Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announces Rs.1000cr Special Relief Assistance Package for Flood affected people

By B.Maharana
Bhubaneswar, August 18
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced an initial 10-Point Special Assistance package to the tune of Rs.1000 crore for people affected by floods, that created havoc in six disticts of North Odisha involving at least 8 lakh people.
Chief Minister announced the package at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar after visiting the worst flood affected areas of Jajpur and Bhadrakh.
Stating that the package for operation and restoration is based on a preliminary asessment , Majhi asserted that funds would not be a constraint in bringing affected areas back to normalcy.
Giving details of the ten-point package he said Agricultural input subsidy for farmers who suffered 33 per cent or more crop loss (up to 2 hectares would be provided ₹8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land, ₹17,000 for irrigated land and ₹22,500 for perennial crops.
Financial assistance would be given through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for purchasing paddy and non-paddy (including pulses such as black gram) seeds. Government and private channels will ensure seed availability.
affected farmers would be provided free vegetable mini-kits and 75 per cent subsidy on pest and disease management after the floods.
Damaged lift irrigation points would be repaired immediately and Compensation will be paid for livestock losses and assistance for damaged boats, nets and ponds, he said.
Stating that conversion of short-term Kharif crop loans into medium-term agricultural loans for willing farmers will be made , he said assistance of ₹5,000 each for damaged tools/equipment and for raw materials/finished goods in the handicraft and handloom sectors will be ensured .
Temporary war-footing repairs of damaged roads, canals and embankments will be made and later permanent restoration will be done after detailed assessment.
He said free rice scheme will continue and and Financial support for utensils, household items and clothing for affected individuals will be provided .