UP to give pension to Muzaffarnagar riot victims

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to give "special pension" to people affected in the violence in Muzaffarnagar. A total of 48 people were killed and more than 43,000 displaced in communal clashes that erupted Sep 7 and lasted for three days.

Official sources told IANS that a list of riot-affected people is currently being prepared. A proposal to give jobs based on educational qualification is also being considered. "The pension, which would be anywhere between Rs.400 and Rs.500, would be given under the Rani laxmi Bai Pension Scheme," an official said. This pension would be given to families of the dead and to those injured.

Ground work for the rehabilitation package was done at a meeting between district officials and Chief Secretary Jawed Usmani Tuesday. Muzaffarnagar officials have been given a deadline of one week to complete the desired work. The divisional commissioner of Saharanpur has been assigned the task of working out the nitty-gritty of the scheme. The state government has also asked officials to expedite work on the disbursement of financial compensation to the riot victims.

"Funds have already reached the district authorities and more than Rs.3.5 crore has been distributed. We just need to step up the pace," an official said. The state government has announced Rs.10 lakh ex gratia for the kin of those killed in the communal clashes. Special focus was being given on providing medical aid to those injured, an official said. The situation in Muzaffarnagar and nearby areas was normal Thursday.