counsels representing Central Government as well as State Government the Division Bench comprising Justice MH Attar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey sought instruction and clear stand from union Counsel about the issue.
“In these circumstances, Mr. Makroo shall have to seek instructions and take a clear stand and inform the court what steps have been taken for transferring the amount into the accounts of persons about whom information is already given to them”, directed the bench
Advocate General of the State, MI Qadri, apprised the court that a decision was taken by the State Government for providing an amount of Rs 5000 as rental to those whose structures were totally damaged in Srinagar as well as in Jammu and Rs 3500 for those living in Municipal areas of other districts. “Those who living in rural areas will be paid an amount of Rs 2000 as rental”, he stated.
Qadri also submitted that this amount will be paid before next date to all such families either by transferring the same into their accounts, or through Cheques where accounts are not available.
Court emphasized that whatever relief has to be provided, it is to be provided at the earliest. “The effort of the PIL mover as also of this court is to ensure that whatever relief has to be provided to the flood sufferers, same be provided at the earliest”, the bench observed
Court directed that State as well as Central Government shall ensure that requisite relief and financial assistance reaches to the affected families without any further delay.
“We hope that by next date the flood sufferers shall have no grievances on the aforesaid two counts”, observed the bench and sought fresh compliance from both Governments by next date.
After submission made at Bar by AG that the State Government will provide timber on concession rates to the flood sufferers in terms of policy decision, court directed Managing Director State Forest Corporation by filing a report to inform the court as to how many flood sufferers have been given timber on concessional rates.
Meanwhile court exempted personal appearance of Commissioner Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, till further orders of the court. He was previously directed to be present in the court.
Court also directed the respondents except Irrigation and flood Control Department, to file reply affidavit by next date in PIL filed by Advocate Azhar-ul-Amin alleging therein that negligence on part of authorities is a criminal negligence which caused huge loss of life and property during recent floods and severe punishment to responsible officers has been prayed in the instant PIL.
Court observed during the proceeding of the matter that the issues raised in the instant PIL are of serious in nature.
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