Mumbai: Amidst the widespread floods affecting various regions, the Maharashtra government has taken measures to enhance aid for the victims. The ongoing monsoon has caused significant damage to homes, shops, businesses, and properties across districts, towns, and villages.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced in the Maharashtra Legislature that families facing losses due to submergence, destruction, or washing away of their homes will now receive increased assistance. Previously, they were entitled to Rs 2,500 for clothing losses and a similar amount for other household items. However, this amount has been doubled to Rs 10,000 per family by easing the conditions of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The government has also extended a helping hand to shopkeepers who suffer losses during floods or natural calamities. Earlier, the SDRF had no provision for assisting them. Now, if shops are submerged, completely damaged, or washed away, financial aid up to 75 per cent of the losses or a maximum of Rs 50,000 will be provided.
Two-wheeler washed away in flood water, driver narrowly escaped.#Hingoli #rain #flood #rainfall #monsoon #flooding #heavyrains #heavyrain #maharashtra #mumbai #MumbaiRainspic.twitter.com/qModq1HhXh
— Priyathosh Agnihamsa (@priyathosh6447) July 27, 2023
Small businesses and stalls, commonly known as ‘tapris,’ which play a crucial role in small towns, will also receive special financial assistance. Since they were not covered under any existing schemes for such calamities, the state will offer up to 75 per cent of the actual losses or a maximum of Rs 10,000, based on the panchnamas (official assessment reports).
To qualify for the special aid, individuals or families must be officially registered and licensed tapri holders, local residents with their names on the electoral rolls and ration cards.
Over the past week, torrential rains have battered many districts in the state, causing floods, damage to infrastructure, agricultural losses, and human casualties, among other devastating impacts. The increased aid is expected to provide some relief to those affected by these natural disasters.