Bangalore, Oct.23: “We had split our groups into 3 sub groups and visited affected districts in the northern interior Karnataka. to make on the spot assessment of the damage caused in the wake of recent floods. On the spot assessment has revealed that it is a calamity of a very severe nature” said O.Ravi, Head of the Central Team to assess the flood damage in northern Karnataka and Joint Secretary (DM) in the Ministry of Home Affairs,
He was addressing the press at Kumara Krupa Guest House today after the Central team had a wrap up meeting with the Chief Secretary and Senior Officers of the State Government.
Quantum of Assistance
“The State Government has submitted a memorandum and has shown us presentations. We will correlate these with what we have seen - damage to agricultural and horticultural crops, infrastructure and soil erosion. What the State Government has indicated appears to be appropriate After getting additional information from them, we will finalize the report as early as possible . The quantum of assistance will be on the basis of National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) norms as spelt out under 12th Finance Commission, which was finalized in 2007. The State Government has asked for relaxation of the existing norms. We will place it before competent authorities for consideration”, he said..
Pat for Relief Works
“Affected persons have been given necessary assistance and allowance. They have opened bank accounts. During our visit we did not receive any serious complaints from any of the affected persons. Large number of people wanted crop loans. That is beyond the mandate of the team. We will bring this to the notice of the competent authority”, he said.
He said that the recommendations would pass through the Committee of Ministerial Group and high level committee consisting of Finance Minister, Home Minister, Agricultural Minister and Chairman of the Planning Commission before reaching the Ministry of Finance .
“A committee has already been set up under the 13th finance commission for the revision of norms. I am heading the Committee, All the stake holders (State as well from various Central Ministry) will come up with their recommendations on the quantum of assistance. We hope to complete the process in six months time”, he said
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