Anomalies in the distribution of monetary compensation to those affected by the disaster in June last year have been exposed by recent development here with orders being issued for recovering part of the compensation awarded to some persons who were not eligible to receive compensation for land damaged in the disaster.
Sources said six persons were given Rs 12 lakh in total as compensation for their homes and land lost in the disaster last year. However, now the Tehsil administration has reportedly ordered that Rs 6 lakh be recovered from these persons as their homes were built on encroached land so they are not eligible for compensation for loss of land.
Meanwhile, local people stunning by the new development questioned as to how the officials could disburse compensation without referring to Government records to confirm ownership of the land in question. It will be recalled that those who had lost their homes in the disaster were given Rs two lakh in compensation but in this case the compensation was paid apparently without ascertaining the details in Government records.
It is also being alleged that such anomalies cannot take place without the involvement of officials concerned. On the other hand, locals aver that there were many eligible persons in need of compensation and assistance who were still awaiting help. It remained to be seen whether the official responsible for this anomaly faces official action for facilitating compensation without checking government records.