GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE (ERTL BRANCH)

To

1. All the Commissioners of Divisions, in the State.

2. All the Deputy Commissioners in the State.

3. All the Sub-Divisional Officers(Civil)/All Tehsildars in the State.

Memo No.5/ 108/88-ERTL.V /9737

Chandigarh, dated the l0th October, 1988.

Sub : Policy Instructions regarding relief for persons affected by floods during the 1988 Monsoon season.

Introduction

As you are fully aware, the flash floods during September-October ,1988 have been unprecedented in Punjab's History of Natural Calamities, in terms of the scale of havoc that they have wrought in the state. The floods have resulted in marooning of a large number of villages on both sides of our principal rivers i.e. Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, forcing people to seek shelter on roof tops, trees and tops of embankments, etc. to save their lives. A large number of human beings and cattle have been washed away alongwith house-hold goods such as food stuffs, fodder stocks, clothing and other a articles. Besides, large villages, the in number of other torrential rains have caused heavy damage to standing and harvested crops, houses, fodder stocks and cattle, etc. Tubewells and farm machinery in the flood affected villages have been badly damaged. A very large number of katcha houses have collapsed or have been washed away and many pucca houses have also been badly damaged. Floods have also resulted In large scale damage to public utilities, such as roads, irrigation channels, flood protection embankments, buildings etc. While the detailed assessment of damage in various sectors may take some more time, on the basis of the available information, a detailed memorandum is being prepared for submission to the Government of India for seeking Central Assistance to the maximum possible extent.

2. In the meanwhile certain decisions have been taken by the State Government to extend some immediate relief to the people in the flood affected areas. In the following paragraphs the policy regarding relief and procedure for carrying out proper assessment and disbursement etc. are spelt out.

1. LOSS OF HUMAN LIFE

Even through the figures for loss of human lives reported to the State Control Room upto 9/10/1988 reflect a total of 616, the actual loss may be substantially higher. Government to extend some immediate relief to the people in the flood. In order to arrive at the correct figure for loss of human life, Deputy Commissioner may utilize the services of Headmaster of local Government schools carrying out a verification with the help of the voters lists of each village, in the presence of villager elders such as Lambardars, Sarpanches and Members Panchayats. The particulars of persons reported to be missing or dead in the wake of resent floods should be noted down a copy of the list sent both to the Sub Divisional Headquarters and Districts Headquarters. This exercise has to be carried out more particularly for all the marooned village which had to face the full onslaught of the surging floods.

As regards the rate of relief, Government has decided to allow an ex-gratia grant to the next of kin of a deceased person, at the rate of Rs. 15,000/- per adult and Rs. 5,000/- per minor who has lost his life in the floods.

Efforts should be made to disburse the ex-gratia grants to the next of kin as early as possible, so that the families concerned are able to take some steps towards their rehabilitation.

II. RELIEF FOR LOSS OF CATTLE AND OTHER ANIMALS

The floods have taken a very heavy toll of cattle and many farmers as well as agricultural labourers have been deprived of this valuable asset. Though the replacement cost of milch cattle is considerable higher, keeping in view paucity -of resources, it has been decided by the State Government to allow relief at a uniform scale of Rs.1,000/- per head of milch cattle lost in the floods. The same rate will also apply to loss of camels. As regards relief for loss of goat and sheep, the rate of relief is being raised from Rs. 100/- to Rs. 200/- per head. Assessment of cattle loss etc. should be carried out by gazetted officers with the help of the staff of the Animal Husbandry Department.While carrying out the assessment, village elders should be associated alongwith other interested community representative.

III. RELIEF FOR HOUSE DAMAGE

In respect of house damage, it is clarified that the relief is admissible only for a residential house and can be paid for only ONE house per family even though a large number of houses belonging to that family may have been damaged. Sheds used for tethering cattle or storage of fodder straw, etc. are not eligible for getting house-damage relief. House damage relief will be admissible at the following scales: -

(i) Pucca House - Fully damaged Rs. 2,000/-

Partially damaged Rs. 1,000/-

(ii) Katcha House - Fully damaged Rs. 1000/-

Partially damaged Rs. 500/-

(iii) Hut Fully damaged Rs. 250/-

Partially damaged Rs. 125/-

It is certified that in order to qualify for being categorized as partially damaged, there should be significant and visible damage such as collapse of a wall, portion of roof, settlement of foundations resulting in serious cracks etc., to the extent of 50r., overall damage. A fully damaged house would be one which would require to be fully re-constructed.

While carrying out the assessment through Gazetted Officers village elders should also be associated alongwith other interested community representatives.

IV FODDER RELIEF

Floods in Ravi, Beas and Sutlej have washed away fodder stocks in practically all marooned and washed away villages. Likewise, floods in River Ghaggar and its tributaries also resulted in the washing away of fodder stocks in a number of villages. To meet the immediate needs of fodder In such villages, it has been decided that fodder grant should be allowed at the existing rate of Rs. 301- per month per cattle subject to a maximum of 8 heads of cattle per family, for a period of two months. For the villages which have become accessible the fodder grant may be paid in cash rather than in kind. The mode of payment “by cash” is explained in Para No. XIII Infra. In so far as villages which are still in-accessible or marooned, It has been decided that concentrated cattle feed at the scale of 2 Kg. per head of cattle per day should be provided free of cost till they continue to be marooned. Thereafter, such villages will be entitled to, receive fodder relief at the normal rate of Rs. 301- per animal per month subject to a maximum of 8 heads of cattle per family.

Identification of marooned and other villages where fodder stocks have been washed away and where fodder grant is to be allowed is being left to the Deputy Commissioner. They should issue a certified list under their signatures for further preparation of village-wise lists, etc. by the officers put on this duty. In this case also the assessment should be made by the gazetted officers in the company of village elders and other community representatives who wish to be coopted.

V. SPECIAL RELIEF FOR INHABITANTS OF MAROONED AND WASHED AWAY VILLAGES

As stated earlier, the recent floods have resulted in marooning/washing away of a very large number of villages which have had to face the full fury of floods. All the houses situated in these villages got flooded resulting in loss of household goods including foodstuffs, clothing and other articles. These inhabitants require special assistance for their rehabilitation in terms of supply of some basic requirements such as food, clothing and blankets. It has, therefore, been decided that for two months i.e. October and November, 1988 all such inhabitants may be provided the following items of relief free of cost :-

a) for a family of 5 or more members, 2 bags of wheat of 95 Kgs. each alongwith a cash grant of Rs. 480 to cater to the food requirements the end of December ,1988. In case the family wishes to get whole meal atta in place of wheat, the equivalent quantity of atta should be supplied.

b) 15 meters of cloth per family of 5 members of more.

c) 2 blankets per family.

A family will be deemed to comprise to husband, wife, children, dependent parents and any other members wholly dependent on the head of the family. An adult married son having a separate kitchen and paying separate chullah tax will be reckoned as a separate family unit for purposes of this relief. In case the family comprises of less than 5 members, the relief is to be allowed at the rate of Rs. 90/- per member per month for 2 months. In such cases, the choice may be left to the Head of the family whether he wants to get the food grant wholly "in cash" or partly "in cash" and partly in kind. Similarly, the cloth allowance will be limited to 3 meters per member of the family. However, two blankets will be admissible for such families also.

In so far as the mode of distribution of wheat/atta in kind is concerned, in case the village has become accessible by road, permits should be issued on a specified godown/flour mill situated as close to the affected village as possible from where the permit-holder can obtain the supply of wheal/atta himself. Permit-holders should be encouraged to arrange transportation of wheat, etc. to the village on a community basis, as had been done during the relief operation in June-August, 1987.

The Deputy Commissioners should settle the details of food/ godowns / flour mills from which wheat/atta is to be provided in consultation with the concerned District food and Supplies Controllers.

As regards the supply of cloth, the Deputy Commissioners should arrange the required supply of cloth at a price not exceeding Rs.10/- per meter through Punjab State Handloom and Textile Corporation. As regards blankets, the Deputy Commissioners should arrange the required supplies through the Punjab State Handloom and Textile Corporation at a ceiling price not exceeding Rs. 80/- per blanket. The actual rate paid to the supplier should be as per the rate contract approved by the Controller of Stores for the current financial year or by the financial Commissioner, Revenue.

VI. LAND REVENUE AND ABIANA

Government have decided to remit land revenue and abiana for the Kharif 1988 crop in all marooned and washed away villages. The remission will also be admissible in other villages in respect of farmers/ tenants who have suffered more than 50% damage to their crops. While deciding the eligibility of an individual farmer for remission of land revenue and abiana, his total holding in that village will be taken into consideration. For example, if a person owns 10 acres of land in a village out of which 4 acres have suffered 100% damage, he will not qualify for remission of land revenue and abiana, as his over-all percentage of damage for the purposes of this relief works out to only 40%.

VII. COOPERATIVE LOANS

Government have decided that pending the conversion/re-scheduling of short term and medium term cooperative agricultural loans, recovery of such loans should be stayed in respect of farmers who have suffered more than 50% damage to their crops. For purposes of this concession, the percentage of damage will be calculated in the same manner as applicable to land revenue and abiana discussed in the preceding paragraph.

VIII. ELECTRICITY BILLS

The recovery of electricity bills in respect of both domestic and agricultural tubewell connection has been stayed in respect of marooned villages as well as in respect of other individuals who have suffered more than 50% crop loss. Detailed instruction in this behalf will be issued by the Punjab State Electricity Board.

IX. AGRICULTURAL WORKERS

It has been decided that landless agricultural workers in both marooned villages as well as other villages affected by heavy rains and floods, landless agricultural workers should be given priority in the matter of employment while undertaking repairs of public utilities by the concerned departments and undertaking repairs of community assets through N.R.E.P., R.L.E.G.P. In addition, such workers who are inhabitants of marooned or washed villages, will be entitled to special relief mentioned in para V above.

X. SUPPLY OF FREE WHEAT SEED FOR RABI, 1988 CROP

Government have decided that free wheat grain for seeds at the rate of 40 Kg. per acre should be distributed In respect of land holding not exceeding 5 acres, where the damage to the farmers' crop exceeds 50% taking over his entire holding in the village. The free seed will be admissible only in respect of acreage sustaining more than 50% damage.

XI. CROP DAMAGE RELIEF

Though the actual scales of relief for damage to crops are yet to be decided and will be communicated later on, the scheme of relief will be as under :-

1. Relief will be admissible for a maximum of 5 acres of damaged crop per khatauni.If the khatauni has more than one co-sharer, the total relief admissible will be divided among the co-sharers in proportion to their shares.

2. Within the ceiling of 5 acres, if for example, 3 acres have sustained damage between 76% to 100% and 2 acres have sustained damage between 51% to 75%, the relief payable will be worked out in accordance with the different scales allowed for different categories of damage.

3. In case of land which is being cultivated by a tenant on chakota rent and chakota has already been paid for the Kharif, 1988 crop to the landlord, the relief admissible will be paid entirely to the tenant.

In the case of a tenant who is obliged to pay batai,the relief admissible will be shared between the landlord and tenant in the ratio of 1/3:2/3.

4. Sometimes, though the khasra girdawari shows that the land is under self-cultivation of the owners, in actual practice, a tenant is cultivating the land. In such cases, the officer should, at the time of preparing the assessment list, hold a local enquiry from cultivators of neighbouring fields and village elders in order to ascertain as to who is in actual cultivation of the land. If It Is found that the land is being cultivated by a tenant, the relief admissible should be paid to the tenant, etc. as per instructions contained in the preceding sub-paragraph 3.

5. Where an unauthorised cultivator is under cultivating possession of Government land, relief should be allowed to him to the extent of 2/3rd of the relief admissible, leaving 1/3rd share undisbursed as it pertains to Government 's share as landlord. While disbursing the cultivators' share, any arrears of damage charges for unauthorised cultivation in the preceding years should be deducted.

6. The percentage of damage has to be worked out on field-to-field basis and no averaging is to be done for all the fields in the khatauni, taken together. For example, if the khatauni has 10 acres of land out of which, 5 acres have sustained damage between 76% to 100% while the remaining 5 acres are left unaffected, relief will be provided upto the prescribed ceiling of 5 acres for all the 5 acres which have suffered 76% to 100% damage, at the scale applicable to this category of damage.

XII. MODE OF ASSESSMENT

As has been clarified in the instructions issued vide Memo No. 7/39/88-ERTL.I/8395, dated 7:.8.1988 the assessment of damage and preparation of lists of the persons eligible fur receiving the relief should be undertaken through gazetted officers in the first instance itself, rather than leaving initial preparation to be done by village level revenue officials and thereafter getting the same verified by Supervisory Officers. 24 hours before the visit of the gazetted officer for assessment of loss, villagers should be informed by- proclamation (Mushtri Munadi) and a record to this effect got entered in the Roznamcha Waqiati of the Patwari. At the time of carrying out the assessment, village elders such as Lambardars, Sarpanch,Members of Panchayats should be coopted. any other community representatives who wish to assist in the assessment may be permitted to do so. Immediately after the assessment has been completed, an open village assembly should be convened and the assessment list read out in the assembly. Any objections which are raised regarding the correctness of the list should be verified at the spot by the assessing officer and the list finalised there and then. A certificate should be recorded on the assessment list by the gazetted officer concerned bearing also the signatures of the village elders who have been associated during the assessment.

However, in the case of assessment of crop damage, the Circle Revenue Officer may be entrusted with the work of assessment even if he is himself not a gazetted officer. However ,the same procedure of carrying out the assessment in the presence of the village elders will be applicable in the case of crop damage assessment also.

XIII. DISBURSEMENT OF RELIEF

As already conveyed vide memo No. 5/8/87-ERTL.V/4985, dated 23rd May 1987 the disbursement of relief has to be carried out through Account Payees cheques to prevent and bungling during the disbursement of relief, and to avoid future complaints from the affected people that they did not receive the full amount which was due to them under the Government Policy. The practice of payment by account payee cheques which has been enforced since the relief operations during June-August,1987 has elicited very positive response from the people and Kisan Organizations. Several Deputy Commissioners in the effected districts has made excellent arrangements with the nationalised banks/cooperative banks to minimise the inconvenience to beneficiaries who were receiving relief in the shape of account payee cheques. Bank representatives were also present in the villages at the time when the cheques were paid out. They opened the accounts of such of the farmers who did not already have their account in any bank, in the village itself. The cheques were also got credited by the beneficiaries into the newly opened account in the village and the passbook showing credit entry of the amount was handed over to the beneficiaries there and then. By following this practice, the beneficiary was only required to go once to the bank and draw the amount standing in his account. On this occasion also the above practice should be adopted in all districts.

In so far as small amounts of upto Rs. 250 are concerned the disbursement may be allowed by the Deputy Commissineors by bearer cheques if a branch of a bank is available within a distance of 2 Kilometers from the village. However, if no such branch is available he may allow disbursement of such small amounts not exceeding Rs. 250/- in cash. Amounts less than Rs. 25/- should not be disbursed, as it is likely to create harassment to the beneficiaries than providing him any tangible relief.

Disbursement of relief should be undertaken by gazetted officers in all cases in open village assembly, which should be convened with prior notice of 24 hours given through public proclamation (Mushtri Munadi). A report of the proclamation should be entered in the Roznamcha Waqiati of the Patwari. The presence of village elders during disbursement should be ensured and disbursement registers should be got authenticated by village elders.

XIV. SUPERVISION AND CHECKING

Sub Divisional Officers (Civil), Deputy Commissioners and Commissioners of Divisions should conduct intensive tours of the area in their jurisdiction to supervise the working of the Disbursement Teams. They should ensure that the instructions issued by the Government are meticulously followed.

XV. DISPOSAL OF GRIEVANCES

The Deputy Commissioners/Sub Divisional Officers (Civil) should ensure that a proper record of complaints received about the assessment/disbursement is maintained and its regular monitoring is done. Weekly reports about the No. of complaints pending, No. of complaints received and disposed of, may be intimated to the Government. As for as possible, it should be ensured that such complaints are attended to without any delay and are not allowed to remain pending for more than a week.

XVI. DISTRICT RELIEF COMMITTEES

You have already been requested to set up District level Disastrous Advisory Committees consisting of all Ex-MLAs belonging to the district and a representative each of the recognised political parties, namely Congress (I), CP'I, CPI (M), Janta, Lok Dal, BJP and Shromani Akali Dal. You should convene regular meeting of the above committees in your district and explain the details of the Government's relief policy to the members. Their suggestions should be invited and their assistance sought in the actual administration of the various relief measures. Minutes of such meetings should also be sent to the State headquarters for information. These committees should be kept informed about the number and nature of grievances and the action taken by the Administration in resolving them concerning flood relief.

XVII. MONITORING

(i) the Divisional Commissioners should monitoring the progress regularly in this respect and ensure that the time schedule is strictly followed.

(ii) One of the Addl. Deputy Commissioners at Headquarters should be designated by the Deputy Commissioners as Nodal Officer for monitoring the progress of Disbursement of relief in the District and reporting the same to the Government and to the Divisional Commissioner every Monday. His name, designation, Telephone Nos. (both office and Residence) should be intimated to the Government.

XVIII. AVOIDING OF MISTAKES POINTED OUT BY EARLIER AUDIT PARTIES

Audit Parties sent by Accountant General, Punjab for conducting Audit of the disbursement of relief on account of Natural Calamities have generally pointed out the following type of objections :-

i) While disbursing of relief, 1and ceiling imposed by Govt. is not strictly followed leading to excess payment.

1. Assessment lists are not properly maintained.

iii) Registers regarding account of disbursement accounts are not properly maintained.

iv) Disbursement certificates in respect of relief disbursed are not sent promptly to Accountant General (Audit).

v) Audited and certified figures of expenditure are not sent in time, resulting in delay in the reconciliation of accounts.

The Deputy Commissioners should that the ensure assessment record is properly maintained and is made available to whenever asked for. They should also ensure that the audit objections pointed out above and also those indicated in the earlier audit notes are not repeated.

Apart from the supervision by Sub Divisional Officers (Civil), Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners, the following Head-quarter Officers have also been deputed to carry out the required touring the districts assigned to them Deputy for help and coordination vis-a-vis the Commissioners the regarding the relief operations, Government Instructions on the subject and bringing any difficulties being experienced by them to the notice of the State Government for remedial action:

1. Shri S.R.Bunger, IAS, Special Secretary, Ropar, Patiala

Relief & Resettlement. Sangrur and Bhatinda.

1. S.Pritam Singh, IAS, Ludhiana, Faridkot

Director, Consolidation & Land and Ferozepur

Acquisition, Punjab.

1. Shri V.I.K.Sharma, IAS, Director, Jalandhar, Kapurthala

Land Records, Punjab, Jalandhar. and Hoshiarpur

4. Sh. Joginder Pal Singh Puri Gurdaspur & Amritsar

Director, Relief & Resettlement

You are requested to implement the foregoing instructions in letter and spirit and ensure proper compliance with these instructions by all officers put on Flood Relief Duty. This may please be attended to on Top-Priority basis.

Sd/- TEJENDER KHANNA

Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Punjab, Chandigarh.