Odisha CM announces relief package for Cyclone Arnab victims
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi promised 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 to every family affected by the cyclone and floods.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced a special relief package for families in southern districts affected by Cyclone Arnab and recent flooding, according to ThePrint. The package includes 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 in cash for every affected household.
The Chief Minister stated that people in districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal were impacted by the cyclone and heavy rains. He told reporters that thousands of acres of crops and several houses have been damaged, though damage assessments are currently underway.
For farmers, Majhi said small and marginal farmers with crop losses of 33 per cent or more will receive an agriculture input subsidy. This will be Rs 8,500 per hectare in non-irrigated areas and Rs 17,000 per hectare in areas with assured irrigation.
The Chief Minister also announced that assistance for perennial crops, such as cashew and mango, will be Rs 22,500 per hectare. He added that the government will provide Rs 18,000 to each affected farmer to clear sand and silt from fields and will distribute 1.75 lakh free mini kits.
Regarding housing, the Chief Minister said fully damaged houses in the plains will receive Rs 1.20 lakh, while those in hilly areas will get Rs 1.30 lakh. Partially damaged pucca houses will receive Rs 6,500 and kutcha houses will receive Rs 4,000.
Majhi also detailed compensation for businesses, including Rs 10,000 for small shops and kiosks and Rs 25,000 for large commercial establishments. Fisherfolk will receive Rs 22,500 for boat purchases and Rs 15,000 for nets.