Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a comprehensive financial assistance package. The announcement follows his visit to the flood-hit areas on September 18, during which he assessed the situation and held discussions with the district administration.
Upon his return, the chief minister directed officials to expedite relief efforts for the affected population. An official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) outlined the various forms of assistance, aiming to provide immediate relief to those who have suffered significant losses.
The relief package includes provisions for households whose residences were destroyed or damaged by the floods. For homes that were completely destroyed, each household will receive Rs 1.20 lakh. Those with partially damaged pucca houses will be provided Rs 6,500, while households with partially damaged kucha houses will receive Rs 4,000. Additionally, families living in huts will receive Rs 8,000, and those whose cowsheds were damaged will be given Rs 3,000.
Small and marginal farmers who suffered crop losses exceeding 33 percent will receive input subsidies to compensate for their agricultural investments. Farmers in non-irrigated areas will be given Rs 8,500 per hectare, while those with land in areas having assured irrigation facilities will receive Rs 17,000 per hectare. Assistance will be capped at a maximum of two hectares per farmer.
The government has also extended support to fishermen who suffered damages to their boats and equipment. Financial aid of Rs 6,000 will be provided for the repair of partially damaged boats and Rs 3,000 for fishnets. For those needing to replace completely damaged boats, Rs 15,000 has been earmarked, along with Rs 4,000 for fishnets. Fish farmers will receive Rs 10,000 per hectare to desilt and repair damaged fish seed farms.
Livestock owners who lost animals in the floods will also be compensated. The government will provide Rs 37,500 per milch cow or buffalo, Rs 32,000 per draught animal, Rs 20,000 per calf, and Rs 4,000 per goat.
The relief measures also extend to the handloom and handicrafts sector. Artisans affected by the floods will receive Rs 5,000 for the replacement of tools or equipment and an additional Rs 5,000 for raw materials or goods lost in the flood.
The government is also committed to repairing public properties damaged by the floods. Financial assistance will be provided to departments responsible for restoring schools, hospitals, electricity lines, water supply connections, and irrigation projects, among other critical infrastructure.
This relief package is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the timely rehabilitation of those affected by the floods, with a focus on helping families rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
