Odisha CM announces assistance for Cyclone Arnab affected families and farmers
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced cash and rice aid for those impacted by the cyclone and heavy rainfall.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced a special assistance package for farmers and families impacted by Cyclone Arnab and heavy rainfall across several districts, according to ANI. The announcement was made during a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Bhubaneswar to discuss preparedness for Cyclone Murasu.
The Chief Minister stated that every affected family will get Rs 2,500 in cash and 50 kilograms of rice. For those whose houses were completely destroyed or severely damaged, the government will provide Rs 1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs 1.30 lakh in hilly areas. Families whose homes were washed away will receive Rs 2,500 for household items.
Regarding agriculture, Majhi said subsidies will be provided for crop losses of 33 per cent or more. Unirrigated land will receive Rs 8,500 per hectare, irrigated land Rs 17,000 per hectare, and perennial crops Rs 22,500 per hectare. A minimum assistance of Rs 1,000 for unirrigated, Rs 2,000 for irrigated, and Rs 2,500 for perennial crops will be given to affected farmers.
The Chief Minister added that the government will provide 1,20,000 pulse kits, 5,000 oilseed kits, and 50,000 vegetable kits. For sugarcane, assistance of Rs 27,500 per hectare will be provided for 2,000 hectares of affected land. Short-term Kharif loans will also be converted into medium-term loans.
An eight-member Central Inter-Ministerial Team, led by Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary Ravi Shankar, will visit Odisha from November 2 to 4. The team will conduct field inspections and discuss damage with the state government to assess required central assistance.