Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today distributed relief cheques among 400 flood affected traders from Srinagar and Bandipora districts. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Samoon informed that in a phased manner all flood affected traders will be compensated within the next ten days adding that in the initial phase only those non-insured shopkeepers were covered whose business turnover is upto Rs 5 lakhs and from Rs 5-10 lakhs.Joint Director Information Shafqat Iqbal, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone and representatives of trade bodies were present at the function.Dr. Samoon said that Rs 9 crore had been released to Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Rs 1 crore to the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora for flood affected traders.
He said that Rs 14 crores has already been distributed among 5000 business establishments and only those shopkeepers were given cheques by hand, who had some problems with their bank accounts. The Divisional Commissioner directed the officials to ensure online transfer of relief among all the traders and flood affected families that will make the entire process accountable and transparent.The Divisional Commissioner said that administration has asked for additional Rs 120 crores from the government out of which Rs 90 crore will be disbursed among flood affected traders and families of Srinagar. About Rs 15 crores have also been earmarked for widows, destitute and people who had to live in rented accommodations due to floods.Later in the day Dr. Samoon held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioners of affected districts to review the status of disbursal of relief cheques among affected people.