The state government revealed that no additional funds have been released by Government of India for payment of ex-gratia relief for the earth quake affected families in Doda.Government said that as per SDRF norms Rs 70,000 is being paid to such families whose houses were fully damaged in the earth quake in view of approaching winter.In its written reply to a query tabled by MLA Inderwal G M Saroori in the ongoing Legislative Assembly session, government said that the deputy commissioners have been already provided funds for temporary restoration of infrastructure and payment of ex-gratia relief.“No additional funds have been released by Government of India. An amount of 19 crores have been provided to DC Doda out of which 1.5 crore is for restoration of infrastructure and balance for payment of ex-gratia relief to the affected families,” Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation said in its reply.
“DC Kishtwar has been provided 5.69 crore for meeting the expenses on account of payment of ex-gratia for private property and so far no funds have been demanded for restoration of infrastructure,” it said.Government said that in Ramban district, the damages were negligible; however 25 lakh were released in favour of DC out of which the expenditure is 5 lakh.The concerned Minister said that free ration has been sanctioned in favour of all the affected families for three months.However, the government said nothing about the steps taken to ensure transparency in the process as demanded by the MLA Saroori.In view of the winter approaching, government said, “As per SDRF norms Rs 70,000 is being paid to such families whose houses were fully damaged.
However for temporary shelter 5579 tents were made available in District Doda and Kishtwar.”Meanwhile G M Saroori, an MLA from Inderwal, also lashed out at coalition partner National Conference for its indifferent approach.“If things remains the same then we have to think in future whether to ally with you or not,” Saroori said while participating in a discussion in the Legislative Assembly on healthcare infrastructure.Speaking on the issue during the discussion, Congress MLA, GM Saroori warned that the coalition Government is in danger if it doesn’t sanction 20 Primary Health Centres to district Doda and Kishtwar.