The State Government on Thursday decided to invoke the provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against the disrupting elements, including irresponsible officials, in the relief and rehabilitation operations for the cyclone and flood victims.
Even the District Collectors were instructed to book the people who would commit the crime of swindling relief materials on the charge of dacoity.
“The Government’s decision came in the wake of reports of anti-socials obstructing relief and restoration work, blocking roads, looting relief material and threatening the employees engaged in the relief distribution operation,” said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Surjya Narayan Patro after a meeting to review the post-calamity situation. He also instructed the administrations to complete disbursement of announced relief packages with utmost transparency.
Special Relief Commissioner Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra said all the affected families are eligible to get the relief package as announced. “For the purpose, 2011 Census and NPR list will be taken as the basis for identification of the families,” he clarified. As per the package, families in severely-affected areas are entitled to get 50 kg of rice and cash of Rs 500 and the families in less affected areas entitled to get 25 kg of rice and Rs 300, Mohapatra said, adding the Collectors and BDOs have been issued directives regarding this.
Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra said the district administrations have been instructed to explain the package guidelines comprehensively to the employees and officers. The SRC said Rs 10 crore has been allocated to the Works Department to undertake repairs of the damaged buildings prior to opening of educational institutions in Ganjam district.