SHIMLA:  The state government has decided to give a relief of Rs. 25 thousand to the kin of the victims who died due to the notified natural calamity  within 24 hours.

Director-cum- Special Secretary Revenue, Sudesh K. Mokhta said here today  under the able guidance of Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the relief will be disbursed within immediately.

It would go a long way in lending a helping hand to the families of the victims who die  due to wrath of nature or those few who get incapacitated due to accidents, by providing them immediate financial assistance within 24 hours.

Earlier the plight of the family members of the victims was pathetic. They used to run from pillar to post to get the ex-gratia amount released.

Now a decision has been taken by the Government that henceforth, a minimum amount, as notified in the relief manual, i.e. 25 thousand in case of death due to natural calamity and rupees five thousand  in case of grievous injury, will now be immediately released within 24 hours to the next of the kin of the deceased and the injured respectively. 

Mokhta said  this decision was taken to provide immediate financial assistance to the families of the deceased, who die due to natural calamity. 

As per the norms, a sum of Rs. 4 lakhs is provided in case of death irrespective of the place of residence and nationality, provided the death has occurred within the state.

However, Rs. 25 thousand will be released to the bereaved family members within 24 hours and the remaining amount will be released thereafter within four days, said he.

In case of grievous injuries a sum of rupees five  thousand shall be released within 24 hours to all the eligible beneficiaries, said Sh. Mokhta, adding that there were different slabs for grievous injuries to be given to the victims as well.