UP Relief Boost: Death Compensation Doubled, 10 Lakh Farmers to Benefit
CM Yogi Adityanath doubles death compensation and raises crop-loss aid, benefiting over 10 lakh farmers in Uttar Pradesh.
In a major move to strengthen the safety net for its citizens, the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has significantly hiked the disaster relief fund amounts. This decision is set to provide a massive cushion to the state's vulnerable populations, with over 10 lakh farmers expected to be the primary beneficiaries of these enhanced payouts.
The revised financial assistance covers losses incurred between April 1 and November 4. By updating the standards for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), the government has ensured that the compensation is more aligned with current needs.
Life and Housing: Massive Jump in Compensation
The most striking change is the doubling of compensation for families who lose a member to natural disasters. The relief amount has been surged from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh.
Infrastructure and housing damage have also seen a revision in payouts:
- Completely damaged houses: Residents in plain areas will now receive Rs 1.85 lakh, while those in hilly regions will get Rs 2.06 lakh.
- Partially damaged houses: In the plains, the assistance stands at Rs 93,000.
- Educational Institutions: The government has allocated up to Rs 15.50 lakh for the repair of primary schools, and a higher cap of Rs 26 lakh for intermediate colleges, secondary schools, and polytechnics.
Furthermore, new standards have been established for the restoration of hospitals and roads to ensure public services are resumed quickly after a calamity.
Agricultural Relief: A Boon for Farmers
Recognizing the criticality of the agrarian economy, the government has raised crop-loss assistance by 25 to 30 per cent. The new rates are broken down as follows:
Crop and Land Loss
- Irrigated Areas: Compensation has risen from Rs 17,000 to Rs 22,000 per hectare.
- Rain-fed Areas: Assistance has increased from Rs 8,500 to Rs 11,000 per hectare.
- Perennial Crops & Agroforestry: Payouts have moved from Rs 22,500 to Rs 30,000 per hectare.
- Silt Removal: For farmland requiring silt removal, the aid has increased from Rs 18,000 to Rs 23,000 per hectare.
- Landslides & Avalanches: Damage to land caused by these disasters will now be compensated at Rs 60,000, up from Rs 47,000.
Sericulture Support
The relief package also extends to silk production. Assistance for Eri, Mulberry, and Tassar silk has been raised from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,800 per hectare, while Muga silk production assistance has increased from Rs 7,500 to Rs 9,800 per hectare.
Livestock and Poultry Protection
Animal husbandry is a vital source of income for many in Uttar Pradesh, and the new guidelines reflect this by increasing livestock compensation:
- Large Livestock: Increased from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.
- Small Livestock (Goats, Sheep, Pigs): Raised from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,500.
- Pack Animals (Horses, Mules): Increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,400.
- Poultry: Farmers will now receive Rs 130 per bird, compared to the previous Rs 100.
Immediate Survival and Basic Needs
Beyond financial payouts for assets, the government has focused on immediate survival. Families affected by disasters can now stay in relief camps with government support for up to 30 days. Additionally, in the event of drought, the state will provide drinking water assistance for a period of up to 90 days.