Bhubaneswar: Special relief commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena Saturday wrote to all the collectors of the state asking them to assess the damage to private properties during the recent heavy rains experienced in the state between October 23 and 25.
Collectors have been asked to submit the damage assessment report by November 4 following which assistance will be released by the government, the letter said.
In its guideline to collectors, the SRC has advised the collectors to follow squad approach and form teams comprising of members from all concerned departments.
“Crop loss assessment must be carried out by the joint teams consisting of revenue, agriculture and horticulture personnel. The supervising officers shall conduct test checks to ensure correctness in the assessment. Photographic evidence of the beneficiary along with the damaged houses at the background is mandatory, the letter mentions.
The SRC has asked the collectors to provide assistance for clothing and utensils in addition to the prescribed house building assistance in cases of houses being fully damaged or severely inundated for more than two days.
Besides, Jena has advised the collectors to take expeditious steps for sanction and payment ex-gratia from the available funds with district administration to the kins of the persons who have lost their lives.
“Since the damage has occurred in a limited scale, you may take steps for disbursement of the eligible assistance out of available funds without waiting for allotment from SRC. However, funds will be placed after receipt of reports from your end,” Jena mentions in the letter.
Further, the SRC has asked the collectors to facilitate the disbursement only done through direct benefit transfer (DBT).