*Prior to re-organisation.

In respect of successor States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal the information is as shown in Annexure-IV.

Annexure-III

Calamity Relief Fund during 2000-2005

(State’s share)

(Rs. in lakhs)

*Prior to re-organisation.

In respect of successor States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal the information is as shown in Annexure-IV.

Annexure-IV

Shares of New States of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal in CRF for 2000-2005

(Rs. in Lakhs)

 

GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

(EMERGENCY RELIEF BRANCH)

NOTIFICATION

THE 23^RD FEBURUARY, 2001.

No.2/2/2001-ER-II/1298.- In pursuance of the scheme for constitution and administration of the Calamity Relief Fund and Investments there from issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, Plan Finance-1 Division, New Delhi- vide their letter No 43 ( 1 ) PP. 1/2000 dated the 24^th November, 2000, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to constitute a State Level Committee to administer the Calamity Relief Fund in the State of Punjab, comprising the following:-

1. Chief Secretary to Government, Punjab :Chairman

2. Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Punjab :Member

3. Financial Commissioner, Development, Punjab :Member

4. Principal Secretary to Government, Punjab, Irrigation :Member

and Power Department.

5. Principal Secretary to Government , Punjab,Health :Member

and Family Welfare Department

6. Principal Secretary to Government, Punjab, Finance Department :Member

7. Secretary to Government, Punjab, Public Works Department :Member

(B & R )

8. Secretary to Government, Punjab, Animal Husbandry :Member

Department

9. Secretary to Government, Punjab , Public Health Department :Member

10.Special Secretary / Addl. Secretary/ Joint Secretary to :Member

Government, Punjab Revenue Department. Secretary

2. Functions of the State Level Committee will be as under:

(a) The Committee will decide on all matters connected with the financing of the relief expenditure.

(b) The Committee will arrange to obtain the contributions from the concerned Government, administer the fund and Invest the accretions to the Fund as per the norms approved by the Government of India from time to time.

(c) The Committee shall also be responsible to ensure that the money drawn from the Calamity Relief Fund is applied for the purposes for which the Fund has been set up and only on items of expenditure and as per norms contained in the guidelines issued by Ministry of Agriculture.

(d) The accretions to the Fund together with the income earned on the Investments of the Fund will be used by the Committee to meet items of expenditure covered by the norms contained in the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Agriculture. No further financial assistance (beyond the Central Government’s yearly contribution of the Fund) will ordinarily be available for the purpose.

(e) The accretions to the Fund together with the income earned on the investment of the Fund shall, till contrary instructions are issued by Government of India under pare 8.5, be invested in one or more of the following instruments: -

(i) Central Government dated Securities;

(ii) Auctioned Treasury Bills;

(iii) Interest earning deposits and certificates of deposits with Scheduled Commercial Banks;

(iv) Interest earning deposits in Co-operative Banks.

3. The Committee will meet as and when required at the discretion of the Chairman. The Chairman may invite any person or persons, not being a member of the Committee, to attend any meeting of the Committee, but such invitee or invitees shall not be entitled to vote at the meeting.

4. The Committee constituted- Vide this department notification No. 7/4/90-ER-II/1789, dated 28^th February, 1991 is hereby superseded.

Chandigarh SHYAMA MANN

The 22^nd February, 2001 Financial Commissioner, Revenue and

Secretary to Government Punjab,

Department of Revenue &Rehabilitation.

 

CHAPTER IX

Delegation of Powers to sanction expenditure in connection with natural calamities

1. Sanction of relief expenditure under the head ‘2245’-Relief on account of Natural Calamities-To meet the demands arising out of cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, and hailstorms, and other natural calamities, funds are provided in the state budget under the head “2245- Relief on account of Natural Calamities”. Besides establishment charges, funds are provided for the grant of gratuitous relief in the shape of concessional supply of food, cash payment to indigent persons, cash doles to disabled, supply of seed, fodder, medicines, prevention of epidemics, provision of drinking water, transport facilities for goods and test relief works. Funds are also provided to meet unforseen expenditure in connection with the natural calamities and other allied purposes under the subordinate head “D –General- other Expenditure”. The Financial Commissioner, Revenue is the head of department for the purpose of this budget head for which funds are placed at the disposal of the Commissioners of Divisions, Director, Health Services, Punjab and Director, Animal Husbandry, Punjab. A substantial amount is also kept in Financial Commissioner’s Reserve Fund to meet the emergent needs. Funds allocated to the Commissioners of the Divisions are distributed by them amongst the Deputy Commissioners of the district of their respective Divisions. The Director of Health Services and Director, Animal Husbandry incur expenditure under this head after seeking the approval of the competent authority.

2. Delegation of Financial powers to sanction expenditure in connection with natural calamities under Sr. No. 23 of rule 19.9 of Punjab Financial Rules Volume I- The Department of Finance –Vide their letter no.22/13/84-FR/3570, dated 15^th March, 1985, delegated full powers under Sr. No. 23 of Rule 19.9 of the Punjab Financial Rules ‘Volume-I’ to the Deputy Commissioners to incur expenditure from the allotted amount under the budget head of Account- “2245- Relief on account of Natural Calamities” in any one case provided the amount is spent to meet the demands for relief in case of distress caused by heavy rains, floods, hailstorms, fire or other natural calamities in accordance with the instructions issued by the government from time to time and within the funds placed at his disposal.

 

 

Chapter – X

NATURAL CALAMITIES AND GRANT OF RELIEF

Natural calamities such as floods, heavy rains, fire lightning, storms, hailstorms, earthquakes, land slides, locusts, pest attack¹ etc., cause enormous damage to life and property. At the same time of these occurrences people look to Government for relief and rehabilitation. Since the magnitude of the loss caused and other allied problems, which emerge on account of these calamities, vary from time to time and place to place no hard and fast rules/ regulations can be framed for the grant of relief to the people in distress. However keeping in view the nature and magnitude of the loss sustained relief operations are organised as soon as the calamities occur and steps are taken to give relief to the deserving cases.

(A) Flood Relief.

Nature of relief to the flood victims: - Relief to the flood sufferers is afforded in the form of gratuitous relief, electricity charges to tubewell owners and post-ponement of recoveries of previous taccavi loans etc. etc. Besides, flood protection works are undertaken to provide gainful employment to the people.

Scale of gratuitous relief: - The following scales of gratuitous relief are prescribed on the items shown here under²: -

(I) Loss of Human life: - In case of death of bread-winner or the members of the family by natural calamities, verification in this regard should be made immediately and ordinarily not later than a week from the date of incidence. Deputy Commissioners through Revenue agency should carry out verification with regard to loss of human lives with the help of voters list of the village in the presence of village elders such as Lambardars, Sarpanch and members of Panchayat.

Norms for the grant of relief for the loss of human life, loss of limbs or eyes by Natural Calamities at the following rates: -

Note:- Ex-gratia grant is admissible to the next of kin of the missing persons also, subject to their furnishing an undertaking to the satisfaction of the Deputy Commissioner that if at any later stage a missing person reappears or is found, the amount of ex-gratia grant shall be refundable³.

(ii) Ex-gratia payment for the loss of limbs or eyes due Rs. 25,000 /- (per

to heavy rains/ floods and other natural calamities. victim) to the victim

__________________________________________________________________________

1. Punjab Government consolidated instructions memo No. 7/7/95 –ER-II/4731, dated 25/8/95 memo No. 7/7/95-ER-II/5192, dated 14/9/95, and memo No. 7/7/95-ER- II/3601 dated 19/5/97.)

2. Vide endst no. 2/36/ 99-ER/12770 dated 20/12/2000.)

3. Vide memo no. 5/108/88-ERTL-II /5423 dated 28/6/89.)

(II) SUBSISTENCE GRANT

Although wide spread damage has not been reported, yet there may be cases in which marooned persons have to be evacuated to safer places. It may be necessary to give subsistence grant to persons who are to stay in camps/temporary shelters as a result of evacuation. Maximum subsistence grant which can be given for the duration of the stay in camps/temporary shelters is indicated as under: -

(a) Rs 10/- per head per day in cash or in kind as may be considered suitable.

(b) 15 metres of cloth per family of 5 members or more.

(c) Two blankets per family.

Regarding (b) and (c), Deputy Commissioner concerned with the approval of the Commissioner may decide as to in which affected area cloth and blankets, as per norm, should be given.

The above assistance will be limited to persons who are staying in camps/temporary shelters. Deputy Commissioner concerned may grant appropriate assistance subject to maximum indicated above depending on the circumstances in each situation.

A family will be deemed to comprise of a husband, wife, children, dependent parents and any other member wholly dependent on the head of the family. An adult married so having a sperate kitchen and paying separate chullah tax will be reckoned as a separate family unit for purposes of this relief.

As regards the supply of cloth, the Deputy Commissioner should arrange the required supply of cloth at a price not exceeding Rs. 10 per metre through Punjab State Handloom and Textile Corporation / any other approved organization. As regards blankets, the Deputy Commissioner should arrange the required supplies through the Punjab State Handloom and Taxtile Corporation/ any other approved organisation 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 the stores for the current financial year or by the Financial Commissioner Revenue.

Air dropping of food and medicine

The Deputy Commissioner may provide relief of Rs 10 per head as subsistence allowance to people of marooned villages by Air Dropping of food items

(III) Temporary Shelter

At the first instance, the Deputy Commissioner should accommodate the families which are evacuated in some schools, dharamshalas, Gurudwaras etc. which are safer and can be used for this purpose. In the event of such buildings not being available, then one used tarpauline black cover per family of the appropriate size may be provided for the temporary shelter on non returnable basis if it is not possible to provide tents.

(IV) Fodder Relief

To meet the immediate needs of fodder for the evacuated families, fodder grant of Rs 15 per large animal per day and Rs 7.50 per small animal per day may be allowed subject to a maximum of 8 heads of cattle per family if the Deputy Commissioner concerned considers it necessary to do so.

(V) Loss of cattle heads

The assessment of cattle heads lost should be carried out by the gazetted officer with the head of staff of Animal Husbandry Department. While carrying out the assessments, the Sarpanch and Lambardars, along with other village respectables, should be associated, if any census of animals of the village has been carried out, its date may be taken into account. Details of animals lost, family-wise, should be announced in the village assembly and the list should be signed by the Sarpanch, Patwari and Lambardar of the patti. It has been further decided that the Deputy Commissioner will submit their report with regard to cattle heads lost in proforma at appendix ‘o’ and sanction of relief under this item will be communicated after consideration of their reports. For calculation of funds, following norms of relief per family may be adopted: -

(i) Grant for animals lost on account of heavy rain/floods/hail storms/ fire or lightening: -

(a) Rs. 4,000/- per buffalo/ bullock/crossbreed cow.

(b) Rs. 2,000 /- per desi cow.

(c) Rs. 800/- per goat /sheep/ pig.

Note: - The counting of animals may be done on the following criteria:-

(a) He or she buffalo or their calves is one animal each.

(b) Cow or Bull or their calves are one animal each.

(c) Ox is one animal.

(ii) Grant for draught animals lost on account of heavy rains/ floods/ hail storms/fire or lightening.

(a) Rs. 4,000/- per horse.

(b) Rs. 2,000/- per mule.

(c) Rs. 2,000/- per pony.

(d) Rs. 2,000/- per donkey.

(e) Rs. 4,000/- per camel.

Relief for loss of cattle is to be restricted to a maximum of two buffaloes, bullocks, cross breed cows, desi cows per family. Ceiling for goats, sheep and pig will be four animals per family¹.

In so far as the animals flooded, whose financial arrangement have been made under the Integrated Rural Development Programme and have also been insured, in such cases no relief should be granted. In this connection owners of such animals be extended help to get them relief from the insurance companies¹.

(VI) Crop Damage Relief

Gratuitous relief is admissible on account of damage to the crops in floods/heavy rains affected areas. Therefore, the assessment of the damage to the crops for the purpose of disbursement of gratuitous relief on account of loss to standing/harvested crops has to be carried out. Assessment is ordinarily to be based on normal girdawari because it is only at the time of normal girdawari that exact loss of a particular crop by natural calamity can be ascertained. As normal girdawari for kharif crop is done in October, it may be preponed in so far as flood affected areas are concerned. However, for the assessment of the damage to cops, following instructions may be followed: -

__________________________________________________________________________

(1) Vide memo No.13/22/90-ER-II/2404 to 2419 dated 18-3-91

1. Relief will be admissible for a maximum of 10 acres of damaged crop per khatauni or the actual area affected, which ever is less, depending on the damage. 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 10 acres, if for example 6 acres have sustained damage between 76% to100% and 4 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.

3. In case of land is being cultivated by a tenant on chakota rent and chakota has already been paid for the Kharif 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. Sometime, though the khasra girdwari shows that land is under self-cultivation of the owners, in actual practice, a tenant is cultivating a 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 proceeding 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 2/3 rd of the relief admissible leaving 1/3 rd share undisbursed as it pertains to Government’s share as land-lord. While disbursing the cultivator’s share, any arrears of 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 20 acres of land, out of which 10 acres have sustained damage between 76% to 100 % while the remaining 10 acres are left unaffected, relief will be provided up to the prescribed ceiling of 10 acres for all the acres which have suffered 76% to 100% damage at the scale applicable to this category of damage.

7. In order to have proper assessment of damage to crops by floods/ rains, and to eliminate the chances of complaints, assessment of damage by patwaris be verified cent per cent by the Kanungo/ circle Revenue Officers, 50% by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and random check be undertaken by the Deputy Commissioner Further:-

(i) The Patwari at the time of making assessment of damage in a particular village should send advance intimation in writing to the village Panchayat through its Sarpanch.

(ii) To avoid party faction in the village and to minimise the chances of complaints, assessments be made in the presence of the members of the village panchayat.

(iii) In case the members of the Panchayat do not turn up despite intimation, the patwari should not withhold the assessment of damage on that account but should proceed according to the scheduled programme.

(iv) The Tehsildar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate should, while undertaking the checking of the assessment made by the patwari, inform the M. P./ Ex. M. L. A. in whose constituency the village falls, so that they could also join the inspection if he is so desires.

There are instances where the land is on lease with tenants and the landowners get the girdawari done in their names so as to by pass the provisions of the Tenancy laws. In such cases relief of the damaged crop shall be ensured to those lease holders who have genuinely suffered the loss. Likewise where the land is on ‘ Batai’ the tenants/ cultivators shall get their share of the relief in case of damage to the crops. In addition there are cases where big landowners have got their land on ‘Seeri’ i. e. 4^th or 5^th share. Their proper verification shall be ensured so that the relief is given to the workers/ cultivators proportionate to their ‘Seeri’ share. Such verification shall be done in the villages with the help of Panchayats.*

The Deputy Commissioners will furnish information about the damage to the standing/harvested crops by rains/floods at the earliest. These reports should be sent to the Commissioners with a copy to the State Government. Relief on account of crop damages will be sanctioned only after the consideration of reports submitted by the Deputy Commissioners.

The Deputy Commissioners will be personally responsible to ensure that proper assessment of damage to crops etc. by rains/ floods is conducted and intimated tehsil wise.

Gratuitous Relief is admissible on account of damage to standing/ harvested crops by heavy rains/ floods and hail- storms to the land owners/ tenants (agricultural labourers) seeris and kamis in respect of each field up to a maximum of 10 acres per the actual area affected, which ever is less, depending on the damaged caused:-

(i) where crop is totally damaged in Rs.700/-per acre

early stage but area can be resown

in the same season, farmers may be

allowed relief for seeds, fertilizers etc

(ii) where crop is totally damaged in early Rs. 1000/- per acre

stage but area cannot be resown.

(iii) Relief on account of damage of mature

Standing/ harvested crops will be admissible

At the following rates:-

(a) where the loss to standing/harvested Rs.2000/-per acre

crops exceeds75%

(b) where the loss to standing/harvested Rs. 1000/- per acre

crops exceeds 50% but does not

exceed 75%

(c) where the loss to standing/harvested Rs. 700/- per acre

crops exceeds 25% but does not

exceed 50%

(e) It has also been decided that relief for cotton crop damaged on account of pest attack be given as per the following norms**:-

(i) where crop is totally damaged in early Rs. 700/-per acre

stage but area can be re- sown in the

same season, farmers may be allowed

relief for seeds, fertilizers etc.

^{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

* (Vide No. PA/J.S.R. (L)/95.)

** (Vide endst. No. 2/36/99-ER.II/12767 dated 20/12/2000)

(ii) Relief on account of damage to

mature standing/harvested crop

(iii) where crops is totally damaged in early Rs. 1000/- per acre

stage but area cannot be re-sown, relief

may be allowed at the following rates

may be allowed:

(a) where the loss exceed 75% Rs. 2000/- per acre

(b) where the loss exceeds 50%but Rs. 1000/- per acre

does not exceeds 75%

(c) where the loss exceeds 25% but Rs. 700/- per acre

does not exceed 50%

These instructions will be applicable in respect of damage on or after 8/12/2000.

The relief will be admissible up to maximum of 10 acres per Khatauni or the actual area affected which ever is less. The other terms and conditions for grant of relief and for assessment will be as applicable for agricultural crops and as per instructions issued from time to time.

2. The amount of relief will be apportioned amongst the land owners/ tenants/ seeris/kamiz etc. (agricultural labourers) in the ratio in which the crop is shared amongst them irrespective of the fact whether their share in the crop is mentioned in the revenue record/ crop inspection reports or not, and where a fixed rent is payable by the tenant, the amount of relief payable will be apportioned amongst the tenant/ seeris/ kamiz etc. (agricultural labourers) in the ratio in which the crop is shared amongst them irrespective of the fact whether their share in crop is mentioned in the revenue record/ crop inspection reports or not and the landowner will not get any relief. For ascertaining the shares in crop the Deputy Commissioner would make suitable arrangement for enquiry at the village level by responsible Revenue Officer.

3. Barseem crop is regenerative and gives successive cuttings. Any damage by hailstorm or some other natural calamity during the month of December to March would, ordinarily affect one cutting. Such damage in the month of April and May, however, results in shrivelling of the crop, which may not then re-generate. However, by that time the crop would, ordinarily, have given a number of cuttings. Therefore, unless there be repeated hail, rain etc. or the cumulative effect of all these with subsequent atmospheric conditions is complete or substantial damage, the cultivator would not be bereft of the crop or return there from. In case of any hailstorm /rain etc. during the earlier months that is December to March, loss of one cutting may be there, while in case of any such calamity in April/May, the last seed crop would be damaged or lost. Taking an overall view the possibility of ‘Barseem’ crop suffering loss exceeding 25% and up to 50% would not arise unless the fodder crop is repeatedly damaged thus reducing the total fodder output to less then 50%. Only in such an eventuality would payment of relief be justified. The only other case where relief would seem justified would be where the crop had been kept for seed and is damaged more than 50% by hailstorms/ rain etc., in April and May. Thus relief is to be considered for ‘barseem’ crop only in the light of this clarification.

Note:- Special girdawari of flood affected area under vegetable crop will also be carried out and relief will be given like damage to other crops. In this connection reference is made to Land Records Manual where in the jins war covers vegetable also. Hence they are crops¹

Relief for damage to fruit, vegetables, Horticulture and Floriculture by Hailstorms and floods may be granted at the following rates:-

RELIEF IN CASE OF LOSS ON ACCOUNT OF ‘NO CROPS SOWN’ DUE TO WATER LOGGING OR FLOODS.

Government have decided that relief may also be allowed in case of loss on account of ‘no crops sown’ due to water logging or floods. Norms of relief on account of; no crops sown’ due to floods or water logging will be given at the following rates:-

Sr.No.Items Norms

(i) where crops have not been sown Rs. 2000/- per acre. for less than 2 years.

(ii) where crops have not been sown Rs. 4000/- per acre. for 2 years.

(iii) where crops have not been sown Rs. 6000/- per acre. up to 5 years.

(iv) where crops have not been sown Rs. 8000/- per acre. more than 5 years.

The above norms shall be applicable in respect of relief on or after 12/9/97. Other terms and conditions for grant of relief to affected persons will remain the same as laid down earlier¹. It is clarified that if there is no continuity between un-sown crops, relief may be paid proportionately. Thus “Where crops have not been sown for less than two years, the amount of relief is to provided @ Rs. 2,000/- per acre and in this period of less than two years last three crops are to be covered. If a person has sown two crops he should be paid 1/3^rd relief and if a person has sown only one crop he should be paid 2/3^rd relief. Consequently, the relief may be calculated proportionately in the aforesaid manner for the crops not sown due to floods/ water-logging²

(a) Where the loss to crops exceeds 75% Rs. 2000 per acre.

(b) Where the loss to crops exceeds 50% Rs. 1000 per acre.

but does not exceed 75%

(c) Where the loss to crops exceeds 25% Rs. 700 per acre.

but does not exceed 50%

(d) Where the loss does not exceed 25% Nil.

Grant of relief for damage to fruit gardens by hailstorms and flood at the following rates³:-

(a) Where the loss to fruit crop exceed 75% Rs. 1000/- per acre.

(b) Where the loss to fruit crop exceeds 50% but does not Rs. 600/- per acre.

exceed 75%.

(c) Where the loss to fruit crop exceeds 25% but does not Rs. 300/- per acre.

exceed 50%

(d) Where the loss does not exceed 25% Nil.

_______________________________________________________________________

1. (Vide Memo No. 7/7/95 –ER-II/ 6885, Dated 23/ 9/ 97).

2. (Vide Memo No 7/7/95 – ER -II-/ 201, Dated 9/1/98.)

3. (Vide Memo No 7/4/90 – ER -II-/ 4902, Dated 18/8/93.)

{This manual contains latest instructions upto 26/11/2001.}

2. The relief would be admissible up to a maximum of 10 acres per Khatauni or the actual area affected, whichever is less depending on the damage actually caused. For the purpose of disbursement of relief, all members of a Khatauni whether in the capacity of owner/cosharer/tenant/ mortgage in possession will be treated as one unit. Likewise any person holding land in more than one khatauni will be entitled to relief up to a maximum of 10 acres of damaged area taking into account all the area held by him.

3. The relief will be admissible for only those gardens which are recorded as such at the time of girdawri in the Revenue record. The assessment will be made through special girdawri by the revenue authorities like other crops. If Deputy Commissioners deem fit, they can consult the District level officers of the horticulture department. The relief is to be granted for the damage caused by hailstorms and floods only to the fruit bearing trees from the stage of flowering to plucking of fruits. Relief will be admissible only for the damage caused with in specific dates which will be intimated by the horticulture department.

The above norms shall be applicable in respect of damage caused after 5.7.1993.

VII. RELIEF FOR DAMAGE TO HOUSES.

 

In case of damage to houses, farm houses, (provided farm owner does not get relief for house in village separately) and huts due to rain/ floods, assessment of damage shall be made for disbursement of relief. The relief shall be admissible for only one house, farm house or hut, as the case may be. For example if house (s), farmhouse (s) and hut (s) of a person are damaged, relief will be admissible only in respect of one of them. Sheds used for gathering cattle or storage of fodder straw etc. are not eligible for getting house damage relief. For calculation purposes following scales of relief may be adopted: -

(a) For a totally damaged pucca house. Rs. 10,000/-

(b) For partially damaged pucca house. Rs. 5,000/-

(c) For totally damaged kacha house Rs. 6,000/-

(d) For partially damaged kacha house. Rs. 3,000/-

(e) For totally damaged hut. Rs 2,000/-

(f) For partially damaged hut Rs. 1,000/-

It is certified that in order to qualify for being categorised 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 50% overall damage. A fully damaged house, farm house or hut would be one which would require to be fully re- constructed.

In case of damage to residential house, farm house or hut verification of damage should be made through survey ordinarily not later than a week from the date of incidence and report about the same should be sent in proforma at Appendix ‘N’.

The assessment of damage and preparation of lists of the persons eligible for 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. At the time of carrying out the assessment, village elders such as Lambardars, Sarpanch, members of Panchayats should be co-opted. 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 be read out in the assembly. Any objection which are raised regarding the correctness of the list should be verified at the spot by the assessing officer and the list be finalised there and then. A certificate should be recorded on the assessment list by gazetted officer concerned bearing also the signatures of the village alders who have been associated during the assessment. On the receipt of assessment and proposals of relief by this office, sanction for relief for damages to the house will be issued.

In urban areas Municipal councillors should be associated with the assessment. However, the Deputy Commissioners are requested to ensure that the damage is correctly assessed and the relief is disbursed to the genuine sufferers¹.

No relief should be given on account of damage to houses/huts constructed unauthorisedly on the Government land, shamlat land and panchayat land².

Cases where poor people own a house which is used for living, cattle living and fodder also. Such damaged houses shall fall in the category of being eligible for providing relief³.

VIII. Relief for loss of crop on account of Fire⁴: - The Punjab State Electricity Board vide its instructions No. 28435/29030/ GB-348, dated 5/5/2001 has made provision for grant of relief for crop loss on account of fire caused by electrical short circuit/faults. The district authorities would forward such cases to the Electricity Board. The State Government will provide relief of Rs. 3,000/- per acre for mature standing/ harvested crop destroyed on account of fire caused by lightening or any other cause subject to the following terms and conditions: -

(a) The cause of fire should be other than electrical faults/short circuit.

(b) The fire cases would be reported promptly and the Circle Revenue Officer would verify such cases after a spot visit preferably within 48 hours. He would satisfy himself about the cause of fire, the condition of crop and the extent of damage. The Sarpanch, Village Panch and Nambardars etc. and owners of adjoining fields would be associated with the verification. Other factors like requisitioning the service of fire brigade could also be taken into account while making the verification.

(c) The relief of Rs. 3,000/- per acre would be provided for completely destroyed mature standing/harvested crop.

(d) The relief for maximum of 10 acres per Khatauni would be provided.

These instructions would cover the cases of fire loss occurring after 10/7/2001. The other conditions for grant of relief would be the same as in the case of crop loss due to floods.

Relief for damage to agricultural produce caused by fire on the way from fields to Mandis:

If a loss is caused by fire to the agricultural produce on the way from fields to mandis (while going to the mandi for sale) relief will be granted as per the following present norms in respect of loss by fire⁵: -

“ 20% of the total loss subject to a maximum of Rs. 10,000/- in any individual case in respect of properties which were not insured without any condition relating to income of the affected person.”

2. (Vide memo no. 7/7/95 –ER-II/3601 dated 19-5-97.)

3. (Vide no. PA/JSR (L) 95, dated 22-9-95.)

4. (Vide Memo No.7/4/2001-ER-II/5003, Chandigarh, dated 12/7/2001.)

5. (Vide Memo No. 7/4/90-ER-II/4906, Chandigarh, dated the ,18/8/1993.)

{This manual contains instructions upto 26/11/2001 received from Emergency Relief Branch.}

This relief shall be applicable in respect of damage/loss caused after 5-7-93.

The other terms and conditions will remain the same as laid down in the previous instructions issued by Government from time to time.

IX. Restoration to pre-calamity level of damaged public works viz., roads, buildings, irrigation and flood control works, drinking water supply works, drainage works, school building public health centres, hospital building electricity installation etc.

The proposal of concerned department will be considered by the state level committee keeping in view the availabilities of funds.

X. Cost of clearance of debris: - Full cost of expenditure will be reimbursed by Government on the recommendation of concerned Deputy Commissioner.

XI. Cost of search and rescue measure: - Full cost of expenditure will be reimbursed by Government on the recommendation of concerned Deputy Commissioner.

XII. Disposal of dead bodies/carcases: - Full cost of expenditure will be reimbursed by Government on the recommendation of concerned Deputy Commissioner.

XIII. Post disaster public education: - No norms proposed for the time being. But expenditure on this account may be incurred at the district or state level with the prior approval of Financial Commissioner Revenue.

XIV. Improvement to the flood control amenities as a preparatory measures:- Adequate funds will be released by the Government to the Deputy Commissioners on receipt of concrete proposals for flood preparatory measures before the onset of monsoon season.

XV. Mode of Payment: -The disbursement of relief has to be carried out through Account Payees Cheques to prevent any 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 policy¹.In so far as small amounts up to Rs. 1,000/- are concerned, the disbursement may be allowed by the Deputy Commissioners by bearer cheques if a branch of a bank is available within a distance of 2 kilometres from the village. However if no such branch is available he may allow disbursement of such small amounts not exceeding Rs. 1,000/- in cash with immediate effect subject to the condition that the bearer cheque is to be delivered only to the concerned person on receipt of his/her signatures which should be kept in record². The non-encashment of cheques by the issuing persons is a criminal offence under the Banking Act, the person issuing such cheques is liable to prosecution, therefore, every issuing officer must ensure that requisite money is available in the Bank before any cheque is issued³.

XVI. Supervision and Checking-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.

XVII. Disposal of grievances: - The Deputy Commissioners 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 far 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.

2(Memo/ Endst. No. 7/4/90- ER-11/6715-6718 dated 20- 9- 1993.)

3(Memo No. 5/108/88- ERTL-II/7074, dated 4-8-89.)

 

 

Miscellaneous

1. Relief in cash to be distributed by a gazetted officer:- In order to avoid chances of misappropriation or misuse of the Government money meant for relief it is desirable that it should be distributed only by gazetted officers. A further precaution may also be taken that if an officer has prepared lists of the demolished or damaged houses or has assessed the relief due, he should not be put on duty for disbursing the amount in that area. The Deputy Commissioner of the Districts should particularly keep an eye on the distribution of relief in the form of cash.

2. Payment of money to a grantee to be attested by Municipal Commissioner, Lambardar:- A Municipal Commissioner or a Lambardar may attest such payments in Urban areas and members of Panchayats or a Lambardar should attest such payment in villages.

3. Expenditure to be incurred up to the limit of funds sanctioned:- It is necessary that the expenditure is not allowed to exceed funds allocated to a Deputy Commissioner for the distribution of relief of different kinds.

4. Payment of Gratuitous Relief to institutions like charitable trusts, bodies, religious institutions and Gram Panchayats:- The scheme for payment of gratuitous relief is meant for individuals land owners/cultivators of land does not provide grant of relief to institutions like charitable trusts, bodies, religious institutions and Gram Panchayats etc.

5. Admissibility of grant of the missing persons:-Exgratia grant is admissible to the next of kin of the missing persons also, subject to their furnishing an undertaking to the satisfaction of the Deputy Commissioner that if at any later stage a missing person reappears or is found , the amount of exgratia grant shall be refundable.

(B) Drought and famine

Scarcity conditions are sometimes caused by failure of rains and insufficient irrigation facilities. Punjab is generally free from famine/drought conditions because most of the agricultural land is irrigated. However, certain areas may still be affected by drought when the rain is either inadequate, or when the monsoons fail. Instructions contained in the Punjab Famine Code 1906 (as revised in 1930) may be perused for measures to be taken before and during the famine conditions in any part of the State and regarding the duties to be performed by various departments concerned. Relief such as cash grants for the purchase of fodder, grant of taccavi loans for seeds and fodder are generally given to relieve the people of the scarcity conditions as in the case of floods, in accordance with Government instructions.

“On all future drought relief work carried out in the State, wherever the majority of workers are women, some women-mate would be put incharge of that work”.

(C) Hailstorms and Heavy rains

Heavy losses to crops and property may be caused by hailstorms, heavy rains, severe dust storms etc. Relief is provided to the people in distress after assessing the loss caused by such calamities in the shape of suspension of recovery of taccavi loans, and remission of fertilizer loans, grant of taccavi loans for seeds and fodder in accordance with the Government Instructions for flood relief.

Interest free loans are also granted to the sufferers, which are repayable after one year. In such cases orders of the Government should be obtained by the Deputy Commissioners by submitting assessment of losses incurred.

Suspension- Remission of Taccavi Loans.

Suspension of recovery of loans :-(i) Recovery of the taccavi loans may be suspended on proof of failure of crops or other exceptional calamity. The Collector is empowered to suspend recovery up to a limit of Rs. 5,000/- for a tehsil or total of Rs. 10,000/- for the whole district in any one harvest, provided the sum involved at a time in any one case shall not exceed Rs. 1,000. All such suspensions are to be reported through the Commissioners of Divisions to the Financial Commissioner. Penal interest is not to be charged on suspended instalment.

Remission of taccavi loans: - (ii) Remission of taccavi loans on account of floods and other natural calamities is seldom granted. However, detailed instructions in respect of remissions are contained in Rule 8 of the Land Improvement Loans (Punjab Amendment) Rules, 1988 Rule 9 of the Agriculturists Loans (Punjab Amendment) Rules, 1988 and para 2 of part VII of the Land Improvement and Agriculturists Loans Manual.

Remission of irrecoverable loans:- (iii) “When any portion of a loan is found to be irrecoverable or when from any special cause it appears that the loan ought not to be recovered, a special report shall be made to the Collector who has the power to grant remission of an amount of loan not exceeding one thousand rupees in any one case. If the amount proposed for remission exceeds one thousand rupees the case shall be forwarded to the Commissioner of the Division who has the power to grant remission of an amount of loan not exceeding five thousand rupees in any one case and for the grant of remission of an amount of loan exceeding five thousand rupees, the case shall be forwarded by the Commissioner to the Financial Commissioner who has the power to grant remission without any limit”.

(D) Control of locusts and relief Measures

1. Control and Relief Measures:- Locusts are now rarely seen in the State, and as a rule they speedily disappear after doing an amount of damage which, though it may be small in proportion to the total production, may be very serious for cultivators, whose crops have been damaged. In some seasons, however, vast swarms invade the State and cause widespread devastation. Their power of multiplication is enormous. Whenever, locusts are observed in a district, measures should be taken to ensure-

(a) That laying and hatching of eggs are promptly reported and that.

(b) Measures are at once taken for the destructions of eggs and of young nymphs when hatched.

Once locusts have begun to fly, no measures hitherto devised appear to be really effective. The use of aeroplanes to drop dust power has not been tried in Punjab. Flame guns can be used to kill the insects as they are resting at night but this measure is costly and obviously of little value.

2. Reporting and Measures to be taken –When locusts visit a district, the Deputy Commissioners of adjoining districts should immediately be informed by telegram in order that they should keep watch over the laying of eggs by locusts

The village headman should at once inform the patwari of the appearance of locusts, the laying of eggs and hatching of the young nymphs. The patwari should immediately report to the field Kanungo and Tehsildar or Naib-Tehsildar. As regards the work of destructions, the Tehsildar and Naib-Tehsildar should be held responsible, within their respective inspection circles, for seeing that headman and people of the village working under them do their duty and when necessary act in concert with the headman and people of the neighbouring villages. A Tehsildar or Naib-Tehsildar who finds a Lambardar negligent of his duties in this respect, should have no hesitation in reporting the fact to the Collector. Lambardars who fail to co-operate after due warning should be dismissed.

When eggs are hatched, the young locusts (nymphs) should be attacked and followed up till destroyed, not merely by the men of the estate in which they first appear but by the people collected from the surrounding villages and working together. Arrangement should be made for relieving persons who have worked their fair share and replacing them by others.

3. Functions of Patwaris and Kanungos.- Field Kanungos may properly be employed as Supervising Officer’s within their respective circles but the patwari should only be used for reporting information. The patwari should be required to maintain tables showing progressive damage by locusts and by campaign operations to crops and other property. The form prescribed in Standing Order No. 58 for the recording of damage done by troops provide a useful analogy. Areas affected by egg laying should also be recorded by the patwaris. It is wrong to give a patwari any sort of authority over village headman. The above plan of operations will, generally speaking, be the best to pursue but every Deputy Commissioner will, of course, adopt any measures, which the special circumstances of his district render necessary to secure the end in view.

4. Remuneration not usually to be given: - As a rule, no payments should be made in cash. It is the duty and the interest of the people to protect their own crops from the depredation of locusts. However where the locusts appear in a locality distant from any village, rewards may be offered, but the cost should be met from district funds. When crop have to be removed to facilitate the destruction of eggs, compensation should be given to the owner from the same fund.

In cases where eggs have been laid in areas remote from the human habitations and cultivated lands, the Deputy Commissioners, with the sanction of commissioner of the Division may grant small rewards out of the state revenues to schools children for the collection and destructions of eggs and hoppers.

5. Reports to the Financial Commissioner (Revenue):- The appearance of locusts in a district and the measures taken for their destruction should be reported to the Financial Commissioner (Revenue ) and the Director of Agriculture in the form below:-

It should be borne in mind that a special report should not be made in every case when a flight is seen, but only when damage to crops to any considerable extent is caused by the locusts. In all other cases, it will be sufficient to mention in the weekly weather and crop reports submitted to the Director of Land Records that locusts have been observed.

6. Coordinated efforts and organisation in case of severe attacks.- Individual efforts in a district are inadequate to deal with a menace of the magnitude of the desert locust swarms. It may, therefore, be necessary in cases of severe infestations to set up a special agency for co-ordination. In the absence of such an agency, the Commissioner of each Division should co-ordinate efforts in the different districts of his division. The Director of Agriculture and his staff or any special officers who may be appointed will supply technical advice, broadcast information and whenever possible supply apparatus and equipment.

Where in a case of severe infestation, it is considered desirable to set up a special co-ordinating agency, an officer at the headquarters of the district should be appointed to deal with the receipt and distribution of supplies and equipment and with the allotment of personnel. This officer should not normally go on tour or interfere in control methods, but he should work in close cooperation with officials of the Agriculture Department concerned with supplies and should have full authority under the Deputy Commissioner to allot staff made available within the District or from outside. Locust Control Officers should be responsible for areas not larger than two tehsils each and should be responsible for the organisation of circle within their charge and for the adoption of control methods. They should requisition supplies and staff from the officers at the headquarters. A manageable circle has been found to consist of about 25 villages. Preferably an officer of gazetted rank should be in charge of such a circle. It has been found that no village is likely to do well unless visited by a responsible official for a considerable period daily but in these matters local conditions vary and much must be left to the discretion of the local officers.

(1) Life history and habits.- From reports and observations made it seems that in the Punjab, Locusts generally appear in the months of June or July(though there have been cases of their appearance are so advanced a period of the year as October); that they then deposit their eggs, and that the destruction of the crops is caused by the young nymphs which emerge from these eggs.

In habit locusts are diurnal, generally frequenting high dry places, closely grazed pastures, meadows and grainfield’s after subsidence of the rains.

(2) The laying season normally extends from six to eight weeks in March or April, and again, if the conditions are favourable, about August. When about to lay her eggs, the female locusts makes a hole in the ground by means of the two pairs of horny valves which open and shut at the tip of her abdomen with the valves close, she pushes the tips into the ground and makes a hole for herself and her eggs, which later are voided in a pale glistening glutinous fluid which holds them together and binds them into a long cylindrical pod covered with particles of earth which adhere to it. When fresh, the whole mass is soft and moist, but it soon acquires a firmer consistency. It is rarely placed much more than an inch below the surface of the ground, but sometimes it lies much deeper. The eggs are laid side by side at right angles to the axis of the pod to the number of from 30 to 100. They are slightly curved, of a pale yellow colour and rather larger in the middle than at the ends, about 5 milimeter long and 15 milimeter at the thickest part. The female is believed to lay three batches of eggs, and the average interval between the period of laying by the same female is said to be two weeks. Eggs may be laid in almost any kind of soil, but by preference in bare sandy soil, especially in high dry ground preferably compact. Pastures, grounds and stubbly fields are much resorted to for ovipositing. A field of grass stubble will show no signs of holes but yet abound in eggs. Locust have been known to deposit their eggs, in the sandy beds of rivers, and after the subsidence of the rains and the river floods, and when the usual hatching time has arrived, the young have emerged from the sandy beds in myriads.

(3) Collecting eggs.- One of the most rapid ways of collecting eggs, especially where there are numerous and in light soils, is to slice of about an inch of the soil with a spade or a similar instrument, then carry the eggs to one spot and after separating them from the sand, to bury them in deep pits, the ground being packed hard on the surface.

(4) Harrowing:- Harrowing is an effective mode of destroying eggs and of preventing future injury. The object should not be to stir deeply, but to scarify and pulverize as much as possible the soil to the depth of about an inch. Breaking up of the mass and exposure of the individual eggs to the desiccating effects of the atmosphere effectively destroys them, and when to this is added the well-known fact that thus exposed they are more liable to destruction by their numerous enemies, we see at once the importance of this mode of coping with the evil.

(5) Ploughing: - Ploughing is another effective way of destroying eggs. The ground may be ploughed up repeatedly, ploughing five or six inches deep, if possible. When eggs are deposited in standing crops, measures should at once be taken to destroy the eggs without regard to consequent damage to crop.

(6) Hatching: - As the hatching period approaches(about three weeks after laying) eggs become more plump and pale and dark eyes of the embryo are distinctly visible within the shell, now somewhat transparent. The ova hatch in about three weeks after they are laid. All the eggs in the given mass burst very nearly at one and the same hole, which in the field is scarcely noticeable.

The period between the laying of the eggs and the appearance of the young locusts is liable to variation. Under the influence of more than ordinary heat and moisture, eggs have been observed, in Punjab, to hatch out in about a fortnight. Therefore, whenever locusts appear, careful observation should be taken at once to ascertain as soon as possible whether eggs have been laid and the young are hatched out, and necessary measures for their destruction should be carried out soon after the eggs are discovered.

(7) Young or unfledged locusts: - The time from hatching till the wings appear varies from three to eight weeks. The young locusts display gregarious instincts and congregate in immense numbers; sometimes vast numbers will be found collected in a small shade of brush wood and short grass After their first transformation (and they go through five changes) their voracious appetites seem to came to them. They march into the fields of crops just beginning to grow, clearing the ground as they move. As one band meets another, they join together until they from immense closely packed armies. They migrate only when their original breeding places cannot hold them.

It has been found that, more especially during the harvesting season in Rabi when crops are no longer green, canal banks with abundant grass and vegetation sooner or later become the objective of hoppers. When this is so, work on canal banks requires close supervision. Employees of the Irrigation Department must not be allowed to content themselves with driving hoppers out of the canal areas.

The organs of generation from gradually and get more complete, with each change of skin. After the fifth change, the insect arrives at its complete state. It is impossible to prevent fecundation. The larvae are produced largely and rapidly from eggs, and the first swarms are not only replaced but multiplied a hundred fold by each successive generation.

(8) Destruction of the young or unfledged locusts: - Various methods have been employed for the destruction of the young locusts, such as burning, crushing, and trapping but the last method obtained most favour. When they are not above a week old, a trench of 6 or 8 inches wide and deep such as two men may form in a few minutes, suffices for securing the insects which jump into it with alacrity and appear wholly unable to extricate themselves from it. When, however, they grow a little older and are making their way from roads and path, ditches two feet wide and two feet deep with perpendicular sides or dug wider at the bottom than that at the top, offer effectual barriers. The young locusts tumble into such a ditch and accumulate and die at the bottom in the immense numbers. In order to keep the main ditch open, it may be necessary to dig pits or deeper side-ditches at short intervals in which the locusts will accumulate and may be buried, the earth being well pressed down. Where the soil is tenacious and water can be let into the ditches so as to cover the bottom they may be made shallower and still be effectual. The efficacy of the ditch depends so much on the inability of the young locusts to jump or scale it, as on the tendency of the young insects not to do so. In the bottom of the ditch they soon become demoralised, crippled, and enfeebled by constant effort and the trampling and crowding upon one another.

The destruction of the young can only be carried out successfully during the period when the locust are unable to fly and this period is very short, being at the most only six weeks or two months.

In addition to the above, other devises have been resorted to, such as the use of nets or sieves, or long strips of muslin, calico, or similar materials covering after the manner of equal nets, also the Screen adopted in Cyprus. But after a careful consideration, it has been decided that there is not sufficient occasion for using them in Punjab. Moreover, these methods are too costly or elaborate.

It may be added that in the cold weather the swarms are often unable to move in the morning from numbness and under such circumstances the destruction of even full–grown swarms is easy.

Complete destruction of the full- grown or winged insect when they invade a country in large swarms is impossible. Attempts have been made to frighten them away by firing guns, crackers, beating drums, and by rattling, tankling noises, but, if disturbed in this way, they simply pass on to the next field. Experience shows that only effectual means of coping with the evil is by the destruction of:-

(1) The eggs.

(2) The young or unfledged insects.

Eggs are laid in masses, just beneath the surface of the ground, seldom to a depth of more than one inch. Where immense swarms have settled, scarcely an inch of the soil for miles can be stirred without exposing eggs. The means commonly employed in destroying the eggs are: -

(1) Collecting,

(2) Harrowing,

(3) Ploughing or digging,

(4) Flooding, and

(5) Trampling,

The following note on control operations has been compiled as a result of experience in the very severe visitations by locusts that took place in 1929 and 1930: -

(1) When egg laying occurs supplies and equipment should be despatched at once to the areas affected so as to be on the spot before emergence occurs. If nymphs can be destroyed on the breeding ground, most of the trouble is saved. It has been found useful to bait all breeding grounds, for instance with sodium fluosilicate or aldrin from the expected date of first emergence onwards. When eggs laying is suspected and search is made, it has been found useful to mark breeding grounds with red flags to facilitate subsequent recognition and treatment.

(2) No better method of dealing with eggs can be found than ploughing and digging combined with the collection of eggs in the broken ground where ploughing is difficult or impossible. Sweet meats and small cash rewards offered for collection of eggs proved a great inducement especially to school children who characteristically taken to this novel form of employment with great enthusiasm

(3) For hoppers short drives into shallow and quickly constructed trenches proved more profitable than the laborious disposition of long and deep trenches on an elaborate scale. These shallow trenches were immediately filled up and the ‘catch’ was periodically transferred to pits dug in the neighbourhood. Each pit was filled from the neighbouring part of the trench, so the same trench could be used several times. This was found to save labour in dealing with large swarms.

(4) Flame guns were used with great effect by experienced hands in some districts when hoppers were extremely thick and against concentrated swarms of nymphs at the final stage of development, but this method was found to be too expensive in Gurgaon . (Now in Haryana State)

(5) More particularly in areas where crops were thick and the Zamindars objected to trenching, much success was obtained by spreading sodium fluosilicate poison on the ground.

(6) A trench filled with water and supplied with a film of oil proved fatal to hoppers. On a small scale this method can be adopted on well-irrigated land by utilizing the existing water channels

(7) Oil was used to facilitate burning and as an insecticide. Its most effective use was in oil sprays against thickly clustered collections of nymphs of hoppers. These uses of oil sprays to facilitate burning was most valuable. The method being to light dry grass round hedges or bushes where swarms had collected and to spray oil so as to produce a fierce flame from which there could be no escape. This method, however, proved to be expensive and required strict control.

(8) The beating down and crushing of adult locusts when they were sluggish or mating was found the only method of dealing with flying swarms. It was noticed that starlings were destroying locusts and gazette notification was issued prohibiting the shooting of these birds.

(9) BHG dust (5% for the young and 10% for the older nymphs) and Aldrin spray (0.2%) are very effective.

(10) Dieldrin as a spray can also be applied shortly before the emergence of the hoppers, so that as soon as they come out they would come into contact with the insecticide and die.

(11) A number of birds attack locusts, and of these common myna and the tiller (starling) are the most important. During the locust cycle, if practicable these birds should be protected.

7. Relief:- When damage has been caused by locusts in a certain area, relief measures may be undertaking in the same manner as relief is provided to farmer whose crops are destroyed by hailstorms. The expenditure on relief measures in such circumstances, shall be borne out of the head “2245-Relief on account of natural calamities.”

8. Expenditure on destruction:- The expenditure on the destruction of locusts nymphs and eggs is to be incurred out of the funds to be provided by the Agriculture Department. It is also understood that employees of the Revenue and Development Departments will get their T.A/D.A from their respective Departments

The local village Panchyats and Panchyat Samitis/Zila Prishads are also expected to incur necessary expenditure out of their own funds to purchase necessary articles like Kerosene oil , insecticide etc.

Loans under the Punjab Distressed persons (facilities for loans) Act, 1958

10. Grant of loans under the Punjab Distressed persons (Facilities for loans) Act 1958: - Loans under this Act are granted to persons who are affected by natural calamities, such as floods, epidemics, famine, earthquake, land slides, avalanches, snow-storms, hailstorms, fire, severe drought and locusts. According to these rules, Tehsildars, Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil) Collectors/Commissioners of Divisions are competent to sanction loans upto Rs, 100, Rs, 200,Rs. 500and Rs. 1000 respectively to each family, upto the limit of funds allotted to them for the purpose.

The Financial Commissioner Revenue is the Head of Department under these rules as in the case of taccavi loans. In so far as ordinary loans are concerned, the Financial Commissioner makes the allotments to the Commissioners of Divisions. They in turn allocate the funds to the Deputy Commissioners, according to the demand of each district. Each Deputy Commissioner in his turn makes allotment of funds to tehsils in his District for the purpose of distribution.

Conversion of short term Agricultural loans into Medium terms loans-Conversion of short term Agricultural Loans into medium term Co-operative loans:- In order, however, to expedite the conversion of short-term agricultural loans into medium ones, of the borrowing members whose crops have been damaged by natural calamities, like floods, hailstorms, the Tehsildars should send the list of the affected farmers whose crops have been damaged beyond 50 percent, in the villages under their jurisdiction, to the concerned Assistant Registrars, Co-operative Societies. The Assistant Registrar, Co-operative Societies, on receipt of these lists, could initiate action at the level of the Society to get the loans of such members converted from short to medium-term, by filling the necessary application forms and also on getting a resolution of the general body of the Society passed to that effect. The Tehsildars while sending the lists to the Assistant Registrar, Co-operative Societies are to certify on the lists that the loss to the crops of these farmers has been 50 per cent and more by the natural calamities, like floods, hailstorms etc. etc. In the event of Tehsildars supplying the lists of affected farmers to the Assistant Registrars in the prescribed form, the Central Co-operative Banks need not obtain the certificate from the District Collector and action for the conversion of the short-term agricultural loans of these farmers into medium-term loans could be expedited by the Assistant Registrar or other competent authority.

 

(11) Medical, Public Health and Veterinary Relief:- This relief is given to the persons afflicted by natural calamities such as floods ,famine, hailstorms, epidemics and other calamities according to requirements. Funds are earmarked for this purpose under the head “2245-Relief on account of Natural Calamities” which are placed at the disposal of the Director of Health Services and Family Planning and the Director of Animal Husbandry, who incur expenditure with the approval of the competent authority. A detailed plan for medical care and prevention of epidemic is given in the next chapter i.e. Part-III.

(12) Suspension of consolidation fee.- Along with other measures to help the people in distress caused by floods etc. etc. relief in the shape of suspension of realisation of consolidation Fees (like taccavi loans) is also sometimes afforded when the Deputy Commissioners are satisfied that it is necessary to give this relief. This is however, required to be brought to the notice of the Government.

Procedure to make demand for relief due to natural calamities.

(13) Demand for relief.- Experience gained from demands made for relief measures by the Deputy Commissioners in emergence created by natural calamities in the past, would show that the procedure for demanding relief needs streamlining.

It would be better if the patwari of the affected village fills in the enclosed forms A and B (as at Appendix J) in quadruplicate immediately when the damage occurs. He should send these forms duly filled in triplicate to the Tehsildar or the Naib Tehsildar, having jurisdiction over the village for verification. As soon as the Tehsildar or his Naib comes to know of the occurrence of a natural calamity in his circle, he should visit the affected village/villages and verify the particulars reported by the Patwari, in forms A and B. The Tehsildar or the Naib Tehsildar should retain one copy and send one copy of each of these forms to the Sub-Divisional Officer (civil) and to the Deputy Commissioner of the District. The Deputy Commissioner Should prepare an extract from these forms for whole district in form ‘C’ at Appendix ‘J’ and should also visit some of the affected villages to verify the information furnished by the Tehsildar. He should specify the quantum of relief in different forms he can sanction from the funds at his disposal in column for remarks (No.10) of form ‘C’ (Appendix ‘J’) and the amount required from the Commissioner and Government. He should then forward the extract in form ‘C’ referred to above, in duplicate, to the Commissioner, and endorse a copy to Government in the Revenue Department. The Commissioner will then examine the proposal, and if necessary, visit some of the affected villages, and should prepare an extract in form ‘C’ for the whole Division stating how much money of other relief measures he can sanction from the funds at his disposal and what he recommends to Government for necessary sanction. The Commissioner will forward to the Financial Commissioner Revenue a copy of the extract for the Division as a whole for his consideration

Intimation about availability of funds.

14. Availability of funds under head “2245-Relief on account of Natural Calamities”.- It has been observed that while demanding funds and making proposals for financial sanction to Government, no indication is given by some of the Deputy Commissioners regarding the availability of funds with them out of existing budget Grants. Lack of information in this regard needs back reference and this results in avoidable delay. In order to avoid such delays it is necessary that information regarding availability of funds under the sub-head/detailed heads concerned be clearly indicated while applying for sanction.

Instructions regarding distribution of relief.

15. Distributions of gratuitous relief:-It is desirable that relief should reach the needy with as little delay as possible. The actual distribution of gratuitous relief is the responsibility of the Revenue Officers, but the Deputy Commissioners may associate and employ any officials of other Departments/Agencies for this purpose. If considered necessary Magistrates can also be deputed for this work by the Deputy Commissioners.

Gratuitous relief in the shape of grants for temporary shelters, subsistence grants and fodder grants be disbursed to the eligible persons affected by heavy rains/floods immediately on receipt of funds and not later than a week in any case. The disbursement of relief for loss of lives or cattle or damage to houses be completed within a week from the date of release of funds on the basis of verified lists. Like this, on release of funds distribution of relief for loss of crops is to be made on the basis of the verified villagewise /khewatwise lists within the stipulated period.

In order to ensure proper disbursement of relief to the persons affected by natural calamities and to eliminate the chance of complaints, the record regarding the disbursement of relief be checked by the Sub-Divisional Officer (c) and random check be undertaken by the Deputy Commissioners.

The Deputy Commissioner will be responsible to ensure personally that the assessment of damage to crops etc., etc. by natural calamities is completed and lists for payments of relief prepared within stipulated period. When there is heavy work load, the local patwari be assisted by patwaris of other circles for assessment of damage to crops etc., by natural calamities.

The Sub-Divisional Officer or where there is no Sub-Divisional Officer, the Tehsildar will be in general charge of the distribution in the Tehsil, and all orders should be carried out under his supervision and control. The Panchayat, Lambardars or known social workers and the officers responsible for actual distribution should pay a visit to the area concerned immediately and draw up a list of persons who are entitled to such relief, showing therein the extent of relief to be allowed to each family. These lists will be signed by the official in charge and the Sarpanch or in his absence a panch or the Lambardar or the social worker, associated with this work. On the strength of these lists, the Tehsildars should allow the necessary money to be drawn and paid to the officers entrusted with the distribution work who should go to the affected area with the money and distribute it to the individuals entitled to it, in the presence of panchayat, Lambardar etc. Adequate protection should be afforded to these officers so that the money is not lost in transit or while in their custody. The distributing officers should be held responsible personally for the correct, prompt and fair distribution of money. Strict supervision over the distribution of relief should be exercised by Deputy Commissioners to prevent misuse of funds.

Distribution of all kinds gratuitous relief to the persons adversely affected by natural calamities such as floods/ heavy rains/ hailstorms etc., etc., should normally be made with in a period of month of the date of release of funds at the most. Therefore, the utilization certificates be sent to the Deputy Secretary to Government, Punjab, Revenue Department (In Accounts Branch) with a copy to E. R. T. L. Branch, within a period of two months of date of release of funds.

Maintenance of accounts showing particulars of relief granted.

16. Maintenance of registers showing particulars of relief granted:- It is imperative that accounts showing the relief granted in various forms is maintained properly, especially when the State Government can seek Central Assistance on certain items of relief according to the procedure laid down by the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance. Accordingly, a register in the proforma at Appendix ‘K’ should be maintained for every village in which relief is afforded. During the period relief is given, it will remain in the custody of the Disbursing Officer. The Officer immediately above him should check at least 25% of the entries pertaining to every village, on the spot, before the disbursement operation is over and sign the remarks column of the register in token of having done so. As soon as disbursement is completed, the Disbursing Officer will hand over to the Tehsildar against a proper receipt, which should be kept by him in safe custody. This register will be a permanent record and should be used every time any relief is given during that and the succeeding year. The Deputy Commissioner or any Officer not below the rank of Extra Assistant Commissioner deputed by him will check at least 25% of the entries in the registers of at least 50% of the villages assigned to each Disbursing Officer and send to the Government a certificate to this effect at the close of the distribution of relief. The Deputy Commissioners should, also at the time of inspecting tehsils, see if these registers are being properly kept at the tehsil headquarters.

Accounts pertaining to gratuitous relief should be maintained carefully by all concerned in the form at Appendix ‘L’. The Officer advancing grants should certify the entries made in the proforma.

Part – III

Medical care and Prevention of epidemics during floods and other Natural calamities: -

1. Plan for medical care and prevention of epidemics: -Health services can play an important role in saving lives and in ameliorating suffering both amongst human beings and animals at the time of the occurrence of floods and other natural calamities and thereafter. Much of the damage resulting from calamities and diseases can be lessened and human suffering reduced, if there is an organised and planned effort to meet this problem.

It has, therefore, been decided that medical aid and prevention of epidemics in flood affected areas of the State should be organised in accordance with the recommendations of the Minister’s Committee on floods and flood relief appointed by the Government of India in the Ministry of Irrigation and Power in 1970. The procedure and manner of organising medical care and prevention of epidemics suggested in their report is as follows:

2. Organisation and control-In the Government of India, the Director General of health Services is assigned the following executive functions:

(a) to assist the States in formulating their own plans to produce and integrated flood emergency health organisation:

(b) to assist the States in obtaining their shortages in personnel, equipment and stores whenever possible:

(c) to build up central resources of supply and personnel.

The coordinating authority at the state level will be the Director of Health Services. The Health Department through the Director of Health Services, Shall be responsible for the followings:

(a) Planning emergency health services for flood affected areas within the state;

(b) Setting up of an emergency Health Advisory Committee for the State at the time of flood;

(c) Making adequate provision for personnel, equipment and stores to meet any emergency; and

(d) Training of personnel.

Districts. - The coordinating authority at the district level will be the Chief Medical officer of the District who will be responsible for medical care and prevention of epidemics in the flood affected areas of the district.

N.E.S. Blocks. - The Medical Officer of the Primary Health Centre will be responsible for organising Medical and Public Health Services in the area under his jurisdiction. For that he should remain in touch with the Block Development Officer. Well in advance of the flood season he should take steps to get medicines and equipment for medical care and prevention of epidemics. He will act under the guidance of Chief Medical Officer of Health of the district.

3. Planning for emergency Medical Care.

Nature of control measures: - Measures for the medical care during and emergency should as far as possible be devised in advance of the occurrence of the calamities. In this respect past experience and data collected over a period of three years by the state should afford valuable guidance towards devising control measures.

Certain factors have to be taken into consideration in planning. These are: -

(a) Assessment of Problem: - It is necessary to find out which particular area/areas is particularly susceptible to floods. For the purposes of planning, different areas and localities within each districts should be classified on the basis of frequency and intensity of floods that have occurred in the past. A suggested classification is:

(1) Very vulnerable areas: - Areas which have been affected by natural disasters most often and with some severity.

(2) Vulnerable areas: Areas wherein such disasters are not of very frequent occurrence but are nevertheless to be seriously reckoned with.

(3) Other areas:- This classification should also be done with reference to particular types of floods.

The quantum of relief required by way of medical services will also vary from area to area. Casualties during floods should be much fewer needing perhaps a lesser degree of medical relief, but expensive public health measures will be necessary.

(b) Collection of Statistics: - Every Chief Medical Officer, for the purpose of planning, should collect data with reference to floods in the proforma given below in respect of disasters that had occurred in various parts of his district in the past

PROFORMA

1. Name of the district.

2. Period of review.

3. Nature of flood.

4. Actual period of occurrence of the flood.

5. Location of disaster (such as sub-division /rivers affected) and approximate extent of areas of disaster in square Kilometres.

6. Population affected.

7. Number of persons died or injured.

8. Medical relief measures adopted by the state government.

9. Types of Epidemic occurred during last flood.

(c)Assessment of requirements, availabilities and deficiencies: -

An assessment should be made of (1) requirements, (2) availabilities and (3) deficiencies, if any, in respect of (i) Personnel, (ii) stores and equipment and (iii) accommodation.

Based on the past experience, requirements of trained men power, medical stores and equipment and any additional accommodation should be drawn up in respect of each of the emergency services, i.e. first aid, emergency medical aid and hospitalisation and public health measures.

4. Stages of planning

In order to plan methodically and to avoid confusion about the duties and responsibilities of those concerned with the implementation, it is desirable that planning should be develop in two stages(a) Planning Stage, and(b)Operational Stage

(a) Planning Stage. - The planning stage is concerned with the setting up of the State and district advisory committees and paper plans relating to the approximate requirements, availabilities and deficiencies in respect of man power, equipment etc. etc. at various levels prepared on the basis of the data collected from various sources. The duties and responsibilities of the medical and public health services should laid down and the procedure to be followed in rendering assistance to people affected should be tentatively be settled.

When steps have been taken as indicated above, all arrangements for implementing the plan should be finalised and the necessary personnel arranged. Duties and responsibilities undertaken should be specifically allotted to voluntary agencies or particular individual selected for the purpose. Training in first aid, home nursing, sanitation and other related subjects should be arranged. Supplies and equipment should be arranged and where necessary stores and additional requirements should be listed and earmarked for procurement at the proper time.

(b) Operational Stage:- The operational stage consists of :

(i) Precautionary Stage:- When more or less definite information regarding the probable occurrence of floods becomes available and steps are taken to:

(a) alert the services;

(b) post them to the places of duty;

(c) finalise arrangements in respect of despatch of stores and equipments already collected, to the place likely to be affected; and

(d) indenting for additional supplies previously earmarked.

(ii) Action Stage:- This is the stage when disaster strikes and emergency services come into action. In case where disaster strikes suddenly, planning in respect of very vulnerable areas should be such that the precautionary and action stages are merged into one. It would be desirable to provide or a nucleus of volunteers with all the essential supplies so that this nucleus can, before further arrangements are made, go into action on their own. This nucleus should be placed under the local authority responsible for conducting the operations.

5. Public Health Measures for prevention of Epidemics

The sanitation staff for prevention of epidemics should include sanitary inspectors, sanitary subordinates, lady health visitors, vaccinators, sweepers and watermen. The sanitation staff should work under the direction of the medical officer of the Primary Health Centre.

D.D.T. Squads should be organised to fight fly and mosquito menace in the camps and to keep the surroundings disinfected. Sources of water supplies, should be frequently chlorinated. Mass inoculations, wherever necessary, should be enforced with firmness to ward off any threat of epidemics, Diarrhoea, dysentery and enteric fever are frequent complaints of camp life generally arising out of impurity of water in camps. Camps dispensaries should be well stocked with supply of specific medicines to meet these threats effectively.

The existing sanitary arrangements should be expanded with voluntary efforts. The sanitary authorities should have in hand emergency sanitation plans. Adequate health education in the form of films and posters is very necessary to educate the population.

The Emergency sanitary authorities should be responsible for :

(a) Maintenance and restoration of safe water supply and also temporary measures required for rendering water safe for drinking purposes and for other essential uses.

(b) Adequate food inspection during emergency, especially inspection of emergency kitchens, canteens and cafeterias.

(c) Tightening up of existing sanitary regulations regarding milk supply and preventing diseases among milk cattle.

(d) Maintenance of high standards of sanitation in the disposal of sewage and solid waste.

(e) Maintenance of sanitation of high degrees in emergency camps.

(f) Prevention of epidemics by massive inoculation with T.A.B. and Cholera vaccines.

(g) Anti-fly and anti-mosquito measures to be intensified specially after floods when the normal sanitation arrangements will be disrupted.

(h) Stocking of essential hygienic chemicals such as bleaching power and D.D.T.

(i) Proper disposal of the dead if any by the corpse disposal organisation.