The Civil Society Responds to Fani (CSRF), a group of civil society organisations and concerned citizens who have come together to strengthen and accelerate the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the cyclone, on Tuesday presented various recommendations to the Government for effective distribution of relief and other supports.
Addressing at a Press meet here, former Information Commissioner and CYSD cofounder Jagadananda said relief of Rs 2,000 and 50-kg rice per family is being given to only ration cardholders and a large number of affected people have been left out.
Mentioning about joint families with big numbers of members, he said such families having more than 14 people in places like Brahmania, Satapada and Puri have also suffered they were also given cash relief of Rs 2,000 only. He demanded the State Government provide support on the basis of household size and household list as per the latest Government records.
CSRF member and Vasundhara executive director Manas Ranjan Mishra lamented saying that MGNREGS job cardholders have not been given any work in the most affected blocks of Krushnaprasad, Brahmagiri, Puri Sadar, Satyabadi, Delang and Pipili during the current month.
He demanded that people be given works and payment of wages in cash at the earliest.
The association demanded the State Government start procuring paddy from the affected areas as distress sale of paddy has already begun. It also demanded that Government purchase fallen trees from people at right prices.
Aaina secretary and CSRF member Sneha Mishra demanded that all people who have lost livelihood assets must be compensated adequately. She also said there should be a combine household level limit of at least Rs 2 lakh and all other limits such as number of cattle, small livestock, poultry, trees and others must be waived.
Each household without shelter must be provided with three tarpaulins which are the second most important need after food along with mosquito nets in adequate numbers with a focus on infants, children and pregnant women, she further demanded.
National Youth Project State coordinator Madhu Bhai demanded that full-page advertisements be published on relief and compensation norms. Besides, hoardings and posters should be put up near GP offices and at prominent places in affected areas to create awareness among people about the relief and other supports.
The association also demanded that the RBI announce a moratorium on loan repayments by affected households, prioritisation of need of the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
The CSRF also thanked the State Government and OSAFI, a State-level association of micro finance, for fulfilling various demands previously made.