Uttar Pradesh increases disaster relief funds to benefit 10 lakh farmers
The state government has doubled compensation for natural disaster deaths and raised crop-loss assistance by 25 to 30 per cent.
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has increased disaster relief amounts, according to ANI. The enhanced funds will cover losses occurring between April 1 and November 4.
Families of individuals who die due to natural disasters will now receive Rs 8 lakh, which is an increase from the previous Rs 4 lakh. New standards for financial assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) have been implemented.
Compensation for crop and land losses in irrigated areas has risen from Rs 17,000 to Rs 22,000 per hectare. In rain-fed areas, the amount has increased from Rs 8,500 to Rs 11,000 per hectare. Assistance for perennial crops and agroforestry has moved from Rs 22,500 to Rs 30,000 per hectare, while silt removal from farmland has gone from Rs 18,000 to Rs 23,000 per hectare.
Livestock compensation has also been raised, with large livestock deaths now fetching Rs 50,000 compared to the earlier Rs 40,000. Small livestock such as sheep and goats will receive Rs 5,500, up from Rs 4,000, while poultry farmers will get Rs 130 per bird instead of Rs 100.
For housing, a completely destroyed house in plain areas will receive Rs 1.85 lakh, while hilly areas will receive Rs 2.06 lakh. Partially damaged houses in plains will get Rs 93,000. The government has also set funds for school repairs, with up to Rs 15.50 lakh for primary schools and Rs 26 lakh for secondary schools, intermediate colleges, and polytechnics.